Disney Fans Will No Longer Stand for This Pop Century Slander

Alright, people. This one’s important! You see, there’s this Disney World hotel that LOTS of us love — but some of y’all want to go running your mouths about it at every turn.

Yes, Disney’s Pop Century is a VALUE RESORT. Yes, that means it doesn’t have a sit-down restaurant, or a waterslide, or, you know, hallways (yes, this hotel has doors that open to the OUTSIDE, roadside motel style). But it also means I can afford to take my family there MORE THAN ONE NIGHT a year. And frankly, I’m tired of the way some of you slander it.

If you’ve never been to Pop Century, I’m so sorry for you (although some of these slanderers will disagree). It’s a delight of a resort, with buildings themed after the ’50s, ”60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. It opened at Disney World in 2003, and my first stay there — with a toddler in tow — was in 2005. I’ve been staying there frequently ever since!

So, since it’s one of my favorites, I took a look at some of the reviews our AllEars readers have left on this resort, and, while I respect everyone’s opinion, I feel I must disagree — publicly and vehemently — with some of the criticisms here!  (Oh, by the way, if you want to leave your OWN Disney World reviews — which OF COURSE YOU DO! — then head over to our ratings and reviews section!)

AllEars Ratings and Reviews (Leave Yours Right Here!)

“Theming is blah”

That’s a DIRECT quote from one of the reviews on our website, and I couldn’t disagree more! I mean, what are you saying here? Giant bowling pins and Play-Doh cans aren’t “normal” hotel decor? Um, OK, but they are DELIGHTFUL.

Similar to the other Disney World Value Resorts, this theming is truly larger than life, and that’s what makes it FUN! It’s nostalgia to the max, and it really feels like you’re in Disney World every step of the way.

Yeah, yeah, there’s absolutely no nuance here. But you are in DISNEY WORLD. Who wants subtle? (OK I know some people do and yes, that subtle Moana makeover at the Polynesian Village Resort is beautiful, but let me have my gargantuan Mickey Mouse Rotary Phone, OK?)

Yeah, yeah, at the end of the day, I can kind of — kind of — see how this theming isn’t for everyone, but I certainly wouldn’t call it “meh.” If you know you don’t want a hotel that slams Disney in your face every few steps (I mean, that’s not me, but I can be open-mided), I do recommend a Moderate or Deluxe Disney World Resort.

The Danger With Leaving Pop Century Late at Night

“We Were Surrounded by Cheerleaders”

Here’s another direct quote from a different review — and first, I need to ask: Are cheerleaders fundamentally bad? I was a cheerleader (Go, fight, win Illinois Math and Science Academy Titans!), and I just don’t remember it that way!

But what I will say is all of those large student groups like high school bands, softball teams, and yes, the dreaded CHEERLEADERS do tend to land in the Value hotels at Disney World. 

But other large groups — like multi-generational families — stay in hotels all over the property. And Disney World Resorts — from the cheapest to the biggest splurge — are not exactly known for having 5-feet-thick concrete walls impenetrable to noise.

Now one thing you will experience at Value Resorts is early-morning practice. Yes, those “awful” cheerleaders and dance teams might assemble in the outdoor common areas of the resort before breakfast is even being served to run through their routines. Most of them are there because they’ve qualified for big regional or national competitions being held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (yay, team!).

If you know you may have trouble sleeping with extra noise coming from outside your hotel room, I recommend bringing earplugs, headphones, or a noise machine, regardless of which Disney World Resort you choose.

One thing to check out is this Dreamegg White Noise Machine (yes, it’s literally the size of an egg!).

Battery life on this little guy is legit, and it is super easy to set the volume, timer, and choose one of 16 nature sounds. I love that it defaults to the previously my previously used volume and timer settings.

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The $30 Upgrade I Must Pay for Every Time I Stay at Pop Century

There Aren’t A Lot of Options for Food

To this, I say — you’re just not doing it right! Yes, there’s only one dining location here, which is Everything Pop Shopping and Dining. But this one location has tons of dining options.

Yes you’ve got classic options here like a Cheeseburger, Chicken Fingers, a Meatball Sub, and a Hot Dog, BUT you’ve also got some really interesting choices — which means there’s truly something for everyone. You can grab Citrus-Basil Salmon, Beef and Vegetable Stir-fry, Chicken Adobo Nachos, a Honey Barbecued Pork Sandwich, and so much more. Not to mention that this is the only spot to get that iconic Tie Dye Cheesecake!

Also on the eating front — remember that Pop Century is on the Disney World Skyliner route! That means you could head to a number of other resorts for dining options. The all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style meal at Sebastian’s Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort is one of the most underrated dinners on property.

Or you could head to Riviera Resort on the Skyliner for some outdoor eats at Bar Riva. I’m a big fan of the salads and burger here — and don’t miss the Riviera Cookie Skillet. (Did someone say PIZOOKEEEE?!)

Or you could hop on the Skyliner to EPCOT! It’ll drop you off at the International Gateway entrance, where it’s an easy walk to Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort, Flying Fish at the BoardWalk, or the amazing Prime Rib Sliders at Crew’s Cup Lounge in the Yacht Club.

Listen, I know this resort isn’t the most luxurious, but if you’re on a budget, want some really fun theming, and need a food court option that will please everyone in your group (or a short ride to more dining options), then I think this resort is really solid (it’s a DELIGHT, and don’t you forget it!). I mean, Pop Century is fun, whimsical, and VERY nostalgic, which is a big part of why we go to Disney World in the first place, isn’t it?

7 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Staying at Pop Century

BTW, if you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, I 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!

Be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney World news, reviews, tips, tricks, and everything in between!

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What’s your take on Pop Century? Tell us in the comments!

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