Two resorts, one Skyliner station area — but two different vacations
Pop Century and Art of Animation sit across Hourglass Lake from each other, and both provide access to the Disney Skyliner. But their rooms tell very different stories. Pop Century is a solid choice for families that want a comparatively straightforward Value resort stay without paying for an elaborate room. Art of Animation stands out for its movie-inspired theming and family suites—especially for travelers who need more space and a separate sleeping area.
The question isn’t which resort is better in general. It’s what you’re buying for your particular family.
A side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Disney’s Pop Century | Disney’s Art of Animation |
|---|---|---|
| Standard room | Typical rooms sleep up to four | Little Mermaid standard rooms sleep up to four |
| Larger family accommodations | Standard rooms do not sleep five guests as the regular configuration | Finding Nemo, Cars and Lion King family suites sleep up to six |
| Beds | Many standard rooms have one queen and one queen-size pull-down bed | Little Mermaid rooms have configurations listed by Disney; family suites have a queen bed, double sleeper sofa and double pull-down bed |
| Bathrooms | Standard hotel room layout | Family suites have two bathrooms |
| In-room food prep | Beverage cooler and coffee machine in room | Family suites have a kitchenette and microwave |
| Transportation | Shared-access Skyliner connection and Disney buses | Shared-access Skyliner connection and Disney buses |
| Overall feel | Playful decades theme | Highly immersive animated-film theme |
| Usually the better choice for | Families of up to four wanting a simpler room and potentially lower total | Families who value space, themed suites, a separate adult sleeping area or two bathrooms |
Always quote the exact room category for the intended date; comparing Pop Preferred to an Art of Animation family suite as if these are identical room types will distort the decision.
Transportation: the big reason both make my shortlist
Guests at both hotels can reach Hollywood Studios and EPCOT’s International Gateway using the Skyliner, with transfers as required. That’s a valuable convenience if your family wants an afternoon resort break. But neither hotel is on the monorail, and getting to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom generally involves bus service.
A crucial 2027 note: Disney currently lists a Skyliner closure January 24–30, 2027 for refurbishment with bus service offered instead. If your trip overlaps those dates, don’t pay a premium solely because of Skyliner access without evaluating that closure. Operations and dates should be checked before travel.
Which room is better for a family with little kids?
If your children are small and you expect everyone to sleep on the same schedule, Pop Century can be a practical choice. However, parents who want to turn off the lights in a separate sleeping area while the kids wind down might get real value from an Art of Animation suite.
The second bathroom in an Art of Animation family suite can save time when multiple people are getting ready; that isn’t a glamorous perk, but it’s often more useful than another fancy amenity.
Consider stroller setup: you will fold strollers for Disney buses. Most strollers can remain open on the Skyliner if they fit and boarding conditions allow, but larger double strollers may need to be folded. Plan based on your stroller’s dimensions and the Cast Member’s instructions—not a blanket promise that all doubles roll on unfolded.
Which has the better theme and pools?
Art of Animation is the more immersive movie-themed experience, especially if your child loves Cars, Finding Nemo or The Lion King. Pop Century has oversized icons from different decades and a lively Value resort atmosphere. The best theme is subjective, and you shouldn’t overpay for one your family barely notices because you spend every waking hour in the parks.
Pool use and amenities are generally intended for registered guests of the resort; don’t assume you can pool-hop freely between these two properties because they’re within walking distance.
My verdict: I wouldn’t automatically pay more for the prettier photos
Choose Pop Century when you’re a group of four or fewer, want a straightforward Disney Value resort and prefer to spend extra money on another trip priority.
Choose Art of Animation family suites when you’re bringing five or six travelers, want two bathrooms, need more room, or truly value the immersive character theming. Little Mermaid standard rooms are a different comparison: they don’t offer the added square footage and bathrooms of the suites.
Do the real comparison on total package price, exact room category, sleeping arrangement, dates, resort construction notices and transportation needs.
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Internal links: Resort chooser, Skyliner and transportation value.