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

[mommy2mrb]

You can request what you are wanting through the on-line check in or your TA. Enjoy you stay!

 

[Colleen27]

I am in my 60's, have MS and have no problems walking around POP - that said, I might book a pref room, but some of those are not that close, so be sure to request bldg 4 or 5 (others may have a different opinion on bldgs). If you stay with std, I'd request bldg 5. Many of these rooms used to be preferred before Disney changed the rooms around....so even these would be a very short walk to Classic hall and the buses.

Check out the first page of this thread for maps of the preferred areas of the resort and even individual bldgs. Remember to put your most important request first....perhaps with your mom this would be good:
1. bldg 5 or 4
2. lake side

These are nice room locations and quieter than being right at a pool, but the pool is still very near. Do you have 2 rooms? Does your mom need a walk in shower or shower seat?

Thank you. The map of the preferred rooms is really helpful, now I'm pretty much sold on preferred simply because it guarantees we'll be very close to where I want to be! I had planned to request 60s section, high floor regardless, and I think the small upcharge is worth the peace of mind of knowing that we can't possibly be far from my "ideal" location.

We only have one room since it is just me, my mom and my girls (9 & 2) this trip. The boys (DH & DS) aren't interested in Flower & Garden and want a break from Disney; I want to fit in one more trip before the double Disney-budget whammy of my youngest turning 3 and my older daughter turning 10 in July & August. So this is our compromise - a girls-only weekend while the boys stay home.

My mom doesn't need an accessible shower. In fact, a tub is better because a warm soak helps and this is our first time at a resort without a hot tub. She should be fine with the walking, but it is hit or miss sometimes. Like we went apple picking last weekend and by the end of the day she was pretty sore, but the previous weekend we'd done a lot more walking to the farmer's market and my son's football game without a problem. And she's already made a chiropractor appointment for the week we leave, so hopefully I'm worrying about room location for nothing but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I am a HUGE fan of preferred, which is why we stay POP and not CBR (did it last trip, were WAY too far from everything). We usually have tired kids we're carrying by the end of the night! We've done POP standard (pool side by Computer pool), and preferred (pool side Hippy Dippy) and will absolutely pay preferred. I know people say it's not too far to walk to the 80's/90's-well, if you're carrying trays of food to the room, or have a sleeping 4 yr old, it IS too far-for us anyway.

The carrying trays was what got me at CBR too. Tired kids weren't so bad; my big kids are old enough that they don't expect to be carried (actually, DS12 could probably carry me!) and we had the stroller for the baby. But trying to bring breakfast back up to the room while DH & the older kids slept in or got ready was such a pain, especially if I took the youngest with me so the rest could sleep.

Since I really want to be close to the hippie pool/kiddie pool and the Goofy fountains, I think preferred is the way to go. Especially since March weather is so iffy; I know my kids will swim, they swam even in December and January, but they sure didn't appreciate the long walk from the CBR pool to our room when they were wet!

 

[dpmfloyd]

I'm not sure if I'm posting this is the right place, but I maybe you disney dudes can help guide me.

My girlfriend and I are headed to POP in November 2010. We requested a King Bed and we'll be there for five days. I was wondering where I should request/shoot for/hope to stay within the hotel under these goals: I'd like to be close to the buses, hopefully have a quiet(ish) room, parking doesnt matter as we are using the express service and not renting a car, and lastly we are hoping for the room to be refurbished.

Is this even possible? I also realize this is a laundry list of demands, what would you compromise on? We are two able bodied twenty somethings who can totally handle stairs and walking in favor of views and quiet. My hunch is a lake view room on the 3rd or 4th floor of the 50's or the 70's? I say that with an unsure tone.

Thanks guys!

well, the king size beds are every couples dream. i called when i booked and requested to have the reservation noted that we wanted a king size bed. when we arrived - no such luck. but, i'd put the king size bed as the number one option. 2nd best option closest to the buses. as for quiet, well - the closer you are to the food court, the more foot traffic you'll hear - so that throws quiet out the window.

so it all depends. dont expect a king size bed, i believe they save them for families with joined rooms and handicapped requests - BUT - i have read on the DIS that some people have gotten them, so you could be lucky. if you want quiet, get a lake view as far from the pools as possible. pop really isnt that big, some people make it to be huge. if your in a far corner room on the top floor, the longest walk you'll face is roughly 7 minutes. so being close shouldnt be a huge factor. i was in room 2125 (50s section) this past january - it was a ground floor room, behind the jukebox. it was also an end room bordering the ice machine and a passage way. i NEVER heard foot traffic, aside from the occasional flip flops.

i'd say request the 50s facing the parking lot or lake, the walk is a quick one. an it should be quiet.

 

[jchrapcyn]

At Pop, Jelly is a free condiment near the drink stations. Peanut Butter (like cream cheese) is available for purchase.

If you really like PB, you may want to bring a squeezable tube from your local grocery store to save some $.

oh thanks- I just got some of the Jif To Go single size peanut butter to bring

 

[jchrapcyn]

We just left Pop this past Saturday. We flew Airtran and Pop automatically printed out our boarding passes for us and left them hanging on our door knob the night before checkout. I guess they had all the information they needed from our Magical Express reservations. We just brought our luggage down in the morning and checked it. It all couldn't have been easier!

thank you for the answer! we are leaving Sunday and I'm so excited I could cry!

 

[uncle dis]

well, the king size beds are every couples dream. i called when i booked and requested to have the reservation noted that we wanted a king size bed. when we arrived - no such luck. but, i'd put the king size bed as the number one option. 2nd best option closest to the buses. as for quiet, well - the closer you are to the food court, the more foot traffic you'll hear - so that throws quiet out the window.

so it all depends. dont expect a king size bed, i believe they save them for families with joined rooms and handicapped requests - BUT - i have read on the DIS that some people have gotten them, so you could be lucky. if you want quiet, get a lake view as far from the pools as possible. pop really isnt that big, some people make it to be huge. if your in a far corner room on the top floor, the longest walk you'll face is roughly 7 minutes. so being close shouldnt be a huge factor. i was in room 2125 (50s section) this past january - it was a ground floor room, behind the jukebox. it was also an end room bordering the ice machine and a passage way. i NEVER heard foot traffic, aside from the occasional flip flops.

i'd say request the 50s facing the parking lot or lake, the walk is a quick one. an it should be quiet.

Thanks dpmfloyd, I will be sure to request my best. Would I have better luck getting a king size bed at an all star resort? Or should I just roll the dice on POP? I think I'd rather stay at POP (regardless of bed size), I've been to All Star Sports and it was great; POP would be a new experience for me.

Thanks again guys.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thanks dpmfloyd, I will be sure to request my best. Would I have better luck getting a king size bed at an all star resort? Or should I just roll the dice on POP? I think I'd rather stay at POP (regardless of bed size), I've been to All Star Sports and it was great; POP would be a new experience for me.

Thanks again guys.

My friends have stayed at POP 3 times, always request a king bed and always received one. I would suggest making that the first request, with lake side the second request, and 60's the 3rd request.

At check-in be sure to ask if your room has a king bed and ask the location - if not met, ask if they could try to find a room that meets your requests.

Have a great trip!

 

[penni520]

Just booked another wonderful time to Pop Centry....Because of my disablity I asked for King size bed, In disablity room, 50's Building #3 back side, ground level.
I have never had any problems with my room request for the past 4 years I have gotten everything I request.
But this will be my first time in a King size bed...I was looking at the re done pictures and I feel it will be much better and more room for me and my wheel chair - scooter.
I will check back next year on my request..But the Pop has never let me down.
I am going Saturday, Dec 10th until Sunday, December 18th, 2011

 

[msmith07101]

8 weeks from today I will be at Pop...for the first time!! I am looking forward to it....I hope I love it as much as everyone here does

 

[Mindy5767]

Just wondering why people are so hot to get a King sized bed? I know they're huge!

I have stayed at the All-Stars before. I'd rather be at Pop. Whenever I need a value room, usually when we're not at our DVC on points, I choose Pop. The All Stars are nice too, but the bus situation is better at Pop and I know I won't have to worry about the bus stopping at the other all stars on my way back. Saves time. Although, the Music got an excellent review on the disunplugged for the food court. But Pop's food court is excellent in my opinion. Love the fish sandwich!!

 

[squirrel]

Well I booked Pop again. I'm praying that I just hit a bunch of guests that didn't know about the DSA this year. I have also requested that I don't get put in a room in the 50's section.

I wonder if they will honor the request this year!

 

[jenseib]

I'm not sure if I'm posting this is the right place, but I maybe you disney dudes can help guide me.

My girlfriend and I are headed to POP in November 2010. We requested a King Bed and we'll be there for five days. I was wondering where I should request/shoot for/hope to stay within the hotel under these goals: I'd like to be close to the buses, hopefully have a quiet(ish) room, parking doesnt matter as we are using the express service and not renting a car, and lastly we are hoping for the room to be refurbished.

Is this even possible? I also realize this is a laundry list of demands, what would you compromise on? We are two able bodied twenty somethings who can totally handle stairs and walking in favor of views and quiet. My hunch is a lake view room on the 3rd or 4th floor of the 50's or the 70's? I say that with an unsure tone.

Thanks guys!

If you want a King sized bed, I would put that as your only request. They are hard t ocome by, and you might confuse them if you add more to the request, which it will make it harder to get a King.

 

[uncle dis]

Thanks guys, I am going to hold strong for the King Bed, and maybe (maybe) try for a lake view if at all possible. Thanks again for the help, only 25 long days until I find out.

 

[olwyngdh]

Confirmed for Pop April 30-May 7, military discount prefered room and the DDP! Hoping for a good ticket deal now, if not, oh well...there is still the regular military discount tickets! I requested the 60s buildings, going to ask for a pool side room closer to the date.

Now I just have to tap my foot impatiently until I can make ADRs...we definitely need Mary Poppins for breakfast on the 3rd for the little one's birthday!

 

[jenseib]

Confirmed for Pop April 30-May 7, military discount prefered room and the DDP! Hoping for a good ticket deal now, if not, oh well...there is still the regular military discount tickets! I requested the 60s buildings, going to ask for a pool side room closer to the date.

Now I just have to tap my foot impatiently until I can make ADRs...we definitely need Mary Poppins for breakfast on the 3rd for the little one's birthday!

I don't think Disney offers ticket deals. The best you will probably find are the Military ones from what I have read on the boards. But you could check out what the free dining offer is (if it's good for the time you are going) and see if that comes out as a better deal. Can you get the dining plan with a military discount and not have tickets with the package? I'm not sure how military stuff works.

 

[olwyngdh]

I don't think Disney offers ticket deals. The best you will probably find are the Military ones from what I have read on the boards. But you could check out what the free dining offer is (if it's good for the time you are going) and see if that comes out as a better deal. Can you get the dining plan with a military discount and not have tickets with the package? I'm not sure how military stuff works.

There is a Stars and Stripes ticket that has *everything*--even though it is a good deal, we aren't going to get that one because we don't plan on doing the water parks, disney quest and whatever else they pack into it. There is also a regular discounted Magic Your Way ticket--not much savings on it, but there is a bit, and buying it through MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) or at Shades of Green, there is no tax on it. What we are hoping for it the ticket deal that they haven't settled yet--at the moment it looks like 4 days, one park a day for 140, with park hopper for 160ish. There are rumours that it will be possible to add days to that ticket, but MWR doesn't know yet--if not, since we are going for 7 days, we will get the regular discounted non-taxed ticket.

Disney, thankfully, allows Military to purchase the dining plan with the toom discount and separate from the tickets...although if there were free dining for our week, it would save us a bit to pay full price for the room. We are getting 30% on a value resort, so the discount *almost* covers the price of the DDP.

I am using the travel agent at MWR this time for the trip, and we are getting the trip insurance because there is no way to know if my husband will be home come May, or off playing Army on another all expense paid trip to where no one wants to go (I *swear* there are bland little men hidden in the basement of the Pentagon who listen in on all military family plans just so they can write orders to screw them up!)

I am very grateful to Disney for doing this for us. Every little bit helps when living on a military paycheck, and with deployments and shorter, oh honey, I am leaving tomorrow, be back in about 3 weeks, no I can't tell you where I am going" trips, family and memory building time is valuable and vital.

 

[Mindy5767]

Well I booked Pop again. I'm praying that I just hit a bunch of guests that didn't know about the DSA this year. I have also requested that I don't get put in a room in the 50's section.

I wonder if they will honor the request this year!

There is a map link, might be in the first page of this thread, but the map shows what buildings are where. The smoking areas are marked on the map. You might want to request a particular building and indicate that your request is a medical need. That might move it up the priority list. As far as I can remember, building 10 is not near the smoking area. We once were in room 0125 which is room 25 in building 10, first floor. It was a very nice quiet private location. Shady too. I personally wasn't bothered by smoke... or anything else over there.

 

[squirrel]

There is a map link, might be in the first page of this thread, but the map shows what buildings are where. The smoking areas are marked on the map. You might want to request a particular building and indicate that your request is a medical need. That might move it up the priority list. As far as I can remember, building 10 is not near the smoking area. We once were in room 0125 which is room 25 in building 10, first floor. It was a very nice quiet private location. Shady too. I personally wasn't bothered by smoke... or anything else over there.

Yes I know where the smoking areas are. I also know that the 50's section of Pop is not a good place for a person who is allergic to smoke.

When I checked in at Pop just over 3 weeks ago I told the CM checking me in that I requested not to be in the 50's section as there is a smoke area just to get near the rooms and that I will have an asthma attack if I go near smoke. He showed me a way to get to the room without going into the smoke area. That didn't work as people smoked wherever they pleased. I was moved to another room in another section of the resort-70's room 6126. I still had other guests walking around near the food court (outside), by my room, on the bench by Goofy's Pop Jet, on the path to get to my room, etc.

Don't worry, if they put me in the 50's section again I will refuse to move from the front desk until they find a room somewhere else. That is my only request-not to be in the 50's section. I'm not asking them to put me in a preferred room when I only paid for a regular room. It shouldn't be that hard.

 

[smidgy]

request the 70s section. no smoking area in the courtyard at all.
the smoking area outside of the food court is on the OTHER side (the side towards the 50's section). you can also apporach the main pool from the 70's without walking by the Petal's bar (DSA).

note a medical necessity on your request. and say so as soon as you check in.

 

[debsters41]

There is a Stars and Stripes ticket that has *everything*--even though it is a good deal, we aren't going to get that one because we don't plan on doing the water parks, disney quest and whatever else they pack into it. There is also a regular discounted Magic Your Way ticket--not much savings on it, but there is a bit, and buying it through MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) or at Shades of Green, there is no tax on it. What we are hoping for it the ticket deal that they haven't settled yet--at the moment it looks like 4 days, one park a day for 140, with park hopper for 160ish. There are rumours that it will be possible to add days to that ticket, but MWR doesn't know yet--if not, since we are going for 7 days, we will get the regular discounted non-taxed ticket.

Disney, thankfully, allows Military to purchase the dining plan with the toom discount and separate from the tickets...although if there were free dining for our week, it would save us a bit to pay full price for the room. We are getting 30% on a value resort, so the discount *almost* covers the price of the DDP.

I am using the travel agent at MWR this time for the trip, and we are getting the trip insurance because there is no way to know if my husband will be home come May, or off playing Army on another all expense paid trip to where no one wants to go (I *swear* there are bland little men hidden in the basement of the Pentagon who listen in on all military family plans just so they can write orders to screw them up!)

I am very grateful to Disney for doing this for us. Every little bit helps when living on a military paycheck, and with deployments and shorter, oh honey, I am leaving tomorrow, be back in about 3 weeks, no I can't tell you where I am going" trips, family and memory building time is valuable and vital.

Totally off topic, but I wanted to say that I hope everything works out for your family and that your husband stays safe. Thank you.