Disney’s Pop Century vs Art of Animation: Which Resort Is Right for You?

Pop Century and Art of Animation are Disney’s Skyliner value resorts, but they offer very different experiences — Pop Century is simpler, cheaper, and more efficient, while Art of Animation is more immersive and better for families needing more space.

🧭 Quick Decision Summary

  • Choose Pop Century if you want the cheapest Skyliner resort with a simple, efficient layout
  • Choose Art of Animation if you want fun resort themes and the option for suite-style accomodations
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Resort Overview

Both Pop Century and Art of Animation are value resorts on the Skyliner, but they cater to different types of trips — Pop Century focuses on simplicity and efficiency, while Art of Animation delivers a more immersive, family-focused experience.

The Real Difference

Pop Century is about simplicity, price, and efficiency, while Art of Animation is about theming, space, and a more immersive Disney experience.

Category
Pop Century
Art of Animation
Price
Value ($)
Value+ ($-$$)
Dining
Basic
Better variety
Overall Vibe
Simpler, quieter
Loud, themed, kid-focused
Best For
Budget + efficiency
Families + Fun Disney themes

Which Should You Choose?

Both resorts offer similar transportation and value pricing, so the decision really comes down to whether you prioritize simplicity and savings or theming and space.

Choose Pop Century if you:

  • Want the lowest price with Skyliner access
  • Prefer a simpler, easy-to-navigate resort
  • Don’t need extra space or theming

Choose Art of Animation if you:

  • Want a heavily themed Disney experience
  • Need a family suite for 5–6 people
  • Are traveling with younger kids

Park Access Details

Both resorts share the same Skyliner station, so transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios is nearly identical, with buses required for other parks.

Category
Pop Century
Art of Animation
Hollywood Studio Access
🚡 Skyliner
🚡 Skyliner
EPCOT Access
🚡 Skyliner
🚡 Skyliner
Magic Kingdom Access
🚌 Bus
🚌 Bus
Animal Kingdom Access
🚌 Bus
🚌 Bus

Rooms & Layout

The biggest difference in rooms comes down to space — Pop Century offers standard rooms with a simple layout, while Art of Animation focuses heavily on family suites and themed accommodations.

Feature
Pop Century
Art of Animation
Sleeps
Up to 4
Up to 4 (suites up to 6)
Resort Size
Large, compact
Large, spread-out
Building Style
Motel-style buildings
Motel-style + themed areas
Walking
Shorter, more efficient
Possible longer depending on section

Dining & Food Experience

Both resorts offer solid quick-service dining, but Art of Animation has a slight edge in variety and food quality compared to Pop Century.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining (quick service)
  • Standard value resort food
  • Functional but not special

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

  • Landscape of Flavors (quick service)
  • Larger and more diverse food options
  • Better overall quality for a value resort

Pools & Recreation

Both resorts offer fun, family-friendly pools, but Art of Animation stands out with heavier theming while Pop Century keeps things simpler.

Feature
Pop Century
Art of Animation
Main Pool
Hippy Dippy Pool
Big Blue Pool (best themed pool)
Waterslide
No
No
Splash pad/water play area
Yes
Yes

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FAQ

Which resort is cheaper, Pop Century or Art of Animation?
Pop Century is almost always cheaper, especially compared to Art of Animation’s family suites, which can cost significantly more.
Is Art of Animation worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you want immersive Disney theming or need the extra space of a family suite. Otherwise, Pop Century is usually the better value.
Do both resorts have Skyliner access?
Yes — both resorts share the same Skyliner station, making transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios equally convenient.
Which resort is better for families?
Art of Animation is better for families, especially those with younger kids or larger groups, thanks to its themed suites and immersive design.
Which resort is easier to get around?
Pop Century — it has a more compact layout and shorter walks, making it easier to navigate.
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