As a Florida native and self-proclaimed Disney fanatic, I can tell you that there’s no better way to experience the magic of Disney World than by staying on their property. In our 2009 and 2010 trips, my family and I decided to stay at Pop Century for many reasons. They had their own bus (at certain times of the year the All-Stars shared a bus), which we were not really a fan of. The price was great for a value, and we loved the theming too. But we first decided to stay at Pop Century for their perks like extra magic hours, buses to and from the parks, and the amenities.
A Room Review of Pop Century
When it comes to choosing a hotel room, it’s important to consider your personal needs and preferences. If you’re someone who spends most of their time at the theme parks, and only uses their hotel room for sleeping and changing, then a value resort like Pop Century could be a great choice for you. The rooms might be small, but they are still functional and provide everything you need for a comfortable stay.
However, if you’re someone who likes to spend a lot of time in your hotel room, perhaps relaxing or catching up on work, then you might want to consider upgrading to a moderate or higher. These rooms tend to be larger and more spacious, giving you more room to spread out and enjoy your stay.
Keep in mind that there are other factors to consider as well when choosing a hotel room. For example, the location of the room within the resort can make a big difference in terms of convenience and accessibility. If you have specific needs or preferences, such as a room with a view or a ground floor room, be sure to mention them when making your reservation.
Ultimately, the decision of which type of hotel room to choose depends on your individual needs and preferences. So take some time to think about what’s most important to you, and make your decision accordingly.
The Old Rooms
The old Pop Century rooms definitely had their charm with their fun, bright, and quirky Disney theming. It felt like you were truly immersed in the magical world of Disney. However, the rooms were quite small, and the bulky furniture made it difficult to move around comfortably. There wasn’t much extra space, which made it challenging to have a relaxing family time indoors. If you had a larger family, it could feel cramped and uncomfortable.
As a result, families often spent most of their time outside the hotel room, exploring the vast Disney World theme parks and attractions. The hotel room served merely as a place to sleep, freshen up, and store your belongings. But even with the limited space, Pop Century was still a great option for families who were looking to stay on a budget and be close to the theme parks.
The Renovated Rooms
The renovation of the rooms at Pop Century has made a significant difference in the overall experience of staying at this resort. The rooms now feel much more modern and spacious, despite still being the same size as before. One of the major improvements is the use of space, with clever design choices and added amenities that make the room more functional.
For example, the beds are now queens, which is a significant upgrade from the previous double beds. The addition of a murphy bed that doubles as a table is also a game-changer, as it allows for more space during the day when the bed is up. The coffee bar area and fridge are now included in the room rate, whereas previously, guests had to pay extra for these amenities.
In terms of storage, there are now more options available to guests. The closet in the bathroom can be utilized, and the dresser provides ample storage for clothing and other items. Guests can even store their suitcases under the beds, which helps keep the room tidy and organized.
Another notable improvement is the overall feeling of spaciousness in the room. Even when the murphy bed is down, there is still enough room to move around comfortably and not feel cramped. This is especially beneficial for families traveling with children, who may need a bit more space to play and relax in the room.
Overall, the renovated rooms at Pop Century have addressed the previous issues with space and functionality, making for a much more enjoyable and comfortable stay.
The Downside to the New Rooms
While the renovated rooms at Pop Century Resort have many positive aspects, such as better space utilization and modern amenities, some guests may find that they lack the whimsical and family-friendly atmosphere that the old rooms provided. One of the main reasons for this is the color scheme and decor. The new rooms have a more neutral color palette, with white linens and minimal pops of color. While this may appeal to some guests who prefer a more sophisticated and upscale look, it may not be as appealing to families with young children who want to feel immersed in a playful and fun environment.
Additionally, some of the quirky elements that made the old rooms unique have been replaced with more generic designs. For example, the themed headboards featuring characters like Mickey Mouse have been replaced with simple, upholstered headboards. While this may not be a deal-breaker for everyone, it could be disappointing for guests who were looking forward to staying in a room with a strong Disney theme.
It’s worth noting that the lack of family-friendly decor may not be a problem for all guests. Some families may prefer a more sophisticated look, and the new rooms certainly offer a more modern and chic aesthetic. However, those who are specifically looking for a room that feels fun and whimsical may be disappointed with the updated design.
Pop Century Amenities
Staying at Pop Century can be a great value, especially if you’re able to find a good deal like the one mentioned above. The price includes a lot of perks that can make your stay more enjoyable and convenient. For example, you’ll have access to complimentary transportation to and from the Disney parks and Disney Springs via bus, which can save you a lot of money and hassle compared to renting a car or taking taxis.
Another great perk is the ability to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours (As of 2020, not anymore. Only deluxe hotels), which are exclusive times in the parks only available to guests staying at Disney-owned hotels. This allows you to enjoy the rides and attractions with shorter wait times, and can be especially helpful during peak times of the year when the parks are crowded.
Overall, the price of staying at Pop Century may seem higher than other hotels in the area, but when you factor in all the perks and conveniences, it can be well worth the cost. Plus, the newly renovated rooms offer a great balance of modern amenities and nostalgic Disney theming, making it a fun and comfortable place to stay during your Disney vacation.
Is Pop Century Worth It?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers all the benefits of staying on Disney property, Pop Century is definitely worth considering. With its newly renovated rooms, convenient location, and plethora of amenities, you can enjoy all that Disney has to offer without breaking the bank.
If you’re interested in reading about more Disney adventures, be sure to check out our other articles on Disney theme parks, resorts, and vacation planning tips.
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