The GROOVIER New Pop Century FAQ Thread Chapter 2! ~ Post #1 is a must see!

[lexmelinda]

Just back from our first trip to the Pop. What a beautiful resort!

We were in 2450 which is on the fourth floor in the 50's (jukebox building) facing Epcot. We could see the Illuminations from our window. We even synced Robo's YouTube video of Illuminations on DD's iPhone with the fireworks so we could hear the music while we watched.

Anyway, the location was very quiet and the walk was short enough. Honestly no building is THAT far from the main building.

The food at the food court was very good and lots of choices. DD is a vegan and the chefs were very kind and very accommodating. They made her several custom meals. If you have someone in your group with allergies or special requests, don't hesitate to ask about your options.

I had the Parmesan chicken with red sauce, the Reuben flatbread, the cheesesteak wrap, and the Mediterranean chicken flatbread.....all very good. Mediterranean chicken flatbread was my favorite.

I was in on a coffee pot swap so I was happy to have fresh, real coffee in the room every morning. (If you are in on a swap, bring your own mug unless you want to buy one at the gift shop. There are no styrofoam cups in the rooms.) Also we found the beds very comfortable, the rooms well appointed, and the housekeeping fantastic.

The only things I would do differently are maybe take a taxi to the Hess Station to buy beer and drinks at the beginning of the week. (At $5/each the beer is very expensive.) Also I would bring one of those rolling, soft-sided coolers as my carry on. We don't really need a frig but would've been nice to have a bigger cooler.

Thanks so much to everyone for all the great information on this thread!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Honestly no building is THAT far from the main building.

Lexmelinda....
I agreed with all you said except the above quote. I will never again book standard at POP because on the last two times we did, we got rooms that were quite far. One was in the far end of the 80's and the other in the 90's. BIG difference with a standard here vs a standard in the 70's. Friends of ours were in the 70's the year we were in the 90's (2007). I didn't time it, but when we called eachother from our rooms and decided to meet in the food court, by the time we got to the food court, they were already paid and sitting down eating. Even they noticed it was a decent hike compared to the 70's. I attempted to find a short cut by cutting through the 90's parking lot. But the second time a car almost hit me and my dd's, I stopped doing that. And the walk feels that much longer when it's pouring rain, or you realize you forgot to get something at the food court and have to walk all the way back. Or the time my key didn't work and I had to go all the way back (with my suitcase) to the lobby to get a new key when it was midnight and I was just trying to get to sleep after a long flight delay....

I now book "preferred" and was in the 50's in Aug---MUCH better.
The red "X" marks the room area we had in 2007. So if you are elderly or have little ones, I would not want some of the 80's nor all of the 90's. I'm booked preferred for an upcoming Feb trip. Love the resort, just not the 90's :

 

[MiaSRN62]

Alesia :You can request what building you'd like.

Certain buildings are preferred or standard. Parts of the 70's are preferred and other parts are standard. IMHO, if you have a standard view booked, the 70's is the best spot to be in.

 

[Alesia]

Certain buildings are preferred or standard. Parts of the 70's are preferred and other parts are standard. IMHO, if you have a standard view booked, the 70's is the best spot to be in.

The back sides of the 50s and 60s are standard:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=17643531&postcount=2

 

[MiaSRN62]

The back sides of the 50s and 60s are standard:

Really ? I was in the back side of the 50's on Aug 20. I had my flight cancelled due to Tropical Storm Faye while staying at the VB resort. Tried to add on a night there and nothing available. So I called WDW. They said they had a preferred room so I booked it. Got there around 5 pm and was given a room in the 50's "Jukebox" room facing the pool. I paid "preferred" so I should complain about this If this was standard, it's a good location compared to the 80's and 90's. But I can honestly say I paid a preferred rate. Wonder if this was a mistake ? I had room 2405. Well this is good to know....and I wouldn't mind getting this standard location again. Only problem----even if you request it, nothing is guaranteed. I requested the 70's section in 2006 and 2007 and got either the far 80's or the 90's. I learned my lesson.

 

[angwill]

Really ? I was in the back side of the 50's on Aug 20. I had my flight cancelled due to Tropical Storm Faye while staying at the VB resort. Tried to add on a night there and nothing available. So I called WDW. They said they had a preferred room so I booked it. Got there around 5 pm and was given a room in the 50's "Jukebox" room facing the pool. I paid "preferred" so I should complain about this If this was standard, it's a good location compared to the 80's and 90's. But I can honestly say I paid a preferred rate. Wonder if this was a mistake ? I had room 2405. Well this is good to know....and I wouldn't mind getting this standard location again. Only problem----even if you request it, nothing is guaranteed. I requested the 70's section in 2006 and 2007 and got either the far 80's or the 90's. I learned my lesson.

If you look at the link she attached you will see that some of the building is prefered and some is not. You very well could have been in a prefered room in the 50's building.

HTH

 

[MapleGirl]

OK, here's a question for the Pop Veterans!

We stayed at the All-Star Music last September. We got really luck and were put in an 'unofficial' suite. Basically it was a test suite that they built when they were trying out different formats/floor plans. It only had 1 bathroom, so it wasn't one of the 'official' suites.

So here is my question: Are there any special rooms like this at the Pop?

Can't wait for our trip. I am SO excited!!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

...was given a room in the 50's "Jukebox" room facing the pool. I paid "preferred" so I should complain about this If this was standard, it's a good location compared to the 80's and 90's. But I can honestly say I paid a preferred rate. Wonder if this was a mistake ? I had room 2405.

Your room location was definitely not a preferred location last August. I was there at the same time (not that it matters! lol)

There are some pref rooms in 50's bldgs 1 & 3, but not bldg 2. I doubt this would have changed because it is not that close to the food court etc - which is why it's a fav location of ours! Have stayed there a few times - it's a std location.

 

[englishrose47]

Lexmelinda....
I agreed with all you said except the above quote. I will never again book standard at POP because on the last two times we did, we got rooms that were quite far. One was in the far end of the 80's and the other in the 90's. BIG difference with a standard here vs a standard in the 70's. Friends of ours were in the 70's the year we were in the 90's (2007). I didn't time it, but when we called eachother from our rooms and decided to meet in the food court, by the time we got to the food court, they were already paid and sitting down eating. Even they noticed it was a decent hike compared to the 70's. I attempted to find a short cut by cutting through the 90's parking lot. But the second time a car almost hit me and my dd's, I stopped doing that. And the walk feels that much longer when it's pouring rain, or you realize you forgot to get something at the food court and have to walk all the way back. Or the time my key didn't work and I had to go all the way back (with my suitcase) to the lobby to get a new key when it was midnight and I was just trying to get to sleep after a long flight delay....

I now book "preferred" and was in the 50's in Aug---MUCH better.
The red "X" marks the room area we had in 2007. So if you are elderly or have little ones, I would not want some of the 80's nor all of the 90's. I'm booked preferred for an upcoming Feb trip. Love the resort, just not the 90's :

Request a standard in 50's,60's or 70's I did and they assigned me to the 90's and I said nothankyou and they just gave me one in the 50's . They really will try to please !! But youhave to ask! This May I requested standard 60's or 70's ground floor !!I'm actually hoping for 70's as I never been there !!

 

[dydo2424]

Lexmelinda....
I agreed with all you said except the above quote. I will never again book standard at POP because on the last two times we did, we got rooms that were quite far. One was in the far end of the 80's and the other in the 90's. BIG difference with a standard here vs a standard in the 70's. Friends of ours were in the 70's the year we were in the 90's (2007). I didn't time it, but when we called eachother from our rooms and decided to meet in the food court, by the time we got to the food court, they were already paid and sitting down eating. Even they noticed it was a decent hike compared to the 70's. I attempted to find a short cut by cutting through the 90's parking lot. But the second time a car almost hit me and my dd's, I stopped doing that. And the walk feels that much longer when it's pouring rain, or you realize you forgot to get something at the food court and have to walk all the way back. Or the time my key didn't work and I had to go all the way back (with my suitcase) to the lobby to get a new key when it was midnight and I was just trying to get to sleep after a long flight delay....

I now book "preferred" and was in the 50's in Aug---MUCH better.
The red "X" marks the room area we had in 2007. So if you are elderly or have little ones, I would not want some of the 80's nor all of the 90's. I'm booked preferred for an upcoming Feb trip. Love the resort, just not the 90's :

I agree with you on this. Last August during Faye we had a standard room in building 8, 3 rooms from the very end making us almost in the parking lot and it was a LONG way to walk! I have stayed in a standard room in building 3 also which seemed somewhat closer. But you're right, 80's and 90's were a hike! Reminds me, I need to call and upgrade my room. Every year that I'm there I say next time I will book preferred or at least request the 50's or 60's. That being said, the room was in an incredibly quiet area and I can't wait to get back to POP..

 

[MiaSRN62]

Request a standard in 50's,60's or 70's I did and they assigned me to the 90's and I said nothankyou and they just gave me one in the 50's . They really will try to please !! But youhave to ask!

I did ask Englishrose. They said "nothing we can do". It was the first week of Oct. I had made reservations 6 months in advance. I would have LOVED a standard in 50's, 60's or 70's. But 2 years in a row of getting turned down , both times requested during phone reservation as well as at check-in. So sorry to say....they may WANT to please....but they are not always ABLE to please. I'm proof of that (2006 and 2007). The one year, my friends were in the 70's and I explained that to them. Didn't make any difference. Got the 90's and that was a 5 night stay so it was a long walk. For a night or two, maybe....but it stunk for a 5 night stay. So noone here should make any request sound like a sure thing---it most definitely is not and I'm living proof of that. I do like POP....still stay there regularily....just request "preferred" now. I will say, perhaps if someone who has standard view reserved gets to check-in early they'd have a better chance of their request ? Both times we checked in it was after 5 pm. One time it was midnight. Not our fault. A major flight delay out of Philly. And we def weren't counting on that being a factor.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I agree with you on this. Last August during Faye we had a standard room in building 8, 3 rooms from the very end making us almost in the parking lot and it was a LONG way to walk! I have stayed in a standard room in building 3 also which seemed somewhat closer. But you're right, 80's and 90's were a hike!

Thanks Diane for getting what I was trying to say. I think unless someone has stayed in that area of the resort, they have no idea what a difference it makes in how far the food court is. Yes, it was quiet.....because we weren't near the pool area. Usually when I face a pool I hear more noise. There are BIG differences in standard rooms and their distances to the main area of the resort. Building2 2, 3, 6 (i.e.) and the comparison to 8 & 9 are examples. So maybe my advice...if you have standard...check in early and let them know you'll even wait for a room that is not in 80's or 90's. Unless the hike is not a big deal to you.

 

[lexmelinda]

I agreed with all you said except the above quote.

You have a good point. I'm sure the location you indicated is farther than most.

I did walk the entire resort a few times and (personally) did not find any of the rooms to be a long walk to the main building or bus stop. But I'm sure that might not seem so for someone who is handicapped, elderly or has small children.

In my defense, there don't seem to be any rooms that are near a quarter mile away from the bus stop....any easy 5 minute walk from even the most remote locations for the majority of healthy adults.

 

[angwill]

You have a good point. I'm sure the location you indicated is farther than most.

I did walk the entire resort a few times and (personally) did not find any of the rooms to be a long walk to the main building or bus stop. But I'm sure that might not seem so for someone who is handicapped, elderly or has small children.

In my defense, there don't seem to be any rooms that are near a quarter mile away from the bus stop....any easy 5 minute walk from even the most remote locations for the majority of healthy adults.

You know I am one to agree that no rooms in Pop are that far from the main building/bus stops. I walked around the whole resort. Had a friend near the back parking lot and walked to her car in the back lot from the main building and nothing seemed like a long walk and certainly not over 5 minutes. I guess everyone is different and if you are handicap or holding a little one it can make it seem worse. With how much walking is done in the parks and to and from the bus stops especially at MK and Epcot the walk at Pop is a breeze IMHO. Did you see how much it went up per night for a Prefered room this year. I'll take the exercise (since I eat way to much unhealthy food at Disney) and save the money. I forgot to add I did get a room in the 80's a few years back and again I know it is personal opinion but I loved that it was so close to the busses when cutting through the parking lot. Then again I was never almost run over either.

Ang

 

[seadd67]

You know we wanted to walk it the last timne we were there,I kick my self for not doing it that ,oh well we will try again this spring

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Did you see how much it went up per night for a Prefered room this year.

No, I haven't seen the 2009 rates..now I'm scared to look ....how much is a pref room now??

 

[brokenlola]

I just wanted to thank everyone for commenting on the blow up toddler bed. It sounds like there may be more room between the bed and the bathroom than in-between the 2 beds. But either way we are packing our toddler bed for one of the kids!

For about a week I was booted from POP and thought we were going to stay at ASSp (due to changing dates for a flight). But today I called to make a payment and they had POP open for our new dates.... So we're back!!!

Oh, I'm almost positive the answer is no, but are there elevators? Are they accomidating to families with small children and strollers if we ask for a ground or 2nd floor room?

 

[EpcotBill]

I just wanted to thank everyone for commenting on the blow up toddler bed. It sounds like there may be more room between the bed and the bathroom than in-between the 2 beds. But either way we are packing our toddler bed for one of the kids!

For about a week I was booted from POP and thought we were going to stay at ASSp (due to changing dates for a flight). But today I called to make a payment and they had POP open for our new dates.... So we're back!!!

Oh, I'm almost positive the answer is no, but are there elevators? Are they accomidating to families with small children and strollers if we ask for a ground or 2nd floor room?

All the Value Resort buildings have elevators.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Just back from our first trip to the Pop. What a beautiful resort!

We were in 2450 which is on the fourth floor in the 50's (jukebox building) facing Epcot. We could see the Illuminations from our window. We even synced Robo's YouTube video of Illuminations on DD's iPhone with the fireworks so we could hear the music while we watched.

Anyway, the location was very quiet and the walk was short enough. Honestly no building is THAT far from the main building.

The food at the food court was very good and lots of choices. DD is a vegan and the chefs were very kind and very accommodating. They made her several custom meals. If you have someone in your group with allergies or special requests, don't hesitate to ask about your options.

I had the Parmesan chicken with red sauce, the Reuben flatbread, the cheesesteak wrap, and the Mediterranean chicken flatbread.....all very good. Mediterranean chicken flatbread was my favorite.

I:

I keep hearing about this reuben flatbread . . . does anyone have any pictures?! It sounds delish!!

 

[GorshGoofy]

I just wanted to thank everyone for commenting on the blow up toddler bed. It sounds like there may be more room between the bed and the bathroom than in-between the 2 beds. But either way we are packing our toddler bed for one of the kids!

For about a week I was booted from POP and thought we were going to stay at ASSp (due to changing dates for a flight). But today I called to make a payment and they had POP open for our new dates.... So we're back!!!

Oh, I'm almost positive the answer is no, but are there elevators? Are they accomidating to families with small children and strollers if we ask for a ground or 2nd floor room?

The elevators are located behind each of the big icons where the three wings of each building comes together. While they are not large they will certainly accomodate a stroller and several people. There are also stairs nearby. Have a magical trip!!