Hiya Sandy and welcome to planDisney. You have pulled my heartstrings because Disney's Pop Century Resort was the first
Disney Resort hotel my family called "home." My kids remember it like yesterday and have such fond memories of the gigantic Big Wheel, Rubix Cubes, and Bowling Pins found in the 70s, 80s, and 50s buildings respectively. On those early trips, we would drive and get to the Resort hotel around 1:30 AM to check-in.
You may physically check in to
Disney's Pop Century Resort (or any hotel) after midnight. Disney understands that not everyone can make it by 3:00 PM. I recommend you download the My Disney Experience app and use the
Direct-to-Room service check-in. You can be checked in before you arrive so you may skip the front desk. This is a complimentary service available to everyone. The lead Guest will get a text with the room number when the room is ready. When you arrive head directly to the room avoiding unnecessary time at the front desk. To unlock your door, use the
My Disney Experience app, a linked
MagicBand, or a Key to the World Card. I rarely go to the front desk because this service, allows me to go straight to my room, drop off my luggage, and then bounce to the theme parks. If my room is not ready then I will drop my bags off with
Bell Services. Easy peasy.
planDisney Pro Tip: There is a sidewalk around Hourglass Lake with signs posting interesting facts about special events that happened in the 1950s - 1990s. If you have time, stroll over Generations Gap bridge to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort for even more magic.
Sandy, I hope your trip from Alberta is practically perfect in every way. Please
write me back directly should you have any follow-up questions.
Enjoy making many Magical Memories.
~Jason