You may remember my agonizing awhile back about where to stay for MaddieMouse's 5th birthday this Christmas; we eventually decided on and booked the Contemporary Resort, tower, theme-park view. It was what had been my vision all along.

Well, the economy crashed, DH took a buyout (so is in school and I'm the only income for now) and we had to decide whether to cancel entirely or switch over to a value. Luckily, I was able to get a room at POP for Dec 22-28 at this late date.

The kids all along have believed we were staying at POP anyway, the CR was going to be the big Christmas Surprise.

I feel like the trip is going to be totally different from my original vision now. We've stayed at POP twice, I know the kids love it, I just wanted her 5th birthday to be way over the top.

I just need reassurance that I'm doing the right thing. After all, a value at Disney at Christmas is better than being at home, right?

And I really hope whoever got "our" room at CR is thrilled with their good fortune.

After all, a value at Disney at Christmas is better than being at home, right?

You said it!

The parks (the focus of the trip, right?) are going to be the same regardless of where you're staying. You can still go visit all the deluxe resorts (the couple years I stopped by to see the Contemporary they had a gorgeous Pinnochio chocolate/gingerbread creation in the lobby) - but the Pop is SOOO decked out for Christmas too! I was amazed at how many trees they had, when I stayed there! And where the display was in the Contemporary, you wouldn't see it unless you went out of your way to look for it, so not a big deal.

And you're showing your kids to not live beyond their means. That's a VERY good thing for them to learn!

Maddie's birthday will still be magical!

You said it!

- but the Pop is SOOO decked out for Christmas too! I was amazed at how many trees they had, when I stayed there! And where the display was in the Contemporary, you wouldn't see it unless you went out of your way to look for it, so not a big deal.


Maddie's birthday will still be magical!

Why did it never occur to me that POP would be decorated for Christmas as well? :confused: It seriously never occured in my brain that the atmosphere would be different than our 2 previous stays---in JULY!!!!

Okay, that makes me feel better now too.

Thanks!

I posted a couple of pictures from Dec 06 in my album here (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/album.php?albumid=186). Just about EVERY window in Everything Pop had a tree in it, there was a big tree in the area between Everything Pop and the front desk (but my picture had really bad lighting issues, so didn't post that), and then other trees in other corners around the main building (one pictured) and decorations on a lot of the posts in that area too.

You are so lucky to even be going! CR is sooo modern now it kinda loses the feeling to me.Once you get to WDW it won't even matter were you are staying! ENJOY!!!!!

We stayed at POP over the holidays in 2006. Being from Canada, it was my first Christmas sans the snow :eek: So I didn't think I would feel
very festive. WOW was I wrong! I loved the christmas music they played all over POP. The Christmas decorations were beautiful. I loved the big tree in the lobby. That inspired us to take some time to visit ALL the resorts and check out the decorations. By doing that I learned each resort had it's own festive flair.

We are going back in Aug 2009! WOHOO!:D After much thought, we think POP is the place for us. My son says the best burgers are at POP. I love the twisting staff at the food court. The busing can't be beat. Not to mention the over all theming, that is just plain old fun! And of course Bev at consierge was outstanding! I can hardly wait! I love POP ( and the price!) By staying at POP we can afford to stay 2 weeks, vrs, 5 days some where else.

So Cheer up! YOU are going to WDW! YEAH!:D

Don't worry a smidgeon about it. It is a great deal that you can go at all, so focus on that and enjoy!! I love Pop! It's my second choice of resorts after POFQ, so I wouldn't bat an eye. I'll be there on Dec 10-16th, so if you remind me via email or PM, I'll take pics and send them to you before you go down.

We've gone from regularly staying at Deluxes (years and years ago when we could all fit into one room) to staying at POP (our preferred choice until we're through with college costs!) and I can honestly say we have every bit as much fun now. Sure, if the budget ever allows, I'm heading back up a category or two :p but I think you'll have a fantastic trip at POP. Actually, it's possible your kids will like it every bit as much, if not more, as they would have Contemporary. It's much more colorful and playful in it's feel and the pools are a lot of fun.

Have a fantastic time!!

What Drince said about teaching your kiddos not to live beyond your means is spot on IMO. You still get to enjoy Disney-which is the best!

Also, are you a Disney Visa cardholder? Their were doing a free dining plan during your dates-did you book that? Save even more $:).

You also get my favorite groovy cheesecake which can be had no where else! And coke Icees which are a big favorite with my crew. And pizza delivery in a VW Bus-and golf carts decked out like '57 Chevy's-plus the counter service options are good at Pop as well-as compared to many of the Deluxe resorts I've looked at.

And you can still visit the CR-and ride the monorail-but the theme at Pop is so fun for kiddos. I'd imagine Christmas would be even better!

My daughter turns five on Christmas as well, and when I think about it, I don't know that she would really 'get it' if we stayed somewhere fancy. When we go in the we too are staying at POP, we looked at it and while we could likely swing it, we figured why not throw that extra into something else rather than the room they just sleep in. I wouldn't feel bad at all, I think the hotel upgrade is usually for the parents (nicer rooms, more convenient). I think kids prefer the chaos of a big fun place like Pop. And, good for you for recognizing and teaching your kids about choosing wisely! Have an amazing time and take lots of pictures!

Every room looks the same when you close your eyes.

Have a great time and enjoy yourselves. And spend a little of that saved money on a large popcorn on Main Street.

. And pizza delivery in a VW Bus-and golf carts decked out like '57 Chevy's-
We've only stayed there once, (right after in opened) and we didn't see this. How Fun!!! Maybe we'll order pizza on our next trip! :)

I agree with what everyone has said about the important thing being that you are GOING to WDW at all! And, you'll be less stressed while there because you are going within your means. Have a wonderful time!

oh...don't worry about it! ;) You are going and that's what counts!

Besides, we decided to spend our last 2 days in one of the Deluxe's...and we wanted to book the Cont. The CM (who was FANTASTIC) brought it to my attention that the Cont. is under construction and do we mind the cranes and noise, etc.

So, we opted to stay at the AKL instead.

AKL is our favorite resort anyway...I love the animals!!! We just wanted to try the Contemporary...I'm glad the CM brought it up.

So, we've also wanted to try the POP...please let us know your thoughts on it!

:fez: