Was NOT happy with Pop Century

[MsStinkerBelle]

No towel animals?

Is that a definite, or just "luck of the draw, my maids did it" thing?

It's a little bit of both. When we stayed at POP in April, we had one little cute towel animal ( a puppy) waiting in the window. A few other rooms on our side had the same towel animals so I assume the Mousekeeper who did them did those as well.

I'm sorry the OP didn't like their stay at POP. I love Deluxes but I love staying at POP for Spring Break. We didn't expect or need much except a place to crash so we found it quite adequate. As much as I love POP I realize it isn't for everybody.

 

[marivaid]

Sorry you had a bad experience. We stayed at POP only one night and it was fine - for one night. The CMs we encoutered were very nice, the one who checked us in chatted with us and did her best to try & get us in the 50s building, but couldn't. The lady at the gift shop was great as well.

However, I was just discussing POP with DM last night. We want to go back at Christmas time, but with the prices being so high a Value would be our only choice. We both agree that we'd rather not go than stay at a value for the entire stay. They're OK to sleep & shower, but at this point the parks are #2 for us, and resort is #1.

POP is very busy and noisy.The food court can be a madhouse.The beds aren't very comfortable and the buses very crowded. We expected all of this.

In your case, a little bit of research would have gone a long way. I'm not sure why you thought you'd get a fridge in your room or be guaranteed connecting rooms.

 

[Teacher03]

We stayed at the Pop in 2006, and we didn't love it, but I felt we did get what we paid for. We asked for connecting rooms, and we got them with no problem. We didn't get preferred, which meant we walked forever to get to the bus, etc. But a value is all we could (or can) afford, and we were in Disney, so we were happy. This year we stayed in the All Stars with a preferred room, and I liked the fact that we were closer to the food court, pool, and busses. OT, with the prices going up and the change in the DDP, it was probably our last stay onsite It will be offsite for us from now on.

 

[winterman]

I will NEVER make that assumption again.

First problem - check-in
You have to stand in a line in front of a long counter, okay no big deal there, but there are at eight cast members doing check-in and they simply want to move you along. I did not get a "magical" feeling like at the other resorts we have stayed at.

Second - we asked for connecting rooms with the grandparents.
We were not even located in the same section let alone building. So we had to rearrange rooms to at least be in the same building. We were still a floor apart. The cast member said that the buildings were full and left it at that.

Third - We did a preferred room. Thinking we would have a frig or something...WRONG. Preferred basically means you look at the pool or the giant toys. I paid $10 extra dollars each night to look at a giant foose ball set.

No towel animals, but nothing big to me. We called house keeping for a tube of toothpaste (we forgot), they said someone would be right up and they never showed. DH went down to the gift shop and paid $2 for a travel tube!

I would suggest that you do better research before you take your next vacation.
Checkin almost anywhere is a matter of luck-whether you arrive at a quiet or a busy time.
Connecting rooms are a request-not a promise. I have read many times on these boards that the only time you can be sure you can get connecting rooms is when you have too many kids for one room.
There has never been any claim for preferred rooms other than location. To be mad at POP because you booked something that you knew nothing about is your fault, not POP's.
Why would you expect them to supply you with toothpaste when it is not something that they supply as standard? That's why they make it available for puchase in the gift shop.

DH and I have stayed twice at POP and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you have more deluxe tastes or expectations fine. But its up to you to know exactly what you will need and stay at the place that can provide it. Don't expect to get deluxe service and ammenities for a value price.

 

[antmaril]

We are staying at Pop for the first time in two weeks (from today!). I have been very apprehensive about staying at Pop because we usually stay deluxe (Boardwalk Inn). This is our second trip this year and we need two rooms this time. We are only taking this trip to try Free Dining. I think I know what to expect. Room will be small, no curtain, limited room amenities (I'm renting a fridge) noisy, crowded, turbo toilets, etc. I'm trying to stay open minded. It's only four days and I'm sure it will be fine. I may not love it. If I don't, I never have to stay in a value again.

I'm more worried about the heat and humidity. We usually go in January

 

[Kazzy1548]

Hi we just came back from 8 days at Pop. We didn't enjoy it as much . At first we got our room request in the 70, but the carpet was soaked and smelled funky, they gave us a room in the 50 on the fourth floor away from the pool. It was much better. Housekkeeping was terrible, no animal towels, took them 2 days to give us extra pillows and towels. Plus it was way to croweded. It wasn't magical at all. However the last time we've been to the world we stayed at All star movies and loved it. It was much smaller and the cm took their time to talk to us and were more friendly.

 

[fla4fun]

OP, just out of curiosity, were the reservations linked for the two rooms, or were they made on one reservation? The reason I'm asking is even though you mention asking for connecting rooms, it almost seems like they didn't know the two parties were traveling together. If you link the reservatons, or reserve two rooms when making the initial booking, I think you'll have a much better chance of having the rooms close together if you can't get connecting rooms. If you did that and they still put you that far apart, I would have been upset as well. Of course, this can happen at any level of resort, from value to DVC, so it's not just a POP problem.

 

[goodferry]

Sorry your stay wasn't magical! No matter where you stay you have the right to expect polite and helpful CMs. I can't help but wonder if, given the large number of rooms at the value resorts and the large number of groups who stay there, if the CMs become overwhelmed, and in the process forget about the customer service that has always set Disney apart. Everybody has their favorite resort, and no one wants to hear a bad evaluation of that resort! Our family LOVES the Poly, and I am always amazed when I hear someone had a less than amazing stay.

 

[anbouk]

To the OP, I'm sorry you had a rough experience. You find people on this board who have had similar experiences with values like what you had. Then you find others who love the values and will defend them to no end. Disney resorts have one thing in common, they have many pros and cons to them and inspire a range of emotions from the people who stayed there.

I won't be harsh on you and please take this as advice, not an attack or anything. I hope your recent rip won't be your last and you research your next accomodations more thoroughly. I would never stay at a value resort not because it's a value based, but for several reasons. I have now been to Disney 5 times since 02 and my wife and I decided we won't go any where else than the Poly. Our recent experiences on our 7 day trip to WDW confirmed it.

ze and 2 queen beds are a must for us.

Location to MK and the monorail and the ferry to MK is a must.

The ability to come back to the calm and soothing feel of the Poly is big must.

In my 7 days touring the parks and going to both water parks, I never was able to get a seat. The buses were jammed full of people and I was never so glad in my life, not to have to rely on them as my sole source of transportation. I made sure if I was able to secure a seat, I gave it up to any woman or children standing. I was kind of sad to see many men did not offer the same courtesy like I did. I'm actually thing about renting a car next time and bypassing the bus service. I can determine when I want to come and go and not rely on any bus.

As for the rooms at the value, I'm not going to bunk with one of my kids on my vacation. My wife and I need a queen size bed minimum and wouldn't do in a full or twin size bed. We would each have to sleep with one of our kids and I'm not sharing a bed with my 10 year old boys. The values might be fun for some, but can be too hectic for me and I need to relax after spending all day in the parks. All Disney resorts suffer from loud people and kids, it's WDW after all and has to be expected. You're going to find it a lot more at the values like Pop, etc, because the cost is more acceptable to a lot more families and easier for large groups like the Cheer leading competitions, etc. You have to take that into account.

A lot of people tease me about my going to WDW all the time and ask why I pick and how do I afford the Poly? Trust me, I don't like paying the room rates and I'm not a snob, but when you add everything up, it makes the vacation that more pleasant and we don't have the experiences you had. There's a lot of hidden value to a Disney resort like the Polynesian that you don't see by just looking at the price. You should always list your needs, wants, and expectations when determining a Disney resort and go from there. Don't let the price make your choice. Do your homework and look into everything, twice! Remember the vacation you save, may be your own.

Sorry for your experience and hope your next trip goes better.

Well Said!

 

[BamaFan121s]

OP, just out of curiosity, were the reservations linked for the two rooms, or were they made on one reservation? The reason I'm asking is even though you mention asking for connecting rooms, it almost seems like they didn't know the two parties were traveling together. If you link the reservatons, or reserve two rooms when making the initial booking, I think you'll have a much better chance of having the rooms close together if you can't get connecting rooms. If you did that and they still put you that far apart, I would have been upset as well. Of course, this can happen at any level of resort, from value to DVC, so it's not just a POP problem.

I'm so glad you brought this up! We had rooms that were 'linked' together, rather than just one reservation. We'd booked 2 rooms, my mother booked AND paid for both and wanted both in her name. (It was sketchy until the last minute if we were going to have any tag alongs.) She NEVER gave them any name other than her own, but a day or so later, she got 2 different confirmations for 2 different reservations--one in her name, one in my husbands. She called back several times and they outright refused to change it and took it upon themselves to 'assign' us to rooms. When we checked in, they wouldn't let her check in for both rooms...they made someone 'assigned' to each room check in. It really kind of ticked her off that they were HER reservations, being paid for by HER with HER money, yet they put someone else's name on them.
For what it was worth, we DID get connecting rooms after asking again at the front desk, but the resort was not packed and busy. It makes me wonder if it would have been a problem had their been more of a crowd.

 

[Luv'sTink]

OP, I know you were just venting. Four pages of being told to do research probably isn't helping either (I think the OP got the message now people). Since you said in your original post values are not for everyone, I am sure you understand that also and don't need to be told that any more either.

We stayed at a mod, POFQ and hated the full size beds too. I wish Disney would at least put in queens but they wont because they don't have to. Otherwise we loved it and will be staying there again. It was compact the walk to the buses was not bad, food court was not all that busy, they do have refrigerators.

I hope your next trip is better.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Room will be small, no curtain, limited room amenities (I'm renting a fridge) noisy, crowded, turbo toilets, etc.

Bring a tension-rod-style shower rod, and a shower curtain. Small investment for some privacy and close the bathroom door at night.

but a day or so later, she got 2 different confirmations for 2 different reservations--one in her name, one in my husbands. She called back several times and they outright refused to change it and took it upon themselves to 'assign' us to rooms. When we checked in, they wouldn't let her check in for both rooms...they made someone 'assigned' to each room check in. It really kind of ticked her off that they were HER reservations, being paid for by HER with HER money, yet they put someone else's name on them.

But you realize Pop Century didn’t do that – CRO did, right?

We stayed at a mod, POFQ and hated the full size beds too. I wish Disney would at least put in queens but they wont because they don't have to.

Well, really it’s more that they don’t have the space in the Value and Moderate rooms. A full bed is 54” x 75”; a queen is 60” x 80”. Doesn’t sound like much of a difference, but two queen beds take up another foot in width – space that just doesn’t exist in a Value room, and would make a Moderate room that much more cramped as well.

 

[BamaFan121s]

But you realize Pop Century didn’t do that – CRO did, right?

Yeah, I do realize that...my complaint there was with this new reservation procedure in general...I know that it is not the case for just one resort.

 

[rdevine10]

OP, sorry the experince was not what you were hoping for. Weve stayed at Pop 2 times and will be again next month. We really like it, for the price.... and our DDs love the theming. It DOES feel magical to me. But, I know it doesnt for everyone.

I just wanted to suggest bringing a fan or noise machine from home. We bring one with us and it greatly reduces the noise of ANY hotel (we heard more noise at the 4 star hotel we stayed at in Boston last month- at 1 am from people getting in from the Red Socks game than we did ever at Pop Century). I cant even imagine what the noise would of been like at our hotel if we didnt have our fan on full blast

I also prefer the standard rooms at Pop.... they can be a little furhter, but we have always had a lake view and more quiet location.

Thankfully we have never had any issues with a CM....

Check in last time WAS long... but I expected that. Im sure it will be again this time too.

Overall, I didnt mind what we got.... for the price and convienece of being ON Disney property!

I hope you like the next resort you choose better!

 

[ClaraBug]

OP, I know you were just venting. Four pages of being told to do research probably isn't helping either (I think the OP got the message now people). Since you said in your original post values are not for everyone, I am sure you understand that also and don't need to be told that any more either.

We stayed at a mod, POFQ and hated the full size beds too. I wish Disney would at least put in queens but they wont because they don't have to. Otherwise we loved it and will be staying there again. It was compact the walk to the buses was not bad, food court was not all that busy, they do have refrigerators.

I hope your next trip is better.

Thank you

 

[luckytobeme88]

Why aren't people doing more research of the resort which they plan to stay? You pretty much can find outhow the resort is going to be like before you go. Talk about the towel animals! Years ago, there was no such thing as towel animals in your resort rooms. Somehow, somewhere, some-too-nice-mousekeeping started this trend and now not having a towel animal in your room at the end of the day makes people upset!! WOW

 

[minnie61650]

Bring a tension-rod-style shower rod, and a shower curtain. Small investment for some privacy and close the bathroom door at night. .....



Well, really it’s more that they don’t have the space in the Value and Moderate rooms. A full bed is 54” x 75”; a queen is 60” x 80”. Doesn’t sound like much of a difference, but two queen beds take up another foot in width – space that just doesn’t exist in a Value room, and would make a Moderate room that much more cramped as well.....

kaytieeldr is correct.

Just a couple of FYI's to add to kaytieeldr's info

All of the newly refurbished rooms at All Star Music have the privacy curtain now.
All Stars Sports is in the process of being refurbished right now thru Feb. 2008. I am hoping Disney puts the privacy curtain at all of the value hotels as they refurbish them.

I am kind of an amateur architect.

I designed the layout of two of our own custom built home and then lI et the architect do the real job of making those layouts work so I do know a little bit about layouts.

From the layouts and room sizes of the mods I think they do NOT have any more room between their beds (with the possible exception CBR since their rooms are 340 square feet instead of the 314 square feet of the other mods) than the value rooms have between their beds.

This is what I have figured out after studying the floor plans of the values and the mods:

There is not much room size difference between a mod and a value.

Here is the layout of a mod.
The bathroom is about the same size as the All Stars but you will have 2 sinks instead of one.

POR room lay out *note CSR does not have a luggage seat.
here is the All Star room layout'

All Star room layout

POFQ, POR, and CSR has 54 square feet more than the value.
That means if both the mod and the value room were 27 feet long than the mod would be 2 feet wider (between the foot of the bed and the TV --NOT between the beds). Just enough room for a double sink instead of a single.

CBR is 340 square feet which means it is 26 square feet bigger than POFQ,POR, and CSR making it maybe half a foot longer and wider than the other mods.
To me there is not a lot of room size difference.


Have fun at Disney!

 

[ribbot]

I'm sorry Pop was not to your liking. We just got back yesterday from an 8 night stay at Pop. 2 years ago we stayed at ASMo---so I guess I can compare the two since we're talking apples and apples here.

The resorts to us were basically the same---same layout, same-type/size rooms, same food court, same pools. We found Pop to be a little quieter as this time we didn't have any kids jumping off the balconies or calling our room in the middle of the night every night, as we did at ASMo.

We actually downgraded upon arriving at Pop. We were originally put poolside 50's on the 3rd floor, but I wanted quiet, not noise. So we decided that a little bit longer of a walk would at least let us sleep at night with less noise. Which was true. We did hear turbo toilets and doors shutting, but that's it. Do you all mean that in the moderates and deluxes you NEVER hear a toilet flush or a door shut? I've stayed in a few hotels in the U.S. and I've never NOT had a stay where I didn't hear those things.

We did have much better mousekeeping service this trip than at ASMo. She kept us in towels, pool towels, extra washcloths, soap the entire trip. We did get 4 cute towel animals (which was nice, but not expected)---and one day she was late in cleaning our room and we happened to be laying down and she knocked on the door and came in and cleaned while we lay there. Which was fine, and told her it was ok to do so. She stood and made 2 small towel animals (without the stickers) at the bathroom sink, in which she didn't have to do because she said she was very busy that day. She thanked us personally for the tip we left her daily.

When people ask me what Pop and ASMo is like, I always ask them if they've ever stayed at an EconoLodge---because it's exactly the same layout.

The buses weren't as crowded at Pop as they were at ASMo.

Everybody has their own individual taste---with hotels, foods, etc. that's what makes the world go around. Hopefully next trip will be better for you.

 

[Lil'DisneyMom]

We stayed at POP last year, and plan on staying there for our next trip next year. We loved it there. Never had any problema with noise in the room, and we got towel animals almost everyday. We do tip the Mousekeeping!! We also stayed in a standard room, and I didn't think that the walk is really that bad to the foodcourt and buses.

 

[Enna]

I'm think guarantee connecting rooms should be a category that you can pay for and get, just like at WL and AKL you can pay extra for a bunk bed room. Lord knows Disney likes to charge more for water views, preferred rooms, bunk beds, and everything else they can think of. I am suprised they haven't already.
If I was in the situation that I needed connecting rooms, I would be happy to pay a few more bucks for it. We have been lucky the 2 trips the inlaws went with us we had connecting rooms. This was real nice with a toddler.

Heck, I would pay extra for a room that doesn't have the connecting door in it. We only need one room and I detest connecting doors....regardless of the level of the resort.