Planning a Walt Disney World vacation often starts with one big question: where should you stay? While Disney offers more than two dozen resort hotels, two Value Resorts consistently rise to the top of the conversation for budget-conscious travelers: Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

The decision isn’t always easy. The neighboring resorts share several major perks, including access to the Disney Skyliner, but each offers a distinctly different vacation experience. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family with young children or a larger group, understanding what sets these two resorts apart can help you choose the one that’s the best fit for your trip.

What the resorts have in common

One of the biggest advantages both resorts share is their location on the Disney Skyliner transportation system. Pop Century and Art of Animation are the only Value Resorts connected to Disney’s gondola network, providing quick and scenic rides to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For trips to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, both resorts rely on Disney bus transportation.

That transportation advantage alone makes these two resorts especially appealing for guests who want to maximize park time without paying Moderate or Deluxe Resort prices.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort: A nostalgic trip through the decades

If nostalgia is part of your vacation style, Pop Century delivers it in a big way.

The resort celebrates American pop culture from the 1950s through the 1990s, surrounding guests with oversized icons inspired by Rubik’s Cubes, yo-yos, rollerblades, Play-Doh and other memorable fads from each decade.

The centerpiece is the colorful Hippy Dippy Pool, complete with flower-shaped water jets and a nearby splash area for younger children. Two additional pools—the Bowling Pool and Computer Pool—offer quieter places to cool off.

Dining is centered around Everything POP Shopping & Dining, a large food court serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests will find familiar favorites ranging from Mickey waffles and flatbreads to pasta, burgers, salads and grab-and-go options, along with a gift shop stocked with Disney merchandise.

While the rooms are smaller than the family suites next door at Art of Animation, Pop Century’s standard rooms have been updated with modern Murphy beds that create additional living space during the day.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: Step inside your favorite Disney films

Art of Animation immerses guests in some of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved stories.

The resort is divided into themed areas inspired by Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, making it feel less like a hotel and more like stepping into an animated movie.

Its biggest advantage is its family suites, which comfortably sleep up to six guests. The suites include a separate bedroom, living room, kitchenette and two bathrooms—an enormous convenience for larger families or multigenerational vacations.

The recreation offerings are also impressive. The Big Blue Pool, inspired by Finding Nemo, is the largest resort pool at Walt Disney World. Families will also find the Cozy Cone Pool from Cars, the Flippin’ Fins Pool themed to The Little Mermaid, and interactive splash areas for younger children.

Dining is available at Landscape of Flavors, widely considered one of the best food courts among Disney’s Value Resorts. Its menu goes beyond standard theme park fare with a mix of international flavors, fresh-made entrees and classic comfort foods.

Another unique perk: Art of Animation is one of Disney’s pet-friendly resorts, allowing guests to bring up to two dogs in select rooms for an additional fee.

Which resort is the better choice?

Art of Animation offers several advantages on paper. The larger family suites, expansive pool complex, broader dining selection and immersive theming make it an outstanding option for families with young children or larger travel parties.

But if you’re booking a standard hotel room, Pop Century remains one of the best values anywhere at Walt Disney World.

The rooms are modern and comfortable, transportation is identical, and the nostalgic theming creates a fun atmosphere without the typically higher nightly rates found at Art of Animation. 

Guests also have easy walking access between the two resorts, meaning Pop Century visitors can still enjoy many of Art of Animation’s public spaces and dining options.

My take

Having stayed multiple times at both resorts, Pop Century continues to be my personal favorite.

Art of Animation certainly shines with its recreation offerings, larger accommodations and food court, but Pop Century strikes the right balance between affordability, convenience and atmosphere. It delivers the same Skyliner access, updated rooms and a fun, retro personality that makes returning after a day in the parks just as enjoyable as the parks themselves.

For travelers looking to stretch their Disney vacation budget without sacrificing convenience, Pop Century remains my top recommendation.

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