Guests searching for the sweet spot between Disney magic and sensible money may find it at the Pop Century resort - or, at least that's what fans of the popular 'value' resort reckon.
Pop Century, arguably the fanciest (and definitely the slightly more expensive) of Disney World's 'value' bracket, delivers colorful nostalgia, comfortable rooms, and, most importantly, access to the Disney Skyliner.
It's a checklist of benefits that mean some guests prefer Pop Century to even some of the pricier 'moderate' resorts.
Here, we unpack what guests say they love about Pop Century, and all the things they don't.
We are Guests: resort guides
- Which rooms to book at Pop Century
- Where to eat at Pop Century
- Top things to do at Pop Century
- Plan your travel day to Pop Century
Is Pop Century for families?
Families love Pop Century because, with its deeply themed areas, the resort can sometimes feel like a theme park in itself.
Each section is themed to a particular decade from the 'late nineteen hundreds' - from the 1950s through to 1990s). The resort is, for example, dotted with giant jukeboxes, yo-yos, as well as character statues.
At every turn, guests will find an opportunity for another photograph, Instagram post, Tik-tok or Snap - in other words, fun for every generation in you group!
The main Hippy Dippy Pool ('60s themed) hums with music and low-key games, whilst the quieter pools in the ’50s and ’90s are there when guests fancy a breather.
Evenings bring Movies Under the Stars and campfire s’mores, providing built-in entertainment that doesn’t cost extra.
Simply put, for parents, there's a lot to like. Guest reviews see the vibe as upbeat, and say there’s always something for the kids to do.
Inside the rooms, the layout, including pull-down 'Murphy' beds, makes the 'value' room's slightly smaller space work harder.
If you need more flexibility than that, in certain rooms, guests can fold the second queen bed up during the day, for a proper table for breakfast, dinner or strategising the next day's itineraries of fun.
The rooms comprise hard floors (not carpet) which keep them cool, clean and comfy, along with plenty of power outlets, and tidy storage which keeps the accommodation practical for families (larger groups especially).
You won’t this find elsewhere (at this price)
Skyliner access is Pop’s not-so-secret superpower.
Using the 'gondola' cable-car transportation to glide over the treeline into EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in minutes is a real standout quality, especially at the more affordable price point compared to the other resorts on the Skyliner network.
Getting to Magic Kingdom is easy peasy too, with the regular Disney bus services from the resort.
The great ...
Guests reviews are quick to point out that Pop Century is one of the best value resort hotels on Disney property, with the prevailing opinion being that it is the hotel where guests give up the fewest comforts in exchange for cheaper prices.
The Skyliner, as mentioned, is another recurring mention in positive guest reviews, with guests highlighting that transportation to the parks is far easier than expected. And, for parents, in particular, this is seen as a game-changer versus juggling strollers and/off buses every day.
The overall theme and vibe of the resort is also frequently praised. Guests comment on how cheerful and nostalgic the resort feels.
Inside the rooms, guests describe the spaces as clean, comfortable, and smartly designed.
A round of refurbishments (new furnishings, flooring, decor, and repaint) through 2025 are further enhancing the guest experience.
Also, for a value resort, Pop Century packs in a lot of facilities - three pools, an arcade, laundry in every section, and the large food court.
The not so great ...
Of course, practically nowhere gets entirely glowing reviews.
One of the most common complaints among guests is the sheer size of the resort, especially when allocated a room in the outer reaches of the large grounds.
Guests assigned a room in parts of the ’80s or ’90s sections, claim the walk to the main lobby or Skyliner can take ten minutes or more (and that feels even longer after a day in the parks).
Now, this isn't a unique critique among Disney World resorts as many are large, sprawled and have spaced out amenities. Preparation, planning and a polite room request ahead of your trip can help avoid this particular pitfall (so, in other words look at the resort maps, pick your preferred block and contact the resort in the run up to your stay).
The rooms themselves are quite small, even if the design helps guests make the most of the space that is available. At about 260 square feet, they work fine for couples or families of three, but four adults or a family with bulky luggage can find the space tight (again, this isn't an issue that's exclusive to Pop).
A small word of caution, too, because Pop Century is lively and attracts families and groups, the atmosphere can be busy, and some guests complain that 'thin' walls don’t always block out the noise.
Dining divides opinion. While many find the food court decent, others mention that the options are repetitive over a week-long stay, and that peak times can feel overcrowded.
Who will Love it (and who won’t)
Pop Century appeals most to families with children who prioritise time in the parks, but also want a little bit more from their resort.
Kids love the oversized characters and themed pools, while parents value the affordability and Disney bubble perks.
First-time visitors also tend to find Pop an excellent starting point, since it offers the essentials of an on-site Disney World resort stay at a lower price many other hotels.
Guests who love EPCOT and Hollywood Studios will especially appreciate Pop, given the Skyliner access to both of those parks.
On the flipside, the resort may not be the best fit for guests who seek peace and quiet, more spacious rooms, or higher-end amenities. For those guests, moderate resorts like Coronado Springs or Port Orleans may be a better fit, albeit those are priced at a higher nightly rate.
Is Pop Century right for you?
If you want an on-site Disney resort that maximises fun and budget, whilst minimising transit hassle, Pop Century is the value pick that most Disney World guests would recommend.
That said, it's good to set some realistic expectations when it comes to the (slightly more) compact rooms, the lively public spaces, and the lack of luxury facilities.
Guest reviews nevertheless praise the overall package.
For families, first-timers, and EPCOT/Studios fans, it’s a confident yes. For spa-seekers and serenity-lovers, step up a category (or maybe even two).
Either way, Pop delivers exactly what it promises: a bright, memory-rich basecamp for a big Disney holiday.
If not here, then where
For a slightly cheaper option with a similar vibe, the All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music, and Sports) deliver the same oversized Disney theming and updated Value rooms at a lower nightly rate.
They lack Skyliner access—buses are the only transport—but for families prioritizing cost over convenience, they’re the most affordable way to stay inside the Disney bubble.
Guests looking for an upgrade from Pop, without losing that Skyliner perk, Disney’s Riviera Resort is the obvious step-up. It’s a Deluxe property with modern, European-inspired design, table-service dining, and more serene surroundings.
Guests here still enjoy the Skyliner to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, but with plush rooms, signature restaurants like Topolino’s Terrace, and a quieter, more upscale experience. It’s quite a lot pricier, but doesn't disappoint when it comes to Disney luxury.
Finally, if you’re looking for another not-too-differently priced Disney World favourite, Art of Animation Resort is right next door. It shares the Skyliner station with Pop, yet its family suites - which are immersively themed after Disney and Pixar favourites like Cars, Nemo, or Lion King - are a very popular choice.
These suites are larger, come with two bathrooms, and wow kids with their movie-set styling, making Art of Animation a consistent hit for families. This resort is still in the value bracket, but, price-wise, it is often on the cusp of the moderate tier.
We are Guests: resort guides
- Which rooms to book at Pop Century
- Where to eat at Pop Century
- Top things to do at Pop Century
- Plan your travel day to Pop Century
Why guests love Pop Century ...
Is Disney's Pop Century Resort good for families?
Disney's Pop Century Resort is popular with families for its decade-themed areas, oversized characters, lively Hippy Dippy Pool, quieter pools, and free activities like Movies Under the Stars and campfire s’mores.
Does Pop Century have Disney Skyliner access and transport to parks?
Disney's Pop Century Resort has direct Disney Skyliner gondola access to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios and uses regular Disney bus service for Magic Kingdom.
What are the rooms like at Pop Century, and when were they refurbished?
Disney's Pop Century Resort rooms feature hard floors, ample outlets and storage, and a pull-down Murphy bed that converts to a table for flexible space, with refurbishments (new furnishings, flooring, decor, and repaint) rolling through 2025.
What amenities and facilities are at Pop Century?
Disney's Pop Century Resort offers three pools, an arcade, laundry in every section, and a large food court.
What are good alternatives to Pop Century at Disney World?
Comparable options include the cheaper All-Star Resorts, the Deluxe Disney's Riviera Resort as an upgrade with Skyliner access, and the nearby Art of Animation Resort with popular family suites and a shared Skyliner station.
