A lot of construction is happening in Disney World right now, not just in the parks, but also at some Disney World hotels.
Pop Century Resort
In fact, two hotels are currently getting brand-new lobbies. Now, we’ve seen big progress on the new lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, but now we’re going to show you a look at how the lobby work is going at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and you’re either going to love it…or hate it!
The last time we visited the Pop Century lobby, it was already looking a lot different. In the past, that back wall was lined with shadowboxes filled with period-specific memorabilia to match the theme of the hotel (basically: America through the decades). But now, that decor has been replaced by these new character murals with Daisy and Minnie. Now, we were told by Cast Members that we’ll soon be seeing MORE new murals with Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, but those aren’t ready just yet.
Pop Century Resort — Lobby Refurbishment in Progress
Well, we visited again and noticed some MORE updates to the lobby. Now, each check-in desk has a retro word behind it representing a different decade, like this one that says “cool.”
Cool
This check-in desk says “groovy.”
Groovy
Another one says “neato.” These are SO fun, right?
Neato
There are also now two communal tables flanking the check-in desks.
Table
The kids’ area has a fun TV screen built into the wall surrounded by fun artwork from Disney movies and TV shows.
Kids’ Area
There are also some new plush seating areas if you just need to rest your feet for a bit. As you can see, though, the area is still partially under construction.
New seating
You’ll even spot some new, fun artwork on the walls.
New artwork
Now, there’s still a little more work to be done, and some parts of the lobby are still behind black curtains. We can’t wait to see what the whole thing looks like when it’s complete, but we’re already loving this transformation. What do you think? Do you miss the old design, or are you all for the makeover? Here’s one last look at the OLD design. Say goodbye!
Lobby Shadow Boxes
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Stay tuned to DFB for more.
What I Wish I’d Bought Before Staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
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I’m going to miss the shadowboxes! I loved strolling by them and showing my kids all the “cool stuff” from when I was a child…cool for me, my kids humored me I think!
I really like the new look of the lobby as well as the looks of the Everything POP areas. However, I am sure that the management could find a place to put the shadow boxes where they would be out of the way. Every time I stay there I always take time to look at each and every shadow box. Where else can you find such nostalgia. I’m almost 70 years old so I recognize a lot of the items in each box.
*cries* I loved the shadowboxes!!! I wonder what they will do with all that memorabilia?
Ok, tantrum over. I am one of those folks who is not afraid of change. I love when Disney makes updates and changes, because it freshens things up and keeps things from getting stagnant.
I think the new designs are very eye catching and fun.
Still not a Moderate resort although now being priced that way.
POP is our home resort and I like everything except for the the wall where the shadow boxes were. Those were so awesome! We will definitely miss them.
I love this! Honestly one our most favourite resorts just because of the fun easy vibe! We’ve stayed here probably 6 times love the new look!
I miss the old design.
When I arrive in April, it will be my 3rd time staying at Pop Century. I love this resort. I think an upgrade was due. The shadow boxes are cool, but it was time for a change. I can’t wait to see it when it’s completed after I arrive. It should be “groovy”!
i loved the old memorablilia at POP ! so sad to see it go 🙁
Pop is our go-to resort when we’re not using our DVC points. One of my favorite things is to walk through the lobby and check out the dioramas. It’s always a walk down memory lane. I do like the new design, but going to miss that aspect that made Pop unique and kept to the theming of the resort. Just like a lot of things happening at WDW right now, this could have been “in addition to” rather than a replacement. Looking at you, Great Movie Ride.
I am alright with the wall behind the check-in /out desks. But bring back the shadowboxs from the other wall. That made the lobby for me.
I love all the colorful changes. I just really wish they could find a spot to reuse those awesome shadow boxes.
I don’t hate the new look, but I will miss the shadow boxes.
I guess this is a taste of how everything will look and be different at Disney World when I return in Spring 2026.
I love the new look. Pop Century is our favorite resort. I love the transformation it has been going through the past few years. We will be there in February and can’t wait to see it in person.
Oh I hate to see the shadow boxes go. They were such a stroll down memory lane
I can’t say I hate it. But this is yet another example of Disney Parks and Resorts pushing into “IP Everywhere.”
The parks should be more than an IP advertisement space. That wasn’t how Walt originally built them–admittedly, he had sponsorships everywhere, but that was how he paid for it. Pop Century (or Pop Half-Century) should be a celebration of the 1950s through the 1990s, not just Disney.
Similarly, the parks should be open to adding and retaining rides and experiences that aren’t tied to existing or upcoming IP.
We were just at Pop Century in September. We took a look at the new design in the lobby and it looks great. A cast member actually stopped by us as we were looking and asked for our thoughts. I was not aware that there was a children’s area. It was well organized and very Disney!!!!!
The adult seating is also very nice.
Can’t wait for all to be completed.
We always stay at Pop just because it is so nostalgic. Why does Disney insist on modernizing all the things Walt wanted his park to be.?
TOO MUCH OF A CHANGE !! nothing was wrong with the nostalgists of the shadowboxes. The rooms needed to have a change that was welcome but the rest of the changes of the lobby area was just what my family was looking for when we visited Walt Disney world. Too many changes, we rather the old Disney by far.
Why is it that you love every change that Disney makes, no matter how bad it is?
What’s with the one sideways TV? I get they wanted to fill in the space, but that looks really lame.
Pop Century
Of Disney IP not of peoples experiences.
When full “reimagined” it will be an IP only resort that reflects Disney company
Nostalgia that appeals to Disney diehards but overwhelms those who don’t want in your face advertising.
The walls outside of the food court are bare, that should be the new home of shadow boxes with updated wood display cases.
But alas what was fun must be destroyed.
Pop is our home resort and we will definitely miss the shadow boxes. The new design looks good, especially the kid’s tv room but I wish they could find a space to put the shadow boxes back up. Looking through those as you check in was such a wonderful experience we will miss.