We love Pop Century! We often stay at deluxe resorts (usually with a 4-5 night stay at Pop first), on occasion even club level, and we still love Pop. It is the one resort we return to over and over.
I agree with
@Moliphino about the resort itself having a very different feel from a deluxe. It doesn't have the same relaxed feel that the deluxe resorts do. The resort as whole doesn't have the "lush" feel of a deluxe; it lacks the dining options, shopping options, and lobby with inviting seating. There is no water slide at the pool/s, but they are still fun pools, and there is a pool bar that we've enjoyed. I find the Pop pools, especially the two that aren't the feature pool, more peaceful than the pools at the Poly. The food at Pop Century is quick service, but there are many more options than what's available at deluxe resorts, and if you don't like the options available, there are many more a short walk away at Art of Animation. If you're planning on spending a lot of time at your resort, Pop Century might feel like a let down after a deluxe, but you'll mostly be at the parks and plan on pool time for relaxing at the resort, you'll be fine.
The landscaping isn't elaborate, but the statues are fun. Hourglass lake is nice. The rooms facing it have, in my opinion, the best views. The buildings from the outside aren't pretty like the GF. They're basic buildings. The inside though is really nice with the renovations that have been taking place. The new rooms are quite nice. I find the beds and pillows at Pop Century more comfortable than what we've had at some deluxe resorts.
Overall, we really enjoy it and would recommend giving it a try. The buses don't share with other resorts, which is a huge plus to me. I do not agree that Pop feels like a Motel 6. I've stayed at a few of those, and Pop Century is nothing like that. In fact, my DD and I stayed at a Holiday Inn last weekend, and other than the size of the room (slightly larger than Pop Century), it didn't feel as nice to us as the Pop Century.
