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

[jenseib]

Cookies used to be where the Ty Dye Cheesecake was - now, I think, in the evening, those are on the side.

I'd be going crazy waiting to book esp with a cruise b/c the best prices and cabins go first!!! Never too early to book a cruise with the discounts being offered. Good luck!!

p.s. When I got the sundae last August it was as a snack to go. The CM's were so nice - they explained all the options - which were great!

Thanks for the help...

Well I talked with Dh (the procrastinator) last night. He now tells me he really doesn't want to a cruise of any kind as he feels limited. He also feels that DD4 will miss the rides. I tried to give him good explanations on how fun the cruise would be and that DD would love it as well, but he didn't seem convinced. I tried telling him about the shows and different activites and how she would be able to go to kids clubs if she chose to. But he didn't seemed to excited. I also explained that the prices are going up, as it is selling out and that Disney is one line that just doesn't offer last minute deals as they don't have to. In fact the cruise the week before the one I wanted is sold out already. He had me look into airline anyways (as we most likely will go to WDW instead) and the cheaper local aiprort and airline was cheaper, but we would have to rent a car and drive from Tampa, and then when you add luggage and all there other little fees, it wasn't that much cheaper. (He was mad and said the commercial lied. LOL) But our converstation ened whe nhe fell asleep on the couch while I was asking questions on what he thinks. So most likely we will just go back to our home at Pop. Whcih will be fun, but I'm a little disappointed as well. Once I know for sure though I can go full force at planning.

Thanks! I was thinking, might as well book such a good deal if there is one available, and decide later if I want to keep it...is that wrong, should I not hold a spot if I'm not sure?

Lotso of people do it. So go for it. lots of people plan last minute too, so the room will get booked most likely if you cancel.

 

[englishrose47]

W were half way thru our vacation when we found out about te sundaes and we sure took advantage of them ! Yes they count as dessert on ddp!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thanks for the help...

Well I talked with Dh (the procrastinator) last night. He now tells me he really doesn't want to a cruise of any kind as he feels limited. He also feels that DD4 will miss the rides. I tried to give him good explanations on how fun the cruise would be and that DD would love it as well, but he didn't seem convinced. I tried telling him about the shows and different activites and how she would be able to go to kids clubs if she chose to. But he didn't seemed to excited. I also explained that the prices are going up, as it is selling out and that Disney is one line that just doesn't offer last minute deals as they don't have to. In fact the cruise the week before the one I wanted is sold out already. He had me look into airline anyways (as we most likely will go to WDW instead) and the cheaper local aiprort and airline was cheaper, but we would have to rent a car and drive from Tampa, and then when you add luggage and all there other little fees, it wasn't that much cheaper. (He was mad and said the commercial lied. LOL) But our converstation ened whe nhe fell asleep on the couch while I was asking questions on what he thinks. So most likely we will just go back to our home at Pop. Whcih will be fun, but I'm a little disappointed as well. Once I know for sure though I can go full force at planning.

That's too bad about the Cruise...but do hope you make the trip to POP!!! No loss in that for sure.

Originally Posted by MsCoz2000
Thanks! I was thinking, might as well book such a good deal if there is one available, and decide later if I want to keep it...is that wrong, should I not hold a spot if I'm not sure?

I agree with jenseib ~ if there is any chance at all you may want to go then hold it. We've not done it twice and were sorry both times after arriving home. You can always cancel when you decide for sure. It's nice of to think of others, but honestly, it's fine to go ahead and hold the reservation.

 

[momsoftwins]

W were half way thru our vacation when we found out about te sundaes and we sure took advantage of them ! Yes they count as dessert on ddp!!

hey englishrose....not sure if u remember me but i had a fridge swap over last summer....but anyway i saw "your official flocker lanyard watcher tag" and wanted u to no that i am heading to disney in 10days!!! and i and each kid has a flocker lanyard and mine will be tied to the double stroller so if even one sees me please say hello

 

[DisneyMom5]

RE: Sundaes - When we were there in Sept. 07,
you could tell the check out person that you wanted a sundae for dessert,
and they would ring it up and mark your receipt with a time stamp,
and you had a certain amount of time to go get it (an hour???) for your dessert.
So you didn't have to get it until after you had eaten your main entree.
They were huge and very good!
You could pick and choose ice creams and toppings.
You could get shakes for dessert this way also.

I asked this question a couple of pages ago, but it got lost in the shuffle. I was wondering if anyone had used the buses during early spring break (mid-march)? Or, if you were recently back, how was the bus service?

I have heard some positive things about the bus service, but then every once in a while, I will come across a poster that has had horrible bus service.

2nd question is, we were thinking of asking for a 1st floor room just so we won't have to climb stairs or wait for elevators. I'm wondering if those 1st floor rooms are really noisy? I know for sure we will be asking for a room away from the pools. Are there any preferred rooms facing the lake?

Thanks!

1) Buses - the main thing you have to focus on in WDW,
no matter when you go, but especially during busy times,
is that you have to leave plenty of time to get where you are going.

Plan at least an hour from leaving your room, to arriving,
and don't cut it too close.
If you have dining reservations, make sure you get there to check in with 15-20 minutes to spare before your ressie.

The biggest problem with bussing at WDW is people getting fed up because they have to be some where,
and the bus has not appeared when they need it.
Buses come every 10-15 minutes.
If you just missed one, another will come,
but it will cost you 10-15 minutes. Plan accordingly.

My dh always says that waiting for Disney Transpo is a minor thing compared to his high pressure job.
He wonders why people get upset.
He VERY much prefers to let Disney drive,
as he likes relaxing on a bus, instead of hauling 7 kids in a 15 passenger van,
dealing with parking, and having to get back in the van at the end of the day.
I believe that if you allow yourself plenty of time,
MOST of the time you will extremely pleased with Disney's free transportation.

We waited over 1/2 hour for a bus from the Contemporary to DTD after breakfast at Chef Mickey's.
So $$$ can't buy you quicker buses!
Not to mention, at the moderates and sometimes the All Stars,
you have to make multiple stops.

[Side Rant - If you look at the maps of the moderates and deluxes,
most of the time you have to walk as far, if not farther,
from your room to transportation as you do at Pop.
I don't ever hear anyone complaining about having to walk at the Polynesian. (Though I am sure people do!)
People sometimes think that all the rooms at the monorail resorts
are right off the monorail, but they aren't.

I think that comparing resort maps
will help people to feel content with the circumstances at Pop! ]

2) First floor - We've had first floor, non-pool facing both times,
and loved it. Easier with the stroller.
That said, all floors look manageable.

3) Lake view - no lake view is preferred, because the lake is further away from the main building.
Pick which is more important to you: Closeness to the Main bldg./food court/buses,
or a lake view, because you can't have both.
And it would be a rip-off to pay more to be further away.

My favorite location we've had,
was on the parking lot side of the Lady building.
We requested nearest to Classic Hall and parking lot.
We were only a few rooms away from preferred,
so close to the main bldg.,
but if we went around the building end,
we were right at the bowling pin pool and the laundry.
Very quiet, and near our van (so that we could easily get our luggage out!).
Worked GREAT for us!

Hey POP-ers.
Have any of you used the laundry facilities at the resort? If so, how busy is it usually?

We're going in just about 2 weeks, but figured we'd take a break mid-week and do a load of laundry to save on our packing.

Thanks!!

Re: Laundry - The laundry can be quite busy AFTER the parks close.
The best time to go is when everyone else is at the parks
(so, before 8 pm or so) OR, early in the a.m.
(I went at 5 am when I couldn't get a free washer anywhere on site the night before.
Threw the clothes in, and went back to bed.
Got up for the dryer, and back to bed. Worked like a charm!)

We were there in Sept., so not even the busiest season.

Hoping to be back there in Sept.
[If dh still has his automotive job. Yikes.]
Happy planning everyone!

 

[jenseib]

Well we booked it. We are going to pop on march 8-14th. Sad about not going on the cruise, but still super happy to be going back "home" to Pop. (My sister is right there now btw)
Got my ADR's made and a BBB appointment for DD. A little sad as I wanted Prime time, since we haven't ever tried it, so went for Hollywood and vine instead. (anyone been there and how do you like the dinner?) We will be there a bit longer this year, so even though I have a park planned for each day, I think we will be able to take it slower and do more pool time, weather permitting.

So I just posted on the budget board, but I am starting a photopass share for march if anyone is interested.
Can hardly wait. A little more than a month from now, I'll be at my favorite place!

For those who booked the deal, did you get your gift card on arrival then? Do you have to ask for it, or is it with your check in stuff. I know one year we got a gift card from AAA, and they acted like they had a hard time finding it.

 

[TinkerbellsMom0923]

We just returned from 10 days at Pop. The resort is our favorite and it was just as good this time. Some points, we went early to the parks most days but on the days we stayed and slept in, the food courrt was full with no tables and long, long lines at 9a. Erarlier than that and later in the day, no problems. We never waited long for the buses and had a great room close to lobby. Things were clean and we had no complaints (except for the cool weather, nobody was in the pool most days)

 

[jenseib]

Did they change the mugs yet? Hoping new ones are out before my trip.

 

[seadd67]

We just returned from 10 days at Pop. The resort is our favorite and it was just as good this time. Some points, we went early to the parks most days but on the days we stayed and slept in, the food courrt was full with no tables and long, long lines at 9a. Erarlier than that and later in the day, no problems. We never waited long for the buses and had a great room close to lobby. Things were clean and we had no complaints (except for the cool weather, nobody was in the pool most days)

Sound like you had a wonderful trip,I am so glad. The foodcourt, ya we never have been In there past just opening(heading to the parks) and just before closeing(comeing from the parks) so we just thought thats how the foodcourt was always??. I am sorry to here you did not have a chance to go to the pool.We did not go in but that was by choice,because we were at the parks.Thats going to change this trip Its were going to get wet

 

[blestmom]

Thanks for all the information on this thread. I've referred to it often (especially post #1) We're leaving in the morning for a 2-week stay at POP. It's our first time at the resort, and we are looking forward to it very much. It's me and my three youngest kids.

 

[MsCoz2000]

Jenseib, we will be there the same time... I'm there 3/8 to 3/15...I heard that you get a voucher for the $200 gift card in the mail with your packet. (Some posters on another board said that) I'm not sure if it's true since I didn't get my packet yet.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Okay, I stayed at POP last month with my family, I just planned another trip to POP for September with my Mom and Sis, I'm sure this has been asked before...but has anyone used a blow up mattress before in the rooms? We fit a pack and play no problem but just curious to see if anyone has done this before? Do you have to pack it up every day so mousekeeping doesn't see it? I was just thinking if I could have my own bed, it may be worth bringing...thoughts??

Anyone?

Thanks!!

 

[DisneyDork712]

Jenseib, we will be there the same time... I'm there 3/8 to 3/15...I heard that you get a voucher for the $200 gift card in the mail with your packet. (Some posters on another board said that) I'm not sure if it's true since I didn't get my packet yet.

We got the voucher! In came in a little booklet with the other vouchers - Planet Hollywood, Photopass, Sea Raycers, etc...

Here's what we got in our packet:

 

[TinkerbellsMom0923]

Did they change the mugs yet? Hoping new ones are out before my trip.

No when we left, the same mugs as last year (the blue and white year of a million dreams) were still being used. We saw people fill soda bottles, old mugs, water bottles, you name it at the soda station and no one was stopped.

 

[jenseib]

Anyone?

Thanks!!

I thought I answered you in a post a page or so ago, maybe not?

Yes you can use a blow up matress. They really don't care where you sleep as long as you don;t have more than 4 people in your room. Most ay the blowup won;t fit between the beds, but by the window, I think is where it fits better. You still should pick it up on it's end each day as there won;t be much room with it down.

So what do you do with the voucher then? Do you take it to the gift shop and have it turned into a card then. The more I think about it, I think that might've been what I did with the AAA thing.

 

[Cibahwewah]

This was our first stay at Pop. It was cute--a Disneyfied Holiday Inn Express. Luggage services was okay, but not particularly helpful. Check in took 25 minutes even though there were only a few people in line ahead of me. Our preferred room was on the first floor and just behind luggage services and on the opposite side of the building from the pool. The fridge and bedrails were delivered promptly as promised. Mousekeeping was fine although late in the day, usually while the kids were napping. No complaints about the cleanliness of the rooms. It wasn't too noisy, but you could hear people walking past and others flushing the power-flush toilets. Those toilets scared my kids, and me too as the flush was so strong the water would jump out of the toilet. It was too cold to swim, although there were a few brave souls in the hippy dippy pool from time to time. The laundry room needs some seating. The food court was mobbed. We only ate there once for breakfast this morning--the food was great, but the cashier was rude. Got takeout pizza one other night with no problem. Everything Pop had a decent selection--the only things I couldn't find were a boy-themed autograph book (which I eventually found elsewhere) and Lactaid tablets for DH. They even had a hairbrush and toothbrushes which I forgot to pack. No problems with buses, waited less than 15 minutes for them to come along. One night when we were stranded at the Contemporary after dinner (MK closed at 8pm and buses had stopped running) we took a cab back. The bus driver that took us to the CR told us if this was the case, to take the taxi receipt to concierge and they'd reimburse us. And they did. We didn't do any Pop activities or check out the playground as we were either busy or tired. I did walk across hourglass lake one afternoon to see the legendary years ghost town. Check out and resort airline check in with Magical Express went very smoothly this morning. All in all, Pop was fine, it served its purpose as a value resort, but we got tired of riding on buses so much and it seems like Pop is 20-30 minutes from everything. Next time we are going to stay at one of the monorail resorts. Did you know that the deluxe resorts have softer toilet paper?

 

[TJM1976]

Was at Pop today. The mugs are the same as last year. The resort didn't seem to be too crowded.

Only complaint I have is that the free dining or meal plans seems to take too long to complete the transaction at the registers. There seems to be confusion with guests as to what their balance is or what qualifies for certain meals. By the time I paid for my meal and got to the table, my food was nearly cold.

 

[pxydst]

As far as the $200 voucher, I just received my booklet in the mail, The OP said you get it in the booklet?? I just looked and it is not in there. It has a list of things that are included in the booklet and the $200 voucher and the PH passes are * and below it said "*= this feature available at your hotel upon check-in" Should I call and ask if there should have been a voucher or do I wait until check in?? What to do, what to do... Does anyone have a specific voucher for their tickets and $200 voucher??

 

[jenseib]

Does it mention anywhere in your paper work about a $200 gift card or voucher?

 

[pxydst]

In the booklet it has a list of everything that we get, i.e sea racer voucher, 15$ planet Holleywood voucher and so on, but the one's that are stared (*) is the PH tickets and the $200 voucher. The sea racer voucher is in there and the planet Hollywood and we did get the 30 min. arcade card but the only thing that we did not get a hard copy of voucher is the PH tickets and $200 voucher. does that make sense??
We also received our ME vouchers earlier in another packet. On the first page of the booklet it said, present the hotel voucher at the front desk upon arrival. any other package components included with your vacation plans will be available upon check in at the resort. It sound like everyones is different?!?!