The GROOVIER New Pop Century FAQ Thread Chapter 4! ~ Posts #1, #2 & #3 are MUST sees!

[NMK62303]

Hi all -- driving down to Pop next Wednesday the 19th for 4 nights, just curious from those who are there now, has it been warm enough to swim in the pool? Or to let the kids swim? Just thinking about whether or not to pack our suits! Thanks!

 

[lighttech]

Woohoo! Was looking for somewhere to learn about all things POP! Hoping I found the right place.

We're going down in the beginning of March and staying at POP for the first time. I'm going to start working my way through, but doesn anyone have any suggestions for the best buildings to request? (I really need to do some more research! I'm so far behind this trip! )

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Woohoo! Was looking for somewhere to learn about all things POP! Hoping I found the right place.

We're going down in the beginning of March and staying at POP for the first time. I'm going to start working my way through, but doesn anyone have any suggestions for the best buildings to request? (I really need to do some more research! I'm so far behind this trip! )

The infomation on the first page of this thread should answer most of your questions and be quicker! It has maps of all the bldgs, distances, even which bldgs have the best views of IllumiNations. So many POP guests have a favorite bldg for a variety of reasons.

Then if you've more specific questions, it will be easier for us to help!

Happy planning!!

 

[lighttech]

The infomation on the first page of this thread should answer most of your questions and be quicker! It has maps of all the bldgs, distances, even which bldgs have the best views of IllumiNations. So many POP guests have a favorite bldg for a variety of reasons.

Then if you've more specific questions, it will be easier for us to help!

Happy planning!!

Thanks so much Minnie&Nana! I'm not used to seeing such a wonderfully organized thread!! I just finished reading the first 2 posts and they are FANTASTIC! I'll have to print out the maps and really look through. I'd love ot have a shot at fireworks views, but I DEFINITELY want a quiet room. I'll have 2 LOs that will have a hard enough time getting to sleep to begin with. I'm just so excited to really get going on all this!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thanks so much Minnie&Nana! I'm not used to seeing such a wonderfully organized thread!! I just finished reading the first 2 posts and they are FANTASTIC! I'll have to print out the maps and really look through. I'd love ot have a shot at fireworks views, but I DEFINITELY want a quiet room. I'll have 2 LOs that will have a hard enough time getting to sleep to begin with. I'm just so excited to really get going on all this!

You're welcome! The rooms on the lake side are the quietest for sure. We like blg3, 4 or 5 on the lake side, 4th floor. Now that rooms are being assigned by computer, I would be sure to ask at check-in (before keys are made up) to see if they have a room that could meet you needs.

Bldg 3 in the 50's on the lake side are nice an quiet, yet at night you can see the top of Illuminations and we've even see Wishes high in the sky in the distance. One Feb visit we watched Wishes and IllumiNations
at the same time!

We've stayed at most WDW resorts many times and choose POP when it is a budget trip. I find the biggest challenge at POP is the food court during busy times - with little ones it can be a challenge to be at the food court at odd times, but if possible do try to avoid the busiest times. We've always liked the POP food court - so much so that we almost went over there for lunch one day when staying at the Polynesian.

Anyway, glad you don't have long to wait!

 

[kileybeth]

50's bldgs 1 & 3 have some preferred rooms, but in bldg 3 it is only in the front (pool side, though not in front of the pool) and the room before the Tramp icon (the elevators are behind the icons).

Since it is a slower season, be sure to have your request on the reservation and speak with the CM checking you in before the keys are made up (makes it easier for them to make changes, so it can still be done).

Have a great trip!!

Thanks for the response. I know all the information about preferred rooms, locations are in this thread at the top but having only visited POP one time (not stayed there) I really feel a bit confused about where I actually want to be!

I have not payed for preferred for just the reason you stated, it is slow season. I am just taking my chances and because everyone says it is all really pretty close anyway??

I do not walk well, particularly in the am and again after all days in the park (getting older just stinks sometimes) so am hoping to be "close enough"

Can't imagine pool noise being all that offensive and really who besides a few of us "northerners" will feel like they can swim anyway right?

Sounds like I should at least put in a request for something but exactly what. . I am still unsure about! I think we would like to take advantage of those water pop jets for the little ones. And I think we could care less which pool we are near. . . oh and we love to use our refillable mugs. what to do!??

So do I call POP direct or reservations (I still need to add our last night onto ressie anyway) or??? I thought I read a computer assignes all rooms now?

Still willing to take any and all advice! oh and we have two rooms, hoping they end up beign connecting but truly not necessary as our older two teens will be in one.

I have looked at the resort map until I am about stare-d out I should have that map memorized by now!

 

[lighttech]

You're welcome! The rooms on the lake side are the quietest for sure. We like blg3, 4 or 5 on the lake side, 4th floor. Now that rooms are being assigned by computer, I would be sure to ask at check-in (before keys are made up) to see if they have a room that could meet you needs.

Bldg 3 in the 50's on the lake side are nice an quiet, yet at night you can see the top of Illuminations and we've even see Wishes high in the sky in the distance. One Feb visit we watched Wishes and IllumiNations
at the same time!

We've stayed at most WDW resorts many times and choose POP when it is a budget trip. I find the biggest challenge at POP is the food court during busy times - with little ones it can be a challenge to be at the food court at odd times, but if possible do try to avoid the busiest times. We've always liked the POP food court - so much so that we almost went over there for lunch one day when staying at the Polynesian.

Anyway, glad you don't have long to wait!

Glad to hear you like the food court so much. I didn't think we would eat there much, but who knows! We've only stayed on property once, (at AllStar Sports) so I'm very excited to try POP... I've heard such good things.

I thought I saw something about the room ressies being computerized. Thanks for mentioning about asking at the desk. I knew to call and to fax, but I hadn't heard that.

I was thinking about the 50s building. Were you on the 4th floor when you could see the fireworks?

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thanks for the response. I know all the information about preferred rooms, locations are in this thread at the top but having only visited POP one time (not stayed there) I really feel a bit confused about where I actually want to be!

I have not payed for preferred for just the reason you stated, it is slow season. I am just taking my chances and because everyone says it is all really pretty close anyway??

I do not walk well, particularly in the am and again after all days in the park (getting older just stinks sometimes) so am hoping to be "close enough"

Can't imagine pool noise being all that offensive and really who besides a few of us "northerners" will feel like they can swim anyway right?

Sounds like I should at least put in a request for something but exactly what. . I am still unsure about! I think we would like to take advantage of those water pop jets for the little ones. And I think we could care less which pool we are near. . . oh and we love to use our refillable mugs. what to do!??

So do I call POP direct or reservations (I still need to add our last night onto ressie anyway) or??? I thought I read a computer assigns all rooms now?

Still willing to take any and all advice! oh and we have two rooms, hoping they end up being connecting but truly not necessary as our older two teens will be in one.

I have looked at the resort map until I am about stare-d out I should have that map memorized by now!

I know what you mean about staring at the maps!! I'd bet I am much older than you (63) and have no problems with walking around POP or the room locations we've had . So far we've been on the 4th floor of the lake side of 50's bldg 2 (Jukebox), pool facing bldg 2, twice lake side 50's bldg 3 (Tramp) and pool side, preferred bldg 5 (bumped). Friends have stayed in bldg 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Always call the reservations number as the direct number to the resorts actually go to a call center which answers with the name of the resort (even from the room when you call the front desk!). The call center can add requests to your reservation.
Here's my suggestion:
blg 5, 4th floor, lake side. (check out the map of 60's bldg 5)
Be sure your reservations are linked and request connecting or adjoining rooms.

At check-in, before the keys are made up, ask if they can accommodate your requests (depending on the CM, they may just tell you what is available or you may have to ask and be a bit insistent).

My concern is with computers assigning rooms, how are room requests met at all - which is why I will not do on line check-in unless arriving during a very busy season and/or every late. Even then I'm not sure I would use it.

This bldg has non-preferred rooms on the lake side and it will be quiet, yet very close to the main pool/foot court/lobby/buses.

If you want more back up suggestions, I'd be happy to suggest some so you will be ready at check in to ask for a specific location - this is easier for the CM to look up, rather than a vague idea of what you'd like.

Hope this helps!

(even though I'm a deluxe gal and stay at Poly/GF/BWI any chance I get, have really enjoyed the POP stays for the most part)

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Glad to hear you like the food court so much. I didn't think we would eat there much, but who knows! We've only stayed on property once, (at AllStar Sports) so I'm very excited to try POP... I've heard such good things.

I thought I saw something about the room ressies being computerized. Thanks for mentioning about asking at the desk. I knew to call and to fax, but I hadn't heard that.

I was thinking about the 50s building. Were you on the 4th floor when you could see the fireworks?

Yes, 4th floor. Actually, we've always had a 4th floor room and I hope that's all I ever get if/when I stay at POP again!

I was going to say what my favorite room location has been, but probably a tie between our 4th floor, 50's bldg 2, 2 doors down from the elevator facing the pool. I loved looking down toward the main pool area and seeing the top of the palm trees. Kind of being in the action without being in the heart of it!

The best view was from Tramp bldg 3, 4th floor room 3436 - end room, lake side, facing EPCOT. We could see the top of Spaceship Earth and the top of IllumiNations...this was the room where we watched Wishes and IllumiNations from our window.

Also enjoyed the time I was solo for 2 ngts due to a tropical storm - my flight was delayed by a few days, but my friend's left on schedule. I moved over to POP from SSR and they gave me a preferred room location, 4th fl, over the main pool in bldg 5. It was wonderful to be at the lobby area in about 3 mins, but it was noisy over the pool and I missed looking at the lake. I would never go to WDW solo - want my family along - so the room location was great because I spent more time in the food court and gift shop that we might otherwise.

 

[Colleen27]

I have another question for the Pop veterans - with the Hippy Dippy pool being closed for refurb, does this also mean the kiddie pool will also be closed? Or do they treat that seperately when it comes to maintanence closures?

 

[seadd67]

Hi all just wanted to come on here and tell my friends that we just booked our stay at POP for sept 20th to the 28th. I am so excited,it will be me and my DS 7th trip to WDW, 6th trip to POP, it will be 1st trip with my DS being a adult. He will have turn 18th by then. We will arrive on my Bday*age not to be discloed.

 

[kileybeth]

I have another question for the Pop veterans - with the Hippy Dippy pool being closed for refurb, does this also mean the kiddie pool will also be closed? Or do they treat that seperately when it comes to maintanence closures?

oh geez I missed that tidbit. I haven't looked much at any refurb schedules except for park attractions and water parks. <sigh>

Do you have dates of this rehab?? Thanks so much

 

[Colleen27]

oh geez I missed that tidbit. I haven't looked much at any refurb schedules except for park attractions and water parks. <sigh>

Do you have dates of this rehab?? Thanks so much

2/14 to 3/11 according to Stitch Kingdom. Love love love the rehab search over there, because it gives you information specific to your dates and resort.

 

[milmore104]

2/14 to 3/11 according to Stitch Kingdom. Love love love the rehab search over there, because it gives you information specific to your dates and resort.

Wow thanks for that info. I was going to book pref. Room instead of our stand just for that pool thank goodness I didn't. Thank you!

 

[kileybeth]

Thanks MinnienNana, That was helpful. I am leaaning toward building 5 lakeside! Will put it as a request on my ressie when I call back this week to add a night and try to make sure I get them at check in before they issue my KTTW's!

Another question ( I seem to have a few!) We are arriving on sight early am
(7:30ish)just to get checked in, grab our KTTW cards (with tickets and DDP on them) and head out to a park. We will be just across the street the night before after driving the 1000 miles down in one stretch. So we will rest up, recoup and head over to POP on Sunday am for check in. We will not need the rooms then, just to check in???? Any suggestions? Would love to drop our stuff in the rooms but not necessary. Rather make ropedrop. Do you think we will have any more flexibility in room assignments at that hour?

Thanks so much.

PS nope, not in my 60's yet but getting there fast. These last two "late in life" little ones we are raising seem more like grandkids then our own (at least that's how our 4 oldest tell us we treat them ) My back and feet have "issues" and sometimes they are just fine and other times? UGH. Told my DH I would be graduating from pushing a stroller to a walker all at once at this rate. I will bring the stroller this trip for sure.

 

[kileybeth]

2/14 to 3/11 according to Stitch Kingdom. Love love love the rehab search over there, because it gives you information specific to your dates and resort.

Thanks Colleen, we will be there and gone again before that. Wonder if that means that pool is needing some rehab or just preventative maintence schedule? hhhmmm.

 

[kileybeth]

Last time we stayed at a value (ASMu) there were towels out by the pool in bins? Is this the practice still at values or specifically at POP?

If not, what is the best way to request extra towels? Call or walk to main desk for timely response? Sounds like my calls from room will go to a call center? Can I leave a standing request for the week for extra towels? Is it best at POP to leave a note with daily mouskeeping tip or ask front desk?

My daughter and I both use 2 towels (long hair) so we always seem to need extra anyway and then if we need those for pool?

thanks for any information that might make our stay a bit easier.

 

[kellymarch]

edited: Is the rehab of the Hippy Dippy "confirmed" by Disney for Feb.14-March 11? If this is indeed the case, which section/room would you choose? We will be at Pop early March.

 

[The 4 "Quay"balleros]

47 days to go!! Just saw that the Hippy Dippy pool may be closed. I did a quick-very quick- search and only stitch kingdom had info about it. Not that we have much time to swim, but I hope that the info has the wrong dates!(As long as Petals is open)

 

[mommy2mrb]

Last time we stayed at a value (ASMu) there were towels out by the pool in bins? Is this the practice still at values or specifically at POP?

If not, what is the best way to request extra towels? Call or walk to main desk for timely response? Sounds like my calls from room will go to a call center? Can I leave a standing request for the week for extra towels? Is it best at POP to leave a note with daily mouskeeping tip or ask front desk?

My daughter and I both use 2 towels (long hair) so we always seem to need extra anyway and then if we need those for pool?

thanks for any information that might make our stay a bit easier.

in the past visits, I left a note for extra towels by our "mousekeeping" envelope, we always got plenty!
I don't remember if there were towels by the pool or not, we bring old beach towels with us, then throw them away when we leave, makes space for the souveniors!