Disney’s Pop Century Resort, located within the Walt Disney World Resort, officially opened in 2003 and is one of the hotels that make up the value resort group. The resort is known for the giant icons surrounding the hotel celebrating various pop culture fads throughout the 20th century, and each area of the hotel is themed after a different decade – the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The hotel also has 2,880 rooms spread out over each of the themed areas, making it one of the largest hotels in the United States.
Initially, Disney’s Pop Century Resort was slated to have two separate buildings – the Classic Years and the Legendary Years. The Legendary Years rooms were going to be themed after the 1900’s to 1940’s, and construction was underway until the attacks of September 11, when tourism slumped. In 2010, Disney announced that they would be turning the uncompleted addition to Pop Century into a new resort, Disney’s The Art of Animation Resort, which will be based on four of Disney and Pixar’s popular films.
There are two types of hotel rooms located in Disney’s Pop Century Resort, including standard rooms and preferred rooms. Preferred rooms are located close to the pool and Guest Services, and can include views of the parking lot, courtyard or pool depending on availability.
Guests who are looking for Disney merchandise and other gifts or want to grab a bite to eat can visit Everything Pop Shopping and Dining, a retail and foot outlet that offers various shops and seven quick-service food counters. You’ll find breakfast options, ice cream, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, salads and more, including healthy options and dessert items.
Children and adults will also find plenty of recreational activities while they’re not at the parks, including the Fast Forward Arcade. The arcade features a variety of pinball and arcade games, and is located in the Classic Hall building directly adjacent to the Everything Pop Food Court. For younger kids, head over between the 60’s and 70’s sections of the resort for the Goofy Kiddie Spray Area, an interactive play fountain that’s perfect for the little ones. There’s also a playground complete with the latest jungle gym equipment, located in the 60’s section of the resort.
Adults may enjoy the 1.38 mile jogging trail that winds around the resort, or relax at one of three swimming pools located on property. The main pool, the flower shaped Hippy Dippy pool, is located in the 60’s section, while the smaller bowling-ball shaped Bowling Pool can be found in the 50’s section of the resort. Finally, the third pool – the Computer Pool – can be found in the 90’s section of the resort.
With it’s larger-than-life iconic statues, themed areas and a modest selection of dining and retail establishments as well as recreational opportunities, Disney’s Pop Century Resort is perfect for families or anyone who wants a bit of the Disney magic.