Credit: DisneyWhen it comes to Disney’s Value Resorts, few are as instantly recognizable as Disney’s Pop Century Resort. With its bright colors, oversized icons, and playful nods to pop culture through the decades, this hotel has long been a favorite for families looking to stay close to the magic without breaking the bank. Now, Disney is giving the resort’s lobby a modern refresh that blends nostalgia with a new, sleek design — signaling what feels like a new chapter for the resort.
A Resort Built on Nostalgia
Pop Century has always been all about celebrating the past. Opened in 2003, the resort pays tribute to the latter half of the 20th century, with each section themed to a different decade. From yo-yos and Rubik’s cubes to towering cell phones, the resort is a vibrant walk down memory lane. Guests love it for its playful theming, accessible price point, and convenient access to the Disney Skyliner, which makes travel to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios a breeze.
For many, walking into the lobby has always set the tone for the trip. The space has featured retro photos, iconic decor, and a check-in counter that instantly transported guests back in time. But as Disney continues to modernize its resorts, it’s clear Pop Century is stepping into the future — without losing its nostalgic charm.
A New Lobby Look
The resort lobby is currently undergoing a transformation that guests can already see. The traditional single, long check-in counter has been replaced with three colorful counters, each celebrating a different era: the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s/1990s.
The 1960s counter features a teal backdrop with a cheerful “Neato” sign, while the 1970s wall is adorned with a wavy “Groovy” swirl pattern. The 1980s/1990s counter showcases a geometric “Cool” design that perfectly matches the bold patterns and neon tones of that era.
At the far end of the lobby near Bell Services, there’s now a long communal table and chairs with a lime-green and orange carpet design. This addition not only creates more seating space but also gives the lobby a more inviting and modern feel.
New Check-In Counters, Kid’s Area, and More at Disney’s Pop Century Resort Lobbyhttps://t.co/7aO7LnFBji
— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) October 14, 2025
A Fresh Space for Families
One of the most exciting updates comes in the form of a brand-new kids’ area. This section of the lobby now has soft seating poufs, new blue geometric carpet, and a TV playing Disney movies. The wall art has been designed to resemble television screens showing classics like The Little Mermaid (1989), The Jungle Book (1967), Alice in Wonderland (1951), and Peter Pan (1953).
Right outside this space, Disney added a comic book–style mural with bench seating, creating a colorful and fun spot for families to relax before heading to the parks or after a long day of walking.
A Nod to the Past, A Step Toward the Future
Not everything is fully revealed just yet. A retro mural featuring Minnie and Daisy covers a large wall opposite the check-in area, but other portions of the space remain behind scrim and curtains. This hints that Disney still has more updates planned for the lobby.
Minnie and Daisy feature in a fabulous new mural in the lobby of Disney’s Pop Century Resort. #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/ZWhgS8K5uf
— LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) September 25, 2025
Earlier this year, the resort’s Everything POP food court got its own makeover, including the addition of a new coffee shop. Guest rooms have also received modern updates, blending clean lines and neutral tones with subtle retro touches.
This steady stream of changes shows a clear pattern: Disney is carefully refreshing Pop Century to make it feel current and comfortable while preserving the personality that makes it unique. It’s not a total overhaul — it’s a thoughtful evolution.
What This Means for Guests
For returning guests, the refreshed lobby is going to feel different — but in a good way. It’s brighter, more functional, and far more family-friendly. The separated check-in stations create a smoother flow, and the kids’ space is a welcome upgrade for families who might need a few minutes to regroup.
These changes also hint at a larger trend across Disney resorts. As more guests rely on mobile check-in, Disney is reimagining its lobbies as communal gathering spaces rather than long queues. Pop Century’s new design fits right into that vision.
The Future of Pop Century
This is just the latest in a series of thoughtful upgrades for Pop Century, and it’s likely not the last. With Disney investing in updates across its resorts — from moderate hotels to deluxe properties — this beloved Value Resort is getting its moment in the spotlight.
The refreshed lobby isn’t just about modern furniture and bright colors. It’s about setting the tone for a new era at Pop Century, where nostalgia and innovation meet in the middle. Whether you’re checking in for your first stay or returning for your tenth, the lobby now feels like a place that welcomes everyone — past, present, and future.