When it comes to selecting a Disney Resort for your vacation, choosing the right one can make a big difference. If you're looking at the Value Resorts category, two of the most popular options are Pop Century Resort and Art of Animation Resort. Both offer affordable stays with Skyliner access, fun theming and plenty of amenities, but they each have their own unique charm. Let’s break down what each resort offers and help you decide which one is the best fit for your Disney vacation!

Skyliner Station Art of Animation Pop Century — Shared Skyliner Station for Pop Century and Art of Animation

Theming: A Blast from the Past vs. Movie Magic

Pop Century Resort: Pop Century is all about celebrating the pop culture of the 20th century! From giant icons of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, to themed buildings and decor, this resort gives you a fun, nostalgic vibe. Picture giant Rubik’s Cubes, a giant jukebox, and even larger-than-life figures of classic Disney characters — it’s like walking through a time machine!
Art of Animation Resort: If you’re a Disney movie fan, Art of Animation will feel like paradise. This resort brings to life four beloved Disney and Pixar films: The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Little Mermaid. Imagine walking through the streets of Radiator Springs, lounging by the colorful Nemo pool, or staying in rooms inspired by your favorite Disney characters. It’s like being transported into a Disney animated world.

Baloo Pop Century — Pop Century celebrates the pop culture of the 20th century

Which Theming Wins?

Pop Century is perfect for those who enjoy a retro, vibrant atmosphere and a playful celebration of past decades.
Art of Animation takes the win if you're looking for an immersive, movie-inspired experience that brings your favorite Disney films to life.

Finding Nemo Art of Animation — Finding Nemo Section at Art of Animation

Room Types: Standard Rooms vs. Suites

Pop Century Resort: Pop Century offers standard rooms that sleep up to four guests. These rooms are simple but functional, with a queen bed and a pull-down bed, along with a mini-fridge, TV, and basic amenities. The rooms are perfect for small families or groups who want an affordable, no-frills stay with easy access to Disney parks.
Art of Animation Resort: Art of Animation features both standard rooms and family suites. The family suites can accommodate up to six guests and offer more space, with a separate bedroom, a living area, and a kitchenette. This is great for larger families or groups who want a bit more room to spread out. The standard rooms at Art of Animation are similar to Pop Century's but are themed around The Little Mermaid.

pop century — Pop Century has standard rooms

Which Room Type is Better?

If you’re traveling with a smaller group or a tighter budget, Pop Century is the better choice with its straightforward, affordable rooms.
For families who need extra space and want a more luxurious experience, Art of Animation is the way to go, especially with the family suites offering more flexibility.

Little Mermaid Art of Animation — All of Art of Animation is family suites, except the Little Mermaid section

Pools and Recreation: Splash and Play

Pop Century Resort: Pop Century features three fun pools. The largest is the Hippy Dippy Pool, shaped like a giant flower, and there's also the Bowling Pool and the Computer Pool, which are smaller but still fun spots for a refreshing dip after a day at the parks. Pop Century has a more laid-back vibe when it comes to pools but still offers plenty of splash time for guests.
Art of Animation Resort: Art of Animation is home to the Big Blue Pool, the largest hotel pool at Disney World. It’s themed around Finding Nemo and even features an adorable splash pad for little ones. There are also two smaller, more themed pools: the Flippin’ Fins Pool (themed around The Little Mermaid) and the Lion King Pool. The resort's pools are definitely more immersive and have a bit more of an attraction vibe.

Which Pool Is Better?

If you’re all about huge, themed pools with an extra splash of fun, Art of Animation is the winner.
For a more relaxed vibe with some fun nods to pop culture, Pop Century has just what you need.

Dining: Grab a Bite and Fuel Up

Pop Century Resort: The Everything Pop Shopping & Dining food court offers a variety of quick-service options, including pizza, burgers, pasta, and salads. It’s a convenient spot for families who want a quick bite before heading out to the parks or back to their rooms. Pop Century doesn’t have any table-service dining options, but it does the job with its solid selection of quick meals.
Art of Animation Resort: Art of Animation also has a food court called Landscape of Flavors, where you'll find similar quick-service dining options as Pop Century. However, it tends to have a slightly more diverse menu with some unique offerings, including a custom salad bar, tandoori chicken, and specialty pizzas. Like Pop Century, it doesn't have a table-service restaurant but offers solid options for a quick and satisfying meal.

Which Dining Option is Better?

Art of Animation has a bit more variety and a more unique selection of food options, making it a winner for guests who want a more interesting menu.
Pop Century is more straightforward and simpler, but still offers solid meals for a budget-conscious family.

Pop Century dining — Everything Pop Shopping and Dining

Transportation: Getting to the Parks

Both Pop Century and Art of Animation are located near Disney’s Hourglass Lake, and are within walking distance of each other. Both resorts share transportation to all four Walt Disney World theme parks. They offer bus service to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. And they offer Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Pop Century Resort: The buses are generally efficient and quick. If you're staying at Pop Century, you'll typically experience less congestion on the buses since it is a smaller resort compared to Art of Animation. The shared Skyliner station’s entrance is closer to Pop Century, so it’s bit shorter walk.
Art of Animation Resort: While buses are also quick, Art of Animation is larger and has more guests, which can sometimes lead to fuller buses during peak times. But, its proximity to the Skyliner means you’ll still have easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Which Transportation Option is Better?

Transportation for these two resorts are pretty equal. While the entrance to the Skyliner station is closer to Pop Century, the exit is closer to Art of Animation- so it’s a tie on transportation.

Pop Century Skyliner — Both resorts share this Skyliner station

Which Resort is Right for You?

Pop Century Resort: If you’re on a budget, traveling with a small group, or simply love the retro vibe of pop culture, Pop Century is the way to go. It’s a classic Disney Value Resort with great access to the parks and all the essentials for a comfortable stay.

Art of Animation Resort: For larger families, those seeking more space, or Disney fans who want to fully immerse themselves in the world of animated classics, Art of Animation offers more room options, more immersive theming, and fun, themed pools. It’s a bit more magical for those who want to experience the magic of Disney movies in their accommodations.

Vacation Planning Disney Made Simple

Choosing the right Disney resort can feel like a big decision, but don’t worry — I’ve got you covered! Whether you choose Pop Century or Art of Animation, both resorts offer great value and a fun atmosphere for your Disney vacation. If you're still feeling overwhelmed with your vacation planning, my Disney World Planning Guide can help you every step of the way, from choosing the perfect resort to maximizing your time in the parks. Let’s step into the magic!