Hi Heather,
We've been regulars at Pop Century since it opened nine years ago, and we will be there on our next visit, coming up soon. The preferred rooms usually are in '60s section, which surrounds the Hippy Dippy Pool in the center of the resort.
The bus stops are right in front of Classic Hall, which is also near the '60s section. As you can see on the
map of Pop Century, the '80s and '90s sections are farthest away from Classic Hall.
The '50s and '60s sections are our favorites, but one of the things I like about this resort is that no room is an unreasonable distance from the buses or the food court.
We often arrive in the afternoon and head straight to Epcot for
Test Track, dinner and
IllumiNations, which begins at 9 p.m., the park closing time. Hollywood Studios is the park closest to Pop Century and is open until 8:30 p.m. on the day of your arrival with
Fantasmic! at 8:30.
I would choose one of those over Animal Kingdom on your first day since it closes at 7 p.m.
I hope that helps. Enjoy your visit and let me know if I can answer any other questions!