Pop Century Refurb, Gondolas, No longer "Value" ?

[Irish_Mike]

Hey all, so looking at the disboards on facebook someone posted the following images of, purportedly, the pop century refurbed rooms. All I can say is that this isn't looking like the "Value" resort I used to know. In the context of the Gondola construction and all, I just can't see Pop continuing to exist in the value category anymore.

Thoughts ?

Well, word on the street is that Disney is looking to do away with the value-moderate-deluxe resort categories as we know them. I believe (And Ryan can correct me) that they want to go to more proximity based pricing - the closer you are to things, the more you pay for.

Adding the gondola would give Pop and AoA direct access to two of the four parks - so assuming the rumor is correct, you'd likely be paying more for rooms there.

 

[Planogirl]

I can't see paying a lot more. The rooms are still small and the amenities lacking. It wouldn't be a decent value to me.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I hope they put sound insulation under that laminate. Get ready for lots of noise complaints if they didn't!

 

[Flyerjab]

My understanding from reading information about this on other websites (i.e., wdwmagic) is that pricing structure will change from strictly defined resort categories (value, moderate, deluxe) to a location based pricing system. With the new gondola system coming, places like Art of Animation, Pop Century and CBR will be 'connected to Epcot and DHS. This would most likely make them more 'desirable' from a location perspective, with direct transportation to 2 of the 4 parks. Also, with CBR getting a DVC building and improved dining shopping, this will most likely also push the price points up for this specific resort. The only ones that I see staying in line with the value pricing anymore will obviously be the All Star resorts.

 

[Moliphino]

I hope they put sound insulation under that laminate. Get ready for lots of noise complaints if they didn't!

They have laminate floors in the rooms at Hotel Cheyenne at DLP and I didn't notice any noise, though I have no idea if there were people in the room above us or not. They did look really nice. I'm a little squicked out by carpet, though, since it's much harder to clean.

 

[ArwenMarie]

They have laminate floors in the rooms at Hotel Cheyenne at DLP and I didn't notice any noise, though I have no idea if there were people in the room above us or not. They did look really nice. I'm a little squicked out by carpet, though, since it's much harder to clean.

That's good. I do like them for the cleanliness factor

 

[dlavender]

Anybody not expecting a 50-100% Increase in price at pop is in for the "uh oh" moment at wdw

I can't see paying a lot more. The rooms are still small and the amenities lacking. It wouldn't be a decent value to me.

I feel like it will be a "line in the sand" moment, or at least it should be.

Will people disregard the amenities/room type that should be demanded at the elevated price point?

Does an aesthetic remodel, addition of a coffee maker, gondola instead of bus override room size and amenities?

I think we know the answer, but perhaps more people will stay on the right side of the line?

 

[Catvondita]

I really hope they don't raise the price that much. AOA and POP are the nicer of the values and I really don't want to stay at the All Stars. Le sigh :/

 

[Hodge017]

The refurbished rooms have one queen and one full murphy bed, or so we've been told. None in circulation yet, but photos seem to confirm it.

I've heard Disney is moving to location based pricing instead of value/mod/deluxe categories. But that's just another rumor, so who knows.

I can confirm I was told the same thing, queen and Murphy.

 

[Dfan79]

I was hoping for Greaser Mickey, Hippy Goofy, Disco Donald and Punk Rocker Minnie in the rooms. Oh Well, it looks better than it used to.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

My understanding from reading information about this on other websites (i.e., wdwmagic) is that pricing structure will change from strictly defined resort categories (value, moderate, deluxe) to a location based pricing system. With the new gondola system coming, places like Art of Animation, Pop Century and CBR will be 'connected to Epcot and DHS. This would most likely make them more 'desirable' from a location perspective, with direct transportation to 2 of the 4 parks. Also, with CBR getting a DVC building and improved dining shopping, this will most likely also push the price points up for this specific resort. The only ones that I see staying in line with the value pricing anymore will obviously be the All Star resorts.

First...I agree with you...

Second...this is that "Blucher is in the woods" kinda moment for me...

Operating a theme park compound completely detached from common sense means and norms...

This isn't the first time this has happened...it's just the most blatant.

 

[HopperFan]

The refurbished rooms have one queen and one full murphy bed, or so we've been told.

None in circulation yet, but photos seem to confirm it.

I've heard Disney is moving to location based pricing instead of value/mod/deluxe categories. But that's just another rumor, so who knows.

Heard this week they are starting to fill the rooms, which hotel had said June.

I can confirm I was told the same thing, queen and Murphy.

Yes, this was confirmed months ago by on property staff and project managers ....... and even in the test room they built last year. There is supposed to also be HA King rooms with no murphy and a regular table/chair.

I can't see paying a lot more. The rooms are still small and the amenities lacking. It wouldn't be a decent value to me.

I feel like it will be a "line in the sand" moment, or at least it should be.

Will people disregard the amenities/room type that should be demanded at the elevated price point?

Does an aesthetic remodel, addition of a coffee maker, gondola instead of bus override room size and amenities?

I think we know the answer, but perhaps more people will stay on the right side of the line?

Many of us regulars can't see paying much more, but reality is that Disney hotels are way overpriced if you are comparing room to rooms. Disney hotels have prettier grounds, pools and amenities so the cost of all of this is built into the room. People continue to fill those 30,000 overpriced rooms so they will fill the POP rooms, especially couples wanting a Queen at lowest price possible.

I really hope they don't raise the price that much. AOA and POP are the nicer of the values and I really don't want to stay at the All Stars. Le sigh :/

That said IF a gondola is built and services these hotels, it will be built into the hotel rate.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

If the gondolas are built...there will be a heavy upcharge to exploit it in the cost...it's about revenue generation, not covering costs.

 

[Sundowner2]

I really hope they keep it in the value price. It's our favorite, and we can't afford to go but every other year, and we save like mad to do it. Not really wanting to stay at the All Stars.

 

[Q-man]

Attendence was down at 13 out 14 parks after the ticket price increases but profit was up 9%. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/01/business/media/disney-theme-parks-universal-attendance.html

It is looking more like Disney may be marginalizing the value segment customer as part of the strategy for addressing capacity issues/crowding that is turning off the disposable income/spending class.

 

[Buckeye218]

It is looking more like Disney may be marginalizing the value segment customer as part of the strategy for addressing capacity issues/crowding that is turning off the disposable income/spending class.

Honestly, that's the smart way to go in my opinion....sucks that it may price me out, but what good is it to have an affordable WDW trip if the parks are so crowded that it's no longer enjoyable?

 

[Juliet0778]

We

Honestly, that's the smart way to go in my opinion....sucks that it may price me out, but what good is it to have an affordable WDW trip if the parks are so crowded that it's no longer enjoyable?

Well, and as someone who works in a small business setting dependent on disposable income, I want to say the stats are that 20% of clients provide 70-80% of the income, so keeping them happy is ideal.

Those upper end people will spend more at restaurants and on souvenirs.

It really sucks if you're in the lower price range, but from a business standpoint, it makes perfect sense.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Attendence was down at 13 out 14 parks after the ticket price increases but profit was up 9%. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/01/business/media/disney-theme-parks-universal-attendance.html

It is looking more like Disney may be marginalizing the value segment customer as part of the strategy for addressing capacity issues/crowding that is turning off the disposable income/spending class.

They've just pushing the boundaries of pricing so that you have to spend a fortune to go there...

This isn't some strategy at crowd control...

You have a CEO with a foot out the door trying to put as much air under his golden parachute as possible...

...call it what it is

 

[Accident]

Hey all, so looking at the disboards on facebook someone posted the following images of, purportedly, the pop century refurbed rooms. All I can say is that this isn't looking like the "Value" resort I used to know. In the context of the Gondola construction and all, I just can't see Pop continuing to exist in the value category anymore.

The refurb looks value to me. many lower cost boutique hotels around the country have that same look and feel now, especially ones in major cities like nyc. I welcome it, removing the carpets will have a huge change on my allergy situation when staying away from home. They are just cleaner. Also the floor will hold up much better and last longer so while it might look like they are upgrading the rooms (which makes sense, as universal is building competitive level hotels now so they want to up the ante now to stay ahead of the game) they are actually make the TCO of the property cheaper over it's life..

Personally I think the gondola actually is going to have another stop at ESPN (based on the construction, I would say the first support is there and it just got hidden in the other ESPN permits to realize it was in the master plan. the values fill to capacity when groups at espn are on property.. They are going to keep that group happy and coming with easier access to espn instead of having to get themselves there that they go through now.

 

[Dfan79]

They seemed like they wanted to go with a classy look for the room. But to tell you the truth I'm gaga for over the top theming. I want every nook and cranny to be themed from the floors to the faucets. I want there to be no doubt when I'm looking around that I'm in Disney World.