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

[creativeamanda]

Hey you!



Miss Manda, I posted this, maybe a page back, but whatever you end up wanting, make the request with Disney CRO (and fax 5 days ahead too, if you want) but if you check in online, don't check off any of the checkboxes or they'll override the original requests you put on the ressie. Unfortunately there's no freeform box for these more specific-type requests when you check in online.

Many thanks, Tink. When I call on Wednesday to finally pay my deposit (and 1/2 of the trip, actually), I'm going to make my request. I think I'm going with 60s or 70s sections, top floor. I wanna be as close to the bus stop as possible. I'd rather not look at the parking lot, but I don't suppose it would be too bad, as long as I don't have a ginormous walk in the pm.

 

[rsogal]

We're taking our first family trip in Nov 2010 and staying at POP. So excited!
I love reading this thread and all the info. Thanks to all!

 

[chuckml]

Well, we are back at home after our first stay at Pop. First off, we absolutely loved the resort. The bus service was nothing short of outstanding, and the food court is really good with lots of options.

We arrived at the resort at about 10 am on Saturday the 4th. We had done the online check in and our room was ready when we got there. Originally we were placed in the 90s building room 8436. This is a refurbed room, but also about the farthest room possible from Classic Hall. We asked to be moved to a closer room the next morning, and the CM couldn't have been nicer about it.

We were moved to building 4 in the 60s section, fourth floor, lakeside, room 4446. This is also a refurbed room, and the location was ideal. They were working on the 1st floor rooms in building 4 when we checked in, and these rooms were completed by the time we checked out on the 11th, so it appears that all of building 4 has been rehabbed.

We had a great stay at Pop. I thought the room size was more than sufficient for the 3 of us, and mousekeeping was great. We have stayed at all 3 levels of Disney resorts, and I think that we will probably keep staying at Pop for the foreseeable future. The price can't be beat, and the resort is just alot of fun. Our DD7 made lots of friends at the pool, and now says that Pop is her favorite resort.

Sorry about how long this is, I should probably just do a trip report. By the way, the crowds at the parks were basically non existent. Soarin was a 5 minute wait in the middle of the day on both Wednesday and Thursday, and on Tuesday at Hollywood Studios, TT, and RNR, were both walk ons all day. TSM had a max wait showing of 40 minutes at around 1:00, and FP was available until almost 5 for it. Great time of year to go!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Well, we are back at home after our first stay at Pop. First off, we absolutely loved the resort. The bus service was nothing short of outstanding, and the food court is really good with lots of options.

We arrived at the resort at about 10 am on Saturday the 4th. We had done the online check in and our room was ready when we got there. Originally we were placed in the 90s building room 8436. This is a refurbed room, but also about the farthest room possible from Classic Hall. We asked to be moved to a closer room the next morning, and the CM couldn't have been nicer about it.

We were moved to building 4 in the 60s section, fourth floor, lakeside, room 4446. This is also a refurbed room, and the location was ideal. They were working on the 1st floor rooms in building 4 when we checked in, and these rooms were completed by the time we checked out on the 11th, so it appears that all of building 4 has been rehabbed.

We had a great stay at Pop. I thought the room size was more than sufficient for the 3 of us, and mousekeeping was great. We have stayed at all 3 levels of Disney resorts, and I think that we will probably keep staying at Pop for the foreseeable future. The price can't be beat, and the resort is just alot of fun. Our DD7 made lots of friends at the pool, and now says that Pop is her favorite resort.

Sorry about how long this is, I should probably just do a trip report. By the way, the crowds at the parks were basically non existent. Soarin was a 5 minute wait in the middle of the day on both Wednesday and Thursday, and on Tuesday at Hollywood Studios, TT, and RNR, were both walk ons all day. TSM had a max wait showing of 40 minutes at around 1:00, and FP was available until almost 5 for it. Great time of year to go!

Thanks for your report! We check-in at Pop 9 days from now and we absolutely love it there. Glad to hear the crowds were small. I'm hoping they stay like that for me.

 

[KagMama]

Well, we are back at home after our first stay at Pop. First off, we absolutely loved the resort. The bus service was nothing short of outstanding, and the food court is really good with lots of options....

Sorry about how long this is, I should probably just do a trip report. By the way, the crowds at the parks were basically non existent. Soarin was a 5 minute wait in the middle of the day on both Wednesday and Thursday, and on Tuesday at Hollywood Studios, TT, and RNR, were both walk ons all day. TSM had a max wait showing of 40 minutes at around 1:00, and FP was available until almost 5 for it. Great time of year to go!

chuckml, thanks so much for the information!! We are leaving for Pop Century this Saturday with our DD5 and our DD2. I am so glad to hear the crowds were low....would you think it is safe for us to not create a detailed daily itinerary due to the low crowds?

If you don't mind, I do have some other questions for ya.

Can you recall how long the bus ride was from Pop to Magic Kingdom? Also, how was the heat? I know it will be 89 with 20% humidity while we are there, but I just wondered if you felt the temperature was bearable? We are really wondering the the sake our our girls.

Sounds like you really had a great time, so glad your daughter liked Pop, we have never been but I think our girls will have a ball!

 

[chuckml]

chuckml, thanks so much for the information!! We are leaving for Pop Century this Saturday with our DD5 and our DD2. I am so glad to hear the crowds were low....would you think it is safe for us to not create a detailed daily itinerary due to the low crowds?

If you don't mind, I do have some other questions for ya.

Can you recall how long the bus ride was from Pop to Magic Kingdom? Also, how was the heat? I know it will be 89 with 20% humidity while we are there, but I just wondered if you felt the temperature was bearable? We are really wondering the the sake our our girls.

Sounds like you really had a great time, so glad your daughter liked Pop, we have never been but I think our girls will have a ball!

Don't mind at all. The bus trip to the MK from Pop is no more than 15 minutes, and its probably not even that long. The bus stop for Pop at the MK is the farthest away from the entrance, but its not bad.

It was hot. Temps were in the low 90s all week, and it was pretty humid, but definitely not unbearable. Just drink lots of water, and hit the inside attractions when you get too hot. Most everything at WDW has A/C, so you should be fine. Take sunscreen for sure though!

We usually don't do a real detailed itinerary when we go. We know what park we are going to on each given day, and we get there at rope drop, which really helps. We avoid the parks with extra magic hours, as these tend to be busier, and on days when Fantasmic is showing at the Studios, it will absolutely be busier than non fantasmic days. If you want to see it, just be prepared for the crowds. It may be a bit scary for your DD2 anyway, but it is a good show. We generally skip it now as we've seen it quite a few times.

Just make use of Fastpass if you need to for the big attractions. We really didn't need fastpass last week, but if its busy, use it for sure. You will definitely want to Fastpass Toy Story Mania at the studios, as it always has a line.

Pop was really cool, and I think your DDs will love it. Try to get in a building close to Classic Hall, as it is a big resort, and there are some rooms that are quite a walk from the bus stops. We had a blast, just can't believe how fast a week goes at WDW. Have fun, and if you need anything else, feel free to ask me.

 

[pristock230]

Well, we are back at home after our first stay at Pop. First off, we absolutely loved the resort. The bus service was nothing short of outstanding, and the food court is really good with lots of options.

We arrived at the resort at about 10 am on Saturday the 4th. We had done the online check in and our room was ready when we got there. Originally we were placed in the 90s building room 8436. This is a refurbed room, but also about the farthest room possible from Classic Hall. We asked to be moved to a closer room the next morning, and the CM couldn't have been nicer about it.

We were moved to building 4 in the 60s section, fourth floor, lakeside, room 4446. This is also a refurbed room, and the location was ideal. They were working on the 1st floor rooms in building 4 when we checked in, and these rooms were completed by the time we checked out on the 11th, so it appears that all of building 4 has been rehabbed.

We had a great stay at Pop. I thought the room size was more than sufficient for the 3 of us, and mousekeeping was great. We have stayed at all 3 levels of Disney resorts, and I think that we will probably keep staying at Pop for the foreseeable future. The price can't be beat, and the resort is just alot of fun. Our DD7 made lots of friends at the pool, and now says that Pop is her favorite resort.

Sorry about how long this is, I should probably just do a trip report. By the way, the crowds at the parks were basically non existent. Soarin was a 5 minute wait in the middle of the day on both Wednesday and Thursday, and on Tuesday at Hollywood Studios, TT, and RNR, were both walk ons all day. TSM had a max wait showing of 40 minutes at around 1:00, and FP was available until almost 5 for it. Great time of year to go!

Thanks so much for all the great information - Any good suggestions with quick service dining?

 

[DisKidsmom]

chuckml, thanks so much for the information!! We are leaving for Pop Century this Saturday with our DD5 and our DD2. I am so glad to hear the crowds were low....would you think it is safe for us to not create a detailed daily itinerary due to the low crowds?

If you don't mind, I do have some other questions for ya.

Can you recall how long the bus ride was from Pop to Magic Kingdom? Also, how was the heat? I know it will be 89 with 20% humidity while we are there, but I just wondered if you felt the temperature was bearable? We are really wondering the the sake our our girls.

Sounds like you really had a great time, so glad your daughter liked Pop, we have never been but I think our girls will have a ball!

We check in this Saturday too!
We stayed there last year & LOVED it! I have no doubt your kids will love it too. It is so much fun there & so thoroughly Disney. Stayed in a mod in '08 & preferred Pop 100%!


Maybe we'll run into eachother!!

 

[DisKidsmom]

Thanks so much for all the great information - Any good suggestions with quick service dining?

I saw your post... Not sure how much of an adventurous eater you are, but these are some of our faves: Some quick-service dining suggestions are:

Magic Kingdom:
Pecos Bills
Cosmic Rays
Casey's (if you want a quck hot dog, or a snack)

..and you must try a Dole Whip....YUM!

EPCOT:
Sunshine Seasons
American Pavilion
...plus there are a ton of different ethnic places throughout World Showcase. The new QS in Mexico is supposed to be good

Hollywood Studios:

doesn't have the greatest QS. I am relying on Dis'ers recommendations & going to Pizza Planet this time. Did ABC Commissary last year & it wasn't the greatest.

Animal Kingdom:

can't help you too much w/ this one...never have eaten there

Hope this helps a little

 

[pristock230]

I saw your post... Not sure how much of an adventurous eater you are, but these are some of our faves: Some quick-service dining suggestions are:

Magic Kingdom:
Pecos Bills
Cosmic Rays
Casey's (if you want a quck hot dog, or a snack)

..and you must try a Dole Whip....YUM!

EPCOT:
Sunshine Seasons
American Pavilion
...plus there are a ton of different ethnic places throughout World Showcase. The new QS in Mexico is supposed to be good

Hollywood Studios:

doesn't have the greatest QS. I am relying on Dis'ers recommendations & going to Pizza Planet this time. Did ABC Commissary last year & it wasn't the greatest.

Animal Kingdom:

can't help you too much w/ this one...never have eaten there

Hope this helps a little

Sure does! Thanks so much for the info!

 

[DisKidsmom]

Sure does! Thanks so much for the info!

Did some more researching since I read your post (I have been going back & forth about where to eat in HS too, we will be doing 2 days there) Just read that Studio Catering Co. is supposed to be good. Also, Starring Rolls is supposed to have excellent pasteries & sweets-for breakfasts & such. Have read their sandwiches are tasty too.

 

[Piper]

Did some more researching since I read your post (I have been going back & forth about where to eat in HS too, we will be doing 2 days there) Just read that Studio Catering Co. is supposed to be good. Also, Starring Rolls is supposed to have excellent pasteries & sweets-for breakfasts & such. Have read their sandwiches are tasty too.

Starring Rolls does have good sandwiches--It is the best CS in the studios to my way of thinking!

 

[bear_mom]

We decided to save $130'ish dollars and switch from a preferred room to a non-preferred room. Both of our previous trips have been preferred rooms, once 3rd floor of building 5 and once 1st floor of building one. I changed our room request to building 6. I hope that it works out okay and we aren't too far away. But I think it will be fun to stay in a new decade and we will be at Disney so it can't be all bad .

Emily

 

[KELLY]

We decided to save $130'ish dollars and switch from a preferred room to a non-preferred room. Both of our previous trips have been preferred rooms, once 3rd floor of building 5 and once 1st floor of building one. I changed our room request to building 6. I hope that it works out okay and we aren't too far away. But I think it will be fun to stay in a new decade and we will be at Disney so it can't be all bad .

Emily

Always nice to save money!!

 

[mickmom728]

Definitely try Yak n Yeti and Flametree BBQ for counter service if you are in the Animal Kingdom! Both are very good with very nice-sized portions!

 

[Mindy5767]

Definitely try Yak n Yeti and Flametree BBQ for counter service if you are in the Animal Kingdom! Both are very good with very nice-sized portions!

I LOVE Yak and Yeti table service, but the take-away is very good too, but more like the traditional Chinese food we get at home. However, that said, they have a separate drink walk-up in the little courtyard. They have an adult drink called a Yak Attack! I forgot what was in it. Mango for sure... maybe rum.. but it could have been vodka. All I remember is YUM!!! A little pricey... but its Disney. and we're worth it!!

 

[DisneyFamily123]

I know DS5 will like the toy story and dalmations theme at AS movies but I hear reviews that it is run down? And that Pop Century is cleaner/better. Should I switch to Pop? We would get a preferred room to be closer to the bus, food court, etc.

We stayed at AS Sports once in 2008 and it was perfectly fine. But we want a different resort. Help me....

 

[mommy2mrb]

I know DS5 will like the toy story and dalmations theme at AS movies but I hear reviews that it is run down? And that Pop Century is cleaner/better. Should I switch to Pop? We would get a preferred room to be closer to the bus, food court, etc.

We stayed at AS Sports once in 2008 and it was perfectly fine. But we want a different resort. Help me....

we love the POP, plus they are finishing up a full refurbishment of all the rooms! So everything is new and fresh!!

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

We check in this Saturday too!
We stayed there last year & LOVED it! I have no doubt your kids will love it too. It is so much fun there & so thoroughly Disney. Stayed in a mod in '08 & preferred Pop 100%!


Maybe we'll run into eachother!!

Another checking in this Saturday!!!!!!!!!

 

[jenseib]

I know DS5 will like the toy story and dalmations theme at AS movies but I hear reviews that it is run down? And that Pop Century is cleaner/better. Should I switch to Pop? We would get a preferred room to be closer to the bus, food court, etc.

We stayed at AS Sports once in 2008 and it was perfectly fine. But we want a different resort. Help me....

I hear mixed reviews on Movies. I do want to try it someday. I have heard it was supposed to get refurbed, and the Pop bumped it from the list, since they are making the new reosrt across the lake from Pop. I think you will be happy where ever you stay though. How long are you in the rooms? We aren't usually too much. I do alot of walking around the resort in the morning while DH and DD sleep in and once they are up we are usually off to a park.