Pop Century Resort Review | Disney World Resorts for Families

Pop Century Resort is a popular option for families visiting Walt Disney World. A value resort that is located near Hourglass Lake with easy access to the Disney Skyliner, and offers a lot of value for the money. This resort offers a fun and nostalgic atmosphere that’s perfect for families and Disney fans alike.

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Each of the different sections at Pop Century Resort is themed after the pop culture of the 1950s to the 1990s. The buildings are dedicated to a specific decade, with larger-than-life icons and memorabilia from that time period. The resort is known for its colorful and playful design, making it a popular choice for families with young children.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that’s still within the Disney bubble, Pop Century Resort is a great choice.

Pop Century Resort Highlights

• Pop Century Resort offers a fun and nostalgic atmosphere that’s perfect for families and Disney fans.
• The resort is themed after the pop culture of the 1950s to the 1990s, with larger-than-life icons and memorabilia from each decade.
• The rooms are clean and comfortable, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to stay within the Disney bubble.

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History and Theme

As you step into Pop Century Resort, you are transported back in time to the 1950s through the 1990s. The resort’s design is inspired by the pop culture of these decades, making it a unique and nostalgic experience for guests of all ages.

Pop Century Resort was opened in 2003 and has since become one of the most popular resorts at Walt Disney World. The resort features ten buildings, each representing a different decade, with larger-than-life icons and memorabilia from each era.

The 1950s building showcases giant jukeboxes, bowling pins, and a huge Lady and the Tramp statue. The 1960s building features a massive Big Wheel, a gigantic foosball table, and a flower-shaped pool.

The 1970s building is adorned with a huge platform shoe, a giant Mickey phone, and a disco ball. The 1980s building features a larger-than-life Rubik’s Cube, a gigantic Pac-Man game, and a boombox-shaped pool. Finally, the 1990s building showcases a massive laptop, a huge cell phone, and a giant floppy disk.

The resort’s theme is evident in every aspect of the property, from the decor in the rooms to the food options in the food court. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including multiple pools, a playground, and a jogging trail, making it a perfect choice for families and couples alike.

Pop Century Resort is a great resort for anyone who loves pop culture and wants to experience a blast from the past. With its unique design and nostalgic atmosphere, it is sure to make your stay at Walt Disney World even more memorable.

Location and Transportation

When it comes to the location of Pop Century Resort, you can’t beat it. This Disney Value Resort is situated right in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort, just a few minutes away from Epcot and Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner.

The proximity to these theme parks makes it an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their time in the parks.

Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are a bit further away, but still easily accessible by bus.

Transportation Options

Pop Century Resort offers a variety of transportation options to get you around Walt Disney World Resort. The most common mode of transportation is the bus, which runs frequently and can take you to all of the Disney parks, as well as Disney Springs and the water parks.

In addition to the buses, Pop Century Resort is also conveniently located near the Caribbean Beach Resort, which is a hub for the Disney Skyliner. The Skyliner is a gondola system that can take you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios in just minutes, providing a unique and scenic mode of transportation.

The location and unique transportation options at Pop Century Resort make it a great choice for those looking to stay close to the action at Walt Disney World Resort. Whether you’re looking to spend your days in the parks or explore other areas of the resort, Pop Century Resort has you covered.

Accommodations

When it comes to accommodations, the rooms at Pop Century Resort will work for a number of different types of families. Solo travelers and couples will find the room has just the right amount of space, and small families of four people or under that don’t anticipate being in the room much will find they have everything you’ll need.

For larger families, the resort is even appealing to get rooms near each other or that are connected, to be able to book multiple rooms for a larger group at a value price.

Room Types

The resort has two main types of rooms: Standard and Preferred. Standard rooms are located in all sections of the resort, while Preferred rooms are located in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s sections, which are closer to the main building and transportation.

The rooms at Pop Century Resort have recently been redone to include a Murphy bed. These rooms are great for families or groups as they provide additional sleeping space without sacrificing living space during the day. The beds fold up to create a table space that can be used when the bed is not in use. 

All of the buildings are equipped with elevators which make it easy to get suitcases to your room when checking in. 

Room Amenities

All rooms at Pop Century Resort have standard amenities such as a bathroom with a sink and toiletries in a separate space from the shower and toilet, a television, an iron, and a refrigerator.

The rooms also offer ample storage space to ensure you can keep your belongings organized and out of the way during your stay. And there is a selection of coffee along with a coffee maker to help you get your day started!

Pop Century Resort provides comfortable accommodations that are perfect for families on a budget, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Dining Options

Everything Pop Food Court

At Pop Century Resort, you will find a wide variety of dining options, including the popular Everything Pop Food Court. This food court offers a range of delicious meals, snacks, and drinks to satisfy your cravings. With its bright and colorful decor, the food court is a fun and lively place to grab a bite to eat.

The food court offers a variety of cuisine, including American, Italian, and Asian dishes. You can choose from a selection of entrees, sides, and desserts, as well as a variety of beverages. The food court is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can stop by at any time of the day.

Petals Pool Bar

If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Petals Pool Bar is the perfect spot to grab a drink and soak up the sun. Located next to the Hippy Dippy Pool, this bar offers a range of refreshing cocktails, beers, and wines. You can also order a variety of snacks, including chips, pretzels, and sandwiches.

The bar is open from mid-morning until late at night, so you can stop by for a quick drink or spend the whole day lounging by the pool. 

Pools and Recreation

When it comes to pools and recreation, Pop Century Resort has a lot to offer. Here are some of the highlights:

Hippy Dippy Pool

The Hippy Dippy Pool is the main pool at Pop Century Resort, and it’s a great place to relax and soak up the sun. This pool is shaped like a flower, and it’s surrounded by groovy decorations that will transport you back to the 1960s. There’s also a pool bar nearby where you can grab a refreshing drink.

Bowling Pool

If you’re looking for a quieter pool experience, the Bowling Pool might be just what you need. This pool is shaped like a bowling pin, and it’s located in the 1950s section of the resort. It’s a great place to unwind after a long day at the parks.

Computer Pool

The Computer Pool is another quiet pool option, and it’s located in the 1990s section of the resort. This pool is shaped like a computer, and it’s surrounded by oversized computer keys. It’s a fun and unique place to relax and cool off.

Children’s Play Area

For kids, Pop Century Resort has a great play area that’s located near the Hippy Dippy Pool. This area has a playground, as well as a kiddie pool that’s perfect for little ones. There are also plenty of activities for kids to enjoy, including movies under the stars and an arcade.

Amenities and Services

As a guest at Pop Century Resort, you can expect a variety of amenities and services to enhance your stay. 

Pop Century Resort offers a gift shop located in Classic Hall, the resort’s main lobby. The gift shop offers a variety of products, including souvenirs, clothing, and snacks. If you’re looking for more shopping options, the resort offers a shuttle to Disney Springs, where you can find a wide selection of shops and restaurants.

If you need assistance with transportation, the resort offers a complimentary shuttle to all four Disney parks and Disney Springs. The resort also offers laundry facilities, dry cleaning services, and luggage storage.

Resort Layout

When it comes to the layout of Pop Century Resort, in addition to deciding between a standard and preferred room, you may want to consider if you have a preference of decade. While not guaranteed, you can put your request in when you make your reservation if you have a preferred area.

Picking Your Area

The property of Pop Century Resort spans over 177 acres, and as you walk around the grounds, you’ll notice the beautifully maintained landscaping. The resort is divided into different sections, each representing a different decade from the 1950s to the 1990s.

You’ll find larger-than-life icons from each decade such as a giant Rubik’s Cube, a bowling pin, and a jukebox. The theming of each area is fun and colorful, perfect for families with children.

The layout of Pop Century Resort is well thought out and designed to be both functional and enjoyable. It’s easy to get around the resort and also visit all of the different areas to see the decor during your stay. The theming and style of the resort make it a unique and memorable experience for guests of all ages.

Best Picture Spots at Pop Century Resort

With its bright colors and large characters throughout the resort, there are tons of great photo opportunities all throughout the Pop Century Resort grounds!

Found in photo:

Magic Coordinator Shirt / Blue Skirt / Floral Sandals / Fireworks Ears

My kids love spending some time to go around and see all of the different characters, so you may want to build a few minutes to see the resort into your vacation plan. Our must see spots to take photos at Pop Century are:

• Large Lady & Tramp in the ’50s area
• Goofy with a Surfboard in the ’60s area
• Mickey Telephone in the ’70s area
• Potato Heads at the entrance to the ’80s area
• Large Roger Rabbit in the ’80s area

Pricing and Value at Pop Century Resort

Pop Century Resort is a value-level Disney resort, which means it is one of the most affordable options for staying on property. The resort offers a range of room types, including standard rooms, pool view rooms, and preferred rooms. Standard rooms are the most budget-friendly option, while pool view and preferred rooms come at a slightly higher cost.

Compared to other value resorts, Pop Century offers a great value for your money. You get access to all the benefits of staying on property, such as Extra Magic Hours, complimentary transportation to the parks, and access to Disney’s Magical Express. The resort also has a wide range of amenities, including multiple pools, a food court, and plenty of recreational activities.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for your Disney vacation, Pop Century Resort is a great choice. While it may not have the same level of luxury as some of the deluxe resorts, it offers a comfortable and convenient stay at a fraction of the cost. Plus, with its fun and colorful theming, it’s a great choice for families with young kids.

Tips for Staying at Pop Century Resort

As one of the most economical and conveniently located Value Resorts, Pop Century Resort makes sense for a lot of different stay scenarios:

Families on a Budget: If you have a larger family but are looking for rooms on a budget, two connected rooms are often more economical at Pop Century Resort than getting one family suite at either Art of Animation or All Star Music Resort.

Couples that won’t be in the room much: If you’re visiting Walt Disney World as a couple and looking for a value option that is just the right size and at a convenient location, Pop Century Resort may be the perfect fit for you. With the Murphy bed folded up you gain the table space in the room and still have plenty of space for two people using the same bed.

Solo Travelers: I’ve stayed at Pop Century numerous times on solo trips and this resort works great for either a quick trip or solo trip. The rooms have all of the necessary amenities and the fun theme adds a whimsical element to your trip!

For all travelers: This is an easy resort to get a refillable cup and get drinks in the morning and evenings. I always get a refillable cup when staying at Pop Century Resort to save on drinks!

Would I Stay at Pop Century Resort Again?

Pop Century Resort is a great option for families staying at Walt Disney World Resort looking to stay on a budget. The convenience of being on Disney property and having access to transportation to the theme parks is a major plus. And for families on a budget, it offers an economical option compared to other categories of resorts on property.

While this isn’t personally one of my “go to” resorts when I have my family of four on the trip, I most definitely would consider this resort again for a solo stay, or even if we go on a couples trip in the future. The resort has a fun and unique theme with a number of fun character elements. And the rooms are clean and comfortable, although some families may find them a bit small.

The pools are also a great feature, especially for families with children. If you have older tweens and teens, you may want to opt for a resort with larger rooms or a resort with more amenities. We especially love staying at the moderate level resorts when we have all four of us along. (At time of writing this review, my tween/teens are ages 12 and 13.) And I’ve highlighted some of our favorite resorts for families in this post.

In terms of price though, Pop Century Resort is one of the more affordable options on Disney property. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the time of year and availability. It’s always worth checking out the special offers to make sure you’re getting the best deals available during your preferred travel time.

Read our ranking of both Value Resorts and Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World.

• Walt Disney World Value Resorts Ranked for Families
• Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts Ranked for Families

If you’re looking for a convenient and affordable stay at Disney World Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort is definitely worth considering.