What's the big deal with POP?

[inloveindisney]

It seems that POP is viewed as the best value. Why is that? I have stayed there and at a couple all stars and I didn't really think there was all that much of a difference. When I booked our upcoming trip at ASMo, my family reacted as if I had booked them in a roach motel or something. Am I missing something?

 

[wdwmike59]

I think the perception is that Pop Century is better because it's newer and to some extent that's true. All of the facilities have less wear and tear on them, even though Disney does a very good job of rehabbing when necessary. We have stayed at ASMu and Pop and we like both fine. We always get two connecting rooms as our kids are both teens now. Nothing like being able to spread out. Two TVs, two bathrooms, four beds. Sigh.

 

[CindyandBrice]

Inexpensive, food court, pools. Also, the fact that it comes with magical express. This alone saves an average of $25-$30 per day with not having a rental car.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We like POP because the other 3 share buses and it gets annoying!

 

[nbodyhome]

I personally like the food court there the best, that is the resort I seem to get the best guest service at, best CM's, I like the music and atmosphere. Overall, it is one of my favorite resorts of any on Disney property.

 

[WillCAD]

I think wdwmike is correct - it's all just perception.

Personally, having stayed at 3 of the 4 values (finally hitting ASMO in December), my fave is Music, because it's the quietest.

Pop is certainly pretty, with the bright colors and big pop culture icons (my fave is the giant Rubiks Cube, especially when it's lit up at night!), but I prefer the more relaxed atmosphere of ASMU. I like staying in the Broadway section, close to the parking lot since I always have a car, and far away from the noise of the pool and food court areas.

Don't worry, you're not missing anything - you will enjoy ASMO!

 

[spiceycat]

Pop is more fun!

It has a lake - love water views.

the CM's dance!

some of the best CM's are at POP (my opinion).

the pool bar is a fun place!!!

love the frozen cokes!!!!

forgot a big one - the management is here is the best!!!

 

[boomhauer]

Fret not - Movies is awesome. I'd stay there over Pop any day. Nothing wrong with Pop. Just comes down to personal taste. I like the theming of Movies much better than Pop.

Pop gets very crowded. Makes eating in the food court tough.

 

[nbodyhome]

some of the best CM's are at POP (my opinion).


forgot a big one - the management is here is the best!!!

I agree with these. I don't think it's just perception - Pop has always been a well-run resort when I've been.

 

[itsreally4mommy]

Inexpensive, food court, pools. Also, the fact that it comes with magical express. This alone saves an average of $25-$30 per day with not having a rental car.

Those are all perks you would also get w/the other Value Resorts though. I can't speak for Pop yet, but was pleased w/Movies. The theming was cute and I found service to be great. We didn't spend time in the Food Court as we were on a mission to get to the parks. The buses were crowded and it felt like we were far away, however I cannot say that would be better at other resorts. Even resorts closer in proximity may have had longer bus trips due to a smaller fleet of buses.

One thing I disliked was the water. BLECH! I'm not too picky when it comes to water. If I drink bottled, its out of convenience for on the go, but the water at the hotel was horrid! Even the fountain drinks were awful. It seemed the restaurants at the parks and delux resorts might have had a more sophisticated filtration system as it did not seem as overwhelming. That's not to say it would keep me from staying at value. For an extra thousand, I'll have a case of Ozarka sent to the room, LOL!

 

[LISAMWDW]

I don't get it either! I stayed there last time and was not impressed. I won't be back.

 

[spiceycat]

One thing I disliked was the water. BLECH! I'm not too picky when it comes to water. If I drink bottled, its out of convenience for on the go, but the water at the hotel was horrid! Even the fountain drinks were awful. It seemed the restaurants at the parks and delux resorts might have had a more sophisticated filtration system as it did not seem as overwhelming. That's not to say it would keep me from staying at value. For an extra thousand, I'll have a case of Ozarka sent to the room, LOL!

all Florida water taste strange to some people. Mother hates it too.

I can't taste a big difference.

so I bring bottle water for her.

 

[goofy4tink]

I've stayed at Music once, at POP three times...obviously there is 'something' at POP that keeps me going back there. I can't say what it is though. The area is just beautiful.....the walk around the back of the resort, by the lake is just awesome. I like the food court at POP better than the one at Music, I like the 'theme' at POP better, and I love that POP doesn't share a bus with anyone else.
Each one of the pools is easy to get to, no matter where you're staying at POP. Makes it nice to have a choice of themes.
My dh has no interest in ever going back to POP...ever! But, dd and I love it there. So for those quickie trips, that I have no DVC points left for, POP is where you are going to find me.

 

[EeyoreFan5]

I loved Pop and would go back anytime. I have also stayed at Movies and enjoyed it there too.

 

[SplashMountainRocks]

The things that send me to Pop over the other All-Stars (been to 3 of the 4 values):

- single bus stop, doesn't share with other resorts
- larger food court, more seating, some unique menu items
- more pools
- pool bar has seating inside and outside
- water views are possible
- also possible view of fireworks from some buildings/floors

Heading back to Pop in December for Mousefest!

 

[mahoneyth]

I think POP is more geared for little kids, very colorful and the allstars have great food courts. I think they are all very clean and plenty of choices for what you want.

I stayed at the music resort in 96 and thought it was great! The i was introduced to Moderate...

CSR, i can't wait!

 

[lisaviolet]

I've stayed at all the Values.

I like POP the best because:

1) location. I love DD and the BW area. POP is closest to these. There is nothing like the late nigh milk run trip to DD from the All Stars and vice versa.

2) Lovely grilled fish. Even lovlier when the day's choice is salmon.

3) I've had some exceptional customer service at POP. Had some at all the Values in truth. However, they really seem to go out of their way at POP. This is just one example of many. Took my mom to free dining there a couple of years ago. She politely asked if there were any quiet or peaceful rooms. I thought, "ummm mom we're at POP the land of bright and loud". Well the CM found a corner room, top floor, 50's building, lake side of building, fireworks view from the other side of building ( I was shocked...a Value and you can see fireworks...right on)and later sent a message directly to her on the phone "hoping that it was a great room for her" along with an enjoy your stay paper message. We made sure to thank that CM. My mom loved it all and therefore I did as well.

Have a wonderful trip OP. I love all the Values just answering your POP question.

 

[Tikitoi]

I think POP looks more polished compared to the other value resorts. Noth that there is anything wrong with the other resorts, just that POP is newer. Also a big thing for POP is that they have their own bus, where the other 3 value resorts share the same bus. We stayed at ASM didn't have a problem, would go back there.