Hi Linda,
Like you, I'm a big fan of
Pop Century resort. My family has stayed there at least twice a year since the resort opened. We think of it as our "home" resort and usually request non-preferred rooms in the '50s section.
Art of Animation is beautiful and so well-done. The theming of the rooms, the grounds and the pools is amazing. We have stayed there in a Cars Suite and really enjoyed the extra room (two bathrooms! and a living area) and the kitchenette. Like Pop, Art of Animation has its own buses that do not stop at other resorts, which I think is a bonus.
Most of Art of Animation's accommodations are suites that hold up to six guests. The only standard rooms are in the Little Mermaid section, which is the farthest from Animation Hall, the bus stop and the Big Blue Pool. Those rooms are comparable to the rooms at Pop.
Since you have eight guests, you will need at least two rooms or two suites whichever resort you choose.
And that's really how I would make my decision, if I were you. If the idea of suites is appealing and doable financially, I'd go with Art of Animation. But if you want to stick with standard rooms, I'd stay with Pop since you know you love it and you have a better chance of getting rooms that are more convenient to Classic Hall.
Even if you are at Pop, I encourage you to take a stroll across the Generation Gap bridge to check out the common areas of Art of Animation or have a meal in the Landscape of Flavors food court, which has some interesting Asian dishes and burgers on its menu.
I hope that is helpful as you make your plans. You really can't go wrong either way.
Please let me know if I can do anything else to help you. Enjoy!
Wilma