Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [29]
Pop Century Resort
407/938–4000
Map location 14
At Pop Century, each pair of buildings is themed to a different decade, from the 1950s to the 1990s. Expect the same larger-than-life icons that earmark the All-Stars. Cultural touchstones from each decade—including giant yo-yos, Big Wheel bikes, and Rubik’s Cubes—mark the entrances, and the roofs are lined with catchphrases from each era.
Insider’s Secret
Request placement in the ’60s section when you make your reservation at Pop Century. It’s a bit louder—and during the on-season, they may charge you $10 more per night—but you’re close to the bus stops, food court, and the fun Hippie Dippy pool. The ’80s and ’90s sections are a long walk from most of the hotel amenities.
Proximity to the Magic Kingdom:
Fair, via bus
Proximity to Epcot:
Fair, via bus
Proximity to Hollywood:
Fair, via bus
Proximity to the Animal Kingdom:
Fair, via bus
Pluses
+ The price is affordable, starting at $82 a night.
+ Free transportation, a rarity in this price range.
Minuses
− Food options are limited to a fast-food court.
− For some reason, this resort is a special favorite for cheerleading competitions and other teenage groups. It can get loud and rowdy in the pool areas.
− Sporting options are limited to swimming.
− The rooms are small; they sleep four but you’ll be crowded.
− Longer check-in than is typical for Disney resorts.
− The out-of-the-way location means a slightly longer commute by bus to all of the theme parks.
Overall Grade: A bit louder and wilder than the similarly priced All-Star Resorts. You make the call.
Art of Animation Resort Rating N/A
407/934–7639
Map location 15
Based on the overwhelming popularity of the handful of family suites at All-Star Music Resorts, Disney has decided to radically expand the concept with the Art of Animation Resort. The resort will be opening in four stages, beginning in May 2012, each themed around a popular Disney film.
The first to open will be Finding Nemo, followed by Cars and The Lion King, which will collectively add almost 1,200 value-priced family suites to the Disney line-up. A fourth section, The Little Mermaid, will have regular guest rooms.
The family suites are popular because they offer a lot more space and comfort. There’s a master bedroom, two bathrooms, a kitchenette, and three separate sleeping areas—meaning that six people can stay comfortably. The movie-based theming is also far more intense and immersive than in the older Disney Resorts, which should make the Art of Animation tremendous fun for kids.
Prices have not been established at this writing, but, based on pricing for the other family suites, the rates will probably begin at around $159 a night.
Proximity to the Magic Kingdom:
Fair, via bus
Proximity to Epcot:
Fair, via bus
Proximity to Hollywood:
Fair, via bus
Proximity to the Animal Kingdom:
Fair, via bus
Pluses
+ The price is affordable, starting at $159 a night. This resort also marks a real commitment to value-priced on-site suites. The section of value-priced suites at Pop Century have proven to be such crowd pleasers that Disney is offering even more at the Art of Animation.
+ Free transportation, a rarity in this price range.
Minuses
− Food options are limited to a fast-food court.
− Sporting options are limited to swimming.
− The out-of-the-way location means a slightly longer commute by bus to all of the theme parks.
Helpful Hint
So, which on-site hotel is best for you? It comes down to four questions:
How much are we willing to spend?
What park do we want to be closest to?
Are there must-have amenities (e.g., dining or sporting options, villa-style accommodations)?
What theme seems the coolest?
Off-Site Hotels: Which Location Is Best?
The three main off-site areas that Disney visitors frequent are Exits 62 and 68 off Interstate 4, and International Drive.
Exits 62 and 68 are within a 10-minute drive of the theme parks.