I recently returned from a solo stay at Pop Century! It was a first for me.. and I have a lot of thoughts (both positive and negative) that I’m going to unload here! So here we go..
Pop Century is a resort themed by decade (50’s-90’s). The theming is really fun.. and I enjoyed walking the resort and taking a lot of photos!
There are 3 pools onsite (the large main pool is currently closed for repairs). There is also one playground on site. Here are photos of the two smaller pools that were available during my stay.
So let’s talk specifics! Did I like Pop? Eh. It was just ok for me.
Pros:
- The COST! It’s by far the cheapest resort stay I’ve had at Disney ($153/night)
- Transportation Options- you’re able to utilize both Skyliner (for Epcot and Hollywood Studios) and Bus (for Magic Kingdom and AK) which is awesome! I found both to be extremely reliable during my stay. The skyliner was ahead of morning schedule and the buses were plentiful.
- This may have been indicative to the crowds during my week.. and how many people were at the resort.. but I was able to check into my room before 9:00am!
- Newly refurbished rooms- they feel really fresh and clean.
- The room has a queen bed plus an optional Murphy Bed (that is a table when not in use). Just like AofA, I think this is a really nice feature to have! You only have to utilize it if you need to.
- I didn’t do this since I was traveling alone.. but saw a lot of families decorating their windows with trip decor or window clings! Will definitely remember this for future trips. It was really fun to see!
Cons:
- The size. I found the room to be really small. It was perfect for a single traveler like myself (and would also be fine for a couple) but this size would be a stretch for a family, in my opinion.
- The noise. There are 2 things I hate about hotel rooms and this had both of them: 1) outside entry (meaning the window is to the hallway) and 2) an adjoining door option (meaning I could basically hear all conversations and baby cries from the room next door). I am a light sleeper.. and also a considerate traveler. So I struggled with sleeping.. and also felt like I could not even watch tv at night time without disrupting the sleeping baby next door. There is really only one spot in this room where a pack-n-play can fit.. and it is RIGHT in front of the adjoining door. As far as room location goes, I would say I was in a good location. It was fairly noisy during the day with foot traffic.. but was quiet and off the beaten path at nighttime.
- There is only one quick service restaurant on site.
- The main large pool was closed.. which was unexpected. Always do your research before booking a resort to see what’s open and what’s not. For this trip, swimming wasn’t a top priority so I didn’t pay much attention to it (as I normally would).
Would I stay there again?!
One thing to keep in mind about Value Resorts (such as this one) is that they are intended to be bare bones (because that’s what you’re paying for). And that’s ok! If you’re not staying there for the space, waterslides, or restaurant options, you have come to the right place! If you’re looking to save on some part of your vacation, this is it!
With that being said, I would.. but never with my family. I would consider utilizing it again for a solo trip or adult trip. But for all of us, it’s just not enough space. My son has to move.. a lot. And this most certainly would not be enough room for that. Not to mention that my children are LOUD and I would constantly worry about them disrupting others in adjacent rooms.
I would also travel with a separate sound machine (instead of utilizing the one on my phone).. and also headphones (which I forgot this trip). I’m telling you.. I really felt like I could not even listen to things on my phone without waking the baby next door.
It was definitely a lesson learned.. and I’m glad I experienced it! I’ll definitely know what to do differently for my next stay there. Because let’s be honest.. if you like going as much as I do, finding places to cut cost are necessary! And staying at Pop again would certainly help with that. So until next time, Pop!
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