Just across Hourglass Lake from Pop Century sits the Art of Animation – the newest value resort at Walt Disney World. Originally planned at The Legendary Years of Pop Century (1900-1940), Disney changed plans and the Art of Animation opened in 2013 to much fanfare.

So how does one choose Pop Century or Art of Animation? They’re both value resorts, but they each have something different and special to offer guests.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the two resorts is that while Art of Animation has three sections that are all family suites (Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King), Pop Century only offers that standard hotel room that sleeps four guests. So if you’re looking for more space at a “value plus” price, the Art of Animation is perfect for you.

Both hotels features oversize, colorful icons. Pop Century’s icons reflect the decades represented at the hotel – from the 1950s up to the 1990s. Icons include Lady and the Tramp, Play-doh, Big Wheels, characters from The Jungle Book, and a huge computer. Over at the Art of Animation the icons (2,500 of them!) represent the films featured at the hotel – Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. Most guests won’t choose a hotel based solely on the outside decor, so we’ll say we love both hotels for different reasons.

Food is always an important factor when considering a Walt Disney World hotel, and both Pop Century and the Art of Animation have incredible food courts. Everything Pop features create-your-own stations for pasta, pizza, burgers, Asian, and Mexican food among other options. It’s home to some incredible cupcakes and of course we can’t forget the Tie-Dye Cheesecake. Over at the Landscape of Flavors you’ll find create-your-own stations in addition to a Tandoori station (try the Tandoori shrimp with the Naan bread as a side). You can also find a smoothie station and a gelato bar.

And since the resorts are just a short walk apart, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one food court – you can visit both food courts and expand your food horizons!

Both hotels have great pools, but we might have to give Art of Animation the “win” here thanks to the Big Blue Pool! And as much as we love the Bowling Pin Pool at Pop, we’re big fans of the cone-shaped cabanas at the Cozy Cone Pool.

We love Pop and Art of Animation for different reasons – and we think each resort has its own “pros” and “cons.” Choosing to stay at one or the other should be based on your family’s size, budget, and what you’re looking for in your hotel experience.

What do you love about Pop and Art of Animation? Let us know in the comments.

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