Want to stay in the magic at Walt Disney World, but don’t want to pay the enormous price tag of some of the resorts? I’ll let you in on a little secret: Pop Century Resort is a fun, affordable Walt Disney World hotel with many of the perks of the moderate and deluxe resorts.
Five Reasons You’ll Fall in Love with Pop Century
1. Fun Theming
The Lobby
From the moment you step into Pop Century, you’re immersed in the magic. From the upbeat music to the wall displays for each decade, history surrounds you. One of my favorite things to do in the lobby is look at the shadow boxes for each decade. The 1970s one brings me back to my first Walt Disney World experience with its photos of the 1976 Bicentennial Parade. For those of us over age 20, viewing toys and other items from our childhoods fills us with nostalgia for the “good old days.”
The Lobby is home to dances and other activities at certain times of the day. Check the current resort calendar for exact times and dances. The Hustle and The Twist have been past favorites. Guests can also have caricatures drawn outside of Everything Pop.
The Larger than Life Icons
Photo Ops are around every corner at Pop Century Resort. Each section has its own larger than life icons, from Lady and the Tramp’s doghouse in the 1950s section to the Mickey Mouse telephone in the 1970s. Even the staircases are part of the magic–yours may be hidden behind a huge bowling pin, 8 track tape, yo-yo, or Rubix cube. And, if you think they’re spectacular in the daytime, wait until you see them all lit up at night.
2. Convenient Transportation
Dedicated Buses
Pop Century does not share theme park buses with any other resort, nor does it have internal bus stops. All of the bus stops are outside Classic Hall where the main lobby, gift shop, and food court are located. It’s a great central location, and really not far from any room of the resort. At the resort, we’ve always been able to get on the first bus that arrived, and in the mornings, there are often extra long double buses to get everyone to their destination as quickly as possible. Buses officially start running one hour before theme park opening.
Queues
One thing I really like about Pop Century’s bus stop is that there are actual queues for people to line up in, unlike many of the moderate and deluxe resorts. If you want to wait outside the queue, you can sit at one of the covered benches and keep track of when your bus will arrive using the handy-dandy monitors. We’ve never had more than a 20 minute wait for a bus–often, it’s much shorter.
3. Entertaining Activities
Pools
Pop Century has three different pools to choose from: the Hippy Dippy Pool, the Bowling Pin Pool, and the Computer Pool.
The main pool, known as the “Hippy Dippy Pool,” is where most of the action takes place during the day. Located in the 1960s section, right behind Classic Hall, the Hippy Dippy pool is home to several activities each week, including crafts, games, and contests. There’s even a ping-pong table for guests to enjoy, and a hair wrap station, as well as a smaller kiddie pool with water jets for the little ones. Petals Pool Bar is located nearby–it’s just the place for a refreshing drink to help you cool off.
Some of the crafts have a nominal fee for materials. One of my favorites is the Mickey Tie-Dye T-shirt craft. They’re so cute, and the children are so excited to wear them later.
The quieter computer pool is located in the 1990s area, while the bowling pin pool is located in the 1950s section. Guest laundry is located at each of the three pools so parents can multi-task.
Movies Under the Stars
Each night a different Disney movie is shown by the Hippy Dippy Pool. If you want to nab a lounge chair, come early. Remember to bring snacks and possibly a towel or blanket if it’s cool. All the movies are family friendly, rated G or PG. July’s offerings included Coco, Aladdin, Toy Story 2, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Lilo and Stitch, Teen Beach Movie, and Wreck-it Ralph.
Arcade and Playground
Kids of all ages will find all sorts of games to play at the Fast Forward Arcade inside Classic Hall. Use of the arcade requires the purchase of an arcade card ($1 for 50 points, $5 for 250 points, etc.). Games are varying numbers of points.
There’s also an outdoor playground for children to work off steam. Kids can slide, hang, and climb to their hearts’ content at the bright purple, green, and yellow playground. The playground is located in the shade by Classic Hall near the 1970s section of the resort.
4. The Fantastic Food and Shopping
While Pop Century Resort does not have a full-service restaurant, it does have a great food court. The Everything Pop Food Court has several options including a comfort foods station, a pasta station, and grill. There’s also a large grab and go selection. Families can even pick up a pizza at Everything Pop to share. If they don’t want to walk to Classic Hall, they can call and have one delivered to their room. Don’t forget to try the Tie Dye Cheesecake!
The shop at Everything Pop has everything you need from sundries to souvenirs. I’ve also found toys, candy, cups, Christmas ornaments, clothing, picture frames, journals, trading pins, suitcases, umbrella strollers, and more. I was even able to find safety pins and Claritin at Everything Pop.
5. The Price
Pop Century may not be on the monorail loop, and it doesn’t have a hot tub or pool slide. With this in mind, you’ll need to decide if those amenities are worth an extra $100 to $300 a night to your family. In our case, the answer is usually no. We can stay longer for less money if we stay at a value resort, and Pop Century fits our needs. Yes, the rooms at Pop are smaller than those at many of the moderate and deluxe resorts. However, at 260 square feet, they are adequate for a couple or small family.
By and large, the newly renovated rooms boast much more storage than the old rooms. The bathroom (toilet and shower) has its own door with the sink outside. In addition, the sink area is separated from the main room by a sliding barn-type door which allows for more privacy for families. The cabinets in the sink area provide plenty of storage for toiletries and other items. There’s enough room to slide suitcases under the queen bed. Also, the table converts into a double Murphy bed when you pull it down.
Conclusion: Is Pop Century for You?
In short, Pop Century Resort is a great value. Moreover, it has many of the perks of the more expensive hotels. Those perks include access to Extra Magic Hours, Fast Pass Plus scheduling at 60 days out, and Magical Express transportation to and from Orlando International Airport.
Given these points, Pop Century is our go-to resort. We come to Orlando to enjoy the theme parks, not spend time in our room. For us, Pop Century provides everything we need at a fraction of the cost of a moderate or deluxe resort. Staying at Pop Century allows us to extend our vacation and enjoy the magic of Walt Disney World longer.
Next, for more on our upcoming vacation, read my Disney Dreaming post. Then, to learn ways to save money of food at the Walt Disney World Resort click here. And, if deluxe resorts are in your budget, you may want to check out the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Want to book a Disney World trip? Check out their official website for more information and current prices.
Tracy, your attention to detail is amazing. Love the way you lay it all out there …the location of the bus stops, the pool details, the hotel activities. When planning a Disney family vacation, they’re the things we all need to be aware of. Thank you!
When we visiting Disney, we stayed in private accommodation but next time I’m staying on the resort. It looks like a whole different experience again.
Im hoping to return to Disney next year. We have been up in there about where to stay, and POP is on our short list! Your great information has sealed the deal!!
This place looks amazing! Always looking for economical places to stay as we would typically only be in the rooms to sleep.
This looks like such an amazing place to visit especially with children.
Your pictures and descriptions make me want to visit Disney. I had never heard of this resort before, but you’ve given some excellent reasons to stay there and it’s on my travel list now.
sounds like tons of fun! I haven’t stayed at Disney resorts but I am sure it is fantastic place to stay. after all I love everything Disney
I haven’t stayed at one of the resorts at Disney in a great many years and my children are grown now, but that hasn’t stopped my enthusiasm for the park. I had been thinking it was about time to go again and Pop Century sounds like a wonderful choice. Your review is great!
Goodness this is an amazing experience. I never been to any Disney Resort but I think it all applies to wall Disney resorts. I would love to try it.
I’d been to Disney World about 20 years ago when my kids were young. From the way you have described Disney’s Pop Century Resort, want to go there just to experience the resort. Sounds like a fun place. Let’s see if I can coax my hubby to take me there when we are in US in June.
I always love the free pick ups and drops offered by hotels. It saves money as well the hassles associated with arranging our own transportation.
There’s one reason I must get before experiencing the 5 reasons you suggested…make more money to be able to afford it.
Thank you for the awesome tips.
Oh I did not know that they have Pop Century Resort. Would like to check it out on my next visit. There is so much to do! 😍
Really planning to travel over to catch some fun in Disney
Pop Century sounds like such a wonderful place to stay. I’m going to share this information with my family.
What a great idea! Love the bright colours – all the photos are fun. And I’m with you – if I can save on the room and stay longe,r that’s what I’d do. After all, you mostly just sleep there, right?
Your reasons are more than sufficient to convince someone to visit pop century. When I visit the location, I’ll undoubtedly use your post as a starting point.
It is good to know that there are convenient and affordable alternatives to the more expensive Disney resorts. When visiting Disney the parks are where you want to be! Thanks for the tip.
The pop century resort is new to me. I’m glad to have learned about it here and will definitely consider a stay there on my next visit to the area.
This looks so fun! I haven’t been to Disney here (yet lol) but this looks like it will be just as fun!
I think my favorite are the giant potato heads! 😂😂
I’ve only been to Disneyland in CA, But I’d love to visit Disney World as well. I will keep this place in mind for when we decide to go on the trip.
We had traditionally been a moderate resort family at Disney staying at Port Orleans/Dixie Landings and Wilderness lodge but were pleasantly surprised when we stayed in this side of the resort world. We hadn’t stayed at Pop Century but we did at the Art Of animation. It is fantastic over there. I would be more than willing to stay at Pop century after reading your review.
Good info to know! We are not currently planning a trip to Disney, but there will definitely be one at some point in the future. Can’t wait to read your other Disney posts!
This is such great info! We stayed off site when we visited a few years ago but have been considering to make another trip soon and want to stay on site! Thanks!
I can’t wait to visit Disney someday! This looks like such a fun place to stay, I’ll definitely keep it in mind. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Don’t forget Art of Animation if the family is larger because they have suites, a second bathroom comes in great. A bit more expensive, so research. Enjoy!!
i would like to go to disney land some day.
Sound super fun! Seems really unique with the design.
I absolutely cannot wait to take our children to Disney! Very informative thank you.
This looks amazing. I would surely make up plans to visit as soon as possible.. Thanks so much, for sharing this
Such a great post with lots of very useful information. I hoping to visit sometime soon.
Looks like a wonderful and merry place to be. For me if it says Disney, I am up for it
I miss going to Disney world. This is a great reminder of all the fun I am missing.
Every corner is magical….. I will surely enjoy movies under stars……..
I love Disney!! I really hope I will visit that place <3
Staying at resort in Disney and pampering self, that too at affordable price, is really a great deal.
Great! This lessened the things that I need to research. Thank you so much for this informative article.
The little guys around me have been on and on about wanting to make the Disney trip. The cost of travelling overseas and going to Disney is something we can’t afford right now and might need to plan towards. But this is a beautiful place, I think I would have loved it more if it had a pool.
I’ve never visited that resort yet but this post make me curious about it. Thanks great post!!
Next time we will consider Pop Century. Cause there’s always a notion of the high price tag with it, his is a nice guide.
I’m planning to bring my nieces here soon. This is very informative and 100-300 dollars is definitely a huge savings.
We stayed at Disney Pop many moons ago, never returned. We normally stay at the World Trade Center Marriott and love it.
Loved the Pop Century, seems like a fun place to visit, a very detailed post. Would definitely love to visit there someday.
You do not have to tell me twice that I need to visit here as I have always wanted to go.
Looks like a fun place to visit. I did not know of such a place.
I haven’t been to Disney in the states but this resort looks more than adequate, it has some great features!
sTILL HAVENT MADE IT THERE BUT WANTING TO GO AFTER READING THIS !!!
I want to visit this country. It’s looking beautiful and peaceful. Thanks
Ohh wow!! Thanks for sharing this, am gonna check it out for my own travel passion too 🙂 cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Ooooh looks fun! My grown self is about to stay here now lol.
I want to bring my boys here one day! Seems like a really really nice place to spend with your family 🙂
What am exciting list of things! I know that I would need to take my daughter soon. This comes really handy, thank you
Our little one would go totally crazy for a place like this. We’ll just have to go someday.
This looks like a beautiful and entertaining place. A nice location for a family vacation.
I love the pop century! Def a favorite!!
I just finished almost the same post on my blog 🙂
I am starting to do my research on Disney now for next year. Thanks for sharing
My family stayed at Pop Century all the time as I was growing up! Definitely ask for a renovated room if possible, they’re so nice!
Ooh, I love the big Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head! This hotel looks like a lot of fun. I wish I had kids to take somewhere like this.
Lol, our kids are grown, and we still go to Disney. There’s so much for adults to do.
Thanks for the great info! I’m planning on taking my family next year so I’m glad I came across this. Always nice to save some money!
Thank you for this review. I’m always looking for economical places to stay when my family travels. I agree with you, when I go to Disney it is not to stay in the room. $100 – $300 per night is a huge savings.
Oh my goodness, we have yet to do Disney in the States but were at Disney in Hong Kong last year and LOVED IT!! My children are both now asking for the big trip to the US but of course the cost is a huge factor for us travelling from overseas. This hotel looks like a really good option so thank you for pointing me in the right direction – shuttle buses, shopping, playgrounds and swimming pools – perfectly family friendly.