Disney’s Pop Century Resort – A Budget-Friendly Gem at Walt Disney World
When planning my Walt Disney World vacation, choosing the perfect place to stay is crucial. With over 25 Disney resorts, ranging from Deluxe Villas to Value resorts, there is no shortage of options, styles, locations, and, of course, pricing. I decided to stay at Disney’s Pop Century Resort for my most recent trip.
Located in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Resort Area (although I consider it part of the Hollywood Studios Area), this resort is a nostalgic journey through the decades, celebrating iconic moments and trends in pop culture. In this review, I’ll share what I love about Pop Century. Conversely, I’ll also discuss why it might NOT be the right choice for your magical getaway.
What Is There to LOVE?
1. Disney’s Skyliner
One of the biggest draws of staying at Pop Century is its convenient access to the Disney Skyliner. This gondola transportation system gives you a scenic and efficient way to get to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you’re anything like me, you like to avoid the buses stuffed full of humanity. The Skyliner offers a relaxing and enjoyable alternative. Even during peak times, the wait for the Skyliner is typically low. So this will quickly get you to your destination and maximize your time in the parks.
2. Classic Disney Theming
Disney’s Pop Century Resort offers a nostalgic trip through the decades with its classic Disney theming. Each section of the resort is dedicated to a different decade, featuring larger-than-life icons and decorations that evoke the spirit of the times.
- 1950s: Step into the era of poodle skirts and rock ‘n’ roll with larger-than-life icons like Lady and the Tramp, record decorations, and dancers reminiscent of a sock hop or a classic malt shop.
- 1960s: Embrace the flower power and hippie culture with a vibrant display featuring Mowgli and Baloo, a giant jar of Play-Doh, and other groovy elements.
- 1970s: Get your disco fever on in this section, complete with huge 8-track tapes, a giant foosball “table,” a big wheel, and even a Mickey Mouse telephone.
- 1980s: Enter a world of neon and nostalgia with Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, a giant sports Walkman, and Roger Rabbit. The sides of the buildings even mimic a Pac-Man game!
- 1990s: Fully immerse yourself in the computer age with decor that captures the essence of the ’90s, from bold colors to iconic symbols of the era.
Pop Century’s theming is a delightful journey through the past, evoking nostalgia for both days gone by and classic Disney moments.
3. Three Pools for Splash-tastic Fun!
Disney’s Pop Century Resort features three iconic pools, each offering a unique atmosphere and amenities to fill your days with fun and relaxation.
- Hippy Dippy Pool (1960s section): As the main pool, the Hippy Dippy Pool is the hub of activity at Pop Century. It features the Petals Pool Bar, a splash play area for kids, and flower power water jets. The main pool is a fun and whimsical atmosphere.
- Bowling Pool (1950s section): Shaped like a giant bowling pin, the Bowling Pool offers a quieter alternative to the main pool. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing swim or lounge on the poolside chairs. The pool area also features a giant checkers game for some family-friendly competition!
- Computer Pool (1990s section): Shaped like a desktop computer, the Computer Pool provides another tranquil spot to unwind. With its unique design and serene surroundings, this pool is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the main pool area.
All three pools are conveniently located near laundry facilities, allowing you to multi-task and take care of your laundry while the kids enjoy a swim. This thoughtful amenity adds convenience to your stay, ensuring you can maximize your time at Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
4. Recently Refurbished Room
Disney’s Pop Century Resort has recently undergone room refurbishments to enhance the guest experience. The updated rooms feature a queen bed and a queen-sized Murphy bed. With the Murphy bed folding into a table/desk space, the room provides space for leisure and ample sleeping space for families.
- Tons of Useful Storage: The refurbished rooms offer plenty of storage options. You’ll have a closet, drawers, shelves, and cubby-spaces. These allow guests to keep their belongings organized and easily accessible throughout their stay.
- New Showers: The bathrooms have been upgraded with new showers. Guests will have a rainfall showerhead and a handheld showerhead. The bathroom spaces are clean and modern.
- Disney H2O Products: Guests can enjoy complimentary Disney H2O products in the showers. There is shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. So that is one less item you’ll need to pack!
- Beverage Cooler and In-Room Coffee/Tea Station: Each room has a beverage cooler and an in-room coffee/tea station. There is plenty of room for bottled water and more!
- Clean Space: The rooms feature clean, modern designs with no more carpeting. Thus creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere for guests to relax.
- Exterior Entry: All rooms at Pop Century have exterior entry, reminiscent of a classic motel layout. This design is a staple of Disney’s Moderate and Value resorts. The rooms have deadbolt locks for added security.
These room upgrades enhance the overall guest experience at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. So you’ll be in a comfortable and welcoming environment. As is the standard for families visiting Walt Disney World!
5. A GREAT Pool Bar – One of the BEST at Walt Disney World
Pop Century’s Petals Pool Bar is a vibrant and fun spot to grab a drink and relax by the pool. The bar offers a variety of unique and refreshing beverages. There are two MUST-HAVE drinks. The iconic Lava Lamp cocktail is made with lemon rum, blue Curacao, sweet and sour mix, and Sprite, with grenadine for that classic lava lamp effect. And the second is the Hula Hoop, a tropical blend of coconut rum, melon liqueur, banana liqueur, grenadine, and pineapple juice.
Petals Pool Bar is conveniently located near the main pool. So guests can quickly grab a drink or snack without straying too far from the pool. In addition to its cocktail offerings, the bar also serves snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. So there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to cool off with a refreshing drink or relax by the pool, Petals Pool Bar is the perfect spot to unwind.
6. Great Value for Your Money
Disney’s Pop Century Resort offers fantastic value, making it an affordable choice for your Walt Disney World vacation. Room rates range from $89 to $429 per night, depending on the room type and season. There’s a 12.5% tax added to all rates. Additionally, if you have more than two adults (ages 18+) in the room, there’s an extra $15 per night for each additional adult.
With its affordable rates and a wide range of amenities, including fun-themed pools, dining options, and easy transportation, Disney’s Pop Century Resort gives you great bang for your buck, ensuring your stay is not only magical but also budget-friendly.
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What’s NOT to Love?
While Disney’s Pop Century Resort offers great value and a fun atmosphere, there are some drawbacks to consider.
1. Transportation Challenges
The resort primarily relies on buses to transport guests to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. However, because of Pop’s location, the bus rides can be long. Additionally, long lines at the bus stops may mean waiting for several buses before being able to board.
2. Distance to Bus Stops
At the theme parks and Disney Springs, the bus stops for Pop Century are quite far away. And this requires a lot of walking. This can be tiring, especially for those with mobility issues or young children. It’s super inconvenient to walk 13 miles in Animal Kingdom, and then you have to walk 4 miles to your bus stop!
3. Small Rooms
The rooms at Pop Century are cozy, which can be a downside if you prefer more space to spread out. The limited room size means that while there is plenty of storage space, there is not much room for lounging or relaxing in the room itself. For context, I could open the door while in bed. So yeah, there’s not a lot of space to keep your tired, overstimulated kids from fighting!
4. Limited Amenities
Unlike some Disney resorts, Pop Century lacks certain amenities like pool slides and room service. While the resort does offer a fun-themed pool area and a quick-service food court, those looking for additional amenities may find the options lacking.
5. Limited Dining Options
Pop Century has only one dining option, a quick-service food court. While the food court offers a variety of choices, including kid-friendly options, those looking for a more diverse dining experience may feel limited by the lack of other on-site dining options.
Overall, while Disney’s Pop Century Resort offers great value and a fun atmosphere, it’s important to consider these drawbacks when planning your stay to ensure it meets your expectations and needs.
Final Verdict: Disney’s Pop Century Resort
In conclusion, Disney’s Pop Century Resort offers great value for your money with its affordable rates and fun, nostalgic atmosphere. The resort’s recently refurbished rooms provide comfortable accommodations, although they may be a bit small for those needing extra space. The transportation challenges, including long bus rides and distant bus stops, can be a downside, especially after a long day at the parks. Additionally, the lack of extra amenities and dining options may be limiting for some guests.
Despite these drawbacks, I personally recommend staying at Pop Century, as I plan to do so again this summer. It’s perfect for shorter trips while maximizing your time to get the most out of your Disney vacation. The addition of the Disney Skyliner transportation system enhances the resort’s appeal, making it a convenient choice for exploring EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you’re planning a longer trip of 7 nights or more and prioritize a wider range of amenities and dining options, you may want to consider a larger resort. However, for short vacations, Disney’s Pop Century Resort is hard to beat.
I’d love to hear about your experiences at Pop Century or any other Disney resort! Share your stories with me in the comments below.