Disney’s Pop Century Resort Review: Is It Worth Staying Here?
Thinking about staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort? Read my honest review covering the rooms, Skyliner, pools, dining, transportation, pros, cons, and whether Pop Century is worth it.
Estimated reading time: 36 minutes
I’ll admit it—I waited a long time to stay at Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
As someone who’s stayed at several Disney Deluxe and Moderate resorts, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about a Value Resort. Would it feel crowded? Too noisy? Too basic?
After spending several nights at Pop Century, I completely understand why so many Disney fans recommend it.
Is it luxurious? Not even close.
But is it one of the smartest places to stay if your priority is spending your time in the parks instead of sitting around your hotel?
Absolutely.
Between the Disney Skyliner, recently renovated rooms, surprisingly good food options, fun larger-than-life theming, and one of the best values on Disney property, Pop Century has earned a loyal following—and after staying here myself, I understand why.
That doesn’t mean it’s perfect.
There are definitely a few drawbacks that first-time visitors should know before booking, especially if you’re deciding between Pop Century, Art of Animation, Port Orleans French Quarter, or one of Disney’s Deluxe resorts.
One thing that made this review especially interesting is that we did a split stay during our trip. We checked out of Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and moved directly to Pop Century, so every comparison was immediate. I expected Pop to feel like a significant step down. Instead, I kept finding myself pleasantly surprised.
Here’s everything I learned during our stay.
At a Glance: Disney’s Pop Century Resort
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick version of my review.
| Category | My Take |
|---|---|
| Resort Category | Disney Value Resort |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent value for the money) |
| Best Feature | Disney Skyliner access |
| Best For | Families, couples, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants to stay on Disney property without paying Deluxe prices |
| Sleeps | Up to 4 guests per standard room |
| Transportation | Skyliner to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios; buses to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs & water parks |
| Dining | Everything POP Food Court and Shopping |
| Pools | 3 pools plus a splash pad for younger kids |
| Hot Tub | ❌ No |
| Water Slide | ❌ No |
| Arcade | ✅ Fast Forward Arcade |
| Playground | ✅ Yes |
| Walking Trail | ✅ Around Hourglass Lake |
| Would I Stay Here Again? | Absolutely. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable, convenient, and fun Pop Century turned out to be. |
Resort Overview
Disney’s Pop Century Resort is one of Disney World’s five Value Resorts, but it often feels like it’s punching above its weight class.
Instead of trying to recreate a luxurious hotel, Pop Century fully embraces fun. The entire resort celebrates American pop culture from the 1950s through the 1990s with giant icons, oversized toys, colorful buildings, and nostalgic references around every corner.
You’ll find:
- Giant Rubik’s Cubes
- Massive yo-yos
- Bowling pins
- Big Wheels
- Foosball players
- Play-Doh containers
- Lady and the Tramp statues
- Mickey telephones
- Flower-power decorations
- Disco dancers
Walking around the resort honestly feels like walking through a giant outdoor museum celebrating childhood memories.
Unlike some Disney resorts where everything blends together after a while, every section of Pop Century has its own personality. Even after several days, we still found ourselves noticing new little details.
One thing I especially appreciated was that Disney committed to the theme without making it feel childish. Yes, there are gigantic toys everywhere—but it still feels clean, bright, and well-maintained rather than tacky.
Resort Category
Disney Value Resort
Pop Century is one of Disney World’s least expensive on-property hotels, typically costing significantly less than Moderate or Deluxe resorts.
That lower price doesn’t mean you lose all of the Disney perks.
Guests still receive:
- Early Theme Park Entry
- Complimentary Disney transportation
- Free parking at the theme parks
- Ability to purchase Lightning Lane in advance
- Resort package delivery (when available)
- Disney Resort recreation
- Disney theming throughout the property
For many families, Pop Century hits the sweet spot between affordability and convenience.
Location
Location is where Pop Century really separates itself from the other Value Resorts.
Instead of relying only on buses, Pop Century is directly connected to Disney’s Skyliner.
That means you can quickly reach:
- EPCOT
- Hollywood Studios
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Riviera Resort
- Art of Animation Resort
As someone who absolutely loves the Skyliner, this became one of my favorite parts of staying here.
There is just something relaxing about gliding above Disney property instead of standing in another bus line.
If you’re planning to spend multiple days at EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, Pop Century immediately becomes one of the strongest values on property.
Theming and Atmosphere
Disney absolutely committed to the concept here.
Everything is oversized.
Everything is colorful.
Everything makes you smile.
One of my favorite things about Pop Century was simply wandering around the resort between park days.
Each decade has its own themed buildings and giant icons that make exploring surprisingly entertaining.
The 1950s section features bowling pins, jukeboxes, and Lady from Lady and the Tramp perched atop an enormous barrel.
The 1960s area bursts with colorful flowers, tie-dye designs, and giant Play-Doh containers.
The 1970s celebrates Big Wheels, foosball, Mickey Mouse telephones, and larger-than-life toys that immediately transported me back to childhood.
The 1980s and 1990s continue the nostalgia with Rubik’s Cubes, laptops, cell phones, and pop culture references that younger Millennials and Gen X visitors will instantly recognize.
Unlike some resorts where your walk back to the room is simply…a walk back to the room…at Pop Century it becomes part of the experience.
More than once we found ourselves saying,
“Wait…did you see that?”
Then we’d wander over to another giant icon to grab another picture.
Is Pop Century Too Loud?
This was honestly one of my biggest concerns before we stayed.
It’s a Value Resort.
It’s popular with families.
It’s bright.
It has giant toys everywhere.
I expected chaos.
Instead, I was pleasantly surprised.
Yes, the main areas around Everything POP and the Hippy Dippy Pool stay busy during the day.
But once we got back to our room in the evenings, things quieted down considerably.
Could you occasionally hear kids walking past?
Sure.
But that’s true at almost every Disney resort.
Compared to what I expected, Pop Century felt much calmer than I anticipated.
If you’re looking for the peaceful atmosphere of Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge, this isn’t it.
But it also wasn’t the nonstop sensory overload I had imagined.
Room Types and Amenities
Unlike Art of Animation, which offers large family suites, Pop Century focuses almost entirely on standard hotel rooms.
That simplicity actually makes booking easier.
Your primary decision is whether to book a Standard Room or pay a little more for a Preferred Room closer to Classic Hall, transportation, and dining.
Room options include:
- Standard Room
- Preferred Room
- Pool View (limited availability)
- Accessible Rooms
Most rooms sleep up to four guests with either:
- One queen bed and one queen Murphy bed
- Two queen beds (accessible configurations)
Families of five will generally need to look elsewhere, such as Art of Animation Family Suites or Port Orleans Riverside.
Our Room
One of the things that made this stay especially interesting is that it was part of a split stay. We checked out of Port Orleans French Quarter that morning and checked into Pop Century that afternoon, so every comparison was immediate.
I’ll be honest—I expected Pop Century to feel like a significant downgrade.
Instead, I kept finding myself pleasantly surprised.
Yes, the room is a little smaller than French Quarter’s, but after about ten minutes, I honestly stopped thinking about it. Disney’s renovation did a fantastic job making the space feel efficient without feeling cramped.
The queen bed was just as comfortable as the one we’d slept in the night before at French Quarter, which genuinely surprised me. After walking eight or nine miles through the parks every day, I slept incredibly well.
The shower had great water pressure, there was plenty of hot water, and the split bathroom layout made getting ready in the mornings much easier than having everything in one room.
The only minor hiccup we had was the air conditioning. We like sleeping in a cool room, and it wasn’t getting quite as cold as we’d hoped on the first night. A quick call to the front desk brought a maintenance Cast Member to our room, who adjusted the settings and had it cooling down to about 65 degrees within just a few minutes.
The Storage Situation
One thing I absolutely loved was the storage.
For a Value Resort room, Disney made incredibly smart use of the space. Between the drawers, shelves, hanging closet, Murphy bed cabinet, and under-bed storage, we had plenty of room to unpack instead of living out of our suitcases.
In fact—and I never thought I’d say this—there was actually more usable storage here than we’ve had in some Disney Deluxe Villas (Studio Rooms).
No, this room isn’t going to compete with a Deluxe Resort.
But for the price? I honestly came away impressed. It was clean, quiet, comfortable, and had everything we needed after long Disney days.
Is a Preferred Room Worth the Extra Cost?
For our stay, we decided to book a Preferred Room, and overall, I’m glad we did.
We were assigned a room in the 60s section on the fourth floor, facing away from the Hippy Dippy Pool. It ended up being a fantastic location—quiet at night and less than a five-minute walk to both Classic Hall and the Skyliner station.
That said, I also think Disney’s resort map can make Pop Century seem much larger than it actually feels.
During our resort day, I made a point of walking through every section of the resort because I wanted to see whether paying extra for a Preferred Room was really worth it.
My conclusion?
Yes…but maybe not for the reason you think.
The biggest advantage of a Preferred Room isn’t that the room itself is any nicer—it’s simply the location. Saving five minutes on the walk to breakfast, the buses, or the Skyliner every morning and every night adds up over the course of a vacation, especially after you’ve already walked 20,000 steps in the parks.
But here’s what surprised me.
The standard rooms in the 50s, 70s, and even most of the 80s section really aren’t that far away. In most cases, you’re only adding another five minutes or so to your walk.
Honestly, I’ve had longer walks from my room at both Beach Club and Animal Kingdom Lodge than I would have had from many of the standard rooms at Pop Century.
The only section that gave me pause was the far end of the 90s buildings. If I were booking a Standard Room, that’s the one area I’d be hoping to avoid simply because it’s noticeably farther from the Skyliner, food court, and buses than the rest of the resort.
So would I pay for a Preferred Room again?
Probably yes.
Not because I think it’s essential, but because I appreciated the convenience. Being able to leave my room and be at the Skyliner in just a few minutes made those early park mornings a little easier, and after a long day at EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, I was always happy to have a shorter walk back to my room.
If you’re trying to save money, though, I wouldn’t hesitate to book a Standard Room in the 50s, 70s, or most of the 80s section. I honestly don’t think it would have a meaningful impact on your vacation.
Pools and Recreation
One thing I appreciated about Pop Century is that there’s more to do than simply sleep between park days.
The resort has three themed pools:
- Hippy Dippy Pool (the main feature pool)
- Bowling Pool
- Computer Pool
The Hippy Dippy Pool is easily the busiest and liveliest.
Throughout the day you’ll often find Disney Cast Members leading games, trivia, dance parties, and family activities.
If your kids enjoy joining in organized pool games, this is where they’ll want to be.
The Bowling Pool and Computer Pool are much quieter and better suited if you’re looking for a more relaxing swim.
Like most Disney Value Resorts, there isn’t a water slide or hot tub.
If those amenities are important to you, you’ll need to look at Moderate or Deluxe resorts.
That said, we thought the pools fit the overall personality of Pop Century perfectly—bright, energetic, and family-focused.
Fast Forward Arcade
I’ll be honest…
I expected a tiny room with a handful of games.
Fast Forward Arcade turned out to be much larger than I expected.
There was a really nice mix of classic arcade machines, modern video games, air hockey tables, dance games, racing games, ticket redemption games, and even a Disney-themed photo booth.
I also loved seeing retro favorites like Pac-Man and Guitar Hero mixed in with newer attractions.
If you end up with an afternoon thunderstorm—or simply want a break from the Florida heat—this is an easy place to spend an hour or two.
Is it inexpensive?
Definitely not.
Like pretty much every Disney arcade, games add up quickly.
But for families building in a resort day or looking for evening entertainment after returning from the parks, Fast Forward Arcade offers much more than I expected.
One thing I especially liked was that it didn’t feel cramped. Even with quite a few games, the arcade had wide walkways and enough space that people weren’t constantly bumping into one another.
Honestly, it’s one of the better resort arcades I’ve seen at Walt Disney World.
Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
One thing that genuinely surprised me about Pop Century was the food.
Going into our stay, I expected a pretty standard value resort food court with burgers, pizza, chicken tenders, and maybe a few grab-and-go pastries.
While those options are certainly available, Everything POP Shopping & Dining offers a much larger selection than I expected. There are enough choices that you could easily stay here for several days without feeling like you’re eating the exact same meal over and over again.
Since most guests are spending their days in the parks, the food court is especially busy during breakfast and again after park closing. Even so, Disney does a good job moving guests through the ordering lines quickly.
To be clear… this food is nothing you will remember. But it’s not horrible either. It’s a good enough option if you are having a resort day. And there are some fun desserts (like the tie-dye cheesecake).
Everything POP Shopping & Dining
Everything POP combines the resort’s food court and gift shop into one large building inside Classic Hall.
The food court is divided into several stations serving different types of cuisine, including:
- American favorites
- Pizza and pasta
- Burgers and sandwiches
- Fresh salads
- Grab-and-go items
- Bakery treats
- Mickey waffles and breakfast platters
- Kids meals
- Plant-based options
One thing I appreciated was how easy mobile ordering made everything. On several mornings we placed our order through the My Disney Experience app while getting ready, walked downstairs, and our breakfast was waiting only a few minutes later.
It made those early rope drop mornings much less stressful.
Of course I had to try Pop Century’s famous Tie-Dye Cheesecake.
Let’s just say…it’s prettier than it is delicious.
Don’t get me wrong—it wasn’t bad. I finished it, and I’m glad I tried it once. But if you’re expecting one of those desserts you’ll be dreaming about months later, this probably isn’t it.
It’s colorful, it’s fun, and it’s become something of a Pop Century tradition, but I’d call it more Instagram-worthy than life-changing.
Breakfast
Breakfast ended up being one of our favorite meals at Pop Century.
The menu includes all the Disney classics you’d expect:
- Mickey waffles
- Pancakes
- Breakfast platters
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Breakfast potatoes
- Fresh fruit
- Pastries
- Yogurt parfaits
If you’re someone who likes to grab something quick before heading to the parks, this setup works extremely well.
One little surprise we enjoyed was the specialty coffee counter.
Instead of only offering standard drip coffee, Everything POP also serves several specialty drinks, including frozen blended coffees, iced coffees, lattes, and seasonal beverages.
One menu item that immediately caught my eye was the Mickey Cinnamon Roll, which has developed something of a following among Disney fans.
If you’re planning a slower resort morning, pairing one of those giant cinnamon rolls with a specialty coffee isn’t a bad way to start the day.
Gift Shop
The Everything POP gift shop is also larger than I expected.
Like most Disney resort stores, you’ll find:
- Disney apparel
- Spirit Jerseys
- Loungefly backpacks
- Ears
- Plush characters
- Pins
- Resort refill mugs
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Basic toiletries
- Medicine
- Souvenirs
If you forgot sunscreen, toothpaste, phone chargers, or a poncho, chances are you’ll find it here.
I also noticed a nice variety of resort-specific merchandise mixed in with the standard Walt Disney World souvenirs.
Transportation
If there’s one reason Pop Century consistently ranks near the top of Disney’s Value Resorts…
It’s the Skyliner.
Honestly, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the Skyliner completely changes the experience of staying here.
Instead of waiting for a crowded bus every morning, you’re often floating above Disney property with incredible views on your way to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.
It’s quiet.
It’s relaxing.
And it’s just plain fun.
Even after several rides, I still found myself looking out the windows instead of staring at my phone.
Disney Skyliner: The Best Amenity at Pop Century
If you asked me what single feature makes Pop Century stand out from Disney’s other Value Resorts, my answer would be immediate:
The Skyliner.
Before this trip, I understood that having Skyliner access would be convenient.
After staying here, I understood why so many Disney fans specifically book Pop Century because of it.
There is just something relaxing about floating above Walt Disney World instead of standing shoulder-to-shoulder on another crowded bus. The views are beautiful, the ride is smooth, and somehow it makes traveling to the parks feel like part of the vacation instead of just transportation.
Even when the lines looked intimidating, the system kept moving.
How Fast do the lines actually move?
One morning, I headed to EPCOT for Early Entry and was greeted by what looked like a massive line. My first thought was, “Uh oh…this could take a while.”
Instead, I timed it.
From the moment I got in line until I was actually boarding the Skyliner was only about 15 to 20 minutes.
For the number of people waiting, I thought that was incredibly efficient.
The biggest test came after EPCOT’s nighttime fireworks.
When I exited International Gateway, the Skyliner line stretched all the way back to Beach Club. It honestly looked overwhelming.
Again, I decided to pay attention instead of just assuming it would be miserable.
From the time I joined the line until I stepped off the Skyliner at Pop Century was almost exactly one hour.
Would I rather have walked straight onto a gondola?
Of course.
But considering the thousands of guests leaving EPCOT at exactly the same time, I actually thought Disney handled the crowds remarkably well.
I’ve waited longer than that for Disney buses after park closing.
That’s one of the things that impressed me most during our stay. Even when the Skyliner looked incredibly busy, it rarely felt like it had stopped moving. The line kept flowing, and before long we were gliding back across Hourglass Lake toward Pop Century.
For me, the Skyliner isn’t just a nice perk anymore.
It’s one of the biggest reasons I’d happily stay at Pop Century again.
One Unexpected Skyliner Perk
One benefit of the Skyliner that I hadn’t really thought about before this trip was how easy it makes resort hopping.
One evening we decided to have dinner at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Instead of driving, calling for a rideshare, or waiting on multiple buses, we simply hopped on the Skyliner and were there in just a few minutes.
It reminded me that the Skyliner isn’t just convenient for getting to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. It also opens up some fantastic dining options at the resorts along the line.
If you’re staying at Pop Century, it’s incredibly easy to enjoy dinner at places like Topolino’s Terrace, Primo Piatto, Sebastian’s Bistro at Caribbean Beach, or even continue on to EPCOT’s International Gateway for an evening stroll through World Showcase.
That’s a pretty nice perk for a Value Resort.
Bus Transportation
Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks are all served by Disney buses.
During our stay, we found the buses to be reliable overall.
The biggest advantage is that Pop Century is large enough to justify frequent service, especially during the busy morning and evening rushes.
Of course, bus waits can still happen, particularly after fireworks or park closing, but that isn’t unique to Pop Century.
Cast Member Service
One thing that doesn’t always get talked about in resort reviews is the people.
Disney Cast Members can have a huge impact on your vacation, and I thought the team at Pop Century was outstanding.
Every interaction we had—from the front desk to housekeeping to the maintenance team—was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. At no point did we ever feel like we were staying at Disney’s “budget” resort.
The best example happened our first night.
We like sleeping in a fairly cool room, and although our air conditioning was working, it wasn’t getting quite as cold as we’d hoped. We called the front desk, and a maintenance Cast Member arrived quickly, adjusted the settings, and had the room cooling down to about 65 degrees in just a few minutes.
It wasn’t a major issue, but I appreciated how easy it was to get help and how pleasant the entire interaction was.
Throughout the rest of our stay, every Cast Member we encountered smiled, answered questions, and seemed genuinely interested in helping guests have a great vacation.
I’ve stayed at several Disney Deluxe Resorts over the years, including Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian. I never felt like we received “lesser” service simply because we were staying at a Value Resort.
That was honestly one of my biggest surprises.
Recreation Around the Resort
One thing I don’t think gets talked about enough is that Pop Century is actually a fun resort to explore.
After dinner one evening, instead of immediately heading back to our room, we spent close to an hour simply walking around taking pictures.
Every decade has something different.
One section features giant foosball players towering over the sidewalks.
Another has enormous Play-Doh containers.
Elsewhere you’ll find oversized yo-yos, bowling pins, Lady and the Tramp, Rubik’s Cubes, Mickey telephones, and colorful flower-power decorations.
If you’re someone who enjoys photography—or if your kids like spotting giant Disney icons—you could easily spend an evening wandering around without ever feeling bored.
It’s one of those resorts that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I think that’s part of its charm.
Pop Century vs. Art of Animation
This is probably the comparison I get asked about the most.
The answer depends almost entirely on your family size.
If you’re a family of four or fewer, I would probably recommend Pop Century most of the time.
Why?
Because you’re getting:
- Nearly identical transportation
- The same Skyliner station
- Similar food options
- Similar pools and recreation
- Comparable room quality
…but usually at a noticeably lower nightly price.
On the other hand, if you’re traveling with five or six people, Art of Animation’s Family Suites become much more attractive.
Those suites provide significantly more space, an extra bathroom, and a small kitchenette.
For larger families, paying the premium often makes sense.
For couples or families of four?
I’d save the money and stay at Pop Century.
Who Is Pop Century Best For?
After staying here, I think Pop Century is an excellent choice for:
- First-time Disney visitors
- Families with young children
- Families with teenagers
- Couples who spend most of their day in the parks
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Skyliner lovers
- Guests planning multiple EPCOT or Hollywood Studios days
I probably wouldn’t recommend Pop Century if:
- You’re looking for a quiet luxury resort.
- You want a hot tub or water slide.
- You plan to spend most of your vacation relaxing at the hotel.
- You need accommodations for five or more guests.
5 Things That Surprised Me About Staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Every Disney resort has a few things that don’t really come across until you’ve actually stayed there. Before this trip, I’d watched YouTube tours, read reviews, and looked at hundreds of photos. Even so, there were several things that genuinely surprised me once we checked in.
1. The Skyliner Was Even Better Than I Expected
I knew the Skyliner was supposed to be convenient.
What I didn’t expect was how much it would become one of my favorite parts of every park day.
Instead of squeezing onto another crowded bus every morning, we were quietly gliding over Disney property with incredible views. The ride itself almost felt like an attraction. It was peaceful, rarely had long waits during our stay, and made getting to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios genuinely enjoyable.
By the end of our trip, I found myself looking forward to the Skyliner almost as much as some of the attractions.
2. The Resort Didn’t Feel Nearly as Crowded as I Thought It Would
Pop Century is one of Disney World’s largest resorts, so I expected it to feel busy all the time.
Surprisingly, once we left the food court or main pool area, it felt fairly peaceful.
The different decades are spread out enough that people naturally disperse throughout the resort. During our walks in the evenings, we often had entire pathways almost to ourselves.
I wouldn’t call Pop Century quiet in the same way I’d describe Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge, but it definitely felt less hectic than I had imagined.
3. Walking Around the Resort Became an Attraction All by Itself
Normally, once I get back from the parks, I’m ready to collapse into bed.
At Pop Century, we kept finding excuses to wander around.
Every building has giant icons, colorful decorations, and fun photo opportunities. We probably spent an hour one evening just walking through the different decades, taking pictures of oversized yo-yos, Rubik’s Cubes, bowling pins, Lady and the Tramp, giant Play-Doh containers, and the massive foosball players.
It reminded me that Disney really does think about creating an experience everywhere—not just inside the parks.
4. The Food Was Better Than I Expected
I’ll admit it—I didn’t have particularly high expectations for a Value Resort food court.
Instead, Everything POP ended up being consistently solid.
There were enough choices that we never felt stuck eating the same thing, mobile ordering worked well, and breakfast was especially convenient before early park mornings.
It’s probably not a destination restaurant, but for a value resort, I came away pleasantly surprised.
5. Pop Century Felt Like a Better Value Than I Expected
This may have been the biggest surprise of all.
Before staying here, I wondered if Pop Century would feel like the “budget option.”
Instead, it felt like a smart use of our vacation dollars.
Yes, the rooms are smaller than Disney’s Deluxe Resorts.
Yes, there are fewer amenities.
But between the Skyliner, renovated rooms, fun atmosphere, reliable transportation, and overall convenience, I never felt like we were sacrificing our vacation by staying here.
In fact, if staying at Pop Century instead of a Deluxe Resort means you can afford an extra Disney trip every few years, I honestly think that’s a trade-off many families would happily make.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✔ Excellent value for the price
✔ Skyliner access is fantastic
✔ Recently renovated rooms
✔ Fun nostalgic theming
✔ Great food court
✔ Reliable Disney transportation
✔ One of the best Value Resorts
✔ Plenty of family activities
✔ Surprisingly large arcade
✔ Easy walk to Art of Animation
Cons
✘ Rooms are still relatively small
✘ No table-service restaurant
✘ No hot tubs
✘ No pool slide
✘ Can feel busy around the main pool and food court
✘ Skyliner occasionally closes during storms
Is Disney’s Pop Century Resort Worth It?
For us?
Yes.
Without hesitation.
Would I choose Pop Century over Beach Club?
No.
Would I choose it over Wilderness Lodge?
Probably not.
Those Deluxe resorts offer larger rooms, beautiful lobbies, signature restaurants, and amenities that simply aren’t available at a Value Resort.
But that’s also comparing resorts in completely different price categories.
The more interesting comparison is against the other Value Resorts.
And that’s where Pop Century shines.
Thanks to the Skyliner, recently renovated rooms, fun theming, solid dining options, and excellent overall value, I think Pop Century has earned its reputation as one of Disney World’s very best Value Resorts.
If you’re trying to stretch your Disney vacation budget without giving up convenience, I’m not sure there’s a better option.
Would I stay here again?
Absolutely.
In fact, after experiencing it firsthand, Pop Century has become one of those resorts I’d happily book again without much hesitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pop Century worth staying at?
Yes. If you’re looking for one of Disney World’s best values, Pop Century offers comfortable rooms, excellent transportation via the Skyliner, fun theming, and convenient dining at a much lower price than Disney’s Moderate and Deluxe resorts.
Does Pop Century have Skyliner access?
Yes. Pop Century shares a Skyliner station with Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, providing transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
How many people can stay in a Pop Century room?
Most standard rooms sleep up to four guests with one queen bed and one queen Murphy bed.
Does Pop Century have a hot tub?
No. Like Disney’s other Value Resorts, Pop Century does not have hot tubs.
Is Pop Century noisy?
While the main pool and food court stay lively during the day, we found the resort much quieter at night than we expected. It certainly felt calmer than its colorful appearance might suggest.
Is Pop Century better than Art of Animation?
For families of four or fewer, I generally think yes. You receive nearly identical transportation benefits and amenities while usually paying less. Families needing extra space, however, may prefer Art of Animation’s Family Suites.
Final Thoughts
Before this trip, I honestly wondered if Pop Century would feel like a compromise.
Instead, it felt like a smart decision.
No, it doesn’t have the grandeur of the Grand Floridian, the peaceful atmosphere of Wilderness Lodge, or the incredible savanna views at Animal Kingdom Lodge. But it was never trying to compete with those resorts.
What Pop Century does exceptionally well is deliver exactly what many Disney guests need: clean, comfortable rooms, excellent transportation, fun theming, good food, and enough Disney magic to make returning to the resort each night feel like part of the vacation—not just a place to sleep.
If someone asked me for the single best Value Resort at Walt Disney World, especially for a first visit, Pop Century would be very near the top of my list.
