Disney's POP CENTURY RESORT Information & Questions

[Mome Rath]

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.)

 

[KarenP64]

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.)

Do they ever come in November?

 

[scrappinginontario]

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.

We have not stayed in July but we were there in Jan/Feb last year while some of the 15's were there. We were in the same building as them. They were ZERO problems!! If they hadn't dressed alike we would never have known they were there!! I would not hesitate to go when the 15's are there again!

 

[SCSA9898]

Are the pools heated? Worried cause I hear next week it's gonna be chilly but I don't want to not have the chance to at least enjoy the pools.
Would I be smart in asking for the 70's if I want less noise but still close proximity to Hippy Dippy Pool? Does anyone know the building number for the 70's that faces the lake? Or is it better to just ask for the side of the 60s that doesn't face the pool for less noise? Are they still giving $10/night to opt out of housekeeping? Has anyone posted or can link me photos of the Resort specific merchandise? Sorry if it's a lot of questions, first timer. Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[dansdad]

Are the pools heated?

Yup. All WDW pools are heated to 82.

 

[SCSA9898]

Yup. All WDW pools are heated to 82.

Ok. Awesome. Thank you very much.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Are the pools heated? Worried cause I hear next week it's gonna be chilly but I don't want to not have the chance to at least enjoy the pools.
Would I be smart in asking for the 70's if I want less noise but still close proximity to Hippy Dippy Pool? Does anyone know the building number for the 70's that faces the lake? Or is it better to just ask for the side of the 60s that doesn't face the pool for less noise? Are they still giving $10/night to opt out of housekeeping? Has anyone posted or can link me photos of the Resort specific merchandise? Sorry if it's a lot of questions, first timer. Any help greatly appreciated.

All of the standard rooms in the 60's and 70's are away from the pool areas but close to Hippy Dippy Pool. If you have a standard room booked I would recommend requesting either of those locations.

Yes, you can still request the gift card in lieu of housekeeping. Ask at check-in.

Sorry, I don't know if there are any current pictures of resort specific merchandise. I go often but that's not something I've ever taken a picture of.

 

[SCSA9898]

All of the standard rooms in the 60's and 70's are away from the pool areas but close to Hippy Dippy Pool. If you have a standard room booked I would recommend requesting either of those locations.

Yes, you can still request the gift card in lieu of housekeeping. Ask at check-in.

Sorry, I don't know if there are any current pictures of resort specific merchandise. I go often but that's not something I've ever taken a picture of.

Oh wow, okay. Awesome. Thank you so much for your help.

 

[scrappinginontario]

This map shows room locations by category type. The standard rooms are the rooms without and indicators.

 

[Christina Brown]

All of the standard rooms in the 60's and 70's are away from the pool areas but close to Hippy Dippy Pool. If you have a standard room booked I would recommend requesting either

Yes, you can still request the gift card in lieu of housekeeping. Ask at check-in.

Sorry, I don't know if there are any current pictures of resort specific merchandise. I go often but that's not something I've ever taken a picture of.

All of the standard rooms in the 60's and 70's are away from the pool areas but close to Hippy Dippy Pool. If you have a standard room booked I would recommend requesting either of those locations.

Yes, you can still request the gift card in lieu of housekeeping. Ask at check-in.

Sorry, I don't know if there are any current pictures of resort specific merchandise. I go often but that's not something I've ever taken a picture of.

What is this gift card in lieu of housekeeping? I’ve never heard of this? We don’t need someone to clean our room every day, we would actually prefer someone not too. How does this work? My only concern is how do we get clean towels? We always need more towels than they even give.

 

[scrappinginontario]

What is this gift card in lieu of housekeeping? I’ve never heard of this? We don’t need someone to clean our room every day, we would actually prefer someone not too. How does this work? My only concern is how do we get clean towels? We always need more towels than they even give.

There is now the option to forego mousekeeping in lieu of a $10/night gift card minus 1 night of your stay. So, if you are staying for 7 nights you can request at check-in not to have mousekeeping and they will issue a $60 electronic gift card.

If you require additional towels, coffee supplies, etc during your stay, call the 'Guest Services' number from the phone in your room and additional supplies will be dropped off in your room.

Just a heads up that all Disney Resorts now have daily room checks for security purposes regardless if a guest has requested to skip mousekeeping. Someone will knock, look in and possibly enter your room once per day.

 

[WEDWDW]

Do they ever come in November?

Always "possible" to see an "isolated" group or two,but The 15s are still in school in November.

The biggest months are January/February during their Summer Break and July during their Winter Break.

 

[WEDWDW]

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.

Yes,unfortunately,it is a "crap shoot" with The 15s as with all Groups.

Many Guests go and have great experiences with Groups and others don't as evidenced by this recent Thread about Pop Warner.
https://disboards.com/threads/all-s...arner-my-18-experience.3728076/#post-60115346

 

[Mome Rath]

Do they ever come in November?

I'm not sure on that, sorry. The only time I've personally ran into them at Pop was early-ish July.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I have heard that the guest behaviour during Pop Wanner can be much different from the 15's. The tour companies seem to have gotten the message from Disney and the girls seem to be better behaved.

I've heard the Pop Warner crowd is a different story and a lot of extra security is brought into the value resorts on those dates.

 

[momma2ethan]

this is a silly question, but does the pop food court have mickey premium bars?

I found the thread I was looking for yesterday. YES, they do have Mickey bars in the food court as seen in post #6. If there are none in the chest freezer, just ask a cm and they will restock them https://disboards.com/threads/every...s-drinks-and-shopping-photos-12-2018.3724792/

 

[kylovebug]

Ok, newbie here. We are booked 7/26 - 8/2. What are the '15's'?

 

[scrappinginontario]

Ok, newbie here. We are booked 7/26 - 8/2. What are the '15's'?

The 15's are tour groups of girls who travel (from Spanish/Latin countries??? - sorry, not sure about that) to Disney to celebrate their 15th birthday. Parents often give the their daughters the option to either have a big party at home or go to Disney for their Quinceanera.

When at Disney, these tour groups dress in matching 5-shirts and backpacks and tend to travel in large groups which makes them quite visible.

 

[Ds4angels]

I would think if you have issues with noise, whether it's tour groups, Pop Warner, ect, the best bet would be to walk down to the lobby and speak with someone at guest services. It's a hassle, but I'm sure that would be the end of the noise.
I have a customer who had to do this and also said if the noise didn't stop he would be calling the non emergency number for the police dept (this was after 2 nights of their neighbors carrying on after midnight) Security came and that was the end of the noisy neighbors. Whether they were asked to leave or just told to quiet down, there was no more late night parties for the rest of the trip.

 

[Mome Rath]

The biggest things that stood out to me were things they couldn't help, nor is it Pop Century's fault. Meaning they have every right to be there, but there is just so many of them that the numbers are the problem, not the attitudes or anything like that (again, in my experience). So, you have Pop's food court, there's only so much space and when they go for breakfast (for example) there is just no room to maneuver for the rest of the guests. When they have to have a bus, they just take up the whole thing, or several buses... again that's not against them, or even Disney, it's just logistics of large groups.