Hi Colleen! Welcome to planDisney.
I love a good Disney dilemma! There is always a magical outcome because usually, both choices are fantastic.
My family JUST made this choice last week, and I'm happy to share my thinking to see if it helps you. I've stayed at both
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and
Disney's Pop Century Resort and enjoyed both of them.
I've actually stayed several times at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort - we have stayed in every section, and can't choose a favorite. My family thinks of this resort as our "Disney home." Like you, we love the layout and the gorgeous theming and landscaping with Lago Dorado in the center, the dining options are terrific, and the pool is one of our very favorites at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney's Pop Century Resort is also a great choice, with newly renovated rooms, fun and colorful theming (so much fun to explore the decades!) and the option to cross the bridge and enjoy dining options at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. It also has a nice price point. And, of course, the jewel in the crown:
Disney Skyliner access. I agree - that is a huge reason to stay at this resort. Being able to use this fun and speedy mode of transportation (my family considers it a bonus attraction) to Disney's Hollywood Studios and EPCOT is a major benefit to a stay at Disney's Pop Century Resort.
For us, it came down to the pools. The
Lost City of Cibola pool at Coronado Spring is so gorgeous and it has two things that the pools at Pop Century don't: a waterslide and a hot tub. My kiddos love both (my son will be soaking in that hot tub even if it's 100 degrees outside in Florida) and our Disney vacation style involves lots of breaks and pool time.
For you, it might be transportation. My family enjoys Disney Bus Transportation and we've found it to be easy and reliable, so we were comfortable valuing pools over the Disney Skyliner. If you will have a stroller or a member of your party in a wheelchair or ECV, you might feel differently.
My planDisney pals have shared their
tips for selecting a Disney Resorts Collection hotel in the Panel Extras - I hope those tips are helpful as you make your big decision. Rest assured, Colleen: there is no wrong choice here. You will love staying at either resort!
Thanks for bringing your question to us! As you count down to your visit, please come back and see us if you have any more dilemmas or questions. It's always a pleasure to help a fellow Guest with their Disney dreaming.
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn