A Few Value Resort Questions!

[Figaro928]

So we are plannig a possible return in March. We will definitely be utilizing a value resort, just not sure which one. Our last trip, we stayed at AoA - which we LOVED- but we were5 adults and 2 kids that stay and will only be 2&2 this stay. No need for a suite this time around... OK so here are my big questions

1. Since they are sort of sister resorts, can POP guests swim at AoA?

2. Rough estimate - how much more a night is POP vs the all stars?

3. Sport's food court is being updated and should open around the time of our visit. Is anything special being done to it? Would it be worth going there solely for a new food court

4. I've heard rumors of cheerleaders/dance team frequenting in March - do they usually stay in an all star? Which one? I'd prefer to avoid them if possible.

I think thats a good start! Geez TIA

 

[Nick Pappagiorgio]

I have made two Spring break trips here the last couple years and have been pretty happy with it.

1. Since they are sort of sister resorts, can POP guests swim at AoA?
Officially no.

2. Rough estimate - how much more a night is POP vs the all stars?
I booked mine on Expedia which is actually where I found the best rate after going through Disney and a Disney travel Agent. I ended up paying $123/night plus taxes and fees. On Expedia Pop was less expensive than movies (135 I think) and nominally more than Sports and Music. Once you book you get a reservation number that you can put on MDE that allows you to do FP+.

3. Sport's food court is being updated and should open around the time of our visit. Is anything special being done to it? Would it be worth going there solely for a new food court
Not sure, I thought Pops food court was okay, but I never ate breakfast there and had maybe 2 meals and a handful of snacks.

4. I've heard rumors of cheerleaders/dance team frequenting in March - do they usually stay in an all star? Which one? I'd prefer to avoid them if possible.
When we went a while back and stayed at Movies. They were everywhere. (not that they are bad kids but they tended to lack supervision). When I was at Pop, I didn't really notice this at all. Every so often maybe you would see a family with cheer kids, but it was nowhere near what we experienced at movies. I think that being more expensive than the Allstars, as well as the newness of AoA, have really pulled people away from Pop. The resort was not crowded and the pools were often empty.

 

[Figaro928]

thanks for your input!

 

[draybook]

Cheer finals are the weekend of March 9-10, so be ready for that.

 

[Figaro928]

Cheer finals are the weekend of March 9-10, so be ready for that.

thanks for the heads up - i think we were planning the week before

 

[FitzherbertFreak]

1. You can swim at the Cozy Cone pool at AoA but The Big Blue (the main pool) is locked to AoA resort guests.

2.Usually, off season, Pop Century tends to be $15-$30 more. I believe that Pop Century is definitely worth a few dollars more.

3. Sports' food court finished it's update earlier this year. I don't think it's worth staying there just for the food court, they just updated the food - but I don't think it's worth choosing that hotel.

4. I've seen the cheerleaders stay at Coronado.

 

[Figaro928]

too bad the Big Blue pool was a huge draw for us last visit.

We are leaning towards Pop.. Does anyone know if Pop has a splash area/kiddie section similar to the Big Blue's ??

 

[FitzherbertFreak]

too bad the Big Blue pool was a huge draw for us last visit.

We are leaning towards Pop.. Does anyone know if Pop has a splash area/kiddie section similar to the Big Blue's ??

In Pop Century's Flower Power (main) pool, there are flower shower/sprinkler heads. Also, I know for sure there is at least one splash/kiddie play area. The water area just isn't as well themed as AoA

 

[DonnaBell]

I had a vacation in early December and the Pop Warner football championship was at the same time. They usually book teen groups into 2 value hotels (mostly the All Stars) and 1 moderate (this one varies).

I would choose the Pop Century. I have stayed at the All Stars and Pop Century. I liked Pop Century better. I stay in the 70's building because it is close to the pool, the food court and the buses.

 

[ninjaprincesst]

Also all through out March you are going to have bands , choirs and drill teams participating in the Disney fine arts program, so there will be huge groups of teenagers at all of the All stars.