Disney's Pop Century Resort
Best for families on a budget who want direct Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and simple, quick-service dining.
Hotel comparison guide
Disney's Pop Century Resort vs Disney's BoardWalk Villas
Disney's Pop Century Resort is a value-tier, family-friendly Disney hotel with bold pop-culture theming and Skyliner access for easy trips to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Disney's BoardWalk Villas is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villa property located on Disney’s BoardWalk — read this if you’re choosing between a budget Value resort and a DVC/Deluxe villa stay on the BoardWalk.
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Disney's BoardWalk Villas
Best for travelers wanting villa-style space or DVC benefits, plus direct access to the BoardWalk entertainment/dining area and a more upscale on-site amenity set.
Quick Verdict: Disney's Pop Century Resort vs Disney's BoardWalk Villas
When Pop Century wins: choose Pop Century if you want a lower nightly rate, simple quick-service dining, multiple family-friendly pools, and direct Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
When BoardWalk Villas wins: choose BoardWalk Villas if you need apartment-style space (Deluxe Studios and 1-Bedroom Villas), prefer a BoardWalk location with evening entertainment and restaurants within steps, or want DVC-style accommodations.
Bottom line: Pop Century keeps costs down and simplifies park logistics with Skyliner and complimentary buses; BoardWalk Villas offer larger villa layouts, a more upscale feel, and immediate access to the BoardWalk scene at a higher price point.
Disney's Pop Century Resort vs Disney's BoardWalk Villas – At a Glance
| Category | Disney's Pop Century Resort | Disney's BoardWalk Villas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Value-tier, playful pop-culture theming and family-focused | Disney Vacation Club villas with a classic BoardWalk/Atlantic Boardwalk-style setting |
| Location | Lake Buena Vista with Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios | |
| Size / rooms | 2,880 guest rooms across themed buildings | 372 guestrooms (Deluxe Studios and 1‑Bedroom Villas listed) |
| Who it's best for | Families and budget-conscious travelers | Families or groups needing extra space, DVC members, travelers wanting BoardWalk nightlife and dining |
| Pools | Three heated outdoor pools (including the Hippy Dippy main pool) plus a children's pool | Outdoor pool and hot tub; children's pool listed; poolside bar available |
| Restaurants & bars | Everything POP Shopping & Dining (food court) and Petals Pool Bar (pool bar) | Restaurant on property plus bar/lounge and poolside bar (one on-site restaurant listed) |
| Spa / wellness | No on-site spa; no fitness center (jogging trail instead) | Health club listed; sauna and steam room noted (on-site wellness facilities) |
| Known for | Value pricing, 1950s–1990s pop-culture theme, Skyliner access | BoardWalk address, DVC villa inventory, proximity to BoardWalk dining/entertainment |
| Transportation | Disney Skyliner plus complimentary Disney buses to other parks | Complimentary theme park shuttle; walking access to Epcot area and BoardWalk entertainment |
| Accessibility & family features | Accessible rooms available; supervised childcare/activities (surcharge); arcade | Multiple accessible room types listed; family-friendly resort (not adults‑only) |
Location: Pop Century vs BoardWalk Villas
Disney's Pop Century Resort – Location
Pop Century sits in Lake Buena Vista with a direct Disney Skyliner station to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and bus service to other parks.
- Address: 1050 Century Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
- Direct Skyliner gondola access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Complimentary Disney bus service to other parks; roughly a 30-minute drive from MCO
Pop Century is focused on park transport convenience via the Skyliner and buses.
Disney's BoardWalk Villas – Location
BoardWalk Villas are on Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment district, placing restaurants and nightly entertainment within easy reach.
- Address: 2101 Epcot Resort Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
- Steps from BoardWalk dining and nightlife and a short walk to EPCOT-area parks
- Complimentary theme park shuttle service is available
BoardWalk Villas are ideal if you want to be on the BoardWalk with quick walking access to Epcot-area entertainment and dining.
Rooms: Space and styles
Disney's Pop Century Resort – Rooms
Pop Century offers standard Value rooms across five decade-themed areas and Classic Hall as the hub.
- 2,880 guest rooms in standard and preferred room types with murphy beds and 'Hey Disney' devices
- Accessible rooms are available (various mobility/hearing options)
- Rooms do not include microwaves; food-court microwaves available in Classic Hall
You get practical, compact rooms geared to families at a lower price point.
Disney's BoardWalk Villas – Rooms
BoardWalk Villas list Deluxe Studios and 1‑Bedroom Villas — villa-style layouts for families and longer stays.
- Room types include many variants of Deluxe Studio - Resort View, Deluxe Studio - Garden or Pool View, Deluxe Studio - Boardwalk View, and 1 Bedroom Villas
- Accessible options available (roll-in/transfer showers and hearing-accessible units listed)
- Villas offer more living space and pull-down beds suitable for families or longer stays
BoardWalk Villas provide more space per unit and villa-style amenities, useful for families who want separate living/sleeping areas.
Dining & drinks: Quick-service vs sit‑down options
Disney's Pop Century Resort – Dining & drinks
Dining at Pop Century is centered on a single quick-service food court and a pool bar.
- Everything POP Shopping & Dining: a seven-station (currently operating reduced station) quick-service food court, open 7:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Petals Pool Bar serves cocktails, beer, wine and light snacks (11:00 AM–11:00 PM)
- No table-service restaurants on property; accepts Disney Dining Plan quick-service credits
Expect casual, quick-service meals and a pool bar at Pop Century — no on-site table-service dining.
Disney's BoardWalk Villas – Dining & drinks
BoardWalk Villas list one on-site restaurant plus bar/lounge and poolside bar options.
- Supplier listing shows number of restaurants: 1, and number of bars/lounges: 1 (additional poolside bar)
- Bar/lounge and poolside options provide sit-down and drink choices beyond quick service
- Advance reservations and details vary by venue — check current menus and reservation policies
BoardWalk Villas provide more traditional on-site dining and bar options compared with Pop Century’s food-court setup.
Pools & pool scene
Disney's Pop Century Resort – Pools & pool scene
Pop Century has three heated outdoor pools and a dedicated children's pool, focused on family use.
- Three heated pools: Hippy Dippy (feature pool), Bowling Pool, Computer Pool; maintained around 82°F
- Children’s pool available; pool lifeguard coverage varies by pool
- Pool towels are generally not provided at Value resorts — guests may bring room towels
Pop Century’s multiple family pools are a value-oriented, kid-focused setup without slides or hot tubs.
Disney's BoardWalk Villas – Pools & pool scene
BoardWalk Villas feature an outdoor pool and hot tub, plus family-friendly pool facilities.
- Supplier listing notes one outdoor pool and one hot tub plus a children's pool
- Poolside bar is available for drinks and light snacks
- Pool accessibility features noted in supplier listing
BoardWalk Villas offer standard resort pool amenities with hot tub and poolside service, matching a higher-tier resort profile.
Wellness & nightlife
Disney's Pop Century Resort – Wellness & nightlife
Pop Century’s wellness options are basic: no spa or fitness center, but a jogging trail substitutes for a gym.
- No on-site spa or fitness center listed; jogging trail available (about a one-mile lap)
- Arcade/game room and Movies Under the Stars provide evening family entertainment
- Supervised childcare/activities available for a surcharge
Expect family-friendly evening programming rather than a spa or full wellness center.
Disney's BoardWalk Villas – Wellness & nightlife
BoardWalk Villas list health-club and sauna/steam-room facilities and sit‑down entertainment on the BoardWalk itself.
- Health club, sauna, and steam room are listed in supplier amenities
- BoardWalk area outside the hotel provides nightlife, bars, and restaurants nightly
- Arcade and other family entertainment also available nearby on the BoardWalk
BoardWalk Villas pair on-site wellness facilities with immediate access to BoardWalk nightlife and evening dining.
Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Lower nightly rates, quick-service dining, multiple family pools, and Skyliner access make Pop Century the better value pick.
Disney's BoardWalk Villas
BoardWalk Villas’ Deluxe Studios and 1‑Bedroom Villas give families more living space and DVC-style villa layouts.
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Pop Century’s direct Disney Skyliner access is a practical advantage for park logistics.
Disney's BoardWalk Villas
BoardWalk Villas put you steps from restaurants, bars, and nightly entertainment on the BoardWalk.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQs →Disney's Pop Century Resort vs Disney's BoardWalk Villas: FAQs
Which resort is cheaper to stay at?
Generally Pop Century is the lower-cost option as a Value resort; BoardWalk Villas are a DVC/Deluxe-level property and typically cost more.
Which is better for families with young children?
Both are family-friendly. Pop Century offers multiple themed pools, a children’s pool, and supervised childcare; BoardWalk Villas add villa space if you need separate sleeping and living areas.
Can I walk to EPCOT from either resort?
BoardWalk Villas are on the BoardWalk within walking distance of EPCOT-area locations. Pop Century relies on the Skyliner for efficient access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Does Pop Century have table-service restaurants?
No — Pop Century’s on-site dining is Everything POP Shopping & Dining (quick-service) and Petals Pool Bar; there are no table-service restaurants on property.
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Book your stay
Skyliner to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios
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