Disney's Pop Century Resort (Disney Value Resort) - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Personal Review: We were on-hand for Pop Century's opening and have been back to visit several times. Pop Century is our favorite value resort as we feel it is just a tad more upscale and magical.
Other Reviews: We do not yet have a feature article on file for the Pop Century Resort. If you're interested in writing one, please contact Belle*.
Your Review: What do YOU think of this resort? We want to know! To leave a review AND numerical rating, click the Review button below. Please avoid commenting on previously posted reviews. Tip: Include your pros and cons!
Results from these ratings and reviews will be factored into the ratings that appear in the guidebook, too!
I the Pop Century. The theming is wonderful, and it's got stuff for all ages to enjoy. I've stayed in the 90's section and the 50's section, and I much prefer the 50's. The theming is better and it's closer to the main hall. If you want the closest view of Illuminations in EPCOT from the Pop Century, find room 2436 and stand at the railing. I love the Pop Century and wouldn't think twice about staying there again.
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DBF and I have stayed at Pop Century 5 times in the past: March & October 2004, March 2005, August 2006, and March 2007.
I'll be honest - we mainly stayed at Pop Century because it was cheap. Since we've joined the DVC, obviously we won't have to do this anymore, but I will say that I'll always have a special place in my heart for the POP!
The theming is absolutely amazing. Each decade is very well-represented, from the enormous icons, the stairwells, and pools, to the inside of your rooms and the wall art hung there. The main lobby is definitely a treat to look at during check-in, or visits to the cafeteria, especially with all the decade-specific theming.
We have stayed in the 50's, 80's, and 70's sections. I have to say that I enjoyed the 80's and 70's sections the most, mainly because they're not as close to the busy lobby and even busier Hippy Dippy Pool. Therefore, they seem to be a little more peaceful...but they are a bit of a hike to the shuttle and lobby areas.
As far as your rooms - they're not very big; the beds aren't the most comfortable, and the walls are kinda thin...but, for an average price of $80 a night, you can't complain too much.
Very economical for my solo trip.....however, it is unlikely i would stay here again. I found it very crowded (particularly the food court). Also i forgot that the bus queues were not covered -- the summer Florida sun can be hot!
We have stayed at Pop for both of our trips and will stay there again. Every time I think of trying a different resort, I always end up back at Pop. For the the price and our needs, it is the best deal. We get two rooms and each have our own bed with two bathrooms (a necessity when traveling with two teen girls). We love the attention to detail, the pools, the service, everything - it is completely "groovy" and brings back a lot of memories from our childhood (for DH and I - a couple of almost 40-somethings).
POP is my favorite value resort. When I want to save some money, I don't feel like I'm roughing it. I enjoy walking around the lake and looking at the different icons around the property.
The Pop Century Resort is the place to be for a value resort. What I have found to be a big advantage is the bus stop. The Pop has it's own bus line and does not share with any other value resort, so it's alway a one-stop trip from the Pop to anywhere and back again! A BIG advantage, especially at the end of a long day. On our last trip in October, 2007, there was a roach in the room. But hey, it's Florida, for heaven's sake.
My DH and I stayed here again in December for 1 night when we went to the Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom. This was our 2nd stay here. The first stay was over in the 50's building with rooms overlooking the lake and the 2nd time we were there we were in the 80's section. Both were nice places. We just love this place. It's so nice. The theming is great. The foodcourt is great. They have such variety and the best french toast!!! We like the location of it because it's right by the parkway we use to get home. Both times we've stayed it was nice and quiet all through the night. The only minor complaint I have is that when your neighbors get up early in the morning you can hear them in the bathroom when the water is running in the shower and when they flush the toilet. Everything else is great there!!! I can't wait to go back and stay there again!!!!
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We love Pop Century! We spent hours walking around to look at everything. We also loved the food court. It can tend to be crowded at times, but we never had trouble finding a table to sit at. The lines always seemed to keep moving. We also liked that the buses are not shared with other resorts. It can get hot waiting in the hot sun since they are not covered. Our only complaint was the long walk from the bus station to the room after a long day. It was also quite a hike from the room to the parking lot when you are trying to unload/load the car. Luckily, we thought to take a small cart with us to haul the heavy stuff. Our room was always cleaned well, and the pool area & laundry area were always kept up very well. We will definitely stay there again!
DH and I stayed at POP on 12/8 to 12/19. We stayed at room 2303 (located in the 50's section, building B, third floor, view of the bowling pin pool). We were upgraded to a king size bed, with the Epcot view (building B & C is known for having the Epcot view). We were close to the pool, but were high enough to not hear any noices at night. We were also close to the front desk/food court/bus transportation.
I faxed them a room request to POP three days before our arrival. I wrote a long poem, asking for a king size room with an Epcot view. We had the option of getting a refridgerator, but we declined because were didn't need a fridge. We checked into POP around 7:30-8am. The one thing I disliked about POP was there were no bellboys. DH and I had tons of luggage and we're struggling to move all of our luggage and no one was willing to help you out.
The resort was clean I would say 95 percent of the time. There was some minor refurbishment going around through the park, but it never effect our stay. Their food court wasn't bad. Personally, I thought some of the food was too over priced, but nothing jaw dropping. There was a huge selection of food, and plenty of alternative food sections. The gift shop was decent, but I don't like the fact that it's right in the middle of the food court.
POP was a bit disappointing when it came to bus transporation. There were numerous times when you'll be waiting 30-45 until a bus arrives. This was a huge problem at Epcot and DTD/PI. During the Christmas season, the resort will play various Christmas music--which can be very nice--but will get on your last nerve in several days. They consitantly played the same track non-stop, which I'm sure drove the CMs crazy!!! The resort was beautifully decorated in Christmas decorations.
Overall, DH and I enjoyed our stay. If we were going to stay at a Value Resort again, it would be POP hands down.
Can you tell, I love POP. My family and I, as well as myself and friends have stayed there several times and I have found the value to be great. I have stayed at most of the resorts at Disney over the years, including Ft Wilderness, in a motorhome as well as the cabins, on vacation packages from the top of the line to room only (I have over 400 trips under my belt since Disney opened!) an I'll return to POP at any time. Are the room smaller, yes, are they clean, yes, the theming is great and fun for the kids and the kids at heart. We have wonderful memories at Disney World as a whole and POP!!! Can't wait to go back in April for the Flower Show at EPCOT!
I stayed at Pop for the first time in December 2007. I loved the "over the top" theme-ing. Some people think it's too loud in the decor but I thought it was a great extension to the Magic. I definitely new that I was in the Disney bubble and not staying at a regular hotel.
My room was clean and quiet but then I chose a room on the 4th floor and facing the lake. I never heard a 'peep' from anyone. My bed was comfortable. I was afraid that it was going to be rock hard like the usual inexpensive hotel but it was great.
From my front door I could see the top of ToT & the Fantasmic fireworks, Spaceship Earth & Illuminations, and Wishes from the MK.
I loved the Food Court. No matter how crowded it was I got thru there very quickly. The food was excellent. It was much better than theme park food. I had a wonderful freshly made Asian Chicken Salad, Chicken Alfredo, various hot breakfasts on three occasions, and tiedye cheesecake. Also the Disney Dining Experience Card (20% off) worked there which normally the card is just for table service. The meals were reasonable without the card but even better with the card.
I thought the store was great as well. I found things there that I couldn't find at the WoD store at DTD.
I had several encounters with the front desk staff, the food court staff, and the mousekeeping staff. All were pleasant, friendly, and helpful. I had to extend my trip by one day and the front desk people were wonderful and accomadating.
My only negative was the bus system. I had extremely long waits going and coming but from what I understand it was a fluke. Pop Warner was there that week and I guess that can make a huge difference. I've heard that the week before and the week after I was there the buses were just fine.
Overall, I loved Pop and definitely felt the MAGIC. I plan on staying there again in May.
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Oct '99: CSR ~ May '02: CR ~ Nov '04: SOG ~ May '06: SOG ~ Dec '07: Solo @ Pop ~ May '08: Pop w/friends ~ Oct '08: SOG ~ Dec '09: Pop w/LeAnn ~ Sept '10: Solo @ Pop ~ Spring '11: AKL ~ Jan '12: Pop for 1/2 Marathon ~ Sept '12: 1st trip for DL 1/2 Marathon? ~ Feb '13: Pop w/pals? ~ Mar '13: Tokyo Disney w/PP's?
My first stay onsite was at Pop in June 2004. After waiting years and years to fianlly stay onsite, Pop did not disappointment me.
I was able to get a great discount and because of this stayed in the 90s building. It was a little too far me especially with a 5 year old. So if I stayed again I would be looking to get something a little closer.
I never had a long wait for buses except for Magic Kingdom in the evening, but that is to be expected.
I love Pop Century for what it is. I only need a bed, shower, and a cool place to relax. I'm up early in am and coming back late at night. I love the walk along the lake early in the morning.