I think I have mentioned this before, but Pop Century is definitely our resort of choice every time we go to Disney World. We realized a few years ago that we would rather stay at a Value Resort on property every time and be able to stay a few extra days instead of going to a Moderate or Deluxe and stay fewer days. Of course the extra days is a big factor for us, but also we realized that we just aren't at the hotel a whole lot. We get up early, eat a quick breakfast from home in the food court so that we can be to the park for rope drop, then stay all day at the park. We get in around 9:00 at night, swim for about 30-45 minutes, take showers, and head to bed. We are probably in the room a total of 9 hours total a day, and most of those hours are sleeping. As long as the bed is comfy, we are happy. So these are reasons we stay in a value resort, now let me tell you why we choose Pop Century time and again (we have stayed at All Star Music twice and All Star Movies once for comparison).
One of the best things about Pop Century is the staff. Every person I have ever encountered at Pop has been super friendly and has gone out of their way to make our stay wonderful. This usually begins at check in, includes food court staff, gift shop staff, mousekeepers, and everyone in between. One example of great service this time was the concierge worker who helped to make my angel's birthday so memorable this year. I realized the night before her birthday that I didn't have a card for her. I had remembered a few gifts, but didn't have a card. So, I stood in line to ask the front desk if they could help. I asked the friendly girl if she had a card or something I could use as one for my daughter's birthday the next day. She went in the back and after a few minutes came back to ask my room number. I told her and she then said they were taking care of it. I asked if they had a card and she said they would leave one for her in the room the next day. It wasn't exactly what I expected, but thought ok, I can make that work. I was just glad that they were going to save me :) The next day when we returned to our room on her birthday there was a card (a picture of retro Mickey and Minnie in front of our building at Pop) along with a Pop Century bucket filled with little pop culture gifts from the 60's to 90's. It was super cute and way more than I expected. My daughter loved it and I was thrilled. I made sure to tell the manager the next day how much we loved the basket and that is why we choose Pop every time.
Another favorite of mine at Pop Century is the food court. It is huge and has several different bays to choose from which all serve different kinds of food. There is pizza, sandwiches, pastas, even TV dinners (remember the pop theme). I can't imagine someone not being able to find something they like here. They also have some yummy foods at the bakery area that you can get as a dessert (tie dye cheesecake is yummy) and an ice cream area as well that allows you to get huge sundaes or hand spun milkshakes for a dessert or snack as well. There are so many options and I love to eat here. They used to offer frozen cokes and icee's in the drink stations which was a wonderful treat after a hot day in the park, but sadly they replaced them a few years ago for tea. I am hoping they will bring that back one day!!!!
Another bonus for Pop is the bus service. They have their own dedicated buses that take you straight to the parks. Also, they only have one bus stop at the resort so you don't have to waste precious park time riding around to multiple stops inside of the resort like many of the moderate resorts do. The other value resorts (All Star Sports, Music, and Movies) share buses going to the parks. This can be particularly annoying in the morning, especially if you are staying at Movies. The buses pick up at Sports first, then Music, and if there is any room left, they go to Movies. As you can imagine, it can take several buses before they realize that the line is half a mile long and send an empty bus to get the Movie guests. At night, each hotel does have their own dedicated bus, but they really need it in the morning as well. Pop Century doesn't have that problem. Since it doesn't share with anyone, once you get on the bus, you don't have to stop anywhere except the park or Pop. The only problem is that the bus stop is almost always at the very end of the row at each park, so you have to walk a little farther then some of the other resorts. To me, that is a small inconvenience and I would rather walk a few more steps than make a few more stops.
One final favorite thing about Pop is the pools. We love the main pool which is shaped like a flower with several flower fountains spraying into it around the sides. There are also two other small pools at the resort. We haven't been in the computer pool, but since we were in the 50's building this trip we spent most of our time in the bowling pin pool this time and really enjoyed it as well. One more bonus is that thereare two fun areas for little ones to play in as well. There is a set of goofy pop up fountains that spray intermittently that are fun to play in and the kiddie pool has some big fountains inside of it as well. My daughter loves playing in these, and they are great for those nights I just don't feel like getting in the pool with her, but she insists on swimming. A win win for both of us.
So, if you are considering staying in a Value resort, I would highly recommend Pop Century. For all of the reasons mentioned above, plus comfortable, very clean rooms, you can't get a better value for your money and still be on Disney property.
