Updated: March 2024

Disney’s Pop Century Resort hotel is a Value resort at Walt Disney World. In my opinion, it is one of the best hotels in this category. Let’s go over the entirety of the hotel, from rooms and dining to transportation and activities.

Disney’s Pop Century Overview

Pop Century Resort is a pop culture-themed Value hotel that spans the 1950s to 1990s. Each set of buildings is themed to a different decade.

One main building hosts the front desk, dining, shopping, and gift options – Classic Hall. It will also be where buses pick you up and drop you off from the theme parks and Disney Springs.

Disney’s Pop Century has three pools – the Computer Pool in the 1980s/1990s buildings, the Bowling Pin Pool in the 1950s area, and the main Hippy Dippy Pool by the 1960s/1970s buildings. The Hippy Dippy Pool is near Classic Hall and hosts Petals Pool Bar.

Throughout the resort, you’ll see larger-than-life Disney character statues and homages to pop culture icons like Rubix Cubes, laptops, cell phones, and jukeboxes.

What is a Disney Value Resort?

Disney Value Resort hotels are the most affordable option when staying “on property.” While there are hotels outside of Walt Disney World, there are benefits to staying at a Disney hotel, including:

• Complimentary theme park parking
• Transportation throughout the resort by bus, boat, or Skyliner
• 30-minute Early Entry to theme parks

Pop Century Resort Rooms

The hotel has four types of rooms: Standard, Preferred, Standard Pool, and Preferred Pool. So, what are the differences between them? Let’s break down the differences.

Standard Versus Preferred Rooms

The Standard room has views of the resort or parking areas. It is positioned farther away from the main building and transportation. Standard Pool View is similar, but the most significant difference is that you have views of either the Bowling Pool in the 1950s section or the Computer Pool in the 1980s/1990s building.

The Preferred and Preferred Pool are closest to Classic Hall (the main building). The Preferred Pool View will give you a view of the Hippy Dippy Pool, the main resort pool.

Should you choose Standard or Preferred rooms?

We have stayed in both styles of rooms. Personally, Pool View rooms are often noisier during the day, as children play in the area. If you like sleeping in or staying in your room for a mid-day siesta, consider a quieter non-Pool View room. But it is close to the action if you plan on being in the pool, especially when you aren’t in the parks.

Another thing to consider is the location of your room related to the transportation area. If you want easy access to Classic Hall or the buses, consider purchasing a Preferred Room. Even though it is not the most prominent resort at Disney World, having to walk the extra distance after a long day in the parks can feel tiresome. The 1980s and 1990s buildings are further away, as well as Building 2 and 3 in the 1950s.

I prefer to book my rooms in the 1950s section, as it is often quieter and has decent access to the Skyliner. The 1960s area will be the closest to Classic Hall and the Skyliner, although busier during the day. When able, we avoid the 1980s and 1990s rooms due to their distance away from everything.

Are family suites available at Pop Century?

Good question! There are no family suites at this resort. If you have over four people, you will need additional rooms. If you want to have your family in one room, consider looking at the family suites at the Art of Animation Resort.

The Art of Animation Resort is another Value hotel next to the Pop Century Resort. So, you will still have the conveniences of the Skyliner. These gondolas connect you to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios while benefitting from having a larger room.

Pop Century Resort Room Rates

All Disney World Resort hotels vary in price throughout the year. Suppose you stay at the resort during busy holidays like Christmas. In that case, the prices are significantly higher than slower times of the year, like mid-January or September. It is also worth noting that there are typically special offers throughout the year than can affect your room rates.

The average room rates per night are:

• Standard Room: $174 – $367
• Standard Pool View: $182 – $381
• Preferred Room: $194 – $393
• Preferred Pool View: $205 – $403

Pop Century Room Resort Amenities

For a Value Resort, there are surprisingly many amenities and activities available at Pop Century.

In-Room Amenities

All rooms at Pop Century include:

• Hairdryer
• Free WiFi
• In-room Safe
• Telephone with voicemail
• Pod-style coffee maker (with coffee pods, creamers, and sugars included)
• Iron with ironing board
• Mini-refrigerator
• Television

The in-room amenities are comparable to other hotels outside of Disney World. While resorts in the Deluxe or Moderate categories might have more in-room features, the amenities at Pop Century are suitable for most travelers.

Resort Amenities

You will find basic amenities at this Value Resort, including:

• Resort Transportation (by bus and Skyliner)
• Wi-Fi throughout the resort
• Onsite/overnight parking
• 24-hour ATM
• Postage services
• Currency exchanges
• Arcades
• Playground
• Running trails

Is housekeeping available at Pop Century?

Housekeeping has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. As this is a Value Resort, you can expect this service every other day. You can opt out at any time in your check-in process or using your Do Not Disturb placard.

Pop Century Resort Dining Options

There are two dining options available at Disney’s Pop Century: Everything POP Shopping & Dining and Petals Pool Bar.

Everything POP Shopping & dining

This quick-service location is the flagship dining option at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. The menu changes between breakfast and lunch/dinner. It is in Classic Hall, located in the same area as the gift shop. The dining area is open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. – perfect for before and after the parks!

Here, you can order a full meal or a quick snack before you head to the parks. Many meals are under $20 and have options for adults and children. Surprisingly, there are many diet and allergy-friendly options available.

For example, I ordered a dairy-free Waffle Bounty Platter on a recent trip. They were made to order, compared to the standard, largely premade options. You can choose from a Gluten/Wheat Allergy-Friendly, Egg Allergy-Friendly, Fish/Shellfish Allergy-Friendly, Milk Allergy-Friendly, Peanut/Tree Nut Allergy-Friendly, Sesame Allergy-Friendly, and Soy Allergy-Friendly.

Petals Pool Bar

What’s a vacation without having a libation near the pool (well, at least for us)? Petals Pool Bar is next to the Hippy Dippy Pool near the 1960s buildings and Classic Hall. The bar is open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The menu offers basic cocktails you would expect from a pool bar, like the Poolside Iced Tea (my favorite), Banana Cabana, Pina CoLAVA, and the Captain’s Mai Tai. But there are also specialty drinks depending on the month or event; for example, a trip in March had a cocktail for Women’s History Month.

There are also basic snacks like pretzels, salads, chips, and sandwiches. Nearby is a soft drink machine, which you can use to refill your resort mug. Little ones can also buy frozen treats like the famous Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar.

Can I use mobile order at Disney’s Pop Century?

Yes! You can absolutely use mobile order. On the My Disney Experience app, you can press the (+) button to start your mobile order. Select a pick-up time, choose your items, and make your payment. Then, head to Everything POP Shopping & Dining to the designated mobile order area. However, you cannot mobile order at Petals Pool Bar.

Pro Tip: Press the “I’m here!” button on the My Disney Experience app before you reach Classic Hall (we do ours when we’re still in the hotel room) so you do not have to wait in the dining area for your order. Have it made as you’re walking to the building!

Pop Century Resort Transportation

There are two main forms of transportation at this hotel – buses and the Skyliner. However, there are alternate, sometimes quicker, options available for a fee.

Disney Buses

The buses at Disney World are a staple throughout the resort. You will find them traveling to resorts and theme parks during the day and night. Buses run approximately 30 to 45 minutes before the parks opens and stay open until at least an hour after the parks close.

The bus stop is at Classic Hall, where you will find signs of loading areas to the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. You can find information about the next bus on the convenient signs next to the benches to wait.

However, waiting can be a challenge on hot summer days. There is little shade in the areas where you wait for the buses. Try to travel to your destination in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the mid-day heat.

Skyliner

If you stay at Pop Century for one thing, do it for the Skyliner. It is a gondola-style transportation that takes you from Pop Century to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios in less than 20 minutes.

You will board the Skyliner on the Hourglass Lake bridge. From there, you will be transported to a central hub where you can choose which park you want to visit. There are signs and Cast Members throughout the show you where to go.

Other Transportation Options

If you want to avoid the buses and the Skyliner, you can use a rideshare service like Uber, Lyft, or Minnie Vans. Rates can vary depending on the time of day and year, so I suggest budgeting extra funds if you anticipate needing this form of transportation.

How can I get to Magic Kingdom from Pop Century?

The only way to visit the “Most Magical Place on Earth” is by what I consider the least magical form of transportation – the bus. You won’t wait long, perhaps 10 to 15 minutes, and it will take about 20 minutes to reach the entrance. You will likely wait longer during park open and close, and Disney recommends allocating at least an hour to travel to your destination (especially if you have a reservation).

How can I get to Animal Kingdom from Pop Century?

You will get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom by bus. According to Disney, the actual travel time on the bus is around 20 minutes. However, they recommend allocating 45 minutes to reach the park.

How can I get to Hollywood Studios from Pop Century?

You will take the Skyliner near the 1960s buildings, across from the Art of Animation Resort, to Hollywood Studios. It is about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the gates.

How can I get to EPCOT from Pop Century?

Just like Hollywood Studios, you will likely travel to EPCOT by Skyliner. You will be unable to visit by bus, and there will likely be a sign that says you must use alternative transportation. It is approximately a 15-minute trek to the International Gateway.

How can I get to Disney Springs from Pop Century?

The best way to get to Disney Springs is by bus. However, you can drive your own car to the shipping and dining center or use a paid service like Uber, Lyft, or Minnie Vans.

Is Pop Century Good for Adults?

Disney’s Pop Century Resort is not the most romantic compared to the Moderate and Deluxe hotel options. However, suppose your goal is to only use the hotel room for the evenings and spend the rest of your day at the theme parks. In that case, it is an affordable alternative. If you want to have a spa or activities like horseback rides and golfing, consider a higher-end hotel.

There are days when my husband and I will sleep in after a night out. You WILL hear families getting ready for the parks in the morning. Housekeeping and Maintenance will show up, knocking on your door (but if you want to avoid that, make sure to place the Do Not Disturb sign on your door). While the early morning can be rough, you will often find solace after 8:00 a.m. when everyone has gone to the parks.

Surprisingly, there are still some romantic spots within this kid-friendly resort. You may like watching the Skyliner gently float by while you and your loved one sit on a bench enjoying a cocktail. Or, walk around Hourglass Lake and enjoy some time alone walking hand-in-hand. Even the nightly Disney movie near the pool could be romantic – snuggle up with a blanket and a snack.

You can make many out-of-the-box activities and places romantic with some creativity. After all, you’re on vacation – why not try to make the most of it?

Common Questions & Tips

Below are some frequently asked questions I overheard while planning my vacation to Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

What other Disney Value Resort hotels are available?

The other Disney Value Resorts available are:

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – This is the newest Value Resort that celebrates a few notable cinematic flicks that have graced the silver screen, with buildings and rooms themed to The Little Mermaid, Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King. The hotel is across from Pop Century and shares the Skyliner route.

Disney’s All Star Resorts – There are three All Star Resorts on property: All Star Movies, All Star Music, and All Star Sports. Each are themed to their respective resorts. All three are positioned nearby each other with the closest park being Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

What are the closest theme parks to the hotel?

The closest theme parks to Pop Century are EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, which are accessible by Skyliner.

How can I contact the front desk?

Disney’s Pop Century is located at:

1050 Century Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8433

Their phone number is (407) 938-4000. If you are in your room, you can use the in-room phone to contact the front desk as well.

Is overnight/onsite parking available?

Yes! Free parking is available at the Pop Century hotel, both for overnight and day guests.

How do you check into your hotel and what are check-in/out times?

You can check into your hotel once you arrive. Just visit Classic Hall and speak with a Cast Member, and they can confirm your room and put a credit card on file.

But the best way to save time, letting you enjoy your vacation sooner, is to use online check-in. You can check into your resort before you arrive, either on the Disney World website or on the My Disney Experience app. Then, when you arrive, you will receive your room number when available and go straight to your building.

Is onsite laundry available?

There are three laundry buildings available – each located near the three pools. It is self-service and open 24-hours. Valet and dry-cleaning is available if you contact Housekeeping.

Pro tip: You can use the LaundryView website to see which washers and dryers are available. You can also enter your email or phone number and it will alert you when your cycle is complete. While it is pretty basic for Value resorts, it is a good tool to have in your belt.

Are discounts available?

If you are not booking through a travel agent, the best way to look for discounts at Disney World is on the “Special Offers” page on their website. If you have your vacation already booked, still look at that page before your trip – you can apply any relevant discount to your trip and adjust your balance.

Conclusion

Disney’s Pop Century Resort is our go-to option when staying at Disney World. While the dining, amenities, and recreation are basic, having the Skyliner makes it more convenient than other hotels. So, whether you’re in it for the transportation or looking for an affordable stay, consider this pop culture hotel for your next vacation.