Disney’s Pop Century Resort, long considered a fan-favorite for its affordability and nostalgic theming, has officially launched a full-scale refresh of its lobby space—one that promises to infuse even more retro charm into the resort’s iconic atmosphere. The refurbishment began on July 21 and is expected to continue through early October.
A Value Resort With Vintage Vibes
As one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved Value Resorts, Pop Century stands out not only for its lower price point, but also for its celebration of 20th-century pop culture, larger-than-life icons, and family-friendly atmosphere. Situated along the Disney Skyliner route, it provides direct gondola access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, making it an ideal location for budget-conscious guests who don’t want to sacrifice convenience.
Guests often choose Pop Century for its balance of affordability, on-property perks, and vibrant theming. Each section of the resort is themed to a different decade—from the ‘50s bowling pins and jukeboxes to the oversized cellphones and floppy disks of the ‘90s.
Lobby Gets a Retro Makeover
According to Disney’s official site, the lobby will be undergoing a “retro-inspired refresh” throughout the summer and early fall. Though the resort’s check-in area will remain open during this time, guests should expect to see (and possibly hear) light construction while updates are underway.
The redesign is expected to align more closely with recent updates made to the resort’s food court and retail space, Everything POP Shopping & Dining. That area received a major overhaul in recent years, bringing in more modern finishes while preserving the resort’s vibrant, retro color palette. The addition of a new coffee shop in the dining area was also a welcome change for early risers heading out to the parks.
More Changes in the Works
The lobby isn’t the only part of Pop Century getting a facelift. Guest room refurbishments began back in March and are currently scheduled to continue through mid-February 2026. The updates are expected to keep the resort in line with Disney’s broader trend toward sleeker, more minimalist in-room aesthetics, while still honoring the resort’s playful theme.
Just last month, the Hippy Dippy Pool—Pop Century’s central pool inspired by ‘60s flower power—also saw updates to its entrance gate, signaling a continued investment in the resort’s upkeep.
What This Means for Guests
For families and travelers hoping to stay at Pop Century in the coming months, the good news is that no major disruptions are anticipated. All amenities—including transportation, pools, dining, and recreation—will remain available while the lobby transformation takes place.
Still, for longtime fans of the resort, this refresh feels like a new chapter. Disney appears committed to maintaining Pop Century’s status as a top-tier Value Resort, blending modern comfort with a hearty dose of nostalgia.
Pop Century’s updates may be quiet, but they speak volumes: Disney is still investing in the guest experience, even at its most affordable resorts.
More Closures?
If you thought planning your 2025 Disney vacation would be smooth sailing, think again. Walt Disney World is under full-blown construction mode, and if you’re not careful, you could walk into a theme park full of boarded-up attractions, blocked-off pools, and—gasp—no train station in Frontierland!
Let’s break down what’s really going on behind those construction walls.
Magic Kingdom: Say Goodbye to the Frontier You Knew
Big Thunder? Gone ‘til 2026. Tom Sawyer Island? Closed. Liberty Square Riverboat? Also closed. Why? Because Disney is shoving Cars Land smack in the middle of Frontierland, and the changes don’t stop there.
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Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will go dark in August 2025.
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Astro Orbiter is down all summer.
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The Frontierland Train Station? Toast. The railroad is now doing a weird shuttle loop with backwards seating for those who can’t handle reverse travel. Really.
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Oh, and there’s no more Villains Land opening date either. Just more construction.
But hey, we’re getting a new nighttime parade called Disney Starlight on July 20, 2025, and a Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern by the end of the year. So… silver lining?
Hollywood Studios: Who’s Even Left?
It’s looking rough in Hollywood.
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Muppets Courtyard? Bulldozed.
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Monsters, Inc. Land? Under construction.
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Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster? Being turned into a Muppets ride. (No, we’re not kidding.)
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Animation Courtyard is closing on September 25, 2025, and taking Disney Jr. Play and Dance! with it.
By 2026, we’ll have a new Disney Jr. show and something called “The Magic of Disney Animation” where Launch Bay used to be. Until then? Keep your expectations low.
Animal Kingdom: RIP DinoLand
Disney is gutting DinoLand piece by piece. First went TriceraTop Spin, then It’s Tough to Be a Bug. Now:
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The Boneyard closes permanently September 2, 2025.
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DINOSAUR is closing in 2026.
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Replacing it all? An Indiana Jones ride and Tropical Americas land, coming in 2027.
For now, catch Zootopia: Better Zoogether when it opens in winter 2025.
EPCOT: Still Under Construction, Just Quieter
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Test Track closed in June 2024, reopening July 22, 2025.
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¡Celebración Encanto! is sticking around longer than expected—now extended through winter 2025.
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New lounge alert: GEO-82 opened June 4, 2025.
Resort-Wide Refurbs: Expect Jackhammers, Not Magic
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Beach Club’s pools are closed through June.
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Grand Floridian is being redone—lobby, rooms, even the gingerbread house is cancelled.
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Bay Lake Tower is under renovation through fall 2025.
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BoardWalk is still mid-refurb.
And that’s not even counting the Skyliner, which is shutting down entirely January 25–31, 2026.
Bottom line? If you’re visiting Disney World in late 2025 or 2026, expect magic and mess. The future looks bright… but it’s under scaffolding for now.
