A Guide to Disney’s Pop Century REsort

If you are looking for a super fun resort for your next Disney Vacation, but you really don’t want to break the bank, Disney’s Pop Century Resort is an absolutely great option! This guide is going to give you the full rundown of this resort including hacks, the best rooms to stay, and more!

The Backstory

While walking around this resort, you will notice tons of larger than life props that displays that feature some of the iconic toys, movies, games, and more from the decades. This resort includes 5 sections ranging from the 1950’s to the 1990’s. '

You will find heavy theming in all areas of this resort and there are even fun facts on signage scattered throughout this resort. Don’t forget to do some digging for all the little easter eggs of throwbacks around the resort!

Pop’s almost sister resort, Art of Animation was originally supposed to be a second edition to Pop Century and would have included the earlier 20th Century decades from the 1910’s-1940’s. For some reason this project was abandoned and the idea changed into what we now have as Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

The Resort

When you first arrive at this resort, you will of course notice the giant Pop Century Logo on the front of the building, but there will also be huge decade pillars scattered accross the front. This Resort is loaded with TONS of amazing photo spots, so don’t be afraid to take some time to explore and take some fun pics for instagram!

There are three entrances to the maid lobby. One in front, one on the side towards the 50’s section near bell services, and one in the back across from the main pool. You will also find an entrance near the bus stops that leads to the Gift Shop, but currently this is an exit only.

You will also find all of the bus stations up front. The signs will tell you which line you need to enter for each resort and there are TV’s scattered throughout that will say when the next estimated arrival for each bus is.

This lobby smells AMAZING! It is honestly one of our favorite smelling lobbies and we have definitely purchases some candles from some small shops that smell like this lobby it’s just so good! Disney is notorious for using smells to elevate the experience, so pay attention while you are on your vacation because some of the scents are there on purpose.

In the lobby you will find the check in desk and concierge services. Disney encourages mobile check in, so be sure to do that before you leave for your trip so that you can go directly to your room when it is ready and you can skip the check in line!

You will also find your public restrooms, arcade, gift shop, and dining locations here. (more on that later)

Check out our full Resort Tour Video:

1960’s

Walking out the entrance to the pool, you will see this resorts main pool called the Hippy Dippy Pool and the Petals Pool Bar. These are both surrounded by the 60’s section so you will see tons of flowers and a giant Baloo and Mowgli from the Jungle Book on one side and a giant Playdough on the other. This resort’s splash pad is also in this area towards the back. There are fun fountains and a very shallow pool area that’s perfect for little ones.

More about the Pools

There are 3 total pools at this resort. The main pool (Hippy Dippy), The Bowling Pin Pool (1950’s section), and the Computer Pool (1990’s section). The pools are typically open 10am-10pm with varying hours throughout the year and life guards are always on duty during these times. The pools are gated and locked at night, so you don’t have to worry about your little ones accidentally wandering into the pool area.

Throughout the day, games and other activities are done around the main pool where children can potentially win small prizes and have a little extra fun. There is also a ping pong table, free to use towels, and plenty of beach chairs for guests to utilize.

The Skyliner

This resort is on the Skyliner route which means you have an awesome option to get to Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and a few other resorts! To get to the loading station, you will walk towards the back of the 1960’s section towards hourglass lake (this is also how you get to Art of Animation). Skyliner Gondola’s are typically running about an hour before park open and an hour or so after park close, so make sure you check the signs out front for running times.

1950’s

This is one of our absolute favorite sections to stay. Not only is the theming super fun with Lady and Tramp, a giant Jukebox, and of course the Bowling Pin Pool, but it’s also super close to the lobby! This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but at the end of the night when your feet are super sore, the less steps you have to take, the better.

This is also where you will find the laundry facilities. It does take quarters and you do need to bring your own detergent, so be prepared!

This section is located on the bell services side of the resort, so if you are looking out at the Hippy Dippy Pool from the back entrance lobby doors, you will turn to the right to get here.

1970’s

In the opposite direction (so walking Left instead) you will come to the 70’s section. This one is especially groovy with mood rings, a giant Mickey Phone, 3 Wheeler, and a ginormous foosball court decorating this section. (sorry kids, you can’t actually play the foosball).

You can however play twister in their outdoor twister game nestled towards the back of this section. There is no pool in this area, so during the day, this is probably a little quieter than some of the one’s with the pools. You can find the playground here as well!

1980’s & 1990’s

If you walk past the 70’s you will first see Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head greeting you to the 80’s and 90’s section. You will find some fun Rubix Cube’s on the stairwells, a Walkman, and Roger Rabbit! This is also where the Computer Pool is located, which is literally a giant square pool with a huge keyboard imprinted into the cement.

This section is the farthest from the lobby, bus stop, and Skyliner, so keep that in mind that you will need some extra time for walking in the morning. Don’t forget anything in your room either because it is a loooooong way back if you do!

Our pro tip if you are in this section is to take shortcuts when you can. If you need to get to the bus station, walk along the back side of the 70’s building where the sidewalk next to the parking lot is. It’s a much faster path and will save you a few minutes!

Everything Pop Shopping & Dining

This is where you are going to find your food and souvenirs! Personally, this is one of my favorite resort giftshops and one of the biggest. You will find all the main merchandise such as ears, spirit jersey’s, plushies, shirts, and more! You will even find some Resort Specific items to help commemorate your stay.

They do have a small sundries section with things like first aid, medicine, baby supplies, sunscreen and more located on the wall near the outdoor exit.

This is also where you can find a pin trading station at the entrance checkout counter. There is a small board and you can trade up to two pins per person, so be sure to bring your pins to trade and ask a cast member for help!

If you are Pressed Penny collector, this is also where you will find this Kiosk! It is located right where you enter into the dining area.

The dining area is set up cafeteria or food court style. There are tons of different types of cuisine, but currently menus are a little more limited and you can only Mobile Order at this location. Don’t forget to have MyDisney Experience downloaded on your phone before you go so that you can get your food!

This food court is pretty decent for your typical hamburgers, pizza, and chicken nuggets, but you can also find some fun treats here such as the tie dye cheesecake!

Arcade

There is an arcade at this resort filled with tons of classic and new style games. Many of them can take cards, but you can also purchase tokens from their machine.

Our favorite part is the massage chairs! These are our favorite way to spend our last few moments before heading back on Magical Express to go home.

Currently the Arcade is closed, but hopefully should be open again in the future!

The Rooms

There are several room types at this resort, but there are only two layouts. There is the standard with a queen bed and a pull down queen sized murphy bed or a single king bed room. We’ve stayed in both and there are only minor differences between the two.

The king bed has a larger desk and dresser counter while the desk is attached to the murphy bed in the queen bed rooms. The decor is fun and bright and the rooms are very will cleaned!

You won’t find the small bottles of shampoo and soap in these rooms, but they do have a large pump with Shampoo, Conditioner, and Bodywash attached to the wall of the shower.

These rooms typically come with a shower/tub combo, but you can always request a handicap accessible shower.

Check out our Full Room Tour Video:

Where Should I Stay?

There are tons of rooms available at this resort and of course, much of it is dependent on availability.

Most of the Standard view and cheapest rooms are going to be in the 80’s and 90’s section. The rooms are pretty much all identical in decor, so you are really paying for location and views.

We personally try to book preferred if possible, so that we can be as close as we can to the lobby and bus stations. If you want a really great room and you don’t mind a little noise during pool hours, if you can snag a preferred pool view room in the 60’s section, you are only a super short walk away from both the Skyliner AND the lobby/bus stops.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed, but you can always request it!

Overall

This is a perfect resort for families or for those trying to save some money on their resort. We love staying here and even though it’s a ‘value’ resort, we have always had a great time!