Guests arriving at Disney’s Pop Century Resort are now stepping into a noticeably different lobby experience. The resort recently completed a refresh that brings brighter colors, bold graphics, and large-scale artwork that features pop culture from the 1950s through the 1990s, along with some of our favorite Disney characters.
The update is undeniably vibrant. Floor-to-ceiling artwork fills the walls with retro-inspired patterns, vintage television frames, roller skates, lava lamps, and illustrations of Disney’s Fab Five. The new design leans heavily into the playful “Pop” theme the resort has always embraced.
But for longtime visitors, the question naturally comes up: Is the new look actually better than what was there before?
For years, the lobby at Pop Century had a very different feel. It was filled with nostalgic photos, memorabilia, and cultural references from each decade. You could easily spend time wandering the lobby, noticing something new every visit. Old advertisements, historical photos, and quirky pop-culture artifacts created a space that felt almost like a small museum celebrating the second half of the 20th century.
During downtime between park visits, it was fun to walk through and explore the displays. The lobby had personality and storytelling built into every corner.
The refreshed space takes a different approach. Instead of smaller details and artifacts, the new design focuses on large, colorful visuals and open space. A wall filled with vintage-style televisions is cute and bold retro backdrop, and the playful murals featuring characters like Goofy and Minnie add a hefty dose of Disney charm.
The update also introduced more seating and communal tables, giving guests additional places to relax while checking in, waiting for transportation, or taking a break before heading back to the parks.
Luis Sanchez, a project manager with Disney’s Facility Asset Management team, explained that functionality was a major goal of the redesign.
“One of our biggest goals was making the lobby feel brighter, more vibrant and more functional for Guests,” Sanchez said. “We looked at everything from the lighting to the seating layout so the space feels more open and comfortable – and supports the look and feel Disney Imagineers envisioned.”
And there’s no question looking at the photos, that the space feels brighter and more energetic. The refreshed lobby is visually striking and very Instagram-friendly.
Still, some guests may find themselves missing the nostalgic details that once made the lobby feel like a time capsule of decades past.
Pop Century remains one of the most popular value resorts at Walt Disney World Resort, thanks in part to its access to the Disney Skyliner, which connects guests directly to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The new lobby certainly delivers a brighter and more modern arrival experience. But whether it’s actually an improvement may come down to personal taste.
What do you think?
Do you prefer the fresh, colorful new look, or do you miss the nostalgic displays that once filled the Pop Century lobby?
