Trip Report...long awaited
Posted: September 23rd, 2013, 8:17 am
My trip seems like eons ago and I have been slam busy since returning. I do not know if much has changed, but here is my story...
2 days before our trip, I was in a minor car accident. Although minor, I did have knee damage and whiplash. I called to inquire about any closer options with a manager and he said he would take care of us. We were booked for a Princess room in the Mansion buildings. My daughter and I arrived at about 9:30PM on Wednesday 02/27. Off to our room we go. After taking a few scenic misdirections, we made it to our room. It was not too far off and would aid in my travels with my knee. My daughter was amazed Princess Tiana let us use one of her guest rooms. After exploring the room, my daughter opened the cabinet door to the fridge and out ran a bunch of roaches. OK, I lived in FL and understand the roach issue. However, at about 10PM with a 7yo, its not something I want to deal with. I call down to the Front Desk. They are very apologetic and said an exterminator would be there at 12AM. I explained that it was not acceptable and asked if another room was available. I explained the situation with the accident and my knee. He was able to locate another Princess room that was ALOT closer for us. I cannot say how helpful the staff was at the resort. They were nothing short of what I expect at WDW whenever I go. They all deserve great praise.
The Good....
The grounds are well kept and beautiful to walk through. The entire staff was willing to help and assist with anything we desired. I wish I could remember everyone by name, but there is only one person that I can. His name is Birdie. He is the elderly greeter at the Lobby. Always cordial, fun to talk with, and thoroughly enjoys his job. My daughter lover greeting him every morning and chatting with him. On days he was not there, I had to explain that he is not like Mickey Mouse and needs time off with is family. On our last day, we were sitting around the lobby. My daughter saw Birdie, walked up to him, and asked if he would sign her autograph book. I do not know how many or if anyone had ever asked him to do it, but he did get a little choked up when she asked him. He sat there with her for about 10 minutes, just the 2 of them, chatting about her trip, and how much fun he made her mornings.
The pool games, marshmellows, movies were all fun too. We only glanced at a movie for a short period, but it is a good way to unwind with kids.
The Not So Good...
People may disagree with this, but my experience was that the buses were horrible. I don't mind waiting 15 minutes for a bus, but in many cases it was much longer. Many times we had to jump on a French Quarter bus from MK and make the walk. We ran into people at the Lobby an hour later that were waiting in line for the POR bus. They were just getting there. We had gone to FQ, walked to our room, walked to the Lobby, got snacks/bite to eat, and then they got there. The frustration with buses got old. So, we learned our lesson to just jump on the FQ bus if it was separate. In most cases, we were back more than 30 minutes earlier even with the walk. Fishing was quite a waste. My daughter fished for an hour and not a single bite. I had to cover work for an hour, so she fished while I worked. This is a FL lake that are filled with bream, blue gill, catfish, etc. How you cannot get a single bite is beyond me. You'd think they would even stock this area.
Thoughts...
We are not resort snobs. We mainly are at a resort for an afternoon break, sleep, and shower. This was a splurge for us because we love Pop Century. If money were not a concern, we would stay here again in a heartbeat. With that said, we prefer spending our money on other activities while there. We are only a family of 3, so Pop Century is more than enough for us. Enjoy everything the resort has to offer because it is very large and gorgeous.
2 days before our trip, I was in a minor car accident. Although minor, I did have knee damage and whiplash. I called to inquire about any closer options with a manager and he said he would take care of us. We were booked for a Princess room in the Mansion buildings. My daughter and I arrived at about 9:30PM on Wednesday 02/27. Off to our room we go. After taking a few scenic misdirections, we made it to our room. It was not too far off and would aid in my travels with my knee. My daughter was amazed Princess Tiana let us use one of her guest rooms. After exploring the room, my daughter opened the cabinet door to the fridge and out ran a bunch of roaches. OK, I lived in FL and understand the roach issue. However, at about 10PM with a 7yo, its not something I want to deal with. I call down to the Front Desk. They are very apologetic and said an exterminator would be there at 12AM. I explained that it was not acceptable and asked if another room was available. I explained the situation with the accident and my knee. He was able to locate another Princess room that was ALOT closer for us. I cannot say how helpful the staff was at the resort. They were nothing short of what I expect at WDW whenever I go. They all deserve great praise.
The Good....
The grounds are well kept and beautiful to walk through. The entire staff was willing to help and assist with anything we desired. I wish I could remember everyone by name, but there is only one person that I can. His name is Birdie. He is the elderly greeter at the Lobby. Always cordial, fun to talk with, and thoroughly enjoys his job. My daughter lover greeting him every morning and chatting with him. On days he was not there, I had to explain that he is not like Mickey Mouse and needs time off with is family. On our last day, we were sitting around the lobby. My daughter saw Birdie, walked up to him, and asked if he would sign her autograph book. I do not know how many or if anyone had ever asked him to do it, but he did get a little choked up when she asked him. He sat there with her for about 10 minutes, just the 2 of them, chatting about her trip, and how much fun he made her mornings.
The pool games, marshmellows, movies were all fun too. We only glanced at a movie for a short period, but it is a good way to unwind with kids.
The Not So Good...
People may disagree with this, but my experience was that the buses were horrible. I don't mind waiting 15 minutes for a bus, but in many cases it was much longer. Many times we had to jump on a French Quarter bus from MK and make the walk. We ran into people at the Lobby an hour later that were waiting in line for the POR bus. They were just getting there. We had gone to FQ, walked to our room, walked to the Lobby, got snacks/bite to eat, and then they got there. The frustration with buses got old. So, we learned our lesson to just jump on the FQ bus if it was separate. In most cases, we were back more than 30 minutes earlier even with the walk. Fishing was quite a waste. My daughter fished for an hour and not a single bite. I had to cover work for an hour, so she fished while I worked. This is a FL lake that are filled with bream, blue gill, catfish, etc. How you cannot get a single bite is beyond me. You'd think they would even stock this area.
Thoughts...
We are not resort snobs. We mainly are at a resort for an afternoon break, sleep, and shower. This was a splurge for us because we love Pop Century. If money were not a concern, we would stay here again in a heartbeat. With that said, we prefer spending our money on other activities while there. We are only a family of 3, so Pop Century is more than enough for us. Enjoy everything the resort has to offer because it is very large and gorgeous.