Simple... Pop vs French Quarter

[ddbowdoin]

Pretty simple, if it were you...

Pop is cheaper, we're just concerned with the "bus system" horror stories. We always stay deluxe but this is a wicked spontaneous trip and we need to figure this out like ASAP!

Pop - 644
FQ - 1100

decent difference in price!

Dan

 

[PUSH]

It would probably be a huge shocker to you switching from deluxe to value, but it mostly depends on what your budget is for this trip.

Don't have any insight on the bus stories, though, sorry. Good luck!

 

[lilclerk]

I've heard worse bus stories about the Port Orleans resorts than I have about Pop. I've never had bad bus service at Pop. They don't share with anyone else, and now you have the option of taking either Pop's or the AoA bus.

But honestly, having stayed at every resort level, none of the resorts have great bus transportation. I wouldn't even factor it into the decision. The best benefit of the deluxes is the alternative transportation (walking/boats/monorail.)

I know you're a photographer. The value resorts are pretty fun to take pictures of. Lots of color and details. Might be fun and a little different than what you're used to.

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

Pop has it's own bus, so it's not as bad as the All Stars which sometimes share a bus.

 

[ddbowdoin]

It would probably be a huge shocker to you switching from deluxe to value, but it mostly depends on what your budget is for this trip.

Don't have any insight on the bus stories, though, sorry. Good luck!

huge shock, but this is our 3RD VISIT in 12 months... crack pipe full of pixie dust!

just a financial reality, we need to max out the AP we purchased because of our 12 day Disneymoon in July.

I've heard worse bus stories about the Port Orleans resorts than I have about Pop. I've never had bad bus service at Pop. They don't share with anyone else, and now you have the option of taking either Pop's or the AoA bus.

But honestly, having stayed at every resort level, none of the resorts have great bus transportation. I wouldn't even factor it into the decision. The best benefit of the deluxes is the alternative transportation (walking/boats/monorail.)

I know you're a photographer. The value resorts are pretty fun to take pictures of. Lots of color and details. Might be fun and a little different than what you're used to.

it's just such a huge difference in price!

 

[lilclerk]

Pop has it's own bus, so it's not as bad as the All Stars which sometimes share a bus.

So do the two Port Orleans resorts. I think that's the biggest complaint.

 

[lilclerk]

it's just such a huge difference in price!

Totally and, IMO, not worth it. I'd go to Pop, I love it there. You can always visit the other resorts. I don't really find the moderates worthwhile, though they are beautiful. Maybe if there were more than 2 of us going and we wanted a larger room.

 

[englanddg]

Pretty simple, if it were you...

Pop is cheaper, we're just concerned with the "bus system" horror stories. We always stay deluxe but this is a wicked spontaneous trip and we need to figure this out like ASAP!

Pop - 644
FQ - 1100

decent difference in price!

Dan

If you are used to Deluxe, and that is your idea of a "Disney" hotel experience, then FQ is probably worth the extra spend for you.

I stayed at Pop back in August, and while we enjoyed it, it certainly felt "value". The room was small, and merely a room you'd find at an older Econo Lodge or something. Everything (except the TV and the fridge, which both appeared new) felt worn. The bathroom fell pray to a cardinal sin for hotels, in my eyes...the shower wasn't strong and the temp was hard to control.

Did we enjoy it? Certainly. But, the little differences were enough to push me back into a Moderate for this trip (which happens to be FQ).

That being said, the bus service at Pop was excellent, and we always had the option of using the AoA busses as well, which we did many times. The walk across the Gap Bridge was quick and the two hotels compliment each other well. You also have the opportunity to eat at both food courts. They are different enough in offerings that it's well worth checking them both out (AoA's is really good, especially if you like Indian Food and Burgers!).

 

[luv]

Don't know about bussing to/from one versus the other, but do know that the mods have several, covered bus stops and the values have one, big, uncovered bus stop.

I'd rather be at POFQ than Pop for a variety of reasons, but Pop is okay for one or two people if those people are looking for very basic accommodations on the WDW property. Pop has the better food court, too.

 

[englanddg]

Don't know about bussing to/from one versus the other, but do know that the mods have several, covered bus stops and the values have one, big, uncovered bus stop.

I'd rather be at POFQ than Pop for a variety of reasons, but Pop is okay for one or two people if those people are looking for very basic accommodations on the WDW property. Pop has the better food court, too.

The AoA bus stop is covered. That's the only exception to the rule.

 

[Disneykidder]

Wow...almost a $500 difference. I stayed at Pop and the buses were fine. The place is cute but loud. FQ is very nice.

 

[ddbowdoin]

Wow...almost a $500 difference. I stayed at Pop and the buses were fine. The place is cute but loud. FQ is very nice.

We ended up going with the Pop... thanks everyone! At the end of the day I just couldn't justify an almost 500 dollar difference. If I am not staying at the Beach Club the rest will all be the same to me... because no matter if I am at the pop or the french quarter I can't just walk to Epcot or DHS so why spring the extra coin. I spend literally no time in the room.

I have no interest in theming, room size, or pools (although I love the pool at the BC)

 

[ParentsOf4]

huge shock, but this is our 3RD VISIT in 12 months... crack pipe full of pixie dust!

just a financial reality, we need to max out the AP we purchased because of our 12 day Disneymoon in July.

it's just such a huge difference in price!

"Disneymoon"? If it's just two adults then, IMHO, POFQ is the most romantic Moderate Resort, certainly much more so than any Value Resort.

Buses, well, everyone seems to have their own horror stories at every resort. My experience is that every resort can be hit-or-miss when it comes to the buses. There's a fair amount of luck involved. I try to avoid Disney buses like the plague.

Yes, big price difference, definitely an important consideration. There's no doubt in my mind that every Moderate Resort is "better" than every Value Resort but only you can be the judge as to whether it's worth the difference. How much time do you plan to spend at the resort? How much time do you simply want to relax is the room? How important is it to avoid the large tour groups (which are more common at the Values)?

I enjoy the Value Resorts but, at times, they definitely feel like a cattle call. They were great when my children were very young but not any more now that they've developed champagne tastes. Considering you've only done Deluxe in the past, Value could be a shock.

Have you looked at prices at the Dolphin? It's $240/night in early July but I don't know when you are going.

 

[ddbowdoin]

"Disneymoon"? If it's just two adults then, IMHO, POFQ is the most romantic Moderate Resort, certainly much more so than any Value Resort.

Buses, well, everyone seems to have their own horror stories at every resort. My experience is that every resort can be hit-or-miss when it comes to the buses. There's a fair amount of luck involved. I try to avoid Disney buses like the plague.

Yes, big price difference, definitely an important consideration. There's no doubt in my mind that every Moderate Resort is "better" than every Value Resort but only you can be the judge as to whether it's worth the difference. How much time do you plan to spend at the resort? How much time do you simply want to relax is the room? How important is it to avoid the large tour groups (which are more common at the Values)?

I enjoy the Value Resorts but, at times, they definitely feel more like a cattle call. They were great when my children were very young but not any more now that they've developed champagne tastes. Considering you've only done Deluxe in the past, Value could be a shock.

Have you looked at prices at the Dolphin? It's $240/night in early July but I don't know when you are going.

NO, no... sorry, confusion between us.

We had our Disneymoon in July of 2012 at the Poly / Beach Club for 11 nights and 12 days. Because of the max 10 day ticket we went with an AP. We're only going now because we booked a room at the Pop and Flights for less than 1,000 dollars for 5 nights/ 6 days. How can that deal be beat?!?!?!?

July 2012 - Poly / Beach Club - 12 Days
March 2013 - Swan (cheap trip, shared a room with another couple to split cost) - 8 days
June 2013 - Pop - 6 days

I just think considering the amount of time we went it's just worth the savings.

26 days total in 2012-2013

AP was like 550 a person, 21 bucks a day.

 

[lilclerk]

Have you looked at prices at the Dolphin? It's $240/night in early July but I don't know when you are going.

Ooh good call. They offer some great discounts you can look into as well. You just can't get Magical Express or the dining plan.

 

[englanddg]

As a side note, did you look at prices for Mermaid Section at AoA to see how they compare? The rooms there are newer and nicer...and a comfortable shower is a must for me...something I didn't have at Pop. Though, it could have just been my room.

But, if you go with Pop, you'll enjoy it I'm sure! The theme is a lot of fun. Be sure to take some time to walk the whole property both there and at AoA, even around the lake (not all the way around, but just where the resorts are). They have little signs with trivia on them that are neat to stop and read.

I wouldn't spend the money on a preferred room, or even a preferred garden view room. Rather, ask for them to put you in the 50's building facing the garden or the lake. The difference in distance to the busses / food court from that building is nominal. Something two adults won't even bat an eye at.

 

[ParentsOf4]

NO, no... sorry, confusion between us.

We had our Disneymoon in July of 2012 at the Poly / Beach Club for 11 nights and 12 days.

Right, I understood you had you're Disneymoon last year. I'm just saying if it's 2 adults, then POFQ is much more romantic than the Value Resorts. For example, DW and I stayed at POFQ pre-kids but that was a long time ago.

Don't forget about the boat to DTD.

 

[Brandon Bowman]

Just stayed at Pop in January, we had no problem with any of the bus services
Unofficial Guide actually has no gripes with the bus service

 

[WellFedDave]

POFQ. The jolt of going from a Deluxe to POFQ won't be as jarring. Quiet and well kept. Less in your face than POP. Bus and water taxi service at POFQ is best on property

 

[HollyAD]

I have stayed at Pop three times and only had one minor bus issue. For the price difference I would consider Pop. It's actually a favorite of mine because of the value and it has a really fun atmosphere. I know with the money I save I can do a lot more. I'd rather spend my money eating at fun places making memories. I have stayed deluxe multiple times and have never had ANY less fun staying at POP. It's the better of the value in my opinion. I havent stayed at AOA yet.