Table of Contents
When it comes to choosing a value resort at Walt Disney World, two contenders often rise to the top: Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Both offer budget-friendly accommodations with a hefty dose of Disney magic, but which one is right for you? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details and see how these two resorts stack up against each other.
Overview of Pop Century and Art of Animation
To get a general idea of the differences between these two resorts, let’s take a look at a brief overview.
Pop Century Resort
Pop Century Resort celebrates the iconic decades of the 20th century, from the 1950s to the 1990s. Each section of the resort is themed around a different decade, featuring larger-than-life icons like yo-yos, Rubik’s Cubes, and giant cell phones.
Art of Animation Resort
Art of Animation Resort brings beloved Disney and Pixar films to life with immersive theming. The resort is divided into four sections: The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars. Each section features detailed decor and larger-than-life characters from the films.
Location, Location, Location
Both Pop Century and Art of Animation are situated in the Wide World of Sports area of Walt Disney World. They’re practically neighbors, separated only by Hourglass Lake. But does this proximity mean they’re equally convenient? Not quite.
Transportation Options
| Resort | Skyliner Access | Bus Service | Distance to Parks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pop Century | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| Art of Animation | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
Both resorts have access to the Disney Skyliner, which is a game-changer for getting to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. However, Art of Animation has a slight edge here. Its Skyliner station is shared with Pop Century, but it’s on the Art of Animation side of the lake. Pop Century guests have to walk across a bridge to reach it.
Theming and Atmosphere
Here’s where things get interesting. Both resorts lean heavily into their themes, but they do so in very different ways.
Pop Century
Pop Century is a nostalgia-fest, celebrating American pop culture from the 1950s through the 1990s. Each section of the resort represents a different decade, complete with larger-than-life icons like a giant Big Wheel or an enormous Walkman.
Art of Animation
Art of Animation, on the other hand, is all about immersing guests in the worlds of beloved Disney and Pixar films. The resort is divided into four sections: The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars.
Room Types and Amenities
This is where the biggest differences between the two resorts come into play.
Pop Century
- Standard Rooms: Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Preferred Rooms: Same as standard, but closer to the main building and pool
- Pool View Rooms: Overlook one of the resort’s pools
| Room Type | Description | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Room | Two queen beds or one king bed, themed decor | Up to 4 guests |
| Preferred Room | Closer to main amenities, same features as Standard Room | Up to 4 guests |
All rooms at Pop Century were refurbished in 2018, featuring queen beds, laminate flooring, and a fold-down Murphy bed.
Art of Animation
- Little Mermaid Standard Rooms: Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Family Suites: Sleeps up to 6 adults, available in Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars themes
| Room Type | Description | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Room (Little Mermaid) | Two double beds, themed decor | Up to 4 guests |
| Family Suite (Finding Nemo, Cars, Lion King) | One queen bed, one double-size sleeper sofa, one double-size table bed, kitchenette, two bathrooms | Up to 6 guests |
The family suites at Art of Animation are a huge draw for larger families or those wanting more space. They include a bedroom, two bathrooms, and a living area with a kitchenette.
Key Differences
- Room Size: Art of Animation offers family suites that can accommodate up to 6 guests, making it ideal for larger families.
- Theming: Pop Century has a more general nostalgic theme, while Art of Animation offers experiences based on specific Disney and Pixar films.
Dining Options
Neither resort offers table-service dining, but they both have food courts that serve up a variety of quick-service options.
Pop Century: Everything POP Shopping & Dining
- Offers standard American fare with some fun twists
- The tie-dye cheesecake is our personal favorite
Art of Animation: Landscape of Flavors
- More menu options, including create-your-own pasta and Mongolian grill stations
- Generally considered to have slightly better food quality
Dining Comparison
| Feature | Pop Century | Art of Animation |
|---|---|---|
| Food Court | Everything POP Shopping & Dining | Landscape of Flavors |
| Pool Bar | Petals Pool Bar | The Drop Off Pool Bar |
| Variety | American classics | International cuisine and customizable options |
Pools and Recreation
Both resorts feature multiple pools, but Art of Animation takes the cake in this department.
Pop Century
- Hippy Dippy Pool: Flower-shaped main pool
- Bowling Pin Pool: 1950s-themed quiet pool
- Computer Pool: 1990s-themed quiet pool
Art of Animation
- Big Blue Pool: Largest pool on Disney World property, with underwater speakers
- Cozy Cone Pool: Cars-themed pool with cone-shaped cabanas
- Flippin’ Fins Pool: Little Mermaid-themed pool
Art of Animation also offers a splash pad area for little ones, giving it an edge for families with young children.
Recreation Comparison
| Feature | Pop Century | Art of Animation |
|---|---|---|
| Main Pool | Hippy Dippy Pool | Big Blue Pool |
| Themed Pools | Bowling Pool, Computer Pool | Cozy Cone Pool, Flippin’ Fins Pool |
| Play Areas | Playground | Schoolyard Sprayground, Righteous Reef Playground |
Price Comparison
Here’s where things get tricky. While both are considered value resorts, Art of Animation tends to be pricier due to its newer construction and family suites.
| Room Type | Pop Century | Art of Animation |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Room | $$ | $$ (Little Mermaid rooms) |
| Preferred Room | $$+ | N/A |
| Family Suite | N/A | $$$$ |
Price Breakdown
For individual room breakdowns, take a look at these comparisons.
Pop Century Resort
| Season | Standard Room (Per Night) | Preferred Room (Per Night) |
|---|---|---|
| Value Season | $150 – $200 | $180 – $230 |
| Peak Season | $200 – $250 | $230 – $280 |
Art of Animation Resort
| Season | Standard Room (Per Night) | Family Suite (Per Night) |
|---|---|---|
| Value Season | $180 – $230 | $350 – $450 |
| Peak Season | $230 – $280 | $450 – $550 |
Pros and Cons
To best analyze the difference between these two resorts, let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Pop Century
Pros:
- Generally less expensive
- Recently refurbished rooms
- Nostalgic theming appeals to adults
Cons:
- Can feel less “Disney” than Art of Animation
- Slightly longer walk to Skyliner station
Art of Animation
Pros:
- Incredible Disney theming
- Family suites available
- Better pool options
Cons:
- More expensive, especially for suites
- Can be noisier due to more families with young children
Who Should Stay Where?
- Choose Pop Century if: You’re on a tighter budget, don’t need a family suite, or appreciate retro Americana.
- Choose Art of Animation if: You have a larger family, want to feel like you’re staying at a Disney resort, or prefer more diverse dining options.
The Final Verdict
Both Pop Century and Art of Animation offer fantastic value for your Disney vacation dollar. Pop Century edges out in terms of affordability and adult-friendly theming, while Art of Animation wins for families needing more space and those seeking maximum Disney immersion.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific needs, budget, and personal preferences. Whichever you choose, you’ll be staying at a fun, well-themed resort with easy access to the parks via the Skyliner. And isn’t that what a Disney vacation is all about?
