One of the best options for families looking to save money at Disney World
The Pop Century Resort is one of the best options for those seeking a vacation at Walt Disney World. The review could be just that single sentence, and you could close your eyes, book a stay there, and come back saying, "Yes, Famvia was right."
Pop Century is one of the cheapest hotels at Disney World, yet it still manages to offer a Skyliner system to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, efficient bus transportation to the other theme parks, three pools, an arcade, and a playground for kids, all for a starting price of $210 per night. Even though this isn’t a luxurious hotel by any means, the Pop Century Resort is an excellent choice for those who want to prioritize the parks but still enjoy a fun resort when it’s time to head to bed.
What we like about Pop Century Resort
The first thing we love about it? The price. Disney World is expensive (as we all know!), and getting a room for $210 is a steal, especially considering that you get early entry to the theme parks and access to the Skyliner system.
The rooms are also pretty good for the price, having been remodeled in the past few years to provide more storage space. These standard rooms are still among the smallest Disney World has to offer at 260 square feet (and they accommodate up to four guests), but they now feel fresher and more spacious. They are also considered better than the standard rooms at Art of Animation, which is often seen as the main competitor to Pop Century Resort, and another excellent choice for a Disney World hotel.
Another big advantage of this hotel is the Skyliner system, which is shared with Art of Animation. The Skyliner takes you not only to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios but also to other Disney hotels, including Caribbean Beach and Riviera Resort, a Deluxe hotel with some excellent dining options. Keep in mind that the Skyliner ride from Pop Century to EPCOT takes about 25 minutes, with a required transfer at Caribbean Beach. It takes a while, sure, but it still beats driving there or hopping on a bus.
Transportation is a big plus at Pop Century, as it doesn’t share a bus with any other hotel. Sure, Pop Century is big, and the bus still has to make a few stops inside the resort, but it’s still a great option for reaching Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. A full trip from Pop Century to Magic Kingdom by bus should take about 40 minutes.
Value Hotels aren’t also not known for offering a lot of options for kids, but this isn’t the case with Pop Century. There are a bunch of lawn areas for kids to explore, an arcade area, a splash zone, a Movie Under the Stars program and a full on playground as well. There are also three pools and, even if they aren’t special and don’t have slides or jacuzzis, they are still fun for the price you’re paying.
What we don't like about Pop Century Resort
The main problem with Pop Century Resort is that it’s a huge resort. It’s divided into different areas, from the ’50s all the way to the ’90s, each with its own rooms, parking, and amenities. This means that, depending on where you’re staying, it can take 10–15 minutes to reach your favorite spot or the arcade. If you want to stay closer to the Skyliner, you’ll need to pay for a “Preferred” room, which is usually $30 more per night than a standard room. Yeah, that’s a bit of a bummer.
Pop Century may also be a bit loud if you’re seeking peace and quiet. A group of adults-only travelers probably wouldn’t have the best time here, nor would couples looking to celebrate a special occasion. This is a very kid-oriented resort, and you’ll see families with children everywhere, heading to the pools, playground, and arcade. It can get a bit noisy at night, but that’s to be expected from some of Disney World’s Value Hotels.
Pop Century Resort FAQ
How much is a room at Pop Century Resort?
Room rates depend on the date and room type but typically start at $210 per night.
Does Pop Century Resort have a Skyliner system?
Yes, there is a Skyliner station at Pop Century Resort that takes you to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Is there character dining at Pop Century Resort?
No, there isn’t character dining at Pop Century Resort. However, you can hop on the Skyliner and head to Riviera Resort for a character dining experience.
Is Pop Century Resort good for kids?
Yes! It’s an amazing choice for families with children, as the resort has multiple pools, splash zones, arcades, and more for kids.
Ever wanted to work with us? Send us a message on vacationlab.io/join and let's talk! Best of all, clicking the link is completely free - no dues or fees from us, ever!
