Cyndal BenulloWhen planning a Disney World vacation, choosing a resort is often the first step. There are a few reasons to look into Disney’s value resorts, and these two are at the top of the list. They’re even within walking distance of each other. When comparing Disney’s Pop Century vs. Art of Animation, there are similarities, but there are also vast differences that you should know.
Whether you’re trying to do Disney on a budget, considering transportation options, or planning a multi-generational trip, you’ve come to the right place. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about these two Disney resorts so you can pick the right one for your next trip to Orlando.
Pop Century vs. Art of Animation Quick Glance
- Pop Century vs. Art of Animation – A Deep Dive
- Which Resort Should You Choose?
- Frequently Asked Questions
| Feature | Pop Century | Art of Animation |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Year | 2003 | 2012 |
| Theming | Decades of American pop culture (1950s–1990s) | Disney/Pixar films — Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid |
| Room Types | Standard rooms only (no suites) | Standard rooms (Little Mermaid) + Family Suites (Cars, Lion King, Finding Nemo) |
| Room Size | ~260 sq ft | Standard: ~277 sq ft Family Suite: ~565 sq ft |
| Sleeps | Up to 4 | Standard: up to 4 Family Suite: up to 6 |
| Price Range (per night) | ~$150–$300+ | ~$200–$650+ |
| Resort Size | 2,880 rooms | ~2,100 rooms/suites (984 standard + 1,120 suites) |
Rates are based on 2026 pricing and fluctuate by season and availability — check WDW’s official site for current pricing.
Pop Century vs Art of Animation – A Deep Dive
Theming & Atmosphere
Disney’s Pop Century
Pop Century transports guests back through the decades of the 1950s to the 1990s. The fads that captivated the world make their timeless comebacks through fashion, catch phrases, toys, and more. Situated on Hourglass Lake, Pop Century has become a fan-favorite resort, often considered the best value on property. It’ll have you saying “Neato!” and “Coolio!” in no time!
Not only are guests walking through life-size foosball fields and stepping foot inside giant Rubik’s cubes, but they’re also dancing through the hallways to music of the decades.
Disney’s Art of Animation
Art of Animation puts guests right in the heart of everyone’s favorite Disney & Pixar classic movies. Storybook courtyards and animation drawings bring characters and movie scenes to life, with plenty of fun for all ages.
Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid all play a part in the life-size movie walkthroughs around the resort grounds. These aren’t just oversized character replicas like those found at the standard value resorts; they’re so immersive that guests feel like they are actually walking through Radiator Springs and Pride Rock.
Room Accommodations
Pop Century
Pop Century follows suit with standard Disney Value resort rooms. Room buildings are set up “motel style”, meaning all halls and doorways are on the exterior of the buildings.
The guest room interior is not as extravagant as the resort grounds, instead providing more subtle decor. There’s a few pictures of Mickey Mouse & friends, with otherwise bare painted walls and dark wood flooring. Rooms consist of one stationary queen bed and a small table with 4 chairs that doubles as an additional queen Murphy bed.
One bathroom sink vanity area separates itself from the toilet and tub/shower combo, as well as extra amenities around the room such as a beverage cooler and a coffee maker.
Art of Animation
The Little Mermaid section of Disney’s Art of Animation mimics Pop Century’s room and exterior setup, but with The Little Mermaid theming. However, the remaining sections, Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King, are actually family suites.
Suite buildings are comprised of indoor hallways and doorways and sleep 6 guests. Family suites include a bedroom with one queen-size bed, a living room featuring one double-size convertible TableBed, one double-size sleeper sofa, and a kitchenette.
Suites have two bathrooms, one attached to the bedroom and one in the living room, both featuring a sink and shower/tub combination.
Pricing Breakdown
Pop Century and Art of Animation are both technically in the value category, though you’ll find higher prices here due to additional amenities and access to the Disney Skyliner (this is more noticeable for Art of Animation, however). For comparison, Disney’s All-Star Resorts, also in the value category, consistently run around $150-$200+ per night.
Pop Century
Pricing for Pop Century starts around $150-$300+ per night, depending on time of year, events happening at Disney World, and discounts offered. Since there is only one room type at Pop Century, there are only two price categories: standard rooms and preferred rooms. Preferred rooms offer the same room setup and amenities as standard rooms, but preferred rooms are located in the buildings closer to the dining, shopping, and transportation options.
Art of Animation
Art of Animation, however, offers a few different pricing options. Standard rooms in The Little Mermaid section start around $200-$275+ per night depending on time of year, events happening at Disney World, and discounts offered. Family suites range from $400-$650+ per night.
Finding Nemo suites tend to be the most expensive option, as it’s located right next to the pool and dining hall. On the contrary, booking a suite without booking a specific theme will be the cheapest suite option, and your suite theme gets assigned at check-in.
Pop Century vs Art of Animation Location & Transportation
When considering the two resorts’ locations and transportation options, there is actually nothing to compare! The location and transportation options are identical to one another.
Both resorts are situated on Hourglass Lake, one resort on the left and one on the right. In between the resorts is a walking bridge connecting the two, and the Disney Skyliner. The Skyliner transports guests to Disney’s EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, while Disney buses transport guests from their respective resorts to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, and Disney Springs.
Dining Options
As both resorts are in the value category, there are no table service dining options. Instead, Pop Century and Art of Animation both offer one quick-service dining hall and one pool bar, with similar offerings at each.
Pop Century
Everything POP Shopping and Dining is the breakfast, lunch, and dinner option at Pop Century. Here, guests will find meals, snacks, pastries, coffees, desserts, and grab-and-go options that really pop. Biscuits and gravy, Mickey waffles, omelets, and sandwiches are just a few of the breakfast options, while a variety of special burgers and sandwiches, nachos, salads, pizzas, pastas, and salads comprise most of the lunch and dinner menu.
Petals Pool Bar is the walk-up pool bar, offering a full bar with specialty cocktails, frozen drinks, wine, and beer. Additionally, small pre-packaged food offerings like fruit cups, cold sandwiches, and salads are available during select hours.
Art of Animation
Landscape of Flavors is the breakfast, lunch, and dinner option at Art of Animation, very similar to Everything Pop. Breakfast offerings here are pretty standard, featuring similar options like omelets, pancakes, character waffles, and egg platters. However, lunch and dinner offer an array of pizzas, pastas, and burgers, but also unique ramen bowls, stir-fries, and patty melts.
The Drop Off Pool Bar is located just outside the pool grounds. This walk-up bar features a full drink menu with specialty cocktails, frozen drinks, wine, and beer. Additionally, limited quick service dining options are available, such as chicken strips, pizza, salads, sandwiches, and ice cream.
Pools & Recreation
Pop Century
Pop Century is home to three pools: Hippy Dippy Pool, Bowling Pool, and Computer Pool. Hippy Dippy Pool is 1960s-themed, with flower power water jets and over 235,000 gallons of fun. The Hippy Dippy Pool is the large, main pool featuring daily entertainment and a kiddie pool, while the Bowling Pool and Computer Pool are the smaller, quiet pools located on opposite ends of the resort.
The 1950s section is home to the Bowling Pool shaped like a giant bowling pin, while the 1990s section houses the Computer Pool, taking you back to the introduction of computers.
Additional recreation activities throughout Pop Century include:
- Poolside games
- Fast Forward Arcade ($)
- Poolside crafts and activities ($)
- Shopping ($)
- Movies Under the Stars
- Playground
- Jogging trail
- Nightly campfire
- Daily scavenger hunts
- Glow dance parties
Art of Animation
Art of Animation’s pool options dive deep into Disney & Pixar films for inspiration. The main pool, The Big Blue Pool, is inspired by Finding Nemo, and is the largest pool at Walt Disney World. The zero-entry pool is over 308,000 gallons and is equipped with pop-up jets, gushing water jellyfish, and even giant character pieces.
Over in the Cars section, the Cozy Cone Pool will place you directly into the beloved movie’s Cozy Cone Motel. This small, kid-friendly pool is a great spot to relax in the water or poolside in a cozy cone cabana. Lastly, there’s the Flippin’ Fins Pool. Located in The Little Mermaid section, this is also a smaller, quiet pool, though it features an “Under the Sea Orchestra” led by Sebastian and friends.
Additional recreation activities at Art of Animation include:
- Poolside games
- Pixel Play Arcade ($)
- Poolside crafts and activities ($)
- Shopping ($)
- Movies Under the Stars
- Playground
- Jogging trail
- Nightly campfire
- Daily scavenger hunts
- Glow dance parties
- Disney Play app experiences
- Yoga classes
- Dance classes
Which Resort Should You Choose?
Pop Century vs Art of Animation is a common toss-up for guests planning a Disney vacation. Which one is better is a matter of subjective opinion, but each resort is definitely better for select situations.
Choose Disney’s Pop Century Resort if:
- You are taking a solo or couples-only trip
- You are trying to vacation on a budget
- You’re spending most time in the theme parks
- You want a nostalgic, yet still Disney-themed vibe
Choose Disney’s Art of Animation Resort if:
- You are traveling with kids
- You want to be fully immersed in Disney stories
- This is a large family or multi-generational trip
- You plan to spend time at the resort exploring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Art of Animation worth the extra cost?
Disney’s Art of Animation offers larger suites and more immersive theming. If those options are important to you, it’s absolutely worth the cost.
Can you walk between Pop Century and Art of Animation?
Yes! There is a walking bridge connecting both resorts.
Which resort is better for toddlers?
Art of Animation is the better resort for toddlers due to the immersive theming and larger pool.
Do both resorts have Skyliner access?
Yes, both resorts have Disney Skyliner access via the bridge over Hourglass Lake.
Are Pop Century and Art of Animation both value resorts?
Yes, both Pop Century and Art of Animation are considered value resorts, though they offer more than Disney’s All-Star Resorts, also in the same value category.
Comments
Have you stayed at Disney’s Pop Century or Art of Animation? Let us know in the comments which Disney resort you’re calling home on your next vacation!
