We can’t stress enough the importance of weighing the pros and cons of a Disney hotel before your stay. Knowing the ins and outs could LITERALLY save your vacation.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort is one of the most popular value resorts at Disney World. Often considered by families and Disney fans alike for a Disney World stay due to its affordable pricing, location, and fun theming, Pop Century is a solid option for many Disney World guests. However, if you’re considering lodging at Pop Century, there are a few tips you should be aware of before deciding to book.
One of the most important tips to note is that Pop Century is set up not too dissimilarly to a motel — meaning it’s largely outdoors.
Structured like a motel, the buildings here have exterior entrances, with four floors and room entrances all featured on the outside of the building.
The outdoor situation could be problematic, as the weather in Central Florida can get rough. From dealing with humidity to escaping thunderstorms, there might be weather challenges when staying at Pop Century.
Speaking of weather, while the Disney Skyliner is a boon — this transportation method has a station at the resort — it can become an inconvenience during inclement weather.
If the weather is bad enough, the Skyliner will shut down, and you’re limited to bus transportation or using a ride share. One of the major perks of staying at Pop Century is direct access to the Skyliner. If it’s not up and running, that’s a major perk missing.
The Skyliner station also services Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, sharing a station with Pop Century. Therefore, you could potentially experience “double” the number of riders, more than one might expect if you’re not aware of this fact.
When it comes to limitations, it’s hard to find a limitation quite as glaring as the lack of dining options.
You’re limited to Everything POP Shopping & Dining (a food court), Petals Pool Bar, and in-room pizza on-demand.
There are plenty of suitable options at these locations, but the quality here is average and limited when it comes to sit-down restaurants or any sort of signature dining. If you’re looking for elevated meals, you won’t find them here.
Pop Century is deceptively large, featuring buildings that take you through the decades. The layout is spaced out, meaning you might have to deal with long walks to the lobby, pool, bus stop, and/or Skyliner.
You can request specific decade/building sections at check-in, closer to the pool or skyliner. These aren’t guaranteed, but it never hurts to ask. A majority of rooms are not located near the Skyliner, so it’s worth upgrading if that’s offered to you as well. Dealing with fatigue and weather while getting from A to B can really mess up a vacation. If you have to walk a lot less, it makes a big difference.
If you’re examining the layout of the resort and want to avoid crowds doing your pool days, consider visiting the Computer Pool!
It’s tucked away in the 90s section, and is definitely a good option if you’re in the 80s/90s buildings or just want to avoid the crowds of the Hippy Dippy Pool.
Finally, this hotel has TONS of easter eggs packed throughout. From Disney references to a plethora of references to pop culture over the decades, it can take you DAYS to discover everything.
While there are giant props, there are also a bunch of easy-to-miss easter eggs scattered around the hotel, such as some trinkets in the lobby cases, the fake song names on the back of the giant 8-trax, and more. Take some time to explore this unique resort, should you decide to stay here!
If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!
We’ve stayed here and have learned a lot over the years during these visits. Have you stayed at Pop Century? Share your experience in the comments below and continue to follow us here at AllEars for all the latest Disney World tips and updates!
Why One Disney Fan Is Calling Pop Century the “Worst Disney Hotel I’ve Stayed At”
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Where do you rank Pop Century among your favorite Disney World hotels? Let us know in the comments!
I was a cast member at Pop Century- Front counter, midnight shift. This hotel is sold out most nights and there’s almost 3000 rooms. So, a lot of people really love this place. Especially since the renovations to the interiors. The problem is when people don’t do a little bit of research before booking. If they’re expecting Grand Floridian style amenities then there will be disappointment.
Pop is our favorite resort. We have our car so it’s easy access to great food options on 192. We don’t hang around the hotel. We are in our 70’s and we spend a lot of time in parks. We love the sky liner. Have never had to bunch up in one to go to Hollywood or Epcot. My only complaint is not enough space for clothes when staying
Stayed many times. Love the theme-ing. I thought all values had from doors to the outside. As far as the food, have at at all tiers and be our guest was the only place that wasn’t disappointing. The rest just taste the same after awhile.