| # | Author | Message |
1
| jodiefra
Mon 5/12/2008 5:21p | We are planning a WDW trip January 2 - 11 of next year. We've always stayed at POFQ but our budget's a little tighter this year and we can stay at Pop Century plus get the dining plan for the price of POFQ alone. I'd love some feedback on my choices. My family consists of DH and 2 boys ages 9 & 13. We don't spend much time in the room but do like to use the pool and probably laundry facilities.
Are there huge lines for buses? Are there other events happening that time of year (like Pop Warner) that would impact value resorts more? How is the food court? We stayed at All Star Sports a LONG time ago (before kids)so we know what the value resorts are like in general, but I'd love any specifics on Pop Century. Thanks!!
Also, does anyone know how far in advance I can book on line? Right now it says only through December 31st.
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2
| sun-n-fun
Tue 5/13/2008 5:17a | We stayed at PC for 3 nights in Feb. It was fine, nothing great. If budget allows I'd always go for a mod, but I understand you can get more WDW time if you stay at a value. My family also consists of DH, and 2 boys 9 (on Sat) and 12. The boys LOVED the themeing and the pools. We checked out all of them. Their favorite was the bowling pin shaped pool. You'll notice the rooms are smaller than the mod resorts, but they are managable.
The food court was a little chaotic and loud no matter what time we were there. We had driven down so we didn't use the busses.
Overall, it's too crowded for us at the time of year we can go to enjoy a day or 2 relaxing at the resort. (we love CBR for that - as a teacher I can go in the summer, Feb break, or April break). The 3 days at PC we were in the parks open til close and slowed down the pace once we switched to CBR. But if it's PC or stay home, definately enjoy your time in the parks.
Hope I don't sound too negative, I know you'll have a great time no matter what!!! Let us know how it ends up |
3
| Tiggirl
Tue 5/13/2008 9:16a | My group enjoyed the Pop a lot. However we've yet to stay in a mod so we couldn't really compare. The rooms were clean, the theming was fun if not a little "in your face". We never had a problem with busses as the Pop doesn't share bus service with any other resort. Like I said, I can't compare with a mod but we're planning on staying at the Pop next time we go. (September hopefully!)
~Beth |
4
| danyoung
Tue 5/13/2008 10:51a | jodie, I'm in the same boat as you are. I'm a confirmed moderate person, and have stayed in all of the moderates at one time or another (my favorite by far is the Coronado Springs!). But when money's tight, I'll do a value. A few years ago I did the All Star Sports (back before the Pop was built) and really hated the Motel 6 feel to it. But a couple years ago I stayed at the Pop for the first time, and wow - what a difference! They've done a much better job of landscaping the Pop, to the point where it almost feels like a moderate. The pools are huge, and very popular. The rooms, while a bit smaller, are still nicely appointed (again, much nicer than the All Stars). I didn't have any trouble getting breakfast at the food court, but then I'm usually up pretty early. Some people have reported noise problems, but I've never had a problem. My only objection is that their parking lot is way too small. But if you're taking the Disney busses, this won't be a problem. While the All Star resorts share busses, the Pop has its own, so bus service is usually pretty swift.
Back in the old days, if I couldn't afford a moderate I'd just stay off property. Now I have no qualms about booking the Pop. Go for it!
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5
| Spirit of 74
Tue 5/13/2008 9:29p | While POP can be quite charming in its own right -- I love the music soundtrack playing and the food court is quite good, I must say the rooms at both Music and Sports have just gone through complete upgrades and are newer (obviously) and nicer (more upscale) than the same rooms at POP.
I would now stay at those resorts over POP because with a 5-year-old WDW room you truly have no idea what you're going to get.
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6
| bloona
Tue 5/13/2008 11:31p | We are staying here later this year, Im really looking forward to seeing the boys reactions to the themeing.
I like reading the postive things about it........keep em coming....lol
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7
| bigthunderranch
Wed 5/14/2008 1:54p | Just came back from Pop and I really do not have any complaints. Bus service is fine with one stop. If you request the 70's, 60's, or 50's, you'll be centrally located to all services. The cafe has many choices. I stayed at Music in 2000, but hated it. I love POR & the WL, but Pop is a great alternative and I've returned three times. Enjoy! |
8
| Rebekah
Wed 5/14/2008 9:05p | Hey jodie. You asked about other events that time of year like Pop Warner. I looked at Disneyworldsports.com and see on that your final weekend Jan 11 is the Marathon weekend. I doubt that would negatively impact your stay but perhaps others who stayed at PC during the Marathon weekend will chime in.
Here's a thread from a few years ago highlighting various room locations pros and cons as well as links to other resources on the Pop Century.
http://mb.laughingplace.com/Ms...-P-1.asp
R. |
9
| jodiefra
Thu 5/15/2008 9:41a | Thanks everybody -- I've heard marathon weekend is crowded, so that's good to know. We would probably be leaving on the 11th, but I should get on those reservations asap : ). Sounds like this would be a good option for us (unless I win the lotto or something!). |
10
| LacyBelle
Thu 5/15/2008 4:31p | <<Also, does anyone know how far in advance I can book on line? Right now it says only through December 31st.>>
We're planning on staying at POFQ January 10 - 17, before leaving on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean aboard the Disney Magic. Woohoo!
I've been trying for months to make the resort ressies, but am having the same issue as you. We called our travel agent a couple of weeks ago (the one who booked our cruise). I figured TAs might be able to make reservations if we can't make them ourselves online yet. No go. The agent was told by Disney that the 2009 dates would open up in June sometime. The TA has our notes in their files and will call us as soon as the dates are open!
Hopefully we'll both have our reservations in a few short weeks.
ºo º |
