Rebranding Pop Century?

[jhastings74]

Any idea what the reference to Animation Inn and Suites on http://www.tricityplanroom.com/ is all about?

What an interesting find!!!!!

I thought it was interesting that the plans were dated Oct. 30th...

And from what I could tell, the model room was all suites except for the 'bottom right' room, which appeared to be a single room.

 

[Ausdaddy]

I concur with everyone's thoughts. I'm very skeptical of the line about lower demand for Pop. I love Pop. Since I like to stay in the 50's buildings, I doubt that there would be much of a change to that area other than the pool.

 

[DizFanatic]

Family suites are a great idea. With my four kids, we are a party of 6. Fortunately we are DVC members because we would now need 2 standard hotel rooms. And I am definitely not one who enjoys staying off property. There are plenty of non-diz resorts, but I prefer the total emersion. 2 of our closest friends have 3 and 4 kids also. As non DVC members, they usually stay at some off-site suite hotel.

So yes, I think affordable family suites are a wonderful idea to add to the wide variety of accommodations at WDW. And as Dr. Ruth used to say: "Variety is the spice of life!":animwink:
Wow, next week at this time I'll be packin' my bags!:sohappy:

 

[DisneyMusician2]

The is no lower demand for Pop, it is often booked solid.

However, it would not surprise me if this is not a rebrand of the existing hotel space, but simply the uncompleted Legendary Years section of the property.

Personally, I don't see the need, as I like POP very much and con't understand why a rebranding would be necessary. Not to mention the continued pouring of finances into the lodging rather than the park refurbs, which is where it is truly needed.

 

[DisneyMusician2]

Also, why another moderate? With attendance certainly looking toward the decline, why not create more lower-priced rooms?

The moderate part makes even less sense than the general retheming would.

 

[Thurp]

If this is true, that's an awful name.

 

[RiversideBunny]

They could rename Pop Century to be 'Pop Culture' if the other half of the century is not to be completed.
Using 'Pop Culture' would allow WDW to still use the initials 'PC' wherever they appear on maps, brochures, signs, etc.

 

[Lucky]

Also, why another moderate? With attendance certainly looking toward the decline, why not create more lower-priced rooms?

The moderate part makes even less sense than the general retheming would.

My guess is it would be priced lower than the full-fledged mods, even if it were eventually classified as a moderate.

Some of the deluxe are priced lower than others, because they don't offer all the deluxe amenities. What separates AKL and WL from the mods is the extensive theming. That made them popular enough that Disney could charge more for them. But they could have been classified as mod or deluxe. They occupy a middle ground between the true deluxe and the mods.

Similarly the Animation Inns & Suites could occupy a middle ground between Value and the true Mods, and priced about midway between them. That's if they really do a great job on the theming.

 

[DisneyMusician2]

My guess is it would be priced lower than the full-fledged mods, even if it were eventually classified as a moderate.

Some of the deluxe are priced lower than others, because they don't offer all the deluxe amenities. What separates AKL and WL from the mods is the extensive theming. That made them popular enough that Disney could charge more for them. But they could have been classified as mod or deluxe. They occupy a middle ground between the true deluxe and the mods.

Similarly the Animation Inns & Suites could occupy a middle ground between Value and the true Mods, and priced about midway between them. That's if they really do a great job on the theming.

True enough. I just can't see where the advantage to all this lies. Why charge more for this property. Is there an advantage to offering this option when most are clamoring for the lower priced value room as it is?

And even more important, why focus on this right now? WDW certainly doesn't need MORE occupancy space at the current time.

 

[baz212]

Personally I don't care what they do with the themeing as long as Pop stays a value resort in the same price structure as the all-stars. I'm fine with more suites or even the entire legendary side as suites. But I reall don't think WDW needs more moderate resorts. The difference in amenities between the value and moderates don't justify the vast difference in price IMO. Pop has a wonderful layout and better bus service that the all-stars. And with the economy the way it is I forsee moderate bookings going way down with the exception of the FW cabins. families that can fir in a four-person room will save money or stretch their money to extend the trip to 6 or 7 nights at a value instead of 3 or 4 nights at a moderate. Bigger families will gravitate to the All-Star suites, FW cabins, or the 5-person deluxe resorts, since the moderates don't offer that. (With the exception of a small portion of PO if you a younger child). I also agree with the previous posters. I am very skeptical about Pop bookings being lower than the all-stars. Now that I have stayed at POP I nevetr want to stay at an all-star again unless I need the family suites.

 

[Lucky]

True enough. I just can't see where the advantage to all this lies. Why charge more for this property. Is there an advantage to offering this option when most are clamoring for the lower priced value room as it is?

And even more important, why focus on this right now? WDW certainly doesn't need MORE occupancy space at the current time.

They're thinking at least several years ahead. This would take some time to implement.

 

[ChrisFL]

Wait, some people LIKE Pop Century?

:shudder::hurl:

 

[TubaGeek]

Wait, isn't it doing fine as is? If this goes through it'll prove that Disney's theory is "If it ain't broke, fix it; if it is broke, don't fix it."

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Solid MEH.

I don't mind either way.:shrug:

 

[Captain Hank]

By the way, I've not idea what Jim Hill was trying to say in reference to the picture of the DAK Lodge and AS Music model rooms. All that picture proves is that the two model rooms coexisted on a plot of land at some point in time.

 

[LudwigVonDrake]

If they do go ahead with this, the smart thing to do would be to leave Pop Century the way it is and redo the unbuilt section as the Animation Suites. But smart and Disney aren't going hand in hand lately.

 

[trr1]

I never read much of Jim Hill...but this sounds pretty accurate. It really does make sense for Disney to retheme Pop Century. I have looked at staying there a few times in the past, but the theme just doesn't grab me...nor any one else I've talked to. All Star Music and Movies are the best themed values, in my opinion. I think that Disney really should do this to Pop... which, I know many would be sad to see Pop go. However, the theme is dead (as the article mentioned).

same here I have looked at staying there however its just too sunny with a veiw of a few empty scary buildings. maybe just make the empty half the Disney's Animation Inn and Suites

but after reading the fab rocks of the dont they already have a value resort with animation?aka AS movies resort

 

[WTBAD]

I don't see changing PC from a value to a mod as a possibility. WDW already has more than 7500 mod rooms(includes FW 409 cabins) and about 8600 value rooms. If they moved PC's 2880 from value to mod this would really shift the cost of a WDW vacation and force more families off-site. Also I don't see WDW's "Family Suite" as being that family friendly. The cost of a suite is $22 to $41 more per night than two regular rooms. And what do the get for that extra cost, a kitchenette, a second TV and fold out beds. What do you give up, room for two add people to sleep (suite -6 ; two rooms - 8), and 160 sq ft of floor space. Some may see this as a fair trade off, especially if none of their children are teenagers or they really need to keep an eye on them at all times. As far as re-theming, I think WDW's money would be better spent on changing AS Music or Sports to Animation Inn & Suites. They already have the suites at Music. They could combine the two resorts, add some suites and leave PC alone. I like it the way it is.
That's my 2 cents.

 

[EpcotServo]

I love the theme at Pop Century.

Much better than pretty much all of "All Star".

 

[walt-sent-me]

Having experience from the last several years of booking rooms for high school groups, Pop does not accept reservations for group bookings - at least not through Disney Youth Groups. The All-Stars are the only value resorts where you can book blocks of rooms together. This might add to the reason why Pop might not always be solidly booked...if this is true as the article suggests.