Disney’s Pop Century Resort, a longtime favorite for value-minded Walt Disney World Resort guests, is in the midst of a transformation that’s been months in the making. While some projects have already wrapped up, others are just beginning, and guests visiting this fall should be prepared for ongoing changes.
In late 2024, Walt Disney World Resort partially closed off the Everything POP Shopping & Dining area. The food court and gift shop area underwent phased renovations, which included updated retro-inspired seating and new artwork. The refurbishment finally concluded in January 2025, restoring full operations for hungry and souvenir-hunting guests.
The next wave of updates focused on guest rooms. Walt Disney World Resort announced that rooms throughout Pop Century Resort would be refreshed starting in March 2025, with work continuing through mid-February 2026. All amenities will remain available during this time, but guests should expect construction noise or minor disruptions throughout the day.
Then, construction on the Value Resort hotel’s lobby began on July 28, 2025. According to Walt Disney World Resort’s website, the space “will be getting a retro-inspired refresh.” Maintenance crews may be visible during the work, and guests might hear construction, but the lobby remains open for check-ins and casual lounging. The lobby project is expected to wrap up in early October 2025.
Pop Century has a fun self-service welcome center while the lobby is being renovated!
Beyond these larger projects, Disney has also made smaller, unannounced changes throughout Pop Century Resort. In January, the iconic Baloo and Mowgli Jungle Book (1967) statues near the Hippy Dippy Pool were repainted. Minor updates like these happen quietly overnight or during the day when guests enjoy the Disney theme parks.
As room refurbishments conclude in early 2026, another temporary change will impact guests: the Disney Skyliner will close for a scheduled maintenance period from January 25 through January 31, 2026. While the transportation system has historically closed for maintenance each January, it skipped the annual shutdown in 2025.
During the Skyliner closure, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Art of Animation Resort, Riviera Resort, and Caribbean Beach Resort will provide bus transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Whether you’re a first-time Walt Disney World Resort guest or a longtime Pop Century fan, these updates mean that your visit may look slightly different from what you expected this fall and winter.
Have you noticed any changes at Disney’s Pop Century Resort? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
