As Mickey Mouse says, “Hi ya, pals!” And now, I’d like to use a modified quote from Barbie in the Disney·Pixar animated film Toy Story 2 but insert my name instead of Barbie’s, ahem, here goes… “I’m Tour Guide, Whitney! Please keep your hands, arms, and accessories in the blog, and no flash photography.” Ha.
In all seriousness, I’m Whitney Davis, a travel agent with Minnie’s Travel Boutique (MTB). I hope you’re having the happiest new year so far in 2022. My wish for you this year is that you find the magic every day, not only in a Disney Destination, but in your daily life, as well.
In this post, I will be highlighting one of my favorite Walt Disney World® resorts. It’s one that I keep coming back to time and time again, and as mentioned in the title, it’s Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
About Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Pop Culture. No matter what you love or dislike about the catch phrases, daily items, games, technology, and toys of the decades, when you see something that reminds of you the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s that’s dramatically bigger than you remember and on display, you cannot help but feel reminiscent — and depending on the decade, like a kid again. At Disney’s Pop Century Resort, that’s the point. All that you see is a colorful explosion of Pop Culture. From giant yo-yos to a giant Walkman to a giant foosball set to a giant Play-Doh® container to a giant Rubik’s Cube® and giant rollerblades, Disney’s Pop Century Resort at Walt Disney World®highlights unforgettable fads in a big way. Even the resort gift shop and food court — Everything POP — is specifically, and hilariously, designed to be nostalgic and fun.
When walking to your resort room at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, you will no doubt notice amazing statues and themes of each building ranging from 1950-1990. Each building location is perfect for fun photo spots. And for reference, each building is four stories tall.
Classic Hall
Every Walt Disney World® Resort has an unforgettable main entrance. With Disney MagicMobile Service through the My Disney Experience app, you can check-in to your resort early, bypass the front desk area and go straight to your room; however, at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, I recommend you stop by Classic Hall. For one, there is the smell (thanks to Disney Imagineering). Walking into Classic Hall, you immediately breathe in green tea and lemongrass, and you instantly feel at home. The unique blend in the air is hard to explain; however, it is amazing.
If you’re in the mood to play games both new and old, stop by the Fast Forward Arcade adjacent to the food court. There are tons of games for everyone to play and is a great spot for a rainy day when you’re not visiting a Disney Park, or if you’re taking a break from a park, in general. Bring cash for this entertainment spot, it helps.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort also has a small business room available for computer use and printing, or to purchase A Fuel Rod. If you plan to use the computers, you will need a debit/credit card, as well as patience and money. The computers are only usable if you swipe a debit/credit card. One time I paid six dollars for three minutes to print out my flight itinerary which did not include the cost of printing.
If you’re into Disney Pin Trading, this resort has two areas with pin boards. The first is located at guest services behind the check-in desk, ask a Disney Cast Member to see it. The second pin trading board is in Everything POP at the only register on the right-hand side of the entrance. You may do two pin trades per board.
Pools and The Pedals Pool Bar
For me and my family, no Walt Disney World® vacation is ever complete without a little resort pool time. Because of its size, there are three pools at Disney’s Pop Century each offering nostalgia and plenty of room to swim around.
The Hippy Dippy Pool — taking you back to the 1960’s with groovy, far-out flower-shaped water jets creating a relaxing, lazy go-with-the-flow attitude. This pool is all about the fun. And for kiddos, there is a smaller swim area behind it. On select nights, guests can enjoy Disney movies screened outside by the pool. Swim time and a movie? Yes, please.
The Hippy Dippy Pool is right next to The Pedals Pool Bar which also has far out 1960’s theming. You can’t miss the bright, hippy, flower pedals all around it. The pool bar offers groovy alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialties, and even the EARidescent Sip-a-bration (served in a souvenir 50th Celebration Cup with a surprise Character and a little bit of magic). Both the Hippy Dippy Pool and Petals Pool Bar are located outside, behind Classic Hall.
The Bowling Pool — a 144,352-gallon pool shaped like a bowling pin celebrating the 1950’s. And the best part, bowling shoes not required. This pool is considered a “quiet pool” with loud play and splashing at a minimum.
The Computer Pool — this computer-shaped pool includes a giant floppy disc and keypad taking you back to the 90’s. It is also a quiet pool for relaxation.
Each pool area has life jackets and towels available complementary to your stay.
Accommodations
There are four room categories at this Walt Disney World® value resort; standard, preferred, standard view, and pool view. An easy way to understand the difference between standard and preferred is to consider the time it takes to get from one location to the next at the resort.
A standard room at Disney’s Pop Century Resort will be further away from Classic Hall and Everything Pop with a possible view of landscaping and trees, other buildings, maintenance areas, or could be blocked almost completely by a giant decoration. A preferred room may still be a bit of distance from the main area; however, not as far and with better views. When you add a room category with a pool view, a standard location will be close to a pool with slight viewing of it, whereas a preferred room with a pool view is exactly that — a room close to a pool with a view of it.
All rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort offer a small table and chairs, a mini wet bar with plastic cups/coffee cups, a refrigerator, and a single serving coffee maker. You can find coffees and teas in the drawer above the refrigerator. You can choose a king-bed room or a room with two queen beds, where one of the two queen beds is a pull down connected to the table. Each room has a large flatscreen TV, and a dresser to fit everyone’s belongings. The bathrooms are also nice with the sink area separated from the shower and toilet area with a door. Each bathroom comes with a hairdryer, an iron and ironing board, and Disney H2O bathing products. If you have never tried Disney H2O stuff, they’re amazing. On a personal level, I like the wall hanger at this resort so I can display all the Disney Loungefly bags I purchase along with my Mickey/Minnie ears on each trip (ha).
The Disney Skyliner
One of the great perks about staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort is the Disney Skyliner, located behind the 60’s buildings. This aerial gondola transportation system will take you to-and-from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The Disney Skyliner is also a great way to “resort hop” to see the layout and theme of other Walt Disney World® resorts — those resorts are Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort. The Disney Skyliner opens an hour before the parks do and is a peaceful way to travel.
Here’s an MTB tip: if you decide to take the Disney Skyliner for early entry into Disney’s Hollywood Studios and/or Epcot, arrive extra early as lines form in the morning.
A Value Resort For You
The reason I keep returning to Disney’s Pop Century Resort is the fun atmosphere. In all my visits, I’ve noticed the Disney Cast Members and guests to always be kind, outgoing, and down to Earth. This value resort is also easy on the wallet and offers quite a bit for the price, especially with the variety of themes and photo spots, easy access to the Disney Skyliner, three pools and a pool bar, as well as comfortable accommodations. Is it the right value resort for you? I think so and it could be. It’s an unforgettable stay of the decades.
Plan your next Walt Disney World® vacation with me. Not sure where to start? Complete my online quote request form.
Email me at whitney@minniestravelboutique.com.
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Minnie’s Travel Boutique has over 20 travel agents located throughout the country. Our travel agency’s knowledge of Disney products has earned us the distinction of being named an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. We were given this special designation by Disney as a result of our agency’s ongoing focus and commitment to planning customized, magical trips to the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line® and other Disney vacation destinations worldwide.