Window units or Central Air in Pop Century?

[dayltfades]

Hi. I have a mold/dust mite allergy and am concerned about the air quality and allergens in Pop Century rooms. I know that the rooms open up to the outdoors, but I would like to know what type of air conditioning units are used. I tend to avoid "motel 6-ish" rooms because window units make me miserable, allergy-wise. Will I have this problem in Pop Century? Also, I know it's a newer value resort, but the carpets must get a ton of wear. Has anyone been to Pop this year? Are the carpets okay or are they moldy? Thanks in advance for any replies!

 

[SueM in MN]

I have not stayed there, so don't know for sure, but none of the pictures I have seEn of the buildings show wall or window air conditioners on the outside.

Here's another picture I found that shows closer to the room.

 

[crashbb]

I was at POP Century in January - it was central air.

ETA - the carpets were changed in late 2010 (all the rooms were refurbished then).

 

[cyb]

What about POR? they have wall units don't they? That is one reason I'm not thrilled about staying there, I'll have my dog over at Best Friends, that's the only reason I'm staying at Port Orleans.

 

[dayltfades]

SueM in MN: thank you for the photos!

I was at POP Century in January - it was central air.

ETA - the carpets were changed in late 2010 (all the rooms were refurbished then).

Thanks!

Can anyone tell me if the Pop Century room carpets were changed in only some sections of the resort or switched out in all sections?

I hate to be so picky, but we are staying for 5 nights and I really want to enjoy this trip with my husband and little one! I have heard great things about Pop and am excited to stay there, but we will definitely consider switching if I think there's a chance I may be miserable due to allergies. Disney is the last place I want to worry about allergies and asthma!

Thanks again!

 

[dayltfades]

Just found a link on popcenturysite.com that talks about reburbishing in late 2010! (Wanted to post the link here, but I can't post links yet since my post count is still less than 10!)

 

[GrammyJudy]

You should call Disney and request VIP cleaning service. It is free. They will clean the carpet and put new blankets, spreads etc. Explain to ther CM you have a medical condition that require s this. T hey have units in the wall under the window and each room has its own thermostat. The windows do not open. Perhaps you should also ask to be on an upper floor as there are plants right outside that might trigger your alergies. I have always found the Disney Magic to make any medical issue I have seem better while I am there. Hope you have a great trip.

 

[krisnme]

We were just there 2 weeks ago. stayed in 60's. the carpet was not bad, but cleaning was poorly done, there was hair pins on floor and trash under edge of beds. there was some mold in the bathroom behind the door. the air was central and we did not notice any dust or excess humidity. didn't take any pictures, but my Sister who traveled with us did learn you don't want a room facing the pool. there were kids in it all night screaming, security would eventually run them off, but they did not get a lot of sleep and they were on the top floor. we were on the opposite side and it was wonderfully quiet.

 

[jmartinez1895]

Also when you call and ask for the VIP cleaning be sure to ask for a new air filter. My son has asthma and allergies and we stayed at POP and loved it. We got the cleaning and enjoyed our trip very much. They can also clean the room with things that do not have strong smells if the smell of cleaners makes you ill.

 

[dayltfades]

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. We will definitely ask for the special cleaning. I had already talked to my husband about asking them to change the air filter and us offering to pay for it, if necessary. I will be taking my own allergy mattress cover and taking our own pillows (or buying our own). I'll make sure to take all my meds and I also ordered an "I Can Breathe" silk allergy mask to wear while sleeping. It's insane, I know. But I will do anything to breathe freely and think of nothing but fun while I'm there! Hotel air quality really tends do me in sometimes. I wish all hotels would just get rid of carpeting all together! Carpets are so evil. I really pray that taking all these steps works. Thank you for sharing your suggestions. I'll take any other suggestions anyone is willing to share! Thanks!

 

[jmartinez1895]

If you take your own mattress pad, be sure to leave a note each day for house keeping letting them know that it is yours and also call house keeping once you get into your room and let them know. You don;t want them to change the bedding and grab your cover my accident. One person I know ask housekeeping to not change the beading because she puts a pad on the bed and as far as I know they honor her request. You can also ask for the carpet to be cleaned if you need it to be.

 

[lisamarch]

Thanks for posting this issue. We stayed at CBR last year and were really bothered by the window units. Smelled like mildew the whole time. Very humid, which affects our allergies and son's asthma.

This time we'll be at All Star Movies. Hoping central air there, if it's in POP? Rooms are getting re-done now through November.

I'll ask for VIP cleaning. We did for our 2006 visit and I didn't think to do it in 2010. Great reminder. Thanks!

 

[crashbb]

It seems that I may have been wrong about the central air. I just assumed that, because the control was on the wall (by the door) that it was central air. The window units with which I am familiar have the controls on the unit itself, which is why I made the assumption.

 

[Princess Sara's Mom]

Hi! Just wanted to give you the heads up that a few years ago, the discussion on the DIS w/ regard to Pop was how you could smell cigarette smoke coming through the vents and the smell was prevalent in the bathrooms coming from the other rooms. My daughter & I are both VERY sensitive to cigarette smoke and so we've just avoided the issue and always stayed at ASMu and never had any issues.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1786375

This year will be our first year at POP (since ASMu didn't have availability) and I'm a bit nervous about it, but seeing as how I haven't seen any posts on the ventilation issues at POP in a long time--I'm guessing it's been resolved and/or guests are now following the rules? Anyone know?

===

PS: Please know, I'm not looking to raise old debates about cigarette smells at Pop and certainly NOT looking for --I was just curious if there was an update or if anyone with asthma/severe allergies had noticed anything new--as with any one of us, just trying to avoid an ER run on our next trip. Thanks for the help!

 

[SueM in MN]

Hi! Just wanted to give you the heads up that a few years ago, the discussion on the DIS w/ regard to Pop was how you could smell cigarette smoke coming through the vents and the smell was prevalent in the bathrooms coming from the other rooms. My daughter & I are both VERY sensitive to cigarette smoke and so we've just avoided the issue and always stayed at ASMu and never had any issues.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1786375

This year will be our first year at POP (since ASMu didn't have availability) and I'm a bit nervous about it, but seeing as how I haven't seen any posts on the ventilation issues at POP in a long time--I'm guessing it's been resolved and/or guests are now following the rules? Anyone know?

===

PS: Please know, I'm not looking to raise old debates about cigarette smells at Pop and certainly NOT looking for --I was just curious if there was an update or if anyone with asthma/severe allergies had noticed anything new--as with any one of us, just trying to avoid an ER run on our next trip. Thanks for the help!

I have not seen anything recently.

Smoking is no longer allowed in rooms at any of the WDW resorts, so if you do smell anything coming thru vents, call the front desk and report it.

 

[livndisney]

I have not seen anything recently.

Smoking is no longer allowed in rooms at any of the WDW resorts, so if you do smell anything coming thru vents, call the front desk and report it.

Sue is correct, smoking is not allowed in any rooms of the WDW resorts. This does include bathrooms.

However, the bathrooms at Pop share some funky vent system. If someone is smoking in their bathroom, you need to call and request a manager. If at all possible the manager will come to your room and address the issue right away.

It helps to keep the bathroom door closed (especially at night) and keep the bathroom fan off.

If you have someone who stands at their door and smokes, you can also call and ask for a manager. Again if at all possible they will come speak to the person right away.

 

[livndisney]

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. We will definitely ask for the special cleaning. I had already talked to my husband about asking them to change the air filter and us offering to pay for it, if necessary. I will be taking my own allergy mattress cover and taking our own pillows (or buying our own). I'll make sure to take all my meds and I also ordered an "I Can Breathe" silk allergy mask to wear while sleeping. It's insane, I know. But I will do anything to breathe freely and think of nothing but fun while I'm there! Hotel air quality really tends do me in sometimes. I wish all hotels would just get rid of carpeting all together! Carpets are so evil. I really pray that taking all these steps works. Thank you for sharing your suggestions. I'll take any other suggestions anyone is willing to share! Thanks!

I react to EVERYTHING and Pop is about the only value I can stay at.

Do ask for the VIP Clean. You can also ask for the chemical free clean if you have problems with chemical use.

Do ask for the filter to be changed-there is no charge for this and should be done as part of the VIP cleaning.

Keep the bathroom door closed if smoke bothers you (see my other post).

Sleep in the bed farthest away from the a/c and make sure it is not blowing directly on you.

I personally have never been bothered by any mold at POP (if it was there it would have been a problem)

If you know what your triggers are, tell "special requests" when you book. Making a note on the reservation by the regular CM is not enough. You need to have them call over to Special requests. Explain to SR what you need to have special attention paid to.

 

[Princess Sara's Mom]

Awesome, awesome info!!!! Thank you!!!!

 

[Nanajo1]

We had a small air purifier that was the size of a small toaster oven and not very heavy. Although we never needed it you might want to consider bringing something like that. As it could be considered medical equipment no extra baggage fees should apply.

 

[KeroKero]

This is very helpful, I didn't realize that VIP Cleaning even existed. Definitely a good thing to know