Lodging

This is one of my favorite Walt Disney World resorts to stay at. Sure, there are more expensive and more beautiful resorts on property, but this one really takes me back to my childhood. Why? Because Disney’s Pop Century resort blends homages to the Disney movies with a look back at American pop culture. And I am a retro pop culture junkie.

Rubiks Cube Stairway at Disney's Pop Century Resort

Like the other value resorts at Walt Disney World, this resort is separated into themed sections. At Pop Century, it’s all about the decades, starting with the 1950s and going to the 1990s. Each section is themed with references of what was hip and happening during that decade, along with a popular Disney movie that was released during that decade.

The whole experience starts with the main building. Step into the check-in lobby with its wall of memorbilia displays. Is that really a Commodore 64 hanging in that case? Why yes, it is.

Stepping outside to go to my room, I walk past the 3-story tall Big Wheel in the 70s section, dancing to the disco music playing, and make a left at the life-size Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head – stop for a quick photo – to the 80s section with its big Rubik’s Cube stairways.

Mr and Mrs Potato Head at Disney's Pop Century Resort

Rooms feature either a king or two doubles (which is what we had), a TV, separate vanity/dressing area with an open wardrobe area, a small size dresser/entertainment center combo and a table with two chairs. There’s high-speed internet, but it’s not Wi-Fi and you do have to pay for it (c’mon Disney…in 2009 not to have Wi-Fi??). All rooms are also smoke free and they do have some modified for guests with disabilities (all king bed).

The resort has three pools: a bowling alley one in the 50s section; a flower-power themed one in the 60s section and a computer themed one shared by the 80s and 90s section. The 70s section is the only one without a pool, but it does have a huge game of outdoor twister that could easily fit 10-15 people.

The food court is just as fun – especially the dessert case. Two that caught my eye were a tie-dye cheesecake that featured so much food coloring you know it couldn’t be good for you and a container of tiramasu made with – get this – Twinkies. It was such a sugar overload but tasted so good! I definitely recommend getting the all-you-can-drink-for-your-stay mug, too. When it’s hot outside, you’ll appreciate not having to buy a bottle of soda several times a day. Skip the in-room pizza delivery – it’s overpriced and the pizza is not stellar.

Rates start at $82 a night during value season and can go as high as $160 during peak seasons, like holidays.

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Disney’s Pop Century Resort
1050 Century Drive
Lake Buena Vista,,FL,32830
Phone: 1-407-938-4000

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