2026 Pop Century Resort Updates

Benjamin S
18 hours ago
3 min read

There is something instantly cheerful about Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Bold colors, playful details, and nostalgic winks to decades past spark joy for the young and the young-at-heart. With the resort’s recent refreshes coming together throughout the lobby, Petals Pool Bar, and guest rooms, the experience feels even brighter and more “Pop” than ever.

Smiling employee at a colorful desk gives a button to two women, one in a red dress, the other with ears headband. Sign reads "COOL". — Image Courtesy of Disney

Celebrate the Decades with New Lobby Details

The first thing you'll notice when you step into the newly reimagined lobby in Classic Hall is how bright and energetic the space feels. One of the biggest changes is a massive floor-to-ceiling mural featuring Disney’s "Fab Five" characters, each styled to represent a specific era. Minnie Mouse kicks things off in her 1950s mid-century fashion alongside vintage cars and bowling pins. Daisy Duck follows with 1960s "flower power," while Goofy brings 1970s disco energy with his roller skates and lava lamps. Pluto jumps into the 1980s with neon triangles and cassette tapes, and Donald Duck rounds things out with a radical 1990s look, complete with over-ear headphones and a classic brick-sized cellular phone.

Colorful wall mural in a hallway with a cartoon mouse character waving, amid patterns of circles, vehicles, and icons. Bright and cheerful mood. — Image Courtesy of Disney

Beyond the art, the space has been reconfigured to be more functional. You’ll find more seating and communal tables where you can sit and recharge your devices while waiting to check in. A standout addition is the retro "TV wall"—a collection of vintage-style television frames that makes for a perfect photo backdrop. While many fans love the new vibrant look, some nostalgic guests may miss the original memorabilia-filled shadow boxes that used to line the walls, which have been removed to make way for the more character-centric designs.

Colorful outdoor seating area at "Petals" bar with bright flower decor, turquoise walls, and a round table under an umbrella. Relaxed vibe. — Image Courtesy of Disney

Cool Off at Petals Pool Bar

Petals Pool Bar has always been a bright spot at the 1960s-themed Hippy Dippy Pool, and the recent refresh makes it even more of a vacation highlight. Up close, you’ll notice beautiful new tile details behind the bar and clear digital menu boards that make ordering a breeze.

Colorful outdoor bar named "Petals" with floral decor. Bright flowers and a playful vibe. Chairs are lined up, and digital menus are visible. — Image Courtesy of Disney

If you're looking for a signature drink, the menu features specialty cocktails like the Sunset Margarita—made with Teremana Blanco Tequila and smoked chili bitters—and the Pineapple Mule . For those who prefer something non-alcoholic, the Lava Smoothie is a fan favorite, blending raspberry purée with pineapple and coconut . You can also grab a quick bite like a Mickey-shaped pretzel with cheese sauce or a charcuterie cup without having to leave your poolside lounge chair.

Two modern hotel beds with white linens, colorful cartoon artwork above the headboards, light blue walls, and a view into a bathroom. — Image Courtesy of Disney

Recharge With Refreshed Rooms

After a long day in the parks, the guest rooms offer a bright, comfy space to kick back. The recent "soft goods" refresh introduced a more sophisticated color palette. Imagineers brought in warm wood-toned flooring and a geometric area rug featuring pops of blue, gray, green, and orange. Soft sky-blue accents near the bed and bathroom help the rooms feel fresh and clean, moving away from the "sterile" feel that some guests complained about in the past.

Modern hotel room with a neatly made bed, colorful carpet, and a wooden table. Blue and orange accents. Mickey Mouse art on the wall. — Image Courtesy of Disney

Keep an eye out for the details, too. There are subtle "Hidden Mickeys" woven directly into the new chair fabric. The rooms also feature modern tech like the "Hey Disney!" voice assistant, which can help you request extra towels or check the park hours for the next morning.

Fueling Up at Everything POP

The enhancements don't stop at the lobby. The Everything POP Shopping & Dining area also received a makeover, shifting from a cafeteria-style layout to a more laid-back lounge atmosphere with varied seating, including comfortable booths.

The real star here is the new specialty coffee shop . It serves a full menu of Joffrey's coffee, including the popular Cinnamon Roll Frozen Blended Coffee—a mocha frappe-style drink with notes of cinnamon and brown sugar . For a unique treat, try the "Cake Bar," which is essentially a cake pop topped with freeze-dried Skittles . The dining menu has also evolved to include more ambitious options beyond standard nuggets, like Citrus-Basil Salmon, a Porchetta Burger topped with a fried egg, and Gochujang-glazed Chicken Strips.

Two kids cheerfully hug, wearing Mickey shirts and themed hats. Background shows colorful sculptures and buildings, with "WHA" text visible. — Image Courtesy of Disney

Convenience in the Magic

One of the best reasons to stay at Pop Century is the location. You’re just steps away from the Disney Skyliner, which can whisk you away to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios in about 15 to 20 minutes . Pro tip: If you're planning to "rope drop" the parks, head to the Skyliner station at least an hour early, as the line can back up during the morning rush.

Finally, the resort is part of a new "Airport Luggage Transfer" pilot program for guests flying with Southwest Airlines. If you're eligible, you can skip baggage claim at Orlando International Airport and head straight to the resort—BagCheck will deliver your bags to your room within about four hours . Whether you’re here for the pool, the parks, or just a heavy dose of nostalgia, these new updates make Pop Century feel like a premier choice in the "Value" category.