The Groovy New Pop Century FAQ Thread!

[jenseib]

We have stayed at POP before but I really didn't like our room. We were in the 80's section, first floor with a very dark room.

I am going to be making reservations and need help with a request. I would like a room close to the playground, goofy jets and facing a direction that will get some good sunlight in October. And possibly (now I'm asking for everything) facing Epcot for the fireworks. Distance from cinema hall doesn't concern me. Anyone have any suggestions of a certain building?
thanks!

I don't thin kthat is a possible request. I think the play ground is and I know the goofy jets are not near the lake wit han EPCOT firework view. So you wouldn't be able to have all of it. I think the playground is on the same side of the grounds as the goofy jets, but a bit further back, and the EPCOT firework view is on the complete other side. I have no clue about Octber light. We kept our curtans closed the whole time! I would say 70's is closest to the goofy jets.

 

[garris3404]

I couldn't wait! I called and booked our suprise birthday trip for me and my olderst daughter! We both have September birthdays, and we are going to celebrate!

I booked our trip with the DDP. I will call early Monday morning and add the code for the free dining. I've already booked my ADRs! Is it September yet?

 

[spindoctors]

I think this might be directed to me.

When making my requests, I simply say that I have difficulty with walking long distances and would prefer to be near the elevator/lobby/Classic Hall(for POP). No resort (you can see where we have stayed) has ever not fulfilled this request. Once at YC, we were put at the end of the hallway and we nicely asked if there was anything closer to the lobby and we were quickly reassigned a MUCH closer room. (They were being nice and had given us a water view room.) Some CMs will mention that free wheelchairs are available at the resort.

Regarding the noise, it really depends what would be tolerable to you. I have 2 kids, coach basketball/softball, lots of nieces and nephews and have NO problem tuning out the sounds of kids. The racket in the car can drive my DH nuts but I don't really 'hear' it.

If ground-floor is really important to you, I would add non-poolside because you don't get as much foot traffic in front of your room (people going from the building to the food court/buses/Classic Hal). That would probably bother me more (the foot traffic) because I like to have the curtains open.

I hope that helps!

Thanks for your input! I also have trouble walking long distances, but there is no way that is keeping me away from WDW! I used to be unable to walk even short distances and am much improved, but there is a cummulative effect. Every step I save at the resort will allow me to do better in the parks

It's a little frustrating, though. A lot of people don't understand that you can have mobility issues but not want to use a wheelchair.

 

[susan0326]

Yep, and they also have a blue-raspberry slush too! I love the frozen cokes. Have you heard that they have new mugs? It looks like all resorts might have the same mug?

We were there from 3/18/07 - 3/24/07. They were selling both the normal Pop Century mugs (looked the same design as last year) and the new blue YoaMD mugs in the food court.

They are also doing more activities now than we've seen in the past. They posted events on a board near the Hippy Dippy Pool, so if you are taking a day off from the parks -- make sure you check out the resort activities. They also were having activites during checkin. My daughter bowled with these over sized bowling pins/ball. She got a cool prize and a magical moment certificate. I think that this activity was a YoaMD.

They are getting pickier with the children on the dining plan. There is much less now for kids to pick from at the food court on the DDP. We encountered two rude CMs at Pop Century this trip. It was our third time on the DDP and our fourth time at Pop and we were suprised. We've never been treated like that. Also, I also can't see the logic of why a counter service used for breakfast doesn't come with a dessert/fruit/pastry. Of course, we had a wonderful trip and this didn't phase us overall.

Also, if you are driving in to Disney World from the Florida Turnpike, try the new Western Way route! It saved probably 20 minutes at least from getting on I-4 and all the traffic that goes with it. You take the Hartzog/Western Way exit to the left. That road takes you through new Disney gates and right in the backside of Animal Kingdom and dead ends on Buena Vista Dr. You turn left and follow the road around to Victory Way where you hang a right. Next turn is Pop Century! I'm so glad they built this road. There were hardly any other cars on the road (for now anyway). You get to see glimpses of the different of the mountains/icons at times along the way and you get a pretty close view of Everest at one point.

Just thought I'd give an update for those going soon.

 

[Quasi123]

We were there from 3/18/07 - 3/24/07. They were selling both the normal Pop Century mugs (looked the same design as last year) and the new blue YoaMD mugs in the food court.

They are also doing more activities now than we've seen in the past. They posted events on a board near the Hippy Dippy Pool, so if you are taking a day off from the parks -- make sure you check out the resort activities. They also were having activites during checkin. My daughter bowled with these over sized bowling pins/ball. She got a cool prize and a magical moment certificate. I think that this activity was a YoaMD.

They are getting pickier with the children on the dining plan. There is much less now for kids to pick from at the food court on the DDP. We encountered two rude CMs at Pop Century this trip. It was our third time on the DDP and our fourth time at Pop and we were suprised. We've never been treated like that. Also, I also can't see the logic of why a counter service used for breakfast doesn't come with a dessert/fruit/pastry. Of course, we had a wonderful trip and this didn't phase us overall.

Also, if you are driving in to Disney World from the Florida Turnpike, try the new Western Way route! It saved probably 20 minutes at least from getting on I-4 and all the traffic that goes with it. You take the Hartzog/Western Way exit to the left. That road takes you through new Disney gates and right in the backside of Animal Kingdom and dead ends on Buena Vista Dr. You turn left and follow the road around to Victory Way where you hang a right. Next turn is Pop Century! I'm so glad they built this road. There were hardly any other cars on the road (for now anyway). You get to see glimpses of the different of the mountains/icons at times along the way and you get a pretty close view of Everest at one point.

Just thought I'd give an update for those going soon.

Thanks so much for this information. That shortcut is going to be great. I was never able to find it before!

 

[cajunfan]

It's a little frustrating, though. A lot of people don't understand that you can have mobility issues but not want to use a wheelchair.

I know what you mean here! I just had some surgery done on my knee, and people look at me like I three heads when I take the stairs slowly!

I am in the same boat as you...I want something as close to the buses and Classic Hall, but not noisy.

Thanks for the info Terry (here and on the phone last night! ) about this!

Getting excited only 7 weeks away!!!

Lynn

 

[spindoctors]

I know what you mean here! I just had some surgery done on my knee, and people look at me like I three heads when I take the stairs slowly!

I am in the same boat as you...I want something as close to the buses and Classic Hall, but not noisy.

Thanks for the info Terry (here and on the phone last night! ) about this!

Getting excited only 7 weeks away!!!

Lynn

We're going in Sept. Please let me know how your POP room was when you get back. We've never stayed there.

 

[cajunfan]

I have been to POP before. We love it there...okay we have loved every room we have stayed in! (We would probably be happy in a closet as long as it was at WDW)

The last time I was there was for the marathon in January 2005...we were in the 60's building, third floor, right by the elevator near the play-doh can, facing the Hippy Dippy Pool.

The rooms are pretty much the same. The building we were in was a preferred location (and we are getting a preferred room again this trip).

Terry (it is good to have friends like her in real life in addition to the DIS), were talking about which building would be best for my knee issues...decided that somewhere near an elevator in the 70's building would be good. (I know I would like ground floor, but as long as it is not too much walking, I wil lbe fine...hoping that by the time I go, I will no longer have mobility issues!)

Let me know if you want to know about the inside of the rooms!

Lynn

 

[geetey]

I thnk you are on the right track, Lynn, with the "near the elevator" 70s request. When you are at check-in, you can ask if they have something available on the ground floor near the Classic Hall end.

You are going to have a GREAT trip! The only thing I can think of to make it better would be if WE were there too!

 

[ang]

Is there changing rooms by the pools? or restrooms. We are planning to arrive early and spend the day swimming, thanks and

 

[englishrose47]

Is there changing rooms by the pools? or restrooms. We are planning to arrive early and spend the day swimming, thanks and

I'd like to know too as we also arrive early and would like to swim!!

 

[surfergrl31]

I'd like to know too as we also arrive early and would like to swim!!

I didn't really check out all of the pools, but there is a restroom with showers and changin area by the fifties pool. It look like a big bowling ball shoe holder. I would checkin and get your key to the world card because if it is early you have to use that to unlock the doors. Hope this helps!

This is a second thought I just had if anyone can answer it for me. I saw the posts about the knee surgery and wanted to know if you have a preferred room are you just anywhere in the 60's building? My mother is having bad problems with her knees and is going to the doctor this week to see what is going on, but the bad part is she doesn't know we are suprising her by taking her on her first disney trip with us. I'm really worried about her getting around (stairs are the worst!) can you try to request certain rooms and are they good about fulfilling those requests?

 

[5boyz]

Yes there are chnage rooms with showers and there is a laundry room at the bowling pin pool and I don't know which other pool!!!!

 

[jenseib]

I didn't really check out all of the pools, but there is a restroom with showers and changin area by the fifties pool. It look like a big bowling ball shoe holder. I would checkin and get your key to the world card because if it is early you have to use that to unlock the doors. Hope this helps!

This is a second thought I just had if anyone can answer it for me. I saw the posts about the knee surgery and wanted to know if you have a preferred room are you just anywhere in the 60's building? My mother is having bad problems with her knees and is going to the doctor this week to see what is going on, but the bad part is she doesn't know we are suprising her by taking her on her first disney trip with us. I'm really worried about her getting around (stairs are the worst!) can you try to request certain rooms and are they good about fulfilling those requests?

You can ask, and they will try. Also there is elevators, so no need for stairs. But you can ask for a ground floor one.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Yes there are chnage rooms with showers and there is a laundry room at the bowling pin pool and I don't know which other pool!!!!

There is a changing/bathroom area and a laundry room near the Hippy Dippy pool too

 

[cajunfan]

This is a second thought I just had if anyone can answer it for me. I saw the posts about the knee surgery and wanted to know if you have a preferred room are you just anywhere in the 60's building? My mother is having bad problems with her knees and is going to the doctor this week to see what is going on, but the bad part is she doesn't know we are suprising her by taking her on her first disney trip with us. I'm really worried about her getting around (stairs are the worst!) can you try to request certain rooms and are they good about fulfilling those requests?

We actually always get a preferred room. (Like being near everything even without mobility issues.) Stairs are the bad thing for me too. That is why I am requesting someplace near an elevator and having them note that it is due to mobility issues. They always try to do their best to fulfill your request (although it is not guaranteed) There are many non preferred areas near an elevator that would not be too bad for your Mom. I know that you are wanting to surprise her, but you may want to surprise her at Easter...she may need that info in discussing things with her doctor. I know I just had knee surgery 2 weeks ago to remove a medial meniscus (SP?) tear and to clean up some osteoarth....my doc siad it would take about 4-6 weeks to really heal, and he did not want me do a lot of walking (like you certainly do in WDW)until after then...PM me if you have any questions.

Lynn

 

[englishrose47]

Another question for my Dis Family.. We have requested connecting preferred rooms.. I believe they are only on 2 thru 4 or 1 thru 4 anyone any info on if they are close to elevators. The more I hear from you Dissers I think we want the Play Dough bldg Any comments thoughts????

 

[lovesdumbo]

Another question for my Dis Family.. We have requested connecting preferred rooms.. I believe they are only on 2 thru 4 or 1 thru 4 anyone any info on if they are close to elevators. The more I hear from you Dissers I think we want the Play Dough bldg Any comments thoughts????

Have you checked out the map on willcad.org? He shows the layout of the buildings with connecting rooms noted. He also has a map that shows which rooms are preferred. Here's the link:
http://Pop Maps

Looks like the connecting rooms are closest to the elevators.


Its nice to have an idea of where you'd like to be but don't get too set on it as it is only a request. I know when I stayed at ASMo I had my heart set on Toy Story or Dalmations (before they were preferred) and we ended up in Herbie. I was so disappointed but we did end up loving it! Last year I got about my last choice at POFQ (building 7-about as far from food court as you could be) and we ended up loving it there too. For my May visit to Pop I've requested 50's but I know it will be great anywhere.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

At my Mom's on Easter Sunday I talked my whole family into joining us on our Disney vacation. I'm happy to say we are now part of the Grand Gathering with six rooms booked at POP. Only 296 more days and counting.

 

[ILMICKEY]

That is wonderful Grumpyswife. I so wish I could get my whole family to go. The only one that has ever went with me is my mother and she passed away. Everyone else just isn't "in" to Disney like I am. Maybe I can adopt!!!