One of Disney World’s most “POP”-ular value resorts is celebrating a birthday today! Disney’s Pop Century Resort officially opened to the public on December 14, 2003. Comprised of 2,880 rooms divided among 10 buildings, this groovy resort hotel is famous for its over-the-top exterior theming. It’s worth mentioning that Pop recently finished renovations in the dining area, lobby, and gift shop. A soft goods refurbishment of guest rooms is also underway and should be completed in the Spring as well. Let’s briefly discuss some of the other features and advantages of this resort, so you can decide if Pop is the right place to stay during your next trip.
Larger Than Life Decades Theming
Pop Century Resort is divided into five sections, each themed to a different decade spanning the 1950’s through the 1990’s. Nostalgia is the overall theming here. Each section celebrates popular trends and phrases from its respective decade by way of soaring props and colorful displays. Just some of the throwbacks you can expect to see:
- 1950’s section – Bowling pin staircases, Lady and the Tramp statue, Jukebox, and more
- 1960’s section – Yo-yo staircases, giant Play-doh, Baloo and Mowgli statue, and more
- 1970’s section – 8-track tape staircases, Mickey Mouse photo, Mood rings, and more
- 1980’s section – Rubik’s Cube staircases, Roger Rabbit statue, giant Walkman, and more
- 1990’s section – Cell phone staircases, giant laptop, Rollerblades, and more
Classic Hall
The main building where you will find necessities like the front desk, luggage assistance, food court, and resort gift shop is known as Classic Hall. If you will be using Disney bus transportation, you will find the bus stops for the resort located in front of this building as well. Classic Hall is a hub of activity, so it makes sense that rooms near the hall are in the “preferred room” category and come with a higher price tag as a result.
Skyliner Access
One thing that makes Pop unique compared to other value resorts (aside from Art of Animation) is its access to the Disney Skyliner. Pop Century and Art of Animation share a Skyliner station on the bridge connecting these two resorts. The Skyliner is a game-changer. It provides easy access to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and numerous dining options located at the other resorts along the Skyliner route. If you’re not a fan of taking Disney bus transportation everywhere and/or will be heavily visiting EPCOT and Hollywood Studios during your next trip, Pop may be the perfect place to stay for this convenience alone.
Everything POP Shopping and Dining
Like other value resorts, Pop Century has a food court. If your group wants “something different for everyone” when it’s time to eat, this can be an advantage. Each person can visit the food station serving up their favorite options, and then meet back at the registers to pay. Everything POP Shopping and Dining is not super fancy, but it will get the job done.
For breakfast, expect standard options like Mickey Waffles, Loaded Totcho Bowls, and Bounty Platters. Dinner includes items like burgers, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and rotating specialty offerings. Don’t overlook the dessert case here! You can find guest favorites such as the famous tie-dye cheesecake or the Flashback Oatmeal Cream Pie.
In addition to the food court and dining area, Everything POP is also the resort’s gift shop. You can find a variety of general Disney merchandise as well as Pop Century Resort merchandise. Personally, I love the trend of resorts offering resort-specific merchandise, because it allows me to commemorate my stays at each one with something unique.
Pools
Pop Century features three pools. The main pool, Hippy Dippy Pool, features 1960’s theming and retro flower-shaped water jets. This is the pool where you will find the poolside activities and most of the crowds. Near Hippy Dippy Pool is Petals Pool Bar. The pool bar boasts several non-alcoholic options, beer, wine, and some specialty cocktails. You can also grab a bite to eat from the limited menu of pool bar bites if you just want something quick as you take a break from the water.
In addition to the main pool, Pop Century also has two “quiet pools”. These pools have fun theming to reflect the decades in which they are located. The 1950’s section is home to the Bowling Pool (shaped like a bowling pin) and the 1990’s section has the Computer Pool. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the activities and crowds at the main pool, you will likely want to seek out one of these smaller options.
Resort Activities
Pop Century features your standard resort activities that are also found across property at other resorts. You can visit the arcade, watch movies under the stars, or roast marshmallows at the nightly campfire. There are also a couple of paid activities you may want to try like Mickey Tie-Dye, painting your own bowling pin, or painting on a vinyl record. Be sure to check out the Resort Activities Schedule during your visit to see what’s happenin’.
In the end, if you’re feeling nostalgic for decades past, Pop Century may provide the theming you’re seeking. Our team definitely enjoys the convenience of Skyliner access without the moderate-to-deluxe price tag found elsewhere. So, pop on by (pun intended) and check out all this resort has to offer. Happy Birthday, Pop Century! Stay tuned to MouseHouseNews.net for more fun facts and useful information about your resort options around Walt Disney World. See ya real soon!
