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Complete Guide to Disney’s Pop Century Resort (w/ review)

Complete Guide to Disney’s Pop Century Resort (w/ review)

Disney’s Pop Century Resort is 1 of 5 value resorts on the Walt Disney World Resort property.

Being a Value Resort, Pop Century is cheaper per night and doesn’t offer the same amenities as Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. But, it is still a popular resort, especially due to pricing.

Plus, it has access to 2 forms of transportation: buses and the Disney Skyliner. We, personally, love having access to the Skyliner, so this is a huge perk.

If you’re planning a Disney World vacation and can’t decide where to say, here’s everything you need to know about the fun, colorful, and perfectly-themed resort.

Pop Century Quick Review

Is it as fancy as Disney’s Grand Floridian or as lush as the Poly? No. But that doesn’t mean that Pop Century doesn’t have a lot to offer.

We often choose Pop Century above other resorts because of its convenient transportation options (both bus and Disney Skyliner are available here), and the price point as a Disney Value Resort. And while the rooms are on the smaller side, they’re efficiently designed, ensuring you have everything you need after a long day at the parks.

But, this resort is popular and HUGE, and that popularity and size can lead to a noticeable buzz – especially around popular destinations like the pools. So, light sleepers might find the noise level a bit challenging.

But despite the negatives, for its pop-centered charm, convenient transportation, and price point, it’s a favorite of ours in the Disney lineup.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Affordable, fun theming especially for younger kids, dedicated buses (meaning the buses aren’t shared with other resorts), can walk to Art of Animation to take advantage of their fantastic food court, access to the Disney Skyliner gondola system

Cons: Spotty cell phone service and WiFi connection, spread out, can be noisy

Overview

Resort category: Value

Resort area: Wide World of Sports Resort Area

Address & Phone Number
1050 Century Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8433
(407) 938-4000

Pop Century is located in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area and next to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Pop Century’s theming and decor can’t be missed.

The resort celebrates the fads of the 1950s through the 1990s and honors catchphrases, toys, dances, and timeless fashion.

pop century lobby - seating area - disney world

Each building honors a specific decade and is accompanied by over-the-top statues and decorations, including Roger Rabbit, Big Wheels, and beloved childhood toys, like Play-Doh and the Rubik’s Cube.

Guest Rooms And Bathrooms

Overall, the rooms and bathrooms at Pop Century are pretty standard, but offer lots of storage and space, which is always a great thing when traveling. They have also recently been remodeled, which is a nice perk.

pop century resort - room

You can fit suitcases underneath the bed, and there’s also a dresser with drawers and other storage. Plus, a closet with hangars can be found in the bathroom.

The rooms feature standard amenities, including a hairdryer, in-room safe, telephone, free WiFi, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and mini-refrigerator. And there’s no carpeting, but a wood-style laminate floor that makes for easy cleaning.

pop century resort - room

The bathrooms have both a tub/shower combo with a toilet that is separate from the sink and vanity area. There’s also a sliding door that you can shut if you want privacy between the bedroom and the sink/vanity area.

This is always a positive, especially if you have multiple people getting ready at once. 

pop century resort - room

Standard and Preferred Rooms

There are 4 types of rooms to choose from during your stay (there are room layouts posted below):

  • Standard
  • Standard Pool View
  • Preferred View
  • Preferred Pool View
pop century resort - room

There are also both wheelchair and hearing accessible rooms available in each category that include a roll-in shower and visual alarms.

Note: Preferred rooms are priced higher and give guests closer access to the lobby, dining, transportation, and shopping.

pop century resort - room

Each room will have 1 King bed or 1 Queen bed and 1 Queen-size table/pull-down bed, aka a Murphy bed. As you can see in the photo below, there is a pull-down bed where the table and chairs are.

It’s pretty simple, but something to keep in mind, especially if you don’t want to pull down a bed at night and then put it back up during your stay. One pro is a Murphy bed gives you more space.

pop century resort - room

There are also plenty of outlets and USB plugs in the rooms: a set on either side of the bed and on the dresser directly underneath the TV.

The size of the bathroom and rooms are standard — nothing huge, but just your average hotel room. Each room can fit up to a total of four people.

Pop Century Resort Room Options

Room type(s)Bed sizeMax people
per room
Floor plan
Standard
Views of the Courtyard, Pool or Parking Area 
1 Queen and 1
Queen-size table bed
4
Value table bed
Preferred
Views of the Courtyard, Pool or Parking Area
Close to Melody Hall, Dining, Shopping and Transportation
1 Queen and 1
Queen-size table bed
4Value table bed
Family Suites
Views of the Pool, Courtyard or Parking Area

Views of the Pool, Courtyard or Parking Area
1 Queen Bed and 2 Queen-Size Pull Down Beds
1 Queen and 2
Queen-size pull down beds
4Value table bed

VIDEO: Disney’s Pop Century Resort tour (rooms, pools, dining)

Checking In and Out

When it comes to checking in and out, you have a few options: at the front desk, online through the official Walt Disney World website, or via the My Disney Experience app.

pop century - walt disney world - check in

Even though the front desk in Classic Hall, the lobby/main building, is there to assist guests, especially with checking in and checking out, all Disney World Resort guests are encouraged to check-in online or by using MDE.

  • Checking-In: After you check-in online or using the app, you’ll receive a room-ready notification via next. You can then use your MagicBand or MDE’s digital key feature to unlock your room door.
  • Checking-Out: Currently, guests will automatically be checked out of their rooms. You can also check out directly in the MDE app. But, if you have unresolved charges to your hotel folio, you’ll need to visit the front desk.

Note: Guests also have the option of to chat virtually with resort Cast Members via MDE for any assistance. 

luggage assistance - pop century - disney world

Classic Hall doesn’t just house the lobby, but is also where you can find the gift ship and food court, Everything POP Shopping & Dining, and the Fast Forward Arcade.

The pickup and dropoff location for Mears Connect (which is the replacement for Magical Express) and bus transportation are also right outside the main lobby, along with luggage storage for those who have checked out or are waiting to check in.

pop century bus stops - disney world

Note: Resort Airline Check-In and Magical Express are no longer available.

Package Delivery & Pick Up

You can have packages and groceries delivered to your Disney Resort hotel, along with shipping select items home.

Disney used to have a service where you were able to purchase items in the parks and then have them delivered to your resort’s gift shop. However, that service has been unavailable for several years now.

Parking

Although parking at Disney World resort hotels used to cost a nightly fee for resort guests, Disney has changed their policy so that parking is now free for all on-site resort guests. This change was implemented on January 10, 2023.

Complimentary standard self-parking is also available for non-resort guests exploring dining, shopping, entertainment, and other experiences during the day.

We have a complete Walt Disney World parking guide you can browse.

pop century resort - parking - disney world

Resort Map

Pop Century Resort Room View map

Pop Century Buildings

In addition to what is listed below, there are also Standard room view locations throughout the resort. Depending on your room, you may have a longer walk to the Skyliner station, but it’s usually not too bad. The Preferred rooms are located to Classic Hall and the buses — not the Skyliner.

50s

50s building - pop century resort

Buildings: 1, 2, and 3 (Preferred room location in areas closest to Classic Hall; Standard pool view location)
Location Tips: Buildings 1, 2, and 3 have both Preferred rooms, which are close to Classic Hall and the buses, along with Standard pool views.

60s

60s building - pop century resort

Buildings: 4 and 5 (Preferred room location in areas closest to Classic Hall; Preferred pool view location)
Location Tips: Buildings 4 and 5 are in the middle of all the buildings. You can find both Preferred rooms and Preferred pool view rooms here for the Bowling Pool. These buildings are also closest to the bridge to Art of Animation and the Skyliner.

70s

70s building - pop century resort

Buildings: 6 and 10 (Preferred room location in areas closest to Classic Hall)
Location Tips: Buildings 6 and 10 have select Preferred rooms that are close to Classic Hall. They are situated between the Hippy Dippy Pool and Computer Pool.

80s

80s building - pop century resort

Buildings: 7 and 9 (Standard pool view location)
Location Tips: Buildings 7 and 9 are near the Computer Pool. While father from the Skyliner, some of the rooms aren’t too far from Classic Hall and the buses.

90s

80s building - pop century resort

Buildings: 8 (Standard pool view location)
Location Tips: Building 8 is located pretty far from Classic Hall, the buses, and the Skyliner. The walk adds up after long and hot park days.

Amenities and Shops

There are several amenities offered to guests at Pop Century, including an entire arcade, a gift shop, on-site laundry services, and even the chance to watch movies outside on a big screen! 

everything pop shopping and dining - pop century

Important note: Some of the following amenities might not be available at all times.

  • Laundry Services: There are 24-hour self-service laundry facilities available near the Bowling Pool, Computer Pool, and Hippy Dippy Pool.
  • Dry Cleaning Services: For dry cleaning and valet laundry service, select “Housekeeping” on your room phone.
arcade - pop century resort
  • Fast Forward Arcade: Play old video games here; located in the Classic Hall building near the food court
  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining: The food court and gift shop located in Classic Hall.
everything pop shopping and dining - pop century
  • Movies Under the Stars: Watch complimentary Disney movies on select nights near the Hippy Dippy Pool.
  • Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children 6 months to 12 years old.

Pools and Recreation

There are three pools at Pop Century with fun theming and activities perfect for guests. Disney Resort pools also make a great way to relax on non-park days.

hippy dippy pool - pop century resort

Important note: Some of the pools and recreation options might not be available at all times.

The pools available and their locations:

  • Hippy Dippy Pool: A ’60s-themed pool located in the 1960s section. It’s shaped like a flower and even features over 235,613 gallons of water. There’s also a kiddie pool behind Classic Hall, right behind the Hippy Dippy Pool.
bowling pool - pop century resort
  • Bowling Pool: By the 1950s section, guests can swim in this pool shaped like a bowling pin that also holds 144,352 gallons of water.
  • Computer Pool: The final pool is the computer-shaped pool in the 1990s area. The pool also features touches like a giant floppy disc and keypad.
playground - pop century resort

A for playgrounds, there is one play area on property for kids to climb and slide. You can find the playground in the ’70s section.

Restaurant & Dining Options

There is one main dining option at Pop Century and it’s Quick Service.

Guests can dine at the Everything POP Shopping & dining food court. This features several different varieties of food and also has Mobile Order.

You can read more about the dining options below.

Quick Service

You don’t need reservations to dine at Pop Century’s Quick Service location, but Mobile Order is handy and we recommend using it, especially during peak dining times.

Everything POP Shopping & Dining

everything pop shopping and dining - pop century

This is a food court-style restaurant with several stations that serve pizza, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more.

Location type: Food Court
Type of food: American
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

everything pop shopping and dining - pop century
  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
  • Pros: Lots of food options and seating, mobile ordering in My Disney Experience available
  • Cons: Can get very busy during peak times

Everything Else

If you want to grab a beverage to drink by the pool or while you’re hanging at the resort, you may want to try the outdoor bar.

Petals Pool Bar

petals pool bar - pop century resort

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: A pool bar that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Pros: A few specialty drinks available, TVs to watch
  • Cons: Only a few seats at the bar (most people take drinks to the pool)

How to get from Pop Century Resort to anywhere at Disney World

There are two main forms of transportation available: Walt Disney World buses and the Disney Skyliner.

disney skyliner - pop century resort

Regarding the latter, Pop Century and Art of Animation share a Skyliner station that travels to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

You can browse all of the different ways to get from Pop Century to anywhere at Disney World below.

wdt_ID Starting Point Ending Point How to get there
1 All-Star Movies All-Star Music Follow these steps:
  • Walk (takes about 5-7 minutes)
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
2 All-Star Movies All-Star Sports Follow these steps:
  • Walk (takes about 15 minutes)
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
3 All-Star Movies Animal Kingdom Follow these steps:
  • Bus to Animal Kingdom
  • Arrive at your destination
Headed to an early morning breakfast reservation at Animal Kingdom? Buses to Animal Kingdom from Disney resorts usually start running around 7-7:15 a.m. daily.
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
4 All-Star Movies Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House (main bldg) Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (both resorts are closest to Animal Kingdom, so that bus will likely be your best option)
  • Bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village bus stop
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
5 All-Star Movies Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village
Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (both resorts are closest to Animal Kingdom, so that bus will likely be your best option)
  • Bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village bus stop
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
6 All-Star Movies Art of Animation Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (All-Star Movies is closest to Animal Kingdom, and Art of Animation is closest to Hollywood Studios, so those buses will likely be your best choices)
  • Skyliner (from Hollywood Studios) or    Bus to Art of Animation
  • Arrive at your destination
7 All-Star Movies Bay Lake Tower Follow these steps:
  • Bus to Magic Kingdom
  • Walk (takes about 10 minutes) or    monorail to Bay Lake Tower
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
8 All-Star Movies Beach Club Villas Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (All-Star Movies is closest to Animal Kingdom, so that bus will likely be your best option)
  • Bus to Beach Club
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
9 All-Star Movies Beach Club Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (All-Star Movies is closest to Animal Kingdom, so that bus will likely be your best option)
  • Bus to Beach Club
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
10 All-Star Movies Blizzard Beach Follow these steps:
  • Bus to Blizzard Beach
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
Starting Point Ending Point

Scheduled Refurbishments

None scheduled right now.

Other Info

Pop Century Trip Reports

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