Inside the Disney World bubble, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort stand out as two vibrant, value-oriented hotels that offer distinct experiences. Putting aside the similar price of staying in a standard room (starting at $230/night) at either hotel, this article compares these two popular Disney value resorts.
I’ll highlight their unique features, themes, accommodations, dining options, and amenities to help you decide which one best suits your dream Disney vacation. But first, let me encourage you to hire the help of Travel Professional that specializes in Disney destinations to help build your best trip!
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) and a pull-down Murphy bed, accommodating up to four guests.
While the rooms are relatively compact, they are efficiently designed with ample storage space and amenities such as 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 include a separate bedroom, a living area with a pull-out sofa, a dining area that converts into a bed, and two bathrooms.
The theming in the rooms is immersive. The décor makes you feel as if you’re part of the movie. For guests who’d like a standard room, The Little Mermaid section offers rooms 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.
While Everything Pop offers some unique dishes inspired by the different decades, Landscape of Flavor offers both traditional and international cuisine, with 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, including 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. However, from both resorts, the Skyliner provides convenient transportation to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, adding a touch of convenience and fun to your stay. Alternatively, bus service is provided form each resort to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, the waterparks and Disney Springs.
Making a Choice
Choosing between Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort largely depends on your personal preferences and 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.
On the other hand, Art of Animation is ideal for fans of Disney and Pixar movies who want 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.
If you would like help booking and building your best Disney World vacation, submit a free no-obligation quote request to start planning today! Or reach out to DizN Vacations! Their team of expert Travel Professionals will help you book and build a bigger and better adventure!
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