Art of Animation vs Pop

[lynzi2004]

We’ve stayed at Pop Century 2 years ago and loved the refurbed rooms. Last year we did POFQ. Although we loved size of the resort and good bus service, our kids missed the “Disney” feel. We are planning a trip for Jan 2020 and are trying to decide whether we want to go back to Pop’s refurbed rooms or do the Little Mermaid rooms. Our DD is 9 and I’m afraid will be outgrowing the appeal of the princesses soon so would kind of like to try it but I’m really on the fence. There’s only about a $20 /night difference for our dates. Anyone have some pros/cons or opinions? Thanks in advance!

 

[andy_dangg]

I personally don't think the price difference between Pop and AoA is really worth it. The location is essentially identical. The rooms at Pop have a much better use of space IMO, AoA doesn't have the folding bed so the rooms look more cramped than Pop. They're actually refurbishing the AoA LM rooms with this aqua hardwood floor and I personally think it looks awful (see below). Also to me, the decorations just look kind of cheap, I can see how they're fun to kids though. Additionally the Mermaid rooms are in the furthest location from the lobby. I much prefer the mid-century modern (in regards to the rooms, lol) inspired design of Pop.

The theming in AoA is really fun and has the great Disney feel, but it's just a short walk from Pop. I'd personally save the money--$20 is enough for a few snacks in the parks!

 

[tguz]

We are perfectly happy with POP and we love it. But, we want to stay at POR (if it is reopened) next year for our Honeymoon.

 

[andy_dangg]

We are perfectly happy with POP and we love it. But, we want to stay at POR (if it is reopened) next year for our Honeymoon.

You will love POR! We stayed there in March and loved pretty much everything about it.

 

[tguz]

You will love POR! We stayed there in March and loved pretty much everything about it.

Thanks! We looked at all the Moderates (because that is the highest level we will be able to afford for 10 nights) and we have fallen in love with POR! Would you suggest the Mansions part or the Bayau style buildings?

 

[Paul70]

Go with POP over AoA Little Mermaid room. No question. The refurbished rooms at POP are way better than the Mermaid rooms.

 

[andy_dangg]

Thanks! We looked at all the Moderates (because that is the highest level we will be able to afford for 10 nights) and we have fallen in love with POR! Would you suggest the Mansions part or the Bayau style buildings?

We stayed in the Bayou section, because we are a family of five and that’s the only section where they have the fold down Murphy bed. I don’t think you can really go wrong with either section. The Bayou feels really lush, quiet and secluded. The Mansions feel a little more manicured but are lovely as well. The mansions have a slightly better location in relation to the lobby and the pathways are less confusing. The mansion rooms are also slightly more “upscale” looking, but I wouldn’t say they’re that much nicer than the Bayou section. If I had to pick, I would choose the Bayou again because I loved the intimate, winding feel, but I would be happy to stay in either section!

 

[tguz]

We stayed in the Bayou section, because we are a family of five and that’s the only section where they have the fold down Murphy bed. I don’t think you can really go wrong with either section. The Bayou feels really lush, quiet and secluded. The Mansions feel a little more manicured but are lovely as well. The mansions have a slightly better location in relation to the lobby and the pathways are less confusing. The mansion rooms are also slightly more “upscale” looking, but I wouldn’t say they’re that much nicer than the Bayou section. If I had to pick, I would choose the Bayou again because I loved the intimate, winding feel, but I would be happy to stay in either section!

Thanks. We are leaning toward Bayau section. I wish they would announce when we can book packages past September 2021!!

 

[CastAStone]

We’ve stayed at Pop Century 2 years ago and loved the refurbed rooms. Last year we did POFQ. Although we loved size of the resort and good bus service, our kids missed the “Disney” feel. We are planning a trip for Jan 2020 and are trying to decide whether we want to go back to Pop’s refurbed rooms or do the Little Mermaid rooms. Our DD is 9 and I’m afraid will be outgrowing the appeal of the princesses soon so would kind of like to try it but I’m really on the fence. There’s only about a $20 /night difference for our dates. Anyone have some pros/cons or opinions? Thanks in advance!

Depending on what you want the folding bed at Pop can be a pro or a con. A separate table is nice if you need beds for naps or don’t know who will get up first in the morning or if 1 of a group of 4 wants to stay up a bit later. All of the value rooms are cramped, but that’s just the way it is. The big negative for LM at AoA to me is the walk to the food court and skyliner. There really aren’t any rooms at pop as far as the LM rooms are from the skyliner.

I LOVE the theming of the new LM rooms at AoA and I think Pop looks a bit sad by comparison.

But that said, Personally I’d spend the extra money on a preferred room at Pop. I’d rather be close.

 

[lynzi2004]

Thank you all for your replies!

 

[buzznina]

We booked AOA because our DDs always wanted to stay there and since they just refurbed with queen beds, we figured to go ahead and stay there. We really like POP but our DD's definitely like the theme better at AOA, they tell us that the theme at POP is for "old people" like me and my DW We have walked over to AOA a few times while we stayed at POP and always thought it would be neat, but the price difference was always ridiculous until now. Our family has no issues walking at the resorts like POR, CBR etc. and have never paid extra for a preferred room, but that's just us.