Magic on a Budget? Yes Please! Walt Disney World Value Resort Series, Part 1 – Pop Century.

Disney value resorts are an awesome way to enjoy the magic of being in the “Disney Bubble” without breaking the bank.  They’re designed to be fun, family oriented, and budget friendly, while still offering the magical Disney experience.  Welcome to the start of my Walt Disney World value resort series!  If you’re thinking of a magical Disney stay without the deluxe price tag, join me for a tour through Walt Disney World’s Value Resorts, starting with one of my favorites, Pop Century! This one is full of nostalgia and throwback themes! Let’s dive into why this resort might be the perfect fit for your next trip.

Pop Century’s 20th century “pop culture” theming is a blast from the past.  Each section of the resort is themed to a different decade from the 1950’s to the 1990’s.  Each holding its own massive themed icons like giant walk-mans, bowling pins, rubik’s cubes, and play-doh.  Oversized character statues join in on the fun as well, with Lady and the Tramp in the 50’s section, Baloo & Mowgli from the 60’s, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head in the 70’s, Roger Rabbit from the 80’s, and a giant laptop displaying emails from Mickey Mouse in the 90’s section.  Other icons such as oversized floppy disks and cell phone shaped stairwells add to the fun theming as well. Each section is packed with larger than life icons that are colorful, fun and immersive.

Kid’s love the over-the-top theming.  They may not remember the nostalgia of the characters/themes, but love the playfulness of the bold colors and characters.  Daily recreational activities, an arcade, outdoor movie nights , and nightly campfires with marshmallows all add to the appeal for families. These are similar at all of the value resorts on property.

With 2,880 refurbished rooms, Disney’s Pop Century resort has plenty of space to rest your Mickey ears after a day in the parks! Each room is a cozy 260 square feet and comes with either one king bed or a queen bed plus a super clever pull-down table bed – it’s a table by day and a bed by night (how cool is that?).  These rooms comfortably sleep up to four guests, plus one little one under the age of 3. The design is modern with pops of color and just the right amount of Disney magic sprinkled throughout!  The Disney Nerds Podcast YouTube channel has a Playlist for Hotel Rooms we've visited among many other videos.  Below is a quick trip through a Pop Century, Standard Room with adjoining door.

Pop Century Pools

Resort guests can enjoy three themed pools at Pop Century.  The Hippy Dippy Pool, which is the main pool, just outside of Classic Hall, in the 60’s section is the first one I’ll mention. It’s a large, central pool, in the shape of a giant flower.

  It’s totally groovy and in tune with the peace and love vibes of the 60’s. Surrounding the pool are huge colorful flower shaped water jets that spray mist into the air. There’s a separate kiddie pool situated directly behind the Hippy Dippy Pool for children who want to splash around.  Right next to the pool is the Petals Pool Bar. This is where we grab drinks before hitting the pool.  My favorite is the tropical punch, while the hubby enjoys a pineapple mule.  Both are delicious! If you wish, you can also grab a bite to eat at Petals.  They offer a small quick service style menu including an Italian sub, a turkey and provolone sandwich, a charcuterie, and frozen treats like the Mickey ice cream bar. It’s a great spot to chill while soaking up the sun or keeping an eye on your kiddo’s.  Throughout the day, you’ll find Cast Members leading games, having dance parties and playing trivia around the pool deck. Be sure to join in the fun!  At night, this is the location where Movies Under the Stars happens.  A large portable outdoor movie screen is inflated and Disney movies are played.

If you’re looking to cool off without the crowds, Pop Century has two fantastically themed “quiet pools” that offer a more laid-back vibe than the main Hippy Dippy pool.  In the 1950’s section, you’ll find the Bowling Pool, shaped like a giant bowling pin and surrounded by oversized pins and a rocking 50’s sound track that sets the retro mood. Over in the 1990s section, the Computer Pool brings all the throwback techy feels.  It’s square (like an old-school monitor) and surrounded by fun nods to early computer days, including giant floppy disks.  Both pools are great spots to relax, recharge, and soak up the decade themed fun!

Dining at Pop Century                                      

Everything POP Shopping & Dining is the heart of the foodie action at Pop Century! This lively refurbished food court features multiple stations serving up all your favorites—think Mickey waffles in the morning, juicy burgers, cheesy pizza, crisp salads, and hearty pasta dishes. Feeling adventurous? Try something a little extra like shrimp and grits, seared salmon, or the resort’s famous and colorful Tie-Dye Cheesecake!

And don’t forget to grab a Disney Resort Refillable Mug for $22.99! These mugs are magical in their own way, offering unlimited refills on fountain drinks, coffee, and tea at any Disney resort beverage station for up to 14 days. At Pop, you’ll find refill stations at Everything POP and the Petals Pool Bar, with the Petals station open 24/7.  Perfect for a late-night soda or an early morning caffeine fix. Stay hydrated and happy, Disney style! 

 Transportation                                            

One of the best things about staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort? Getting around is super easy – and a little bit magical!  Pop Century has access to both the Disney Skyliner and complimentary bus transportation, making it a breeze to zip off to your next adventure.

You can hop of the Disney Skyliner – a colorful, flying gondola system – for a scenic ride through the skies to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The Skyliner station is conveniently located on the bridge between Pop Century and Art of Animation, and the views are just as fun as the ride!

Need to head to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney springs or the water parks?  Just head to the bus stop near Classic Hall where Disney buses are ready to whisk you away to the magic.

Whether you’re splashing in the Hippy Dippy Pool, zipping off on the Skyliner, or simply soaking up the nostalgic vibes of the decades, Disney’s Pop Century Resort is the perfect place to call home during your Walt Disney World adventure. With larger than life characters, colorful theming, and plenty of Disney magic around every corner, it’s a value resort that’s big on fun and charm.  It’s simply part of the magic!

Thanks for joining me on this magical journey through Disney's Pop Century Resort. Be sure to check back soon for the next stop on my Disney Value Resort series. There's so much more magic to discover!