Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort stands as one of Walt Disney World’s most popular Disney resorts, celebrating American pop culture from the 1950s through the 1990s.

Pop Century Resort originally had a different vision. The current resort represents the “Classic Years” (1950s-1990s), while a second phase called “Legendary Years” would have covered the 1900s-1940s across Hourglass Lake. Construction began in 2003, but halted after 9/11’s impact on tourism. The partially completed Legendary Years buildings stood dormant until Disney reimagined the project as Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, opening in 2012.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about this uniquely themed destination.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort Summary

• Recently renovated value resort celebrating American pop culture from the 1950s-1990s with decade-themed sections and giant icons
• Modern rooms sleep 4 with queen bed and queen Murphy bed; efficient design with updated amenities
• Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios makes it a standout among value resorts
• Three pools: Hippy Dippy Pool (feature pool), Bowling Pin Pool, and Computer Pool
• Everything POP food court offers extensive dining options and shopping
• Rates typically $150-280 per night, offering strong value among Disney resorts
• Central location and dedicated bus service to all parks and Disney Springs
• Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want updated rooms and Skyliner access

Location and Transportation

Pop Century sits in Disney’s Wide World of Sports Resort Area, conveniently connected to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT via the Disney Skyliner gondola system. Bus service connects guests to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks. The Skyliner provides efficient transportation with typical wait times under 15 minutes.

Resort Theme and Layout

The resort features ten four-story buildings arranged by decades, with giant icons representing each era:

• 1950s: Bowling pins, juke boxes, and Lady from Lady and the Tramp
• 1960s: Play-Doh containers, Duncan Yo-Yos, and Baloo from The Jungle Book
• 1970s: Eight-track tapes, Big Wheels, and Mickey Mouse phone
• 1980s: Walk-Man, Rubik’s Cube, and Roger Rabbit
• 1990s: Cell phones, computers, and rollerblades

Classic Shadow Box displays in the Classic Hall (lobby) showcase memorabilia from each decade, offering nostalgic photo opportunities.

Rooms and Accommodations

Recent renovations have modernized all 2,880 guest rooms. Standard rooms sleep up to four adults (or four people and one infant under three), with:

• One queen bed (some rooms offer one king bed)
• One queen-size Murphy bed
• Raised platform storage under the queen bed
• 54″ smart TV
• Mini-refrigerator
• Coffee maker
• Safe
• Iron and ironing board
• Bathroom with shower/tub combination

Room categories include:

• Standard Room
• Standard Pool View Room
• Preferred Room (closer to Classic Hall)
• Preferred Pool View Room

The rooms themselves are identical inside, only the location and view are different.

Dining Options

Everything POP Shopping & Dining

The resort’s main dining facility combines a food court and gift shop. Seven stations offer diverse options:

• Grab n’ Go Market
• Pizza Shop
• Burger Station
• Sandwich Station
• International Station
• Salad Station
• Dessert Station

The food court serves breakfast (6:30 AM – 11:00 AM), lunch (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM), and dinner (4:00 PM – 11:00 PM).

Petals Pool Bar

Located at the Hippy Dippy Pool, offering drinks and light snacks.

Recreation and Amenities

Pools

• Hippy Dippy Pool (1960s area): Flower-shaped water jets
• Bowling Pool (1950s area): Bowling pin-shaped pool
• Computer Pool (1990s area): Computer-themed quiet pool

All pools feature:

• Laundry facilities nearby
• Towel service
• Life jackets available
• Pool hours: 7 AM – 11 PM

Other Recreation

• Fast Forward Arcade: Modern gaming facility
• Jogging trail around Hourglass Lake
• Movie Under the Stars nightly at the Hippy Dippy Pool
• Playground near the 1970s buildings

Pros and Cons

Pop Century offers significant advantages through its Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, alongside recently renovated rooms at budget-friendly prices. The extensive food court provides diverse dining options, while three distinct pools and nostalgic theming create an engaging atmosphere. However, potential guests should consider several factors before booking. The resort’s size means potentially lengthy walks to amenities, and transportation to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom relies solely on bus service. The absence of table-service restaurants and basic amenities compared to moderate or deluxe resorts may impact some vacation experiences. During peak seasons, the resort’s popularity can lead to heavier foot traffic throughout public areas.

Disney Skyliner

Pop Century shares a Skyliner station with Art of Animation Resort, connected by the generation gap bridge over Hourglass Lake. The station offers direct service to Caribbean Beach Resort’s central hub, where guests can transfer to either EPCOT or Hollywood Studios lines.

Typical travel times:

• Pop Century to Hollywood Studios: 10-12 minutes (including transfer)
• Pop Century to EPCOT: 15-18 minutes (including transfer)

The Skyliner operates daily from one hour before early park entry until late evening (typically 10:30 PM or later during peak seasons). During peak times (park opening, fireworks), expect 10-15 minute wait times. Morning rope drop crowds usually begin forming 90 minutes before park opening.

The gondolas accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and ECVs without folding. Each cabin fits up to 10 guests, though larger groups may be split. Air conditioning is provided through passive ventilation, and cabins pause periodically for accessibility loading.

Pro tips:

• Use early morning hours (before 9 AM) for shortest waits
• Consider bus service during thunderstorms when Skyliner suspends operation
• Buildings 4-5 offer quickest Skyliner access
• Keep your room key/MagicBand accessible for station re-entry
• Consider afternoon breaks using Skyliner for pool time

The Skyliner significantly enhances Pop Century’s value proposition, providing deluxe-level transportation at value resort pricing.

Room Selection Tips

Best room locations depend on priorities:

• Skyliner access: Buildings 4-5 (1960s)
• Food court proximity: Buildings 4-7
• Quiet areas: Buildings 9-10 (1990s)
• Pool view: Buildings 3-4 near Hippy Dippy Pool
• Bus stop access: Buildings 1-2 (1950s)

Cost and Value

Pop Century typically ranges from $150-$280 per night, depending on season. Value comes from:

• Recent room renovations
• Skyliner transportation
• Extensive dining options
• Multiple pools
• Disney resort benefits

Planning Tips

Maximizing your stay at Pop Century requires thoughtful planning and strategic choices. We recommend booking Preferred Rooms for convenient access to amenities, especially if you have young children or mobility concerns. Request upper floors, particularly the third or fourth, to enjoy quieter stays away from pool noise and foot traffic. The resort’s mobile check-in system efficiently bypasses front desk queues, while storing your room preference in the My Disney Experience app increases your chances of location requests being fulfilled. For Skyliner parks, plan morning departures 75-90 minutes before park opening to beat the heaviest gondola traffic. Since check-in time is 3:00 PM, pack pool gear and park essentials in carry-on bags if arriving earlier – the resort will store your luggage while you enjoy the pools or head to the parks. Consider requesting buildings 4-5 for optimal Skyliner access or buildings 1-2 for closest bus stop proximity. Download the My Disney Experience app before arrival to easily track bus times, place mobile food orders at Everything POP, and manage your resort stay. If you’re visiting during summer months or holidays, plan food court visits during off-peak hours (before 8:00 AM or after 8:00 PM) to avoid crowds. Pack a refillable water bottle to utilize the food court’s free water stations, and consider bringing basic breakfast items to save both time and money during your stay.

Disney Resort Benefits

Staying at Pop Century includes:

• Early Theme Park Entry (30 minutes)
• Extended Evening Hours (select nights, select parks)
• Early Lightning Lane booking (7 AM)
• Disney Dining Plan eligibility
• Discounted MagicBand upgrade options
• Use of all Disney transportation

Who Should Stay Here?

Pop Century perfectly suits budget-conscious families and first-time Disney visitors seeking a balanced resort experience without premium pricing. The resort particularly appeals to pop culture enthusiasts who appreciate the immersive decade theming and nostalgic photo opportunities. Its Skyliner access makes it ideal for guests planning multiple days at EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, while the renovated rooms and efficient layouts work well for couples seeking value accommodations. Large groups or families traveling together benefit from the resort’s numerous room options and connecting room availability. The resort works especially well for early risers taking advantage of Early Theme Park Entry, as well as guests who primarily use their room for sleeping while spending most days in the parks. However, visitors seeking extensive in-room amenities, table service dining, or a more luxurious resort experience may prefer a moderate or deluxe property. Additionally, the resort proves particularly cost-effective for longer stays (5+ nights) where the savings compared to deluxe resorts can fund several special experiences or dining opportunities. Business travelers attending conferences at nearby ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex also find Pop Century’s location and amenities suitable for their needs.

Comparison to Other Disney Value Resorts

Pop Century offers advantages over Art of Animation and All-Star Resorts:

• Dedicated Skyliner station (shared with Art of Animation)
• More central location
• Recently renovated rooms
• Typically lower crowds than Art of Animation
• Better dining options than All-Stars
• More consistent bus service than All-Stars

Are Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts a Better Option?

While Pop Century is an excellent value resort, Disney’s moderate resorts (Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, Coronado Springs) provide enhanced amenities for an additional $100-200 per night. Moderate resorts feature more elaborate theming, table-service restaurants, water slides, hot tubs, and larger rooms. You’ll find queen beds standard, enhanced landscaping, and interior corridors instead of exterior walkways. Additionally, moderate resorts typically experience lower crowd levels and offer quieter, more relaxed atmospheres.

However, the cost difference between five nights at Pop Century versus a moderate resort could fund several signature dining experiences, special tours, or park add-ons. Consider prioritizing parks and experiences over resort amenities – many guests find they spend minimal time at their resort regardless of category. Pop Century’s Skyliner access also matches or exceeds moderate resort transportation options, except for Caribbean Beach which shares the Skyliner system.

Moderate resorts make sense if you’re planning resort days, celebrating special occasions, or seeking a more immersive themed environment. But if you’re focusing on park time and value efficient transportation, Pop Century’s combination of amenities and price point often proves the smarter choice.

Why Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort delivers solid value with convenient transportation options, updated rooms, and engaging theming. The Skyliner access and extensive amenities make it a standout among value resorts. While lacking some luxury features of higher-tier properties, it provides an excellent home base for Walt Disney World adventures, particularly for guests focusing on EPCOT and Hollywood Studios visits.

Remember to utilize the Skyliner for efficient park access, explore the decade-themed areas for unique photo opportunities, and consider room location preferences when booking. With proper planning, Pop Century can serve as an affordable and enjoyable foundation for your Disney vacation.

Find out more about all Walt Disney World Value Resorts.