Mome Rath
3 Decade Disney Traveler
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2014
We were able to book our trip for the 2nd week of July at POP, preferred room. We've only stayed at Mods and Deluxe, but we're on a bit of a tighter budget this year, so we decided to try POP. Then the free dining promo came out and we went ahead and booked. We've never stayed at POP, but I've read on this board for years how great everyone thinks it is. What I am most nervous about are the groups of "15's" I have read numerous stories, most of them refer to the groups as polite and a minor inconvenience. But then there are quite a few stories about the constant chants and loud noises at all times of the night and early morning. Not to mention the crowds at the food court and bus stations. Can some of you who have stayed when these groups are present set my mind at east a bit? I know it's a bit of a crap shoot, but I really don't want my family of 4 to be miserable the whole 8 days we're at POP. Should I change? Thank you for any info you can provide.
I was there last year, and the last full day the 15's were there too. The chants, noise, and such seemed to be better than in years past. However, there is no way around the crowds of them as they do travel in packs. If they are in the food court there isn't much room to maneuver. And, yes, they can add a lot of time to waiting for a bus, especially if you catch them when it is peak travel time and they are trying to get back to the hotel. I love Pop, but that is one of the things I will look at and avoid the values when the 15's will be around. I'm not sure on dates this year, we were there the 5th of July for 3 days and they showed during that time frame. When they will be there I will try for Port Orleans FQ. So, in short, if your family is going to utilize the food court during peak times, and if your family are dedicated bus riders and will be traveling at peak times you may want to reconsider. However, if this is the only comfortable choice budget-wise, don't give up your vacay because of the groups. (PS, I don't really notice them in the parks that much, though obviously they are there and I see them, I don't feel an impact there.)