Inside the Disney World bubble, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort stand out. They are two vibrant, value-oriented hotels. They offer distinct experiences. Staying in a standard room at either hotel starts at $230/night. This article compares these two popular Disney value resorts.
I’ll highlight their unique features, themes, accommodations, dining options, and amenities. This will help you decide which one best suits your dream Disney vacation. But first, let me encourage you to utilize the help of a Travel Professional that specializes in Disney destinations. Consider them a concierge service for your most perfect Disney experience.
Theming
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Pop Century Resort is a nostalgic journey through the latter half of the 20th century. This resort celebrates the fads, fashions, and cultural icons of the 1950s through the 1990s. Each section of the resort represents a different decade.
Larger-than-life icons such as yo-yos, Rubik’s Cubes, and giant laptops evoke fond memories for guests of a certain age. The vibrant colors and playful designs create a lively and energetic atmosphere.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
In contrast, Art of Animation immerses guests in the worlds of beloved Disney and Pixar animated films. The resort features four distinct sections: The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and Cars. Each area is meticulously themed to replicate the settings and stories of these classic movies.
Incredibly detailed décor, sculptures, and landscaping bring the animations to life. This resort is the perfect place for fans of Disney animation. It offers a storytelling experience from the moment you arrive.
Accommodations
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Pop Century offers standard rooms that are well-suited for smaller families or groups. The rooms are clean, functional, and recently refurbished with a modern flair. Each room typically includes two queen beds or one king bed. It also features a pull-down Murphy bed. This setup accommodates up to four guests.
The rooms are relatively compact. However, they are efficiently designed with ample storage space. The amenities include a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Art of Animation excels has more family-friendly accommodations. More specifically it offers family suites. These suites can accommodate up to six guests, making them ideal for larger families or groups. The suites feature a separate bedroom and a living area with a pull-out sofa. There is also a dining area that converts into a bed. Additionally, there are two bathrooms.
The theming in the rooms is immersive. The décor makes you feel as if you’re part of the movie. The Little Mermaid section offers standard rooms for guests. These rooms are similar in size and amenities to those at Pop Century.
Dining Options
Dining and amenities are where Pop Century and Art of Animation mirror each other. The fact is, Art of Animation was originally intended to be an expansion of Pop Century when it was added.
Both resorts exclusively offer quick service dining in the form of a food court. Everything Pop (Pop Century) and Landscape of Flavors (Art of Animation) serve up American favorites like burgers, pizza, and salads.
Everything Pop offers some unique dishes inspired by the different decades. Landscape of Flavor provides both traditional and international cuisine. It includes options such as build-your-own bowls and tandoori chicken.
Lastly, both resorts have great pool bars with well-themed cocktails and small bites. Petals Pool Bar (Pop Century) and The Drop Off Pool (AOA) are each located at the resorts’ main pool areas.
Amenities and Recreation
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Pop Century features three themed pools. These include the main Hippy Dippy Pool with flower-shaped water jets, the quieter Bowling Pool, and the Computer Pool. The resort also offers a jogging trail, an arcade, and nightly outdoor movies.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Art of Animation boasts the largest pool in Walt Disney World Resort, the Big Blue Pool, themed after Finding Nemo. The pool area includes a splash pad and interactive water play area for children. Additionally, there are two smaller pools themed after The Little Mermaid and Cars. The resort also features an arcade, a playground, and outdoor movie screenings.
Transportation
Complimentary transportation around Disney property is provided to all on-site guests and visitors. The Skyliner provides convenient transportation from both resorts to Epcot. It also connects to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, adding a touch of convenience and fun to your stay. Alternatively, bus service is provided from each resort to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, the waterparks and Disney Springs.
Making a Choice
The choice between Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort depends largely on your personal preferences. It also depends on the composition of your travel party. Pop Century is perfect for guests who love nostalgia and are looking for a vibrant, budget-friendly option. It’s especially suitable for smaller families or groups.
Art of Animation is perfect for Disney and Pixar movie fans. They offer an immersive themed experience. Its family suites make it a great choice for larger families or groups looking for more space and themed accommodations.
Both resorts provide excellent value and convenient access to the Disney parks via the Skyliner. The range of dining and amenities are similar at these sister resorts and enhance your stay. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to have a magical and memorable Disney vacation.
Looking for expert travel planning for your next theme park vacation? Connect with DizN Vacations with Jessica Yashin for personalized assistance and insider tips!
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