Why I love Disney’s Pop Century Resort

I’ve been lucky enough to stay at a few Walt Disney World resorts now but one stands out: Pop Century.

Is it cheap? No, it’s Disney. But it is one of their value resorts so if you are looking for (in my opinion) the best value resort on site, you’ve found it.

So, why is it my favourite?

The Skyliner

I’d say I’m saving the best till last but the skyliner is the single reason I’d continue to book this resort. I mean, there are plenty of other positives (keep reading obv!) but it’s the superior form of transport at WDW.

The Skyliner station at Pop Century

You can get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT fast. It’s a comfy ride (if you like hights) and you don’t have to stand waiting for a bus. Of course, there can be a queue, but in our experience, it’s always moving. You do have to change at Caribbean Beach to get to either park but that’s never put us off.

For any one with littles, I’ve been told you can keep your little one in the pram. This might sound like a small thing, but if you’ve ever had to take your sleeping angel out of their pram after a long park day, to get on the bus back, you’ll appreciate this one.

The theming

I love the theming at Pop Century - it makes for the best photo opportunities which we love. Pop Century celebrates popular culture by century… pretty self explanatory!

We’ve stayed in the same area on both of our stays there and we love it. The huge statues of Lady and Tramp are really fun so if you are looking for some very Disney theming… get booking. You’ll also find statues of Mr Potato Head, Mickey Mouse and Baloo.

It’s not a huge resort

Speaking of the resort itself, I often get questions asking if you should request any specific blocks. I always say… no! You can easily walk around the resort to see all of the amazing theming and I don’t think any of the areas of the resort are a bad place to be.

Some resorts at Walt Disney World are huge, with multiple bus stations (Caribbean Beach I’m looking at you), but Pop has such a smaller, cosier feel. Wherever you stay you won’t be too far from the quick service, skyliner or a pool.

Visiting Art of Animation

The location is great

Pop Century shares the Skyliner station with it’s neighbour, Art of Animation and I actually think being so close to this resort is a huge positive. The theming at Art of Animation is incredible, it’s truly a Disney dream wandering around there. I’d recommend you make some time to head over there and explore. You can get a photo with Mater! Sold. I mean, of course, McQueen is there too - but we all know Mater is the star of the show.

The rooms are up to date

A big win for me is that the rooms are recently refurbished with plenty of plugs and usb’s! I’ve stayed at a couple of moderate resorts before but I actually prefer the rooms at Pop Century. Storage is half decent and the art work on the walls is gorgeous. I know a lot of people say they don’t mind what their hotel room is like as they don’t spend much time there, but we’re a ‘back to the room for a chill’ kind of people, so the room has to feel comfortable.

Other facilities are great

Mickey ice cream sandwich at Pop!

As a value resort you can expect a classic Disney food court, serving your favourite dishes. Nothing beats the chicken tenders and fries on that first night, a place to refill your resort mug with the hot chocolate before bed, or getting a Mickey ice cream sandwich on your way to the Skyliner.

I found we went in the pool more here than at other resorts, I think it was because we were always close to one so it didn’t feel like a big event to drag all of our stuff across the resort. There are 3 (I think) and you can’t expect some of the water park-esque pools you see at deluxe resorts, but they are still good fun.

One of my favourite things to do on a Disney trip is shop. I love looking at all of the merch, finding new things and deciding what to take home. The shop at Pop Century is a really good size and I always find its updated throughout my trip with new stock. Gives you a good excuse to have a quick look around daily! I may or may not have spent $60 on snacks to take home on our final morning…

In conclusion… “Book Pop Century!”

Is the advice I give to anyone who will listen. Walt Disney World isn’t cheap and for a lot of people its a once in a lifetime trip. If we were sensible adults, it probably would have been for us, too. We’d have bought a house, thats for sure! But regardless of that, I know these trips aren’t cheap and can whole heartidly recommend this resort. We’ve had two great experiences here and everyone I’ve spoken to who has stayed here always says it’s a hidden gem.

If you have any questions about my experiences, DM me!