Would you chance it at Pop Century 4/02? About This Page:

I am considering staying at Pop Century 4/2 through 4/7/2002. They say the first phase will be complete March 2002. Would you chance staying their during this construction phase? Is it possible Phase I won't be done by March 2002? I called Disney and they said it would be done because they pushed the date back from December 2001 to March 2002 to make sure it was ready? Any thoughts?

[Dave Marx]

The real question to ask Disney is, "What will you do for me if it's not open when I arrive?" If they promise to put you up elsewhere, then the risks are small. If they can't promise that, make alternate plans.

Personally, I think it will open on time. The switch from a December to March opening was made far in advance, and I suspect one reason is that they'll be saving a little money by delaying the opening until High Season, as bookings in general are way down right now.

There's always a bit of adventure when you stay at a new resort on opening day. There's always something that's not finished, and there's usually someone who isn't familiar with the resort and/or his/her job. But, for example, Animal Kingdom Lodge's opening was incredibly well-polished. It seemed like the resort had been up and running for several months. Most of the staff had been in training (on premises) for as much as a month prior. Disney does not like to disappoint its guests. Since you're planning to be there nearly a month following opening, I doubt there will be many glitches.

As I understand it, all the public facilities (pool, food court, etc.) that serve the "First Phase" half of the resort will be up and running, and they'll be opening guest buildings on a gradual basis. The landscaping in that area will probably be all done, as the building exteriors will have been finished months before opening. By the time you get there you'll probably see evidence of work on the Second Phase (a carbon-copy of the First Phase), and maybe some construction fencing to block off the guest buildings that haven't yet opened.

At any rate, keep your eyes peeled here at the PassPorter site. We fully intend to be at the resort within days of the opening.

[Pooh's Pal]

Just got an email from my 75 yr.old aunt 2 days ago and her son (my cousin) works in some office at Boardwalk now and is moving to "the new one they are building" (she didn't know what it was called) sometime in late Oct. early November "To set things up" so she says. Well I called for Resse's in mid-April and was told no problem plenty of rooms available. I'm sure they will be nice.

[Beast_fanatic]

I've read reports from others that had ressies there in December that they were moved to other resorts. AKL sticks in my mind, but I'm not positive about that.

I'd go for it!

Have fun! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[AKLRULZ]

My son's 4th grade teacher was bumped from the Pop Century to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for his December trip with his family. Disney went out of their way to make ammends. Dave gave super advice - if you can get the assurance of an alternate resort if things aren't ready, it's a win-win!

Have fun!

[crazyaboutdisney]

give it a shot!!! http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/stella/usflag.gif[/IMG]