Pop Century and Art of Animation are two of the most popular Value resorts at Disney World, and they sit right next to each other. So which one should you book? I have stayed at both, and I liked Art of Animation a little more. But the right pick really depends on who you are traveling with and what you want out of your trip.
In this Pop Century vs Art of Animation guide, I will break down the rooms, pools, theming, food, price, and the Skyliner, so you can pick the resort that fits your trip.
Quick Answer: Pop Century vs Art of Animation
Pick Art of Animation if you want more space, better Disney theming, and family suites with 2 bathrooms. Pick Pop Century if you want a lower price and you do not mind a small room, like a couple or a group of adults who mostly just sleep there.
Here is the short version:
- Best for families: Art of Animation
- Best for couples and adults: Pop Century
- Best pools: Art of Animation
- Best price: Pop Century, which is usually a little cheaper
- Transportation: A tie, because both have Skyliner access
Prices change by date, so always check Disney’s official pages for Art of Animation and Pop Century before you book.
Pop Century vs Art of Animation at a Glance
| Pop Century | Art of Animation | |
|---|---|---|
| Resort tier | Value | Value |
| Theme | Pop culture from the 1950s to the 1990s | Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid |
| Rooms | Small standard rooms | Standard rooms plus big family suites |
| Family suites | No | Yes, sleeps up to 6 with 2 bathrooms |
| Pools | 3 themed pools plus a kiddie pool | The Big Blue Pool plus 2 more |
| Skyliner | Yes | Yes |
| Food court | Everything POP | Landscape of Flavors |
| Price | Usually a little cheaper | Usually a little more |
Skyliner Access: Both Resorts Have It
The Disney Skyliner is one of the biggest reasons I like both of these resorts. It is a gondola ride that floats you over Disney World, and both Pop Century and Art of Animation connect to it. The Skyliner station sits right in the middle of the two resorts, so it is an easy walk from either one.
From there, the Skyliner takes you to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. For the other parks, you will use Disney buses. If you have an EPCOT or Hollywood Studios day planned, the Skyliner can make your morning so much easier than waiting on a bus. If you are not sure what each park offers, my guide to the four Disney World parks breaks it down simply.
The Skyliner is a huge deal for getting around, and it means transportation should not be what decides your pick between these two. My guide on where to stay near Disney World explains how free Disney transportation works for all the resort types.
Pop Century vs Art of Animation: Rooms
Art of Animation Family Suites
I stayed in a Lion King family suite at Art of Animation, and I loved it. It was so colorful and animated that it really felt like I was living inside of the movie. Kids would be obsessed with it. It was super cute and the theming was done really well.
The suites are also just more open. Disney says the family suites sleep up to 6 guests, and they come with a living room, a kitchenette, and 2 bathrooms. That extra space is a big deal when everyone is sharing one room. Everyone can stay close together, but nobody is tripping over each other.
Little Mermaid Rooms: Something to Know
The Little Mermaid rooms are the regular, non-suite rooms at Art of Animation. They are a little more inconvenient than the rest of the resort. They are farther from the main building and farther from the Skyliner. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is good to know before you book.
Pop Century Standard Rooms
My Pop Century room was a standard room with 2 beds, and it was super small. It was fine for sleeping, but you will not want to spend much time inside it. I did love the layout of the hotel, because it is easy to get around.
Pop Century rooms are usually very small, but they are also usually a little cheaper. That is why I think Pop Century is great for adults or couples who just need a place to sleep and shower.
Pools: Big Blue Pool vs Pop Century Pools
Both resorts have fun pools, but I liked the pools at Art of Animation better. The Big Blue Pool is the star. Disney calls it the largest resort pool at Disney World, and it is Finding Nemo themed. Art of Animation also has the Cozy Cone Pool, which is themed after Cars, and the Flippin’ Fins Pool, which is themed after The Little Mermaid.
Pop Century has three themed pools: the Hippy Dippy Pool from the 1960s, a smaller pool with a 1950s bowling theme, and a 1990s Computer Pool. There is also a kiddie pool nearby. I thought the Pop Century pool was really fun, and it is another spot that is great for kids.
Theming: Which Resort Looks Better?
In my opinion, Art of Animation has much better Disney theming. Giant Finding Nemo, Cars, and Lion King scenes are everywhere, and it feels like walking through a cartoon. Both resorts are cute, but Art of Animation feels more like Disney.
Pop Century is themed around the 1950s through the 1990s. Think giant yo-yos, Play-Doh, and Rubik’s Cubes. It is bright and fun, just less about Disney characters.
Food: Everything POP vs Landscape of Flavors
Each resort has its own food court. Pop Century has Everything POP, which Disney says has 7 food stations. Art of Animation has Landscape of Flavors, which Disney says has 5 food shops with made-to-order food.
I loved the food court at Pop Century. I got a great breakfast there before the parks, including a Mickey waffle. Eating at your resort in the morning keeps things quick, so you can get to the parks early.
Price: Which Resort Is Cheaper?
Pop Century is usually a little cheaper because the rooms are smaller. Art of Animation family suites usually cost more, but you get more space and 2 bathrooms. For a bigger group, that can be a better deal than booking two rooms.
Prices change all the time based on your dates, so compare the same dates on Disney’s official pages. Going during a cheaper time of year can help a lot too. My guide to the cheapest month to go to Disney World can help you pick your dates. And if you are wondering whether to bundle your room with tickets, read my guide on which Disney World package is the best or see how much a Disney World package costs.
Which Disney Value Resort Is Best for You?
- Families with kids: Art of Animation. The family suites give you more space and 2 bathrooms.
- Couples or adults: Pop Century. The rooms are small, but the price is usually lower.
- Bigger groups: Art of Animation. The suites sleep up to 6.
- Budget first: Pop Century.
- Love Disney theming: Art of Animation.
Honestly, all Disney resorts are great in their own quirky ways. It really depends on what you want out of your trip and who you are traveling with. I always recommend staying at a Disney resort because of the perks you get for going to the parks. If you want to compare more budget options, Disney lists all of its Value resorts on its official site.
Visit Both Resorts on One Trip
Here is a fun tip. If you stay at Pop Century, you can easily walk across the bridge to check out Art of Animation whenever you want. I love checking out as many Disney resorts as I can when I am at Disney World. They are all so fun and unique in their own way.
FAQ: Pop Century vs Art of Animation
Is Pop Century or Art of Animation better?
I think Art of Animation is better for families because of the family suites, the pools, and the Disney theming. Pop Century is better if you want a lower price and do not mind a small room.
Do Pop Century and Art of Animation both have the Skyliner?
Yes. Both resorts have Skyliner access, and the station sits between the two. The Skyliner goes to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Is Art of Animation worth the extra cost?
If you have kids or a group of 4 to 6 people, I think so. The suites have more space and 2 bathrooms. If you are a couple, Pop Century is usually the better value.
Can you walk from Pop Century to Art of Animation?
Yes. You can walk across a bridge between the two resorts, so it is easy to visit the other one.
Which resort has the better pool?
I liked the pools at Art of Animation better, especially the Big Blue Pool. Pop Century still has fun pools, though.
Final Thoughts
So, Pop Century vs Art of Animation, which one wins? For me, it is Art of Animation. I loved the family suite, the theming, and the big blue pool. But Pop Century is a great pick for adults or couples who want a cheaper stay and a simple layout.
Either way, you get Skyliner access, and that is a huge win for getting around Disney World. Compare your dates on Disney’s official pages, and pick the resort that fits your group. If you want to see more options, my guide on where to stay near Disney World covers on-site and off-site hotels. Once your room is set, my guide on how many days you need at Disney World can help you plan your trip length, and Disney’s official ticket page is the best place to check current ticket options.