Planning Your Trip With Disney’s Pop Century Resort

in Hotel, Walt Disney World

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Disney’s Pop Century Resort is truly one of a kind with its bold colors and groovy theming, celebrating some of the most popular trends between the 50’s and 90’s. Staying at this resort is a blast to the past in the best way — immersing you in the magic of the decades with the help of some radical Cast Members! It’s located in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area which means you’re just a quick hop away from Disney’s own sports complex, if that’s something you’d be interested in visiting.

Disney speaks on the resort saying, “Experience the unforgettable fads of the 1950s through the 1990s all over again. From yo-yos and Play-Doh® to Rubik’s Cube® and rollerblades, this Resort hotel salutes the timeless fashions, catch phrases, toys and dances that captivated the world through the decades.”

pop century
Credit: Disney

Pop Century is one of the excellent value resort options on Disney World property that is great for families. When deciding which resort is best for your trip, don’t let the term “value” scare you away. Disney’s value resorts still offer the same top notch hospitality and overwhelming magic as some of its pricier counterparts. Some of the other comparable resorts in terms of pricing and style are:

  • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Need help planning this amazing getaway? Learn more about Academy Travel — denoted as an Earmarked Diamond Travel Agency by Disney itself — by clicking HERE.

Resort Amenities

These are some of the awesome amenities you can expect as a guest staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort!

  • On-property transportation with Disney’s Bus System.
    • These busses run frequently and will take you to the different theme parks, water parks and can also drop you off at Disney Springs if you’d prefer a bus over a boat.
  • Complimentary transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport with Disney’s Magical Express.
    • Disney’s Magical Express is an incredible offering which allows for a seamless and stress free flight experience. By giving Disney your flight information and booking a stay at any resort on property, you can access this magical service, free of charge. When you land in Orlando and when you’re headed home, leave your baggage to the skilled cast members who handle your travel and everything will end up where it needs to be.
    • You don’t have to stress about figuring out car service to and from the airport, but instead can kick back and relax on their comfortable and spacious coaches and leave the driving to a responsible member of the Disney family.
    • Disney’s Magical Express also runs television programs and trivia on the coaches, to get the whole family excited and start your vacation off right from the moment you land.
magical express bus
Credit: Disney
  • WiFi throughout the resort
  • Parking
    • Standard overnight self-parking is available to registered Guests for a fee that will be applied to their hotel folio upon check-out. All parking fees include applicable tax.
  • Childcare services
  • Merchandise Delivery and Pickup from Disney Springs and the theme parks.
    • Shop at Disney Springs or any of the theme parks or resorts on property and leave the heavy lifting to Disney. With this awesome service, you can let them know your resort and your bags will arrive right to where you’re staying so you don’t have to carry it around all day.
    • Fun fact– you can also ship your items home from the parks and resorts so you don’t have to worry about making room in your luggage!
  • Laundry and dry cleaning services
  • Mail services

Want to Learn more About Other Resorts on Property?

Pop Century Resort Room Options

pop century
Credit: Disney

The room options at Pop Century are pretty standard across the board, mostly sleeping four people. The room theming is classy yet simple, which is a nice contrast to the bright colors found everywhere else in the resort. Below are some of the room options that are available to book at Pop Century.

For the most accurate pricing for your trip, visit the Walt Disney World website and enter the dates that you plan on visiting or call their reservations line at (407) 939-5277 for more detailed information. Prices also differ for Florida Residents, Disney Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members or U.S. Military. The Disney reservation line will be able to answer specific questions about pricing and deals that relate to any of the above.

Standard Room

Views of the Resort Hotel or Parking Areas
1 King Bed or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen-Size Table Bed

Standard Pool View

Views of Bowling Pool or Computer Pool
1 King Bed or 1 Queen-Size Table Bed and 1 Queen Bed
Sleeps up to 4 Adults

pop century
Credit: Disney

Preferred Room

Views of Courtyard or Landscaping
Close to Classic Hall, Dining, Shopping and Transportation
1 King Bed or 1 Queen-Size Table Bed and 1 Queen Bed
Sleeps up to 4 Adults

Preferred Pool View

Views of Hippy Dippy Pool
Close to Classic Hall, Dining, Shopping and Transportation
1 King Bed or 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Queen Bed
Sleeps up to 4 Adults

The following are available in each room

  • Hairdryer
  • Internet – Free WiFi Service
  • In-Room Safe
  • Telephone with voicemail
  • Coffee Maker
  • Iron & Ironing Board
  • Mini-refrigerator
pop century
Credit: Disney

Want to figure out the right resort fit for your Walt Disney World vacation? When you use Academy Travel to book your vacation, you don’t pay any extra fees or commissions. In fact, most people will save money with the assistance of an Academy Travel agent because they know of discounts and vacation packages of which many are unaware.For more information about Academy Travel and the services they offer, you can visit their websites at www.mickeyvacations.com, and www.academytravel.com.

Dining at Pop Century Resort

There is one main food hub at this resort that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner options. You also have the option to check out the pizza delivery service that brings a warm, tasty pizza straight to your room!

Everything POP Shopping & Dining

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Credit: Disney

Official Disney Description:

Sate appetites large and small with delicious dishes from a variety of tempting food stations. Then, top off your meal with delectable house-made desserts.

Breakfast Suggestion:

If you wake up with a big appetite, I suggest trying out the waffle bounty platter! It gives you the crowd favorite — Mickey waffles — along with a heaping serving of scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon and sausage. This is definitely a great way to start the day and will give you the energy you need to spend a full day exploring the parks!

Lunch Suggestion:

The Pop Century dining area serves up an amazing grilled chicken sandwich! The chicken is coated with a house seasoning and sits alongside crispy Bacon, Cheddar, Shredded Lettuce, and Tomato. Enclosed with a delicious Toasted Brioche Bun and served with fries on the side, this is the perfect grab for lunch!

Dinner Suggestion:

If you enjoy chicken parmesan, then you will absolutely love this recommendation. The Cast Members who craft the Chicken Parmesan Pasta on the lunch and dinner menu make it absolutely perfect. You can choose between Alfredo or marinara sauce to customize your meal and it even comes with a breadstick. While this is a quick service location, you will definitely feel like you’re getting a great quality dinner with this pasta dish!

Petals Pool Bar

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Credit: Disney

Official Disney Description:

Find your inner flower power at this groovy bar by the Hippy Dippy pool. Try house specialties like the tropical Banana Cabana or Poolside Iced Tea, all while you play ping-pong! Cocktails, draft beer, sangria and wine are also available.

Drink Suggestion:

Looking for a drink that will really make you feel like you’re on vacation? The Petals Pool Bar serves an absolutely refreshing alcoholic Blueberry lemonade, made with: Three Olives Blueberry Vodka, Bols Blue Curaçao, and Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade with Juices of Lemon and Pomegranate topped with Sprite®.

If you’re wanting something non-alcoholic or kid-friendly, you can ask for virgin drinks or try out one of their tasty fruit smoothies!

Disney Resorts In-Room Dining

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Credit: Disney

Official Disney Description:

Get tasty classics like oven-fresh pizza, salad, chicken strips and more delivered directly to your room.

Hours
5:00 PM to midnight

Ordering
To place an order, press “In-Room Dining” on your in-room phone. An 18% gratuity, $3.00 delivery charge and applicable sales tax will apply to all delivery orders.
Beer and wine are also available for delivery. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.

If you find yourself looking for a table service restaurant for a more long-term sit-down dining experience, one is only ever a quick hop away with Disney’s amazing on-property transportation. You could take a bus to Disney Springs where you can enjoy an elegant date night or a themed restaurant for your whole family. You can genuinely find what you’re looking for at this expansive dining hub no matter what the occasion. You can also resort-hop and explore top-notch dining options while taking in the theming of other Walt Disney World resorts. I definitely recommend calling ahead or booking online to secure a reservation, as some Disney Spring and Resort dining locations book up quickly!

 

Check out this guide to the best Disney Resort eateries on property:

Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World Resorts

 

Academy Travel agents specialized knowledge can help you with FastPass+, Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs), RunDisney and other special or seasonal events, discounts, and so much more.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort Recreation and Activities

pop century
Credit: Disney

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World with children especially, the pools at Pop Century are a great place for some quality family time. They are bright and colorful and you have a few different options to choose from, depending on which part of the resort you’re staying in!

Pools/Water Recreation

Official Disney Description:

Hippy Dippy Pool

Go with the flow at the Hippy Dippy Pool, home to far-out flower-shaped water jets and a lazy 1960’s attitude. Featuring over 235,613 gallons, this pool is big on fun. For the little ones, a kiddie pool is located behind Classic Hall, just behind the Hippy Dippy Pool.

Bowling Pool
Celebrate the 1950s at this 144,352-gallon pool shaped like a bowling pin.

Computer Pool
Go for a dip at this 1990s-themed, computer-shaped pool that includes a giant floppy disc and keypad.

Fast Forward Arcade

pop century
Credit: Disney

Official Disney Description:

Go for a personal best or go head to head against a friend as you battle aliens, play sports, race cars, dance to the beat, make music, solve puzzles or try your hand at pinball, air hockey and more.
To play games, you must first purchase a Game Card and add game points using a credit card or cash at a kiosk inside the arcade. Game Cards are rechargeable and can be used at other Walt Disney World Resort arcades.
Arcades are open daily. Closing times vary by location.

Playgrounds

Official Disney Description:

Let your little ones burn off their excess energy at fun playgrounds designed with them in mind. Kids 2 to 12 years of age will love Walt Disney World Resort playgrounds, adjacent to many Resort hotels. Watch them run free in immersive environments featuring soft and textured surfaces, swings, tunnels and slides designed for interaction.

Movies Under the Stars

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Credit: Disney

Official Disney Description:

Complimentary movie screenings are available to Guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Whether you’re sitting poolside or surrounded by Floridian woodlands, enjoy relaxing evening entertainment that’s fun for the whole family!

This offering is available at various Disney Resorts on property and is a fun way to wind down with the family at the end of a long day. Soak in some extra magic with your favorite characters on the big screen and enjoy the fresh Florida air. You can get a schedule of which movies your resort is playing and when by asking the cast members at the front desk or by calling (407) 939-2273. Keep in mind that movies can be changed or canceled for a variety of reasons including inclement weather, so be sure to double check with your resort before making your plan for the day.

Running Trails

Official Disney Description:

Jog on pathways throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Distances are approximate, and maps are available from Lobby Concierges. Breeze along Hourglass Lake and through the iconic Resort hotel on a 1.1-mile or 1.38-mile loop. 

Fishing Guides at Nearby Marinas

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Credit: Disney

Official Disney Description:

Guided catch-and-release outings let you experience bass fishing at its finest—all year round! Whether you’re a seasoned sportsman or an amateur angler, a guided fishing excursion is fun for Guests of all ages.
Choose from Guided Bass Fishing Excursions, which includes a 21-foot Sun Tracker pontoon boat that can accommodate up to 5 Guests, and a tournament-style NITRO® bass fishing boat for one or 2 people.
Both 2-hour and 4-hour excursions are offered, and if available, an extra hour may be added in person at the Marina. Solo anglers may book an afternoon excursion at a reduced rate.

All Walt Disney World Resort fishing excursions include:

  • An experienced guide
  • Rod and reel
  • Tackle
  • Artificial and/or live bait (NITRO boats will not offer live bait.)
  • Non-alcoholic beverages only (Guests may not bring alcoholic beverages aboard.)

Locations
Venture out on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, skim across Village Lake or cruise Crescent Lake and World Showcase Lagoon.

Know Before You Go
Learn what to bring—along with a few tips, tricks and more—for your Walt Disney World Resort fishing excursion.

What to Bring

  • Your guide will provide you with all the gear and tackle you may need during your fishing excursion—including a fishing rod and reel, artificial lures, live bait and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Life jackets will be provided and are required at all times for children ages 13 and under. In addition, we recommend that all adults wear a life jacket as well.
  • Don’t forget to bring protection from the sun, like sunscreen, sunglasses or hats.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (Nearby)

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Credit: Disney

Official Disney Description:

Play at the next level at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. These 230 acres of professionally run, state-of-the-art facilities host over 60 sports and thousands of events for athletes of all ages and abilities. Train and compete with your team—or catch the excitement as a spectator—in this grand sports setting where classic athletic ideals meet contemporary innovation.

The Jr. NBA Global Championship

Catch all the action as the world’s top 14-and-under boys’ and girls’ basketball teams compete in this thrilling annual tournament.

Orlando Invitational

Attend this spectacular preseason college basketball tournament featuring some of the top teams in the country!

ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill

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Credit: Disney

Watch the game on widescreen HDTVs while wolfing down some wings! Score sandwiches, burgers, salads, pizza and more. A full bar is also available, as is patio seating with even more TVs. Be sure to check out the replica SportsCenter desk, where you can capture the winning moment with a selfie! Please note: dining hours are subject to change based on events.

For more up to date information on events and happenings, check out the ESPN Wide World of Sports website HERE.

My Experience as a Cast Member at Disney’s Pop Century

Back in 2016 I had the opportunity to participate in the Disney College Program at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida. During my experience on this magical internship, my main location of work was as a merchandise cast member at Everything Pop Shop and Dining in Disney’s Pop Century Resort. At first I wasn’t sure how to feel about being selected to work in a resort instead of one of the theme parks, however I quickly realized that Resort Cast Members have a very special job when it comes to making magic. Our team had the special privilege of keeping the Disney magic of your park days going strong, even when you got back to the hotel.

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Credit: ITM Reporter/Hannah Leigh

One of my favorite memories as a Pop Century cast member was getting a chance to practice being a princess with a little girl who came into our shop wearing a Cinderella dress. She had gotten a makeover at the Disney Springs Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique that morning. When I complimented her beautiful hair and makeup she was immediately excited to tell me about how she was going to go meet Cinderella herself later at the Magic Kingdom! I took this opportunity to create a magical memory for both her and myself by twirling around the shop with her practicing waves, courtesies and twirls so she would be prepared to greet Cinderella with grace as any good princess would. At the end of the encounter, I applauded her skills and gave her some stickers and was surprised when her mother approached me to tell me how shy she normally was. I was happy to know that I’d encouraged her daughter that day and in turn my heart has been warmed for years every time I think of that little princess.

pop century
Credit: ITM Reporter/Hannah Leigh

I found this role to be priceless because I had the chance to connect with guests who were there visiting over the span of a couple days to a couple weeks, and I was able to build relationships with families who were excited to come visit me after getting back from a park. I know I speak for cast members across the Disney Resort when I say that we take great pride in making sure your resort stay is truly as magical and stress-free as can be. I hope that your time at Pop Century feels like a fun, upbeat, but most of all memorable part of your family vacation!

Benefits of Staying on Property at a Walt Disney World Resort

Fuz Ball Game

Official Disney Description:

As a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you can enjoy distinctive benefits and amenities.

These magical touches have been designed to provide you with the most time-saving, convenient and entertaining vacation possible. Please note some benefits and amenities may be unavailable.

  • Extra Magic Hours – Spend extra time in one of the theme parks to enjoy select attractions and entertainment (A park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date and Resort ID required).
  • Early Access to FastPass+ Planning – Get access to reserve some Disney FastPass+ attractions, shows and more – up to 60 days before you arrive! As a result of the COVID-19 impact, FastPass+ service will be temporarily suspended.
  • Complimentary Resort Transportation – Motor coaches, water taxis and our world-famous monorail make getting around Walt Disney World Resort convenient! Plus, Guests can now take advantage of the new Disney Skyliner gondolas to travel from select Resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • Complimentary Airport Transportation – Receive complimentary motor coach transportation between Orlando International Airport and your Disney Resort hotel via Disney’s Magical Express service.
  • Entertaining Amenities – Themed pools with slides, poolside games and outdoor Disney movie screenings are just a few of the fun activities that are available at select Disney Resort hotels.

These are all incredibly benefits of staying on property, however one of the main reasons I believe it’s worth it to stay on Disney property while visiting Walt Disney World is the hospitality. The level of interaction, care and excitement that you’ll get from the cast members at a Walt Disney Resort is unmatched and something that you can’t find just anywhere. No matter what issues or complications may arise, Disney cast will make it their personal mission to provide a stress-free and happy vacation at any cost and will go above and beyond to fix any problems you may have. This, combined with the theming and the feeling of magic from the second you walk in the door, take you out of the problems of the outside world and make your vacation feel magical and immersive throughout the entire time you’re visiting.

Book your Walt Disney World Vacation free of charge with Academy Travel

ACADEMY TRAVEL
Credit: Academy Travel

Academy Travel is an excellent travel agency recognized by Disney and bestowed with the honor of earning the highest designation that Disney can bestow upon a travel agency, EarMarked Diamond.

One reason the agency attained the “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” status is that all the frontline leisure travel agents are College of Disney Knowledge graduates. The College of Disney Knowledge is an in-depth comprehensive course that allows agents to develop their expertise regarding the Disney Destinations – knowledge that consumers can take advantage of when planning a Disney vacation.

Working with one of their talented and knowledgeable agents can allow you to craft the perfect Disney vacation that works for your family and their services are absolutely free of charge to you. You can save money and hassle by discussing different travel packages and specials that many people wouldn’t know about. You can relax knowing that Academy Travel is working hard to may sure everything runs smoothly for your vacation and if/when the unexpected happens in regards to trip changes, they’re there to assist you. Click here to book a trip!

Looking for more Disney guides to help you out with planning/executing a stress-free vacation? Look no further, we’ve got you covered. Below find some of the latest guides on Inside The Magic.

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Pop Century Resort? If so, comment below and let us know the best part of your stay!

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