Updated: July 2026
Choosing the right Disney Resort can have a big impact on your Walt Disney World vacation, and two of the most popular Value Resorts are Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
These neighboring resorts share many similarities, including Disney Skyliner transportation, Value Resort pricing, and fun Disney theming. But they also offer very different experiences depending on who you’re traveling with and what you’re looking for.
So, should you choose Pop Century or Art of Animation?
Let’s compare the theming, accommodations, dining, recreation, transportation, and overall experience to help you decide which Disney Value Resort is the better fit for your next vacation.
Planning Tip: Start with the Right Resort
Before comparing individual resorts, take a look at my Disney World Resort Hotel Guide, where I explain the differences between Disney’s Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Disney Vacation Club Resorts to help you choose the best fit for your vacation style and budget.
At a Glance
| Feature | Pop Century | Art of Animation |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rooms | ✔ | ✔ (Little Mermaid only) |
| Family Suites | ✖ | ✔ |
| Skyliner | ✔ | ✔ |
| Food Court | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pool Bar | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best For | Adults, couples, smaller families | Larger families, Disney fans |
Resort Theme
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
If nostalgia makes you smile, Pop Century is a lot of fun.
The resort celebrates American pop culture from the 1950s through the 1990s with oversized icons, bright colors, and playful references to everything from Rubik’s Cubes and yo-yos to giant cell phones and classic toys.
It’s energetic, colorful, and appeals to both adults who remember these decades and younger guests who enjoy the whimsical atmosphere.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Art of Animation takes Disney storytelling to another level.
Instead of celebrating decades, it immerses guests in four beloved Disney and Pixar films:
- Finding Nemo
- Cars
- The Lion King
- The Little Mermaid
The larger-than-life characters, detailed landscaping, and themed buildings make you feel like you’ve stepped right into your favorite movies.
For Disney fans, it’s one of the most immersive resorts on property.
Rooms and Accommodations
This is where these two resorts begin to separate themselves.
Pop Century
Pop Century offers recently refurbished standard rooms that comfortably sleep up to four guests.
Rooms feature:
- Two queen beds (one Murphy bed)
- Mini refrigerator
- Coffee maker
- Plenty of storage
- Updated décor
The rooms are compact but thoughtfully designed and work well for couples, solo travelers, or families with younger children.
Art of Animation
Art of Animation offers two very different room types.
Little Mermaid Rooms
These standard rooms are similar in size to Pop Century but are located farther from the main lobby and Skyliner station.
Family Suites
This is where Art of Animation shines.
Family Suites sleep up to six guests and include:
- Separate bedroom
- Two bathrooms
- Kitchenette
- Living room
- Dining area that converts into a bed
For larger families or multi-generational trips, the additional space can make a huge difference.
Dining
Since Art of Animation was originally planned as an extension of Pop Century, the dining experiences feel familiar.
Everything POP
Pop Century’s food court serves classic American favorites along with a few fun specialty offerings inspired by different decades.
Landscape of Flavors
Art of Animation offers a slightly more adventurous menu, featuring:
- Build-your-own bowls
- International-inspired dishes
- Burgers
- Pizza
- Salads
I find both food courts to be among the stronger quick-service options within Disney’s Value Resort category.
Both resorts also feature pool bars serving specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks.
Pools and Recreation
Both resorts offer multiple themed pools, outdoor movies, arcades, and family-friendly recreation.
Pop Century
You’ll find:
- Hippy Dippy Pool
- Bowling Pool
- Computer Pool
The atmosphere is lively while still feeling relaxed.
Art of Animation
Art of Animation features one of the most impressive pools at Walt Disney World.
The Big Blue Pool:
- Largest resort pool at Disney World
- Finding Nemo theme
- Interactive splash area
- Underwater music
Additional Cars and Little Mermaid pools continue the immersive storytelling throughout the resort.
For families with young children, the recreation and theming are especially impressive.
Transportation
Transportation is one area where both resorts excel. Guests enjoy complimentary Disney transportation, including:
Disney Skyliner to EPCOT
Disney Skyliner to Hollywood Studios
Bus transportation to:
Sharing a Skyliner station makes both resorts especially convenient for EPCOT festivals and Hollywood Studios visits.
Related Reading:
Which Resort Is Right for You?
Choose Pop Century if you…
- Want the lowest price
- Prefer updated standard rooms
- Love nostalgic pop culture
- Are traveling as a couple or smaller family
- Plan to spend most of your time in the parks
Choose Art of Animation if you…
- Have a family of five or six
- Want more living space
- Love Disney and Pixar movies
- Enjoy immersive resort theming
- Plan to spend time enjoying your resort
My Biggest Takeaway
The truth is, you really can’t go wrong with either resort.
Both offer excellent Value Resort pricing, convenient Skyliner transportation, and immersive Disney theming that helps extend the magic beyond the parks.
For smaller travel parties, Pop Century often provides everything you need while keeping costs lower.
For larger families or guests who value extra space and immersive storytelling, Art of Animation’s Family Suites are difficult to beat.
The best choice ultimately comes down to your family’s size, vacation priorities, and budget.
Continue Planning Your Disney Resort Stay
Still deciding where to stay? These guides can help you compare your options:
- Disney World Resort Hotel Guide
- Ranking Disney’s Value Resorts
- Guide to Disney’s Moderate Resorts
- Top Benefits of Staying at a Disney Resort
- Disney Transportation Guide
- Disney Resort Reviews
✨ Ready to Plan Your Disney World Vacation?
Finding the right Disney Resort is about more than choosing a hotel—it’s about finding the place that best fits your family’s travel style, budget, and vacation goals.
As a Disney vacation specialist, I provide complimentary planning services, including personalized resort recommendations, dining guidance, promotion monitoring, and support throughout your planning journey.
➡️ Contact DizN Vacations with Jessica Yashin today to start planning your Disney World vacation!
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