The GROOVIER New Pop Century FAQ Thread Chapter 3! ~ Posts #1 & #2 are MUST sees!

[jenseib]

Hey everyone - 4 days till we arrived and I faxed down a room request. I'll let everyone know if I get what I requested. I used the format suggested on page 1 by Jen (or something sort of similiar) and faxed 4 days prior after 4pm.

My work has given me an aircard in case I need to check e-mail while there, so I think I should be able to get online now without paying the online fee. YEAH!!

I hope it worked for you. I have had good luck with it for 2 years now.

Hello... My gf and I stayed at the Coronado a few months ago and decided we really wanted to check out MNSSHP this year. We decided to stay in POP this time around to save on costs.. but I've been reading that it is loud, and chaotic. Is this true? Would one of the other Value resorts be a better fit for a couple? Not interested in any real amenities besides a quiet room. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I don't think it is chaotic at all and we stayed poolside twice. If want to be more sure of quiet though, look for something lakeside

Not all 60's preferred are facing the pool there some on the outside area as well.

We stayed for 3 weeks in '05 and had a 60's second floor facing pool. I didn't hear anything. But then again but the time we got back from parks, I was so tired I crashed. Seriously, we are requesting 60's pool view again this year, I personally love stepping out of my room, seeing the pool and all the people enjoying their vacation.

We love walking right out to the pool as well.

 

[MelanieC]

Melaine...Did you get everything you requested??? I'm staying at POP in a couple of weeks and plan to use the same strategy you used....Please adivse.....and good luck.....

'

Hi -yep we checked in around 4:30pm this afternoon and we didn't get 4th floor, but got 3rd, lake view in one of the room #'s I listed along with the 60's building 4 (60's one of the two buildings 3 or 4) was where we requested.

I LOVED the online check in - I got right up to the desk with no wait, and he easily pulled up my stuff and grabbed my packet. Since I had faxed I had exactly what I wanted. It was so easy!

I had asked for directions to the closest Super Walmart and he gave me a paper with that and other directions on it. It was super close and we went over and got some stuff for breakfast and snacks. We also got a ton of those cheap plastic hangers that we will give to someone when we leave. We came back and unpacked, went and had dinner at the foodcourt and then did the scavenger hunt. We couldn't finish everything, and oh my what a workout. We were sweaty and tired when done. We split up me and DS11 and DH and DD17. My son already got good use out of the arcade, and DD17 and I spent some time looking around the giftshop. We all shared a tie Dye cheesecake and it was much better than I remembered.

 

[MelanieC]

omg!!! Im sooo excited!!!i got my official disney mail today!!!

woo hoo!!

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

I am getting sooo excited! We are 34 days out and I am driving everyone crazy with Disney!! I find something new to do everyday that involves Disney planning!!

 

[aurora23]

I carry pixiedust to sprinkle to sprinkle over everything I eat in WDW ... the calories just fly away to feed the lost boys!!! Honest!! Question: How warm is the pool in mid-January and can anybody point me to a conversation on the water parks in mid-January?

We went in early January and the pool was warm enough, but there was no one in them because the air was so cold when you got out. I didn't go to the waterparks then, but I heard from families that did go that they were virtually empty. Keep in mind two that one of the water parks is usually closed for refurbishment in January.

 

[markjazz]

'

Hi -yep we checked in around 4:30pm this afternoon and we didn't get 4th floor, but got 3rd, lake view in one of the room #'s I listed along with the 60's building 4 (60's one of the two buildings 3 or 4) was where we requested.

I LOVED the online check in - I got right up to the desk with no wait, and he easily pulled up my stuff and grabbed my packet. Since I had faxed I had exactly what I wanted. It was so easy!

I had asked for directions to the closest Super Walmart and he gave me a paper with that and other directions on it. It was super close and we went over and got some stuff for breakfast and snacks. We also got a ton of those cheap plastic hangers that we will give to someone when we leave. We came back and unpacked, went and had dinner at the foodcourt and then did the scavenger hunt. We couldn't finish everything, and oh my what a workout. We were sweaty and tired when done. We split up me and DS11 and DH and DD17. My son already got good use out of the arcade, and DD17 and I spent some time looking around the giftshop. We all shared a tie Dye cheesecake and it was much better than I remembered.

Melanie, That is great to hear.... I have been debating whether to do the online check in or just wait until I arrive....We plan on arriving at the resort early in the morning 9 or 10 am.....WE will be looking for the same type of room 60's lakeside...

Keep us posted on the resort and your trip....Have fun and enjoy...We check in on the 21st....CAN"T WAIT !!!!

 

[englishrose47]

Melanie, That is great to hear.... I have been debating whether to do the online check in or just wait until I arrive....We plan on arriving at the resort early in the morning 9 or 10 am.....WE will be looking for the same type of room 60's lakeside...

Keep us posted on the resort and your trip....Have fun and enjoy...We check in on the 21st....CAN"T WAIT !!!!

Hi Neighbor !!

 

[marciemi]

I carry pixiedust to sprinkle to sprinkle over everything I eat in WDW ... the calories just fly away to feed the lost boys!!! Honest!! Question: How warm is the pool in mid-January and can anybody point me to a conversation on the water parks in mid-January?

Not to divert the thread with pics, but when we went in mid-January 2005, we went to Blizzard Beach one afternoon. We didn't have passes to get in, so spent the full gate price. The temp was in the low 60's (but we're currently from Green Bay - were from the Detroit area at the time), so it didn't bother us. We got in and the kids rode EVERY ride in the park, including the chairlift (which we waited nearly an hour for in July 2007), in a little over an hour and a half. Never waited for a single thing. Problem was that when we then dried off and took a break, no one wanted to go back and brave the water again. As others said, the water is fine, but running up the steps in the cold isn't. If you're driving down and can bring extra towels or robes, it might make it more bearable, but also once dry, it's hard to get motivated to get wet again! We also found the pool at Coronado Springs to be empty any time the kids used it. Some pics:

Just for comparison, most of the time in the parks, we were wearing long sleeve t-shirts, polartec hoodies and windbreakers (along with hats and gloves in the early morning and late evening). Rode Splash in the sleet. So it wasn't a warm trip overall. My parents went two weeks after us (end of Jan) and had 80's. We had friends who went the first week of Jan and also had 80's. We didn't have a day above 64 so I guess you can't count on what you'll get! If your kids are older and willing to brave the cold, you can definitely get your money's worth at a water park. If they're younger or from a warmer climate, I might stick to the hotel pool where you can run back to the room and take a warm shower afterwards!

 

[GorshGoofy]

GorshGoofy - I gotta ask... in your siggie it says that you are walking to WDW? Do you walk from your home? Tell me more!!

Sure! Some time ago there was an exercise thread that inspired me and I've kept it up ever since. I have moved since the first time so I had to Google Map the route/distance from my house to POP. When I walk a mile or do a solid 20 minute workout I log the miles or mile equivalents as miles walked toward my goal of walking to WDW. I have recently started wearing a pedometer on my shoe so when I've met my own criteria I log those steps as miles walked. For instance, when I walk an exercise mile and put in over another mile of walking I count 2 miles. When I exercise for 20 minutes or so (Bowflex, crunches, etc) I count that as a mile. I started the present countdown too long ago and am trying to be more consistant now in hopes of achieving a lot of miles before I go to back to WDW early in 2010. Hope that makes sense.

 

[carmie3377]

Question: How warm is the pool in mid-January and can anybody point me to a conversation on the water parks in mid-January?

I can't comment on mid January but can early January. I really think it's hit or miss. In Jan 08, when we first got there (Jan 2), it was SO COLD. We were in sweaters, coats, gloves, hats all day for the first couple of days. At night it was downright miserable with lows in the low 30s and wind chills probably in the 20s. I mean, I'm a Texan so others might not consider it miserable, but we sure did. I can't imagine going to the water parks or swimming in this weather.

Now, the last couple of days (Jan 6-7), it had warmed up to the low 70s during the day and it was very nice. DD went swimming one evening at the hotel pool. I had no desire to get in but it didn't bother her. There were quite a few kids in the pool.

Supposedly, it was a record cold spell those first few days but you never know when it will happen again. We live in a very similar climate which NEVER sees snow. But guess what, we got snow in January of this year. So, best advice I can give is wait until you get there to buy your water park tickets.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I can't comment on mid January but can early January. I really think it's hit or miss. In Jan 08, when we first got there (Jan 2), it was SO COLD. We were in sweaters, coats, gloves, hats all day for the first couple of days. At night it was downright miserable with lows in the low 30s and wind chills probably in the 20s. I mean, I'm a Texan so others might not consider it miserable, but we sure did. I can't imagine going to the water parks or swimming in this weather.

Now, the last couple of days (Jan 6-7), it had warmed up to the low 70s during the day and it was very nice. DD went swimming one evening at the hotel pool. I had no desire to get in but it didn't bother her. There were quite a few kids in the pool.

Supposedly, it was a record cold spell those first few days but you never know when it will happen again. We live in a very similar climate which NEVER sees snow. But guess what, we got snow in January of this year. So, best advice I can give is wait until you get there to buy your water park tickets.

OMG this has depressed me a little as we have just booked our first ever winter vacation!!!!!! Was it at least sunny?!

 

[joy13]

Not to divert the thread with pics, but when we went in mid-January 2005, we went to Blizzard Beach one afternoon. We didn't have passes to get in, so spent the full gate price. The temp was in the low 60's (but we're currently from Green Bay - were from the Detroit area at the time), so it didn't bother us.

We could be neighbors! I hope your enjoying our weather that actually feels like summer today

 

[carmie3377]

OMG this has depressed me a little as we have just booked our first ever winter vacation!!!!!! Was it at least sunny?!

Oh, I'm so sorry! Yes, it was sunny. The last couple of days were BEAUTIFUL!!!

We've been in the winter another time too - Dec 15-22, 2006. The weather was great the entire time. No rain and we had sunny & warm days. And even after experiencing the cold weather in Jan 08, it hasn't kept me from booking another winter vacation at WDW! We are going in Dec of this year (Dec 1-5 and Dec 12-17).

I personally would rather risk the slim chance of it being that cold in the winter than to guarantee a hot and humid day in the summer. Now, if I didn't have a choice, I'd go in the summer but since I do, I'll take the chance at a cold spell in the winter.

So, I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. Sorry if I scared you .

 

[marciemi]

We could be neighbors! I hope your enjoying our weather that actually feels like summer today

We're up in Howard! Not too thrilled about the hot weather since we're doing our first sprint Triathlon down in Oshkosh tomorrow and the Weather Channel says "Near record highs"! Guess maybe it'll make the swim part of it more bearable!

Back on topic - we also had the cold in January as I said, but it's much more comfortable than the heat! I do agree with a PP though that I'd hold off on getting WP tickets until you're there. We also went twice in December - first trip we had lower 80's and just beautiful every day. Two years later, same week, again we had mid 50's to lower 60's. Kept calling Blizzard Beach each day trying to find a day we could go there, but they kept being closed due to the weather. So you have to be prepared a bit to play it by ear and take advantage of any warm days if you do have a cold spell. But I'll take it any day over going in two weeks like we are when I know it will be hot and wet. Period!

 

[joy13]

We're up in Howard! Not too thrilled about the hot weather since we're doing our first sprint Triathlon down in Oshkosh tomorrow and the Weather Channel says "Near record highs"! Guess maybe it'll make the swim part of it more bearable!

You have my luck - chilly all summer and then the one day you'd like it to be a bit cooler - it's record highs, huh My DD and I went to camp the end of July - it hadn't rained for 2 months, then it rains the whole day we are at camp Hard to complain though, we needed the rain so bad!

We are in Ashwaubenon

Have a great vacation, can't wait to hear how POP was for you - we loved it there in 2007.

 

[marciemi]

Thanks - I met another local over on TGM (she's also a DIS'er). Turned out our kids are in the same school district and we're going to be at Pop at the same time! Ended up planning Le Cellier together and the Wishes Dessert Party. And we've gotten together a few times to do some planning! Just kind of neat meeting people that way!

 

[onelilspark]

OMG this has depressed me a little as we have just booked our first ever winter vacation!!!!!! Was it at least sunny?!

We go a lot the 1st/2nd week of February. We've hit weeks in the 80s and we've hit weeks in the 50s. Usually it's in the 70s. I much prefer January/February than the summer. Oh my goodness, I thought I was going to melt this past weekend I was so hot walking around! I mean, I've been to WDW when there's a frost during the night...let me tell you how much more I prefer that situation than the heat!! My theory is this: you can always put on more clothes...there's a limit to how much you can take off!! Plus, if you forget gloves and stuff, they have the cutest Mickey ones And my WDW cold weather tip is this: keep your hands and feet warm...the rest will follow!

Sure! Some time ago there was an exercise thread that inspired me and I've kept it up ever since. I have moved since the first time so I had to Google Map the route/distance from my house to POP. When I walk a mile or do a solid 20 minute workout I log the miles or mile equivalents as miles walked toward my goal of walking to WDW. I have recently started wearing a pedometer on my shoe so when I've met my own criteria I log those steps as miles walked. For instance, when I walk an exercise mile and put in over another mile of walking I count 2 miles. When I exercise for 20 minutes or so (Bowflex, crunches, etc) I count that as a mile. I started the present countdown too long ago and am trying to be more consistant now in hopes of achieving a lot of miles before I go to back to WDW early in 2010. Hope that makes sense.

That's such an awesome idea for staying motivated!!! I love it!


Also...I just have to say...I've stayed at all levels of WDW properties. It's been 6 years since I've stayed at a value. I'm so excited to stay at Pop this year!! I can't even stand it. It just screams Disney to me.

 

[lustergirl]

Hi Neighbor !!

Well hello neighbor- MarkJazz as well and welcome!! Finally getting some good weather here in WNY.

 

[englishrose47]

Well hello neighbor- MarkJazz as well and welcome!! Finally getting some good weather here in WNY.

It's about time !!!
Summer is almost over and has barely begun!!!!!

 

[lustergirl]

It's about time !!!
Summer is almost over and has barely begun!!!!!

So then maybe we will have great weather into November??