Pop Century Questions

[teacherlady19]

We'll be driving into WDW about 4 weeks from today, staying at the Pop Century. This is part of a long summer road trip that's been talked about for several years. We'll be driving a pick-up truck.

So when we get there, will our truck be parked somewhat close by? Or will we have to unload it and have some sort of valet parking? How about retrieving it on our departure day, as we will want to get a relatively early start in order to spend a good deal of time at Kennedy Space Center?

I read somewhere that PopC just got refrigerators in every room. Microwaves too or just fridges?

Also, hubby just got our first SmartPhone. (I still have a DumbPhone.) We opted for Verizon's Mobile Hot Spot, realizing that some hotels (including WDW's) charge extra for wi-fi. So how is the reception for Verizon there, either for phone use OR for data usage?

This is a great set of forums ... always someone "in the know" here!


Donna

 

[Tuvalu]

Pop Century has self-parking. When you arrive to check-in, follow the signs to check-in parking. When you receive your building (and room) number, you will move your vehicle to the parking area closest to your building. You will be given a parking permit so you can come and go as you please (this permit also entitles you to free parking at the 4 theme parks.)

Rooms at Pop have a small fridge, but no microwave.

Your Verizon coverage will work perfectly.

 

[Crush Dude!]

We'll be driving into WDW about 4 weeks from today, staying at the Pop Century. This is part of a long summer road trip that's been talked about for several years. We'll be driving a pick-up truck.

So when we get there, will our truck be parked somewhat close by? Or will we have to unload it and have some sort of valet parking? How about retrieving it on our departure day, as we will want to get a relatively early start in order to spend a good deal of time at Kennedy Space Center?

I read somewhere that PopC just got refrigerators in every room. Microwaves too or just fridges?

Also, hubby just got our first SmartPhone. (I still have a DumbPhone.) We opted for Verizon's Mobile Hot Spot, realizing that some hotels (including WDW's) charge extra for wi-fi. So how is the reception for Verizon there, either for phone use OR for data usage?

This is a great set of forums ... always someone "in the know" here!


Donna

There is now free Wi-Fi at all WDW resorts

 

[teacherlady19]

Thank you, this is valuable information! I was a bit concerned about the parking situation because of luggage, etc.

I hate to even THINK about doing the laundry while we are there -- but -- is there a coin-op laundromat?

Donna

 

[potatoheadfan]

yes they have coin laundry near main pool.. also u can drop off luggage in circle to right side of pop (when you are facing building), they will take to your room when it ready so u can quicky get to park after checking in... fridge in room is very small so maybe one night u can get a larger cooler and load with ice.. also to save money freeze some drink pack in backpack to bring to park they do allow this.. i like bringing capri suns and plastic bottle resealable drink.. tea etc.. also to save alot on money when u need supplies u can get at downtown disney area HESS GAS station.. it the 2nd stop on downtown disney buses stop, i also like buying those breakfast bowls to microwave, THEY DO HAVE A MICRO IN THE FOOD COURT LOBBY only.

 

[luv]

Pop Century is a value resort, which is pretty much a big, themed motel. You check in in the main building, which also houses the gift shop and food court. You pass through the gift shop on the way to the food court.

Maybe it was my bad luck, but I always had a long wait when waiting to check in at Pop. After checking in, you'll drive to your building and park in a lot. It's hard to read the signs on the buildings that say which rooms are where, so you might want to jump out of the truck to read them. There are elevators if you're not on the ground floor.

The rooms are very small. They now have fridges, but no microwave. I don't think they have coffee, either, but am not sure about that.

The food court is actually not bad, selection-wise. Over on the right, they have dinners that are pretty good. The tuna fish is not good. The salads are good, but it's a wait for the one they make. It's your typical Disney Hotel selection of drinks and desserts. It's too industrial and busy for me. Not cute. Not relaxing. But as Disney food courts go, I give it a B. If you have TiW, you can use it in the food court.

The gift shop is not that great. Most of it is aimed at kids. But there is a half-way decent selection and it's arranged fairly well. Not enough space as it needs for the amount of people frequently in there.

I have Verizon and frequently found myself going outside a lot to talk on the phone. I specifically remember dropping a call out on the walkway, so you arent even safe there. Disney has wi-Fi now (price is included with the room, not extra), but it doesn't always work. If you have your own hook-up, you'd probably be better off with that.

IMO, everything is too garish. Giant, brightly-colored garish things everywhere. When I come back to my hotel after a busy day in the park, I'd like something more relaxing.

But it is cheap, it's as clean as any Disney hotel and you get the EMHs.

All Disney resorts have coin laundry. You can also send it out to be cleaned, but this is a major pain at the Pop, because they don't pick it up or deliver it. You have to take it down, around the corner from the main building. There is a wait. You also have to pick it up.

 

[wilkeliza]

Pop Century does not have valet. You will be given a parking pass and can park in any of the parking lots for free. There is the main parking lot for those staying at the 60s or 70s buildings, then there is one for the 50s building and one for the 80s/90s buildings. You would park in whichever one is closest to your room.

Also the parking pass will give you free parking through out your entire trip at any place on property.

Verzion's service is ok but Disney is now also providing free wifi although it can be spotty at times.

To my knowledge there are no microwaves in the room (haven't been the last 2 times we stayed a POP!) but there is one in the food court in the POP! lobby. They frown against you heating non-disney food there but no one is going to stop you from doing it.

 

[coltow]

yes they have coin laundry near main pool.. also u can drop off luggage in circle to right side of pop (when you are facing building), they will take to your room when it ready so u can quicky get to park after checking in... fridge in room is very small so maybe one night u can get a larger cooler and load with ice.. also to save money freeze some drink pack in backpack to bring to park they do allow this.. i like bringing capri suns and plastic bottle resealable drink.. tea etc.. also to save alot on money when u need supplies u can get at downtown disney area HESS GAS station.. it the 2nd stop on downtown disney buses stop, i also like buying those breakfast bowls to microwave, THEY DO HAVE A MICRO IN THE FOOD COURT LOBBY only.

Any one know roughly how much the laundry machines cost? Our week trip has now turned into 9 nights/10 days. Now I figure I might need to so a load or 2 mid-week. I know I can just throw them in while we are at the pool but figure I'll need some quarters

 

[teacherlady19]

Honestly, I'm not sure if we got a "preferred room" or not. How would I find out? I wouldn't mind being in the 60s section anyway. One of my all-time favorite TV shows is a pop-culture classic from the 60s, and I'd like to see if they included anything from it.

Laundry costs -- I'd like to know those, too, though we are going to try to hold out until further on into our trip to worry about laundry.


Donna

 

[Dwarful]

Unless its changed laundry was $2.00 to wash and $2.00 to dry. I always bring along extra hangers and let some things air dry. Esp. if you have to do very much washing...some of the dryers don't get very warm and can take more than one round to dry..others run very hot...so just check things.

 

[teacherlady19]

Ah, looking at the fine print in the email reservation confirmation, I see the words "Preferred room." We came in on the military plan, as we could not get reservations at Shades of Green.

I also see that we can check-in on line up to 10 days in advance, and can request room preference then. I'm assuming that means I can say "60s building" and "not overlooking pool" or something like that???

Hubby and I conferred, and decided that we should do laundry just before we get to FL and then after we leave WDW. That way we can enjoy the time while we are there and not worry about laundry. Besides, it's Disney, so it may be more expensive than on the "outside".


Donna

 

[luv]

Ah, looking at the fine print in the email reservation confirmation, I see the words "Preferred room." We came in on the military plan, as we could not get reservations at Shades of Green.

I also see that we can check-in on line up to 10 days in advance, and can request room preference then. I'm assuming that means I can say "60s building" and "not overlooking pool" or something like that???

Hubby and I conferred, and decided that we should do laundry just before we get to FL and then after we leave WDW. That way we can enjoy the time while we are there and not worry about laundry. Besides, it's Disney, so it may be more expensive than on the "outside".


Donna

You can request it then. You could also call them up and request it. But remember that requests can't always be fulfilled.

I wouldn't want to do laundry, either.

 

[RickP330]

We came in on the military plan, as we could not get reservations at Shades of Green.

Thank you for your service! Enjoy the trip!
RP

 

[cowanfamily]

I wouldn't want to do laundry either. However my wife has done it there. The prices are the same as off property.

 

[Debbie]

Just got back yesterday from my stay at Pop Century--
after checking in--ask to use a luggage cart. You have to sign for it--go meet your vehicle where you are going to park--unload and return it! It's much nicer than making 10 trips 10 longggg trips
Wi-fi was spotty in our room as was Direct TV. We kept getting knocked off line and the TV wouldn't go past 42 most of the time (which made it hard to try the Weather Channel and keep an eye on Beryl)
The fridge came in handy and we also had an ice chest for our drive. I purchased a few pounds of deli meat for our drive and for my boys to fill up on while we were there. Saved me a bunch of money.
I saw the check in lines everyday coming and going---I avoided this by checking in at 2:30am---and probably would do so again
The one great for me was getting a first floor room! I didn't request it but could have kissed the front desk clerk when he told me where we were.
I was pleased with the bus service for Pop--at the hotel itself and at the parks

 

[motueka68]

If one drives to POP or any other resort.. how would you get around the disney property..:veryconfu
Is it faster to get in your own vehicle and drive wherever you want to go or better to take Disney Transportation?:shrug:

 

[SAV]

Drive. You don't have to wait for your car to get there if you drive yourself.