This article is your complete guide to Pop Century vs Art of Animation resort! We know when deciding on which Disney resort to stay in, there seems like an endless amount of options. When thinking of fairly inexpensive, kid-friendly, and fun themes, Pop Century and Art of Animation are two unique choices. When doing your research, you’re not sure which to choose, Disney Art of Animation or Pop Century. This guide will help you choose which hotel is the best for your next trip.
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Pop Century Vs Art of Animation Basics
We are going to start this complete guide out with the basics, and take a look at the similarities of the Pop Century resort vs Art of Animation. The great thing that we love about both is the same layout idea was instilled in each resort. Both resorts have designated sections dedicated to different themes, with the main building consisting of the lobby, food court, and a store at the front of the resort. Each resort has multiple pools as well. The resorts both share bus and skyliner transportation to the parks, the ability to participate in early morning hours, and the ability to book premium Disney Genie+ reservations at 7:00 AM.
What are the similarities between the Pop Century and Art of Animation resorts?
- Transportation – both hotels share Skyliner transportation. The station is located smack in the middle of both hotels that transport you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. They also have bus transportation for the remaining parks and Disney Springs.
- Food courts – both hotels have similar food courts with similar food offerings like your iconic Mickey waffles for breakfast and various stations with different options.
- Merchandise – there is nothing like those Disney World gift shops! Pop Century and Art of Animation both have them.
- Multiple themed pools
- Early Morning Hours – all Disney World resort guests can enter the theme parks on select days 30 minutes early.
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Disney Pop Century Vs Art of Animation Differences 2024
While there are many similarities between the two resorts, both have differences that make them unique. The main differences being the theming of the resorts, the types of rooms available at each, and of course the most important for many families the pricing.
What are the main differences between Pop Century vs Art of Animation?
- Hotel theming (see below)
- Types of rooms (see below)
- Hotel pricing – Typically, Art of Animation tends to be more expensive because of the number of suites and the fact that it is the newer of the two resorts.
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2024 Art of Animation or Pop Century Themes
Pop Century’s theme features decades and dates from the 1950s up to the 1990s. Each section is its own decade. In each section, you will see different decorations and hear different music. It’s a fun time exploring each section and feeling like you’ve thrown yourself into the decade.
In Art of Animation, the resort takes you through the process of bringing animated Disney films to life. However, their focus moves toward the animation of Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. Each section has rough sketches from the four movies as well as bright colors. There is so much art supplies surrounding you you’ll feel like you’re the artist.
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Disney Pop Century Vs Art of Animation Rooms 2024
As discussed the room selections at both Art of Animation or Pop Century can be a huge deciding factor when trying to pick the best Disney hotel for your next trip. The Art of Animation rooms are themed to various Disney movies that we all know and love. The standard rooms at Art of Animation are themed to “The Little Mermaid.” From the clamshell headboards, to the sea creature curtain and even the blue floors you will feel like you are “under the sea!” The options of this standard room is 1 king bed or 2 queen beds. It is important to note that The Little Mermaid rooms are furthest from Animation Hall where you can hop on the busses to the parks and a bit of a walk to the skyliner station as well.
The main difference as you can imagine is the family suites at the Art of Animation resort can sleep up to six guests, while the Pop Century typically will sleep four per room. This makes the Art of Animation resort a great option for large families visiting Walt Disney World. The Art of Animation Family Suite theming is top notch. There are three different themed family suites at Art of Animation; The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars. In all three different themed rooms, it includes 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Table Bed, 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa which gives enough space to sleep up to six adults.
Compared to the film themed rooms at Art of Animation, Disney’s Pop Century Resort rooms are less Disney themed but still have that touch of magic. There is Mickey Mouse pop art above the bed and when you pull down the murphy bed in the Pop Century rooms, there is wall art of Disney characters. The Pop Century standard room comes with 1 queen size murphy bed, 1 queen bed, or 1 king bed. You can choose to spend some extra money for a Pop Century preferred room which is the closest classic hall, dining, shopping and transportation.
What is a Disney Preferred Room Vs. Standard?
A standard vs. a preferred room at Walt Disney World depends on location. Preferred rooms are located closer to the main transportation center, the pool, or the dining area. If you choose a preferred room, you will be paying extra per night as opposed to a standard room.
Which rooms are larger?
The standard rooms at Art of Animation are slightly larger than Pop Century. Pop Century can feel more spacious when the murphy bed is up, but once it comes down it may feel a bit cramped. The murphy bed allows for a better use of space in this room though especially if you do not need the bed. Pop Century rooms also have a bigger vanity area and a bigger television than Art of Animation The Little Mermaid rooms.
Does Art of Animation Have Family Suites?
Art of Animation can accommodate parties up to six people in their family suites and are inspired by some of the fan-favorite animated movies. Family suites include a bedroom with one queen-size bed, one double-size convertible TableBed, one double-size sleeper sofa, a living room, two bathrooms and a kitchenette. The Art of Animation family suite square feet is 565.
Does Pop Century Have Family Suites?
Pop Century features a standard room, a standard pool view room, a preferred room, and a preferred pool view room. Each room sleeps up to four adults. However, it does not have a family suite.
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What are the Art of Animation Vs Pop Century Room Rates?
Both Pop Century and Art of Animation hotels are value resorts, meaning you are getting some of the cheapest rooms on Disney property. It’s worth staying here for the great deals and fun themes as well as the amenities and quality rooms. Typically, the Art of Animation rooms are usually more expensive than the Pop Century rooms. However, prices are always changing due to the time of year and crowds.
Art of Animation Prices
On average, Art of Animation rooms (based off the standard Little Mermaid Rooms) range from $200 to $250 per night. The Family Suites typically range from $540 to $560 per night.
Pop Century Resort Prices
Typically, Pop Century rooms range from $190 to $240 per night.
If you want some Pop Century and Art of Animation insider tips…we always think it’s best to get a feel for Disney’s busy season using our crowd calendar. This will help plan with ease and help to avoid busy seasons and score cheaper deals!
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Disney’s Art of Animation Vs Pop Century Transportation 2024
Transportation is such an important part of any vacation, especially a Disney vacation. Luckily both the Art of Animation and the Pop Century resort have identical transportation options to take guests back and forth to the four Disney theme parks and two water parks.
What are the transportation options?
- Shuttle Bus
- Disney Skyliner
What buildings at Pop Century are closest to Disney’s Skyliner?
The 60’s themed buildings at Disney’s Pop Century Resort are close to the Hippy Dippy Pool as well as Classic Hall where you can enjoy shopping and dining. The Pop Century 60s rooms is also closest to the Disney Skyliner station! ’50’s and ’70’s sections are pretty close as well if you have a room on the west side of any of those buildings.
What buildings at Art of Animation are closest to Disney’s Skyliner?
The closest building at the Art of Animation resort compared to the Disney Skyliner is the Finding Nemo family suites located in the back left corner of the campus.
What Park is Art of Animation Closest To?
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is adjacent to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Art of Animation Resort distance to Magic Kingdom is about an 11 minute drive, a little over 6 miles.
What Park is Pop Century Closest To?
Pop Century is closest to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, as they’re both only 3 miles from the resort.
Disney Art of Animation Vs Pop Century Food Courts
The Art of Animation food court called “Landscape of Flavors,” is divided into The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Cars, and Finding Nemo-themed seating areas. The food court at Art of Animation is also separated into five distinct food shops where each section is its own theme, including both international and American fares. This casual dining venue serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
The Pop Century food court is “Everything POP Shopping and Dining.” This space serves everything from small and large plates, breakfast to dessert. There are various stations serving up different and similar foods from one another, and in the middle of the food court is a refrigerated area for “quick grab items” and beverages.
How Many Pools Does Art of Animation Have?
Art of Animation consists of three pools:
- The Big Blue Pool– Inspired by Finding Nemo, the pool contains over 308,527 gallons of water. The zero-entry pool includes set pieces on Nemo, Crush, and other beloved characters. The little swimmers can enjoy the Schoolyard Sprayground, and there are drinks and snacks at the Drop Off pool bar.
- Cozy Cone Pool– The cone-shaped cabanas are a staple at this Cozy Cone Motel swimming pool inspired by the movie, Cars. Life-sized models of the beloved Cars characters greet you around the pool.
- Flippin’ Fins Pool-Dedicated to the Disney movie, The Little Mermaid, this pool features the “Under the Sea Orchestra” conducted by Sebastian.
What Time Does the Big Blue Pool Close?
The main pool at the Art of Animation, the Big Blue Pool, is the single largest hotel pool at Walt Disney World Resort. Every day of the week, the pool opens at 10AM and closes t 8PM.
How Many Pools Does Pop Century Have?
Pop Century has three pools:
- Hippy Dippy Pool– Vibe with this 60’s themed pool. The largest of the three, the pool consists of flower-shaped water jets and a relaxed vibe.
- Bowling Pool– This 50’s inspired pool is shaped like a bowling pin for fifties fun!
- Computer Pool– If you can guess it, this pool is shaped as a computer to match the 90s theme. It also includes a giant floppy disc and keypad.
Art of Animation Vs Pop Century FAQs
When Was Art of Animation Built?
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opened on May 31, 2012. Since then, all the rooms at Art of Animation have been refurbished. Art of Animation rooms are also 17 square feet bigger than the rooms in Pop Century.
When Was Pop Century Built?
Disney’s Pop Century Resort opened on December 14, 2003. However, it was refurbished in early 2018 and now consists of hardwood floors in the rooms.
Can you walk from Pop Century to Art of Animation?
ou want to walk from Pop Century to Art of Animation, it’s super easy! These resorts are connected by a walking bridge that crosses over Hourglass Lake, so you can always hop from one resort to the other.
Does Disney Pop Century Have Microwaves?
Although there are no microwaves in the rooms, guests are able to find microwaves for their use within the Everything POP Shopping and Dining section. You can ask the nearest Cast Member for help.
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