How do you pick which Disney World hotel you’re going to stay at on your next vacation?

Pop Century Resort

There are many hotels at Disney World, and they are broken down by cost, style, and amenities. Deluxe resorts are the top-tier hotels that have the highest costs per night, they are typically fancier in their theming, and they offer more amenities and perks. Moderate resorts are a step below Deluxe resorts, and Value resorts are the lowest level. Value resorts are the least expensive resorts with theming that is typically larger than life, and they offer the least amount of amenities and perks. One of our favorite Value resorts is Disney’s Pop Century Resort, but even though we love it, four things about it seriously bug us when we stay there.

Long Walk to the Skyliner

Pop Century is a multi-story, motel-style hotel that is very spread out. There are different sections of rooms each with its own retro theme and parking lot. Depending on which section you end up in, you may have a long walk to the main building where the reception desks, shopping, and restaurant are located.

Pop Century

However, you might notice that it’s not only a long walk to the lobby and Everything Pop Shopping and Dining, but it can also be a long walk to the Skyliner station! The Skyliner can take you to multiple other hotels, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. While it’s a bit of a walk from anywhere at Pop Century, some sections of the hotel have a much further walk than others. When you’re already walking many miles in the parks, it can be frustrating to have to walk so far to get to the Skyliner.

No Buses to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT

This brings us to our second point. Unless the Skyliner is closed for refurbishment or bad weather, it is the only form of transportation to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT from Pop Century. Disney does not offer buses to these two parks from Pop Century because the Skyliner is available.

Skyliner Station at Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts

Now don’t get us wrong, we LOVE the Skyliner. It’s fast, has great views, and it’s a ride on its own! However, for those of you who don’t like heights or riding in a gondola without air conditioning, the fact that this is the only option at this hotel to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT might be a real problem. Not to mention the hike you might have just to get there!

Only One Real Dining Option

As we mentioned previously, Value resorts have fewer amenities and that includes dining options. Pop Century only has one real dining option, and while it’s a decent one, it may not be for everyone. 

Everything Pop

Everything Pop Shopping and Dining has a gift store and food court. There are several counters with a variety of options at the food court, but we understand that it might not be for everyone. There is also Petals Pool Bar at Pop Century, but it has a very limited menu. Two other great options are to have food delivered to your room by Kroger’s Grocery for the duration of your trip (a quick breakfast in the room might be the way to go!) or you can head to the parks for your meals. 

Unloading our order at Pop Century

Or, you have access to other Skyliner resorts including Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort with Sebastian’s Bistro or Disney’s Riviera Resort with Topolino’s Terrace!

No Extended Evening Hours

Less amenities are common at Value resorts, and so are fewer perks. Disney’s Pop Century Resort, along with the other value resorts, does not offer guests Extended Evening Hours. Extended Evening Hours are available on select nights at select parks. Those who are staying at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, Swan & Dolphin Resorts, and Shades of Green can take advantage of these extended hours in the parks. But unfortunately, Pop Century does not fall into that category.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

However, you can enjoy Early Theme Park Entry if you’re staying at Pop Century! This gives you an extra 30 minutes in the park before it opens to regular park guests. Those extra 30 minutes can be game-changers!

Disney’s Pop Century Resort is a great place to stay, but if these four problems are deal breakers, then you may want to check out other options including Moderate and Deluxe resorts. We hope this helps in your Disney World planning adventures! For more Disney news, keep following DFB.

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Which Disney World hotel is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!