The Pop Century Resort was the second of three properties that I visited during our recent trip to Walt Disney World. A value-priced Walt Disney World resort that has kids running from the 1950s to the 1990s faster than you can download a movie on dial-up. With its over-the-top towering icons of American culture, it’s a family-pleasing resort that’s easy on the wallet.
What I loved at the Pop Century Resort
The Pop Century Resort is fun. The buildings exude energy and draw me through the resort. From the four-story tall bowling pins to the giant 60s flowers pasted on the sides of the candy-colored buildings, this place is a hit with the young at heart.
The Hippy-Dippy Pool with the Petal Pool Bar is the place to rejuvenate the kids after a long day in the parks. The Classic Hall building has registration, bell services and a quick-service food court conveniently located.
The Pop Century Resort’s size is more manageable than the Caribbean Beach Resort so there’s no need for additional internal buses to get around.
What I wanted at the Pop Century Resort
The rooms at Pop Century are small, some of the smallest at Walt Disney World. During our stay at Walt Disney World we left early and we got back late but if you spend more time in your room as a family the size might be a problem.
The linens in the Pop Century were skimpy in quality and number. I prefer softer sheets and more towels. While a road tripper can pack towels for the pool, a family flying to Orlando can’t.
I found less activities for kids at the Pop Century Resort than the moderately-priced Caribbean Beach Resort. This was not a problem for the carful of kids because we spent all day in the parks and really only used the pool.
The Features ofthe Pop Century Resort
Pop Century Resort is a value-priced Walt Disney World resort ($) 1.7 miles away from Hollywood Studios. It features four areas named after decades of the 20th century with a total of 2,880 rooms along the shores of Hour Glass Lake and cross from the Art of Animation Resort.
I found free self-parking. We used the Walt Disney World bus transportation and the Magical Express (complimentary Orlando airport transportation). Both offered efficiency though we had to stand at peak times.
I visited the Pop Century Resort in April.
My Room at the Pop Century Resort
I had a reservation for a standard room with two doubles beds on the fourth floor in the 1950s section of the Pop Century Resort. After climbing the stairs, I found the elevator. The carful of kids really wanted to climb the giant bowling pin stairs but Mom didn’t like lugging luggage.
I found well-maintained building but it exuded a roadside motel feeling. The rooms looked out onto an outdoor corridor and lacked private balconies or patios.Our room was 260-square feet, not a lot of extra room for a pack-n-play and luggage, providing sleeping for four.
Our room featured a small table with two chairs, a small refrigerator, a flat-screen television, a phone and an in-room safe. I didn’t find a coffee maker, a charging station, real glassware, clock radio, a ceiling fan or separate closet. I missed some of those items, especially the coffee maker.
The linens in our room at Pop Century Resort were lacking. With two pillows per bed, it’s just not enough. I found one more on the shelf above the closet rod. The mattresses were thinner and the white linens were clean but rough. I didn’t sleep as well here as I did on the previous night at the Caribbean Beach Resort.
The bathroom area was small though it did have a curtain in the vanity area so a Mom could change when a kid baths. The tub and toilet are separated by a door and are clean and well-maintained.
The vanity area had one sink and I found a plastic ice bucket and disposable cups on the bathroom counter. Basic toiletries were included: bath soap, facial bar, shampoo and conditioner.
Our room at the Pop Century Resort, like our room at theCaribbean Beach Resort,didn’t feature a real closet. I found an iron and ironing board, hair dryer and luggage rack next to the vanity under the closet rod. The room gets messy with the kids when I can’t hide the clutter behind a door.
I found the number of towels inadequate in our room. The four towels that I found in the room were rough. We ran out of towels after a trip to the pool.
Family Fun at the Pop Century Resort
I found less activities at the Pop Century Resort than the Caribbean Beach Resort. Fishing, pirate-themed kids’ cruises, white sand beaches are all missing at the Pop. There are fewer pools as well.
The Pop Century Resort features three pools in all. The bowling ball-themed pool in the 1950s, the computer-themed pool in the 1980s area and the Hippy-Dippy pool in the 1960s area all draw a crowd.
I found a playground in the 1970s area and there’s a jogging trail. At the Hippy-Dippy Pool, the Pop Century resort shows movies. Inside the Classic Hall building I found the Fast Forward Arcade.
Where to Eat
The Pop Century Resort has a quick-service food court with the basics. I found a grab’n’go section, a grill, pizza, pasta and sandwiches. Breakfast is also served. I didn’t eat at the Pop Century, opting to eat in Epcot during the day.
Outside at the Hippy-Dippy Pool, I found tables that you could enjoy a snack or cocktail from the nearby Petal Pool Bar. Like the Caribbean Beach Resort, outdoor movies are shown on some nights near the pool.
Note about transferring resorts during your stay:
I changed resorts three times during my five-day/four-night stay at Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World will transfer your bags free of cost. I packed up our bags and rolled them down to luggage services that transferred them in the afternoon, usually between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
If I wanted a bell hop to grab my bags from my room I would have to stay with my bags until the bell hop arrived. I found this inconvenient and brought them to luggage services myself, located next to the main entrance.
Looking for more reviews and information?
I’ve stayed atthe Art of Animation Resort, the Caribbean Beach Resort, the Coronado Springs Resort,the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Grand Floridan Resort and Spa.
Looking for off-property resorts, I’ve stayed at the Wyndham’s Lake Buena Vista, the Best Western Lake Buena Vista and the Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club.
I use the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World by Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa for every trip. It provides a comprehensive guide, packed with information.
New for 2019
The Pop Century Resort will be connected to Epcot and Hollywood Studios with the Skyliner, a ten-person gondola.
Know Before You Go
- The Pop Century Resort uses bus transportation to get around Walt Disney World.
- I found airline check-in at the resort.
Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links.
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