Disney’s Value Resorts offer the perfect combination of Disney theming, on-site perks, and affordability. As someone who has stayed at all five Value Resorts multiple times (most recently in early 2025), I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to choose the best Disney World Value Resort for your next trip.

Why Stay at a Disney World Value Resort?

Before we get to the rankings, let’s explore why Value Resorts might be the perfect choice for your Disney vacation:

1. Significant Cost Savings

Value Resorts offer the most economical way to stay on Disney property, with standard rooms starting around $133-$183 per night. This means more money for Disney treats, souvenirs, or even extending your vacation by a day or two!

2. Disney Perks Without the Premium Price

Value Resort guests receive the same core benefits as those staying at pricier resorts:

• Early Theme Park Entry (30 minutes early access to all parks, every day)
• Lightning Lane reservations 7 days in advance (versus 3 days for off-site guests)
• Complimentary transportation to all Disney parks and destinations
• Resort package delivery for in-park purchases
• Access to Disney’s Magical Express replacement services

3. Over-the-Top Disney Theming

If you want to feel fully immersed in Disney magic, Value Resorts deliver with their larger-than-life icons, colorful theming, and playful atmospheres. These resorts often feature more obvious Disney references than the sometimes subtler theming at Moderate and Deluxe Resorts.

4. Convenience and Simplicity

Value Resorts offer straightforward layouts, food court-style dining, and multiple pools, perfect for families who plan to spend most of their time in the parks and want hassle-free accommodations.

Disney World Value Resort Rankings 2025

After analyzing room quality, transportation options, dining, pools, theming, and overall value, here’s how the five Disney World Value Resorts stack up in 2025:

1. Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Why it’s #1: Pop Century consistently earns the top spot among Disney’s Value Resorts for its excellent combination of modern rooms, dedicated bus service, Skyliner access, reasonable pricing, and central location.

Resort Theme: Celebrating American pop culture from the 1950s through the 1990s with giant yo-yos, Play-Doh containers, and other nostalgic icons

Room Details:

• Fully renovated rooms featuring one queen bed and one queen Murphy bed that converts to a table when not in use
• Approximately 260 square feet (typical for Value Resorts)
• Laminate flooring instead of carpet (cleaner and more modern feel)
• Sliding bathroom door separates the sleeping area from the bathroom area
• Plenty of USB charging ports and outlets
• Small refrigerator, coffee maker, and enhanced storage solutions
• Bright, contemporary furnishings with subtle Mickey details

Transportation Options:

• Direct access to the Disney Skyliner gondola system, providing quick transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
• Dedicated bus service (not shared with other resorts)
• Approximately 10-20 minutes to all theme parks via bus
• Walking distance to Art of Animation’s amenities

Dining:

• Everything POP Shopping & Dining food court with multiple stations offering varied cuisine
• Petals Pool Bar for drinks and light snacks
• Mobile ordering is available for quick service options

Pools and Recreation:

• Hippy Dippy Pool (main pool in the ’60s section)
• Bowling Pool (50’s area)
• Computer Pool (90’s area)
• Kiddie splash area
• Playground and arcade
• Movies under the stars nightly

Price Range (2025):

• Standard Rooms: $183-$315 per night
• Preferred Rooms (closer to main building): $203-$335 per night
• Pool View Rooms: $193-$325 per night

Best For:

• Families seeking the best overall value
• Guests wanting quick access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios via the Skyliner
• Travelers who appreciate modern room designs
• Disney fans who enjoy nostalgic American pop culture

Drawbacks:

• Large resort layout means potential for long walks from some rooms
• The food court can become crowded during peak meal times
• Relatively basic pool areas compared to Moderate and Deluxe Resorts

2. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Why it’s #2: Art of Animation offers the most immersive Disney theming of any Value Resort and excellent amenities, but its standard rooms are limited to the Little Mermaid section (which is typically excluded from discounts and far from the main building).

Resort Theme: Celebrating Disney and Pixar animation with sections themed to Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid

Room Details:

• Standard rooms (Little Mermaid section only):
• Two queen beds
• Approximately 260 square feet
• Recently refreshed but not fully renovated like Pop Century
• Mini-refrigerator and coffee maker
• Themed decor featuring Ariel and friends
• Family Suites (Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King sections):
• Approximately 565 square feet
• Separate bedroom with queen bed
• Living area with double pull-out sofa
• Dining table that converts to a double bed
• Two bathrooms
• Kitchenette with microwave, coffee maker, and sink
• Themed furnishings and decor matching the section

Transportation Options:

• Disney Skyliner access (shared station with Pop Century)
• Dedicated bus service
• Covered bus waiting areas (unique among Value Resorts)
• Approximately 10-20 minutes to all parks via bus

Dining:

• Landscape of Flavors food court (widely considered the best Value Resort dining)
• The Drop Off pool bar
• Mobile ordering available

Pools and Recreation:

• Big Blue Pool (Finding Nemo-themed feature pool with underwater music)
• Cozy Cone Pool (Cars-themed)
• Flippin’ Fins Pool (Little Mermaid-themed)
• Elephant Graveyard play area (Lion King section)
• Righteous Reef playground
• Pixel Play Arcade
• Movies under the stars nightly

Price Range (2025):

• Little Mermaid Standard Rooms: $217-$371 per night
• Family Suites: $457-$731 per night

Best For:

• Families with children who love the featured Disney/Pixar films
• Larger families needing suite accommodations
• Guests who prioritize immersive theming and detailed environments
• Travelers wanting Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

Drawbacks:

• Little Mermaid rooms are the farthest from the main building (10-15 minute walk)
• Standard rooms are rarely included in Disney discount offers
• Higher price point than other Value Resorts
• Big Blue Pool can be extremely noisy and crowded

3. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Why it’s #3: All-Star Movies edges out its All-Star siblings with its film-based theming that resonates more with Disney fans, plus newly refurbished rooms that match the quality of Pop Century.

Resort Theme: Celebrating classic Disney films with sections dedicated to Toy Story, Fantasia, 101 Dalmatians, The Mighty Ducks, and Herbie: The Love Bug

Room Details:

• Fully renovated rooms with one queen bed and one queen Murphy bed
• Approximately 260 square feet
• Design and amenities are almost identical to Pop Century’s updated rooms
• Mini-refrigerator and coffee maker
• Sliding bathroom door
• Laminate flooring
• Enhanced storage solutions

Transportation Options:

• Bus service to all Disney destinations
• May share buses with other All-Star Resorts during off-peak times
• Usually, the last stop when buses are shared among All-Stars
• Approximately 15-25 minutes to the parks via bus

Dining:

• World Premiere Food Court
• Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar
• Mobile ordering available

Pools and Recreation:

• Fantasia Pool (main pool featuring Sorcerer Mickey)
• Duck Pond Pool (quiet pool in The Mighty Ducks section)
• Playground
• Movies under the stars nightly
• Arcade

Price Range (2025):

• Standard Rooms: $133-$249 per night
• Preferred Rooms (closer to main building): $153-$269 per night

Best For:

• Disney movie enthusiasts
• Families on tight budgets who still want the Disney resort experience
• Travelers who appreciate the newly renovated rooms
• Guests who spend most of their time in the parks

Drawbacks:

• Can be the last stop on shared All-Star buses (potentially longer waits)
• No Skyliner access
• The food court is older and less updated than the other Value Resorts
• Limited dining options beyond the food court

4. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Why it’s #4: All-Star Music earns the fourth spot primarily because it offers family suites (a budget alternative to Art of Animation’s suites) and tends to host fewer large groups than All-Star Sports.

Resort Theme: Celebrating various music genres with sections themed to Country, Jazz, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Broadway, and Calypso

Room Details:

• Standard Rooms:
• Fully renovated with one queen bed and one queen Murphy bed
• Approximately 260 square feet
• Design matching other refurbished Value rooms
• Mini-refrigerator and coffee maker
• Sliding bathroom door and enhanced storage
• Family Suites:
• Approximately 520 square feet
• Separate bedroom with queen bed
• Living area with pull-out sofa and chair that converts to a bed
• Two bathrooms
• Kitchenette with microwave, mini-fridge, and sink
• More affordable than Art of Animation suites, but less elaborately themed

Transportation Options:

• Bus service to all Disney destinations
• May share buses with other All-Star Resorts during off-peak times
• Middle stop when buses are shared
• Approximately 15-25 minutes to the parks via bus

Dining:

• Intermission Food Court (recently refurbished)
• Singing Spirits Pool Bar
• Mobile ordering available

Pools and Recreation:

• Calypso Pool (guitar-shaped main pool)
• Piano Pool (quiet pool)
• Playground
• Note ‘n’ Notes Arcade
• Movies under the stars nightly

Price Range (2025):

• Standard Rooms: $133-$249 per night
• Preferred Rooms: $153-$269 per night
• Family Suites: $350-$716 per night

Best For:

• Families needing suite accommodations on a tighter budget
• Guests who appreciate music-themed environments
• Travelers seeking a quieter atmosphere than All-Star Sports
• Budget-conscious visitors who still want updated rooms

Drawbacks:

• No Skyliner access
• May share buses with other All-Star Resorts
• Less obvious Disney theming than Movies or Art of Animation
• Family suites are less elaborately themed than Art of Animation

5. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Why it’s #5: While All-Star Sports features the same updated rooms as the other All-Stars, it frequently hosts large sports groups and cheer teams, potentially creating a noisier atmosphere. However, it does have the advantage of being the first bus stop when the All-Stars share transportation.

Resort Theme: Celebrating various sports with sections themed to Football, Baseball, Basketball, Tennis, and Surfing

Room Details:

• Fully renovated rooms with one queen bed and one queen Murphy bed
• Approximately 260 square feet
• Design matching other refurbished Value rooms
• Mini-refrigerator and coffee maker
• Sliding bathroom door and enhanced storage
• Sports-themed details in artwork and decor

Transportation Options:

• Bus service to all Disney destinations
• May share buses with other All-Star Resorts during off-peak times
• First stop when buses are shared (a significant advantage)
• Approximately 15-25 minutes to parks via bus

Dining:

• End Zone Food Court (recently refurbished)
• Grandstand Spirits Pool Bar
• Mobile ordering available

Pools and Recreation:

• Surfboard Bay Pool (main pool with Goofy surfing statue)
• Grand Slam Pool (baseball-themed quiet pool)
• Sports field area for informal games
• Game Point Arcade
• Movies under the stars nightly

Price Range (2025):

• Standard Rooms: $133-$249 per night
• Preferred Rooms: $153-$269 per night

Best For:

• Sports enthusiasts
• Guests who prioritize being the first stop on shared buses
• Budget-conscious travelers
• Families with children who enjoy sports

Drawbacks:

• Frequently hosts large sports/cheer groups (potential for noise)
• Less Disney-themed than other Value Resorts
• No Skyliner access
• May share buses with other All-Star Resorts

Comparing Key Features Across Value Resorts

To help you decide which Value Resort is best for your trip, here’s a quick comparison of key features:

Room Size and Configurations

• Standard Rooms (All Resorts): 260 square feet, sleeps up to 4 adults
• Family Suites (Art of Animation): 565 square feet, sleeps up to 6 adults
• Family Suites (All-Star Music): 520 square feet, sleeps up to 6 adults

Transportation Options

• Skyliner Access: Pop Century and Art of Animation
• Dedicated Bus Service (Most Times): Pop Century and Art of Animation
• Shared Bus Service (Sometimes): All-Star Resorts
• Bus Stop Order (When Shared): Sports (1st), Music (2nd), Movies (3rd)

Dining Quality

1. Landscape of Flavors (Art of Animation)
2. Everything POP (Pop Century)
3. Intermission Food Court (All-Star Music)
4. End Zone Food Court (All-Star Sports)
5. World Premiere Food Court (All-Star Movies)

Pool Features

1. Big Blue Pool & Cozy Cone Pool (Art of Animation)
2. Hippy Dippy Pool (Pop Century)
3. Fantasia Pool (All-Star Movies)
4. Calypso Pool (All-Star Music)
5. Surfboard Bay Pool (All-Star Sports)

Price Comparison (2025 Standard Room Starting Rates)

1. All-Star Resorts: $133/night
2. Pop Century: $183/night
3. Art of Animation (Little Mermaid): $217/night

Family Suite Options

1. Art of Animation: $457-$731/night
2. All-Star Music: $350-$716/night

Who Should Stay at a Disney Value Resort?

Value Resorts Are Perfect For:

• First-time Disney visitors wanting the full “Disney experience” on a budget
• Families who plan to spend most of their time in the parks
• Parents with young children who will love the oversized Disney theming
• Budget-conscious travelers who still want Disney perks
• Guests who prefer quick service dining over table service restaurants
• Solo travelers or couples looking to maximize their vacation dollars

You Might Want to Consider Other Options If:

• You prioritize spacious rooms (Moderate or Deluxe Resorts offer more space)
• You value having table service restaurants at your resort
• You need multiple beds (not Murphy beds) for your travel party
• You’re sensitive to noise (Value Resorts can be louder and more crowded)
• You want a more relaxing, adult-oriented atmosphere
• You require a water slide at your pool (only available at Moderate and Deluxe Resorts)

Recent Updates and What’s Coming in 2025-2026

All Value Resorts have now completed their room renovations, with each featuring the modern design first introduced at Pop Century. These updates have significantly improved the guest experience with better beds, more storage, and enhanced functionality.

Here are some notable recent and upcoming changes:

• Pop Century: All rooms renovated; main pool refurbishment completed in late 2024
• Art of Animation: Little Mermaid rooms received a soft goods refresh in 2023
• All-Star Movies: Room renovations completed; food court update expected in late 2025
• All-Star Music: All rooms renovated; family suite soft goods update planned for 2026
• All-Star Sports: Room renovations completed; food court recently renovated

Tips for Getting the Best Value at Disney’s Value Resorts

We know you’re looking for the best hotel, and often, so are we. So we’ve found a few helpful tips that continue to assist us in the booking process.

1. Book During Off-Peak Times

Visit during Disney’s Value season (typically late January through early February, late August through September, and weekdays in early December) for the lowest rates.

2. Look for Special Offers

Disney frequently offers special promotions for Value Resorts, particularly during slower periods. The Little Mermaid rooms at Art of Animation are typically excluded from discounts.

3. Consider Room Location

At all Value Resorts, consider paying the premium for Preferred rooms if walking distance to the main building is important to you. The standard rooms can be quite far from transportation and dining.

4. Use Mobile Ordering

Take advantage of mobile ordering at the food courts to avoid long lines, especially during breakfast and dinner rushes.

5. Pack Strategically for Smaller Rooms

Value Resort rooms are compact (260 square feet), so pack efficiently. Consider collapsible luggage that can be stored under beds.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the best Disney resort is ultimately the one that helps you create the most magical memories with your loved ones. Whether that’s Pop Century with its nostalgic icons, Art of Animation with its immersive movie settings, or one of the budget-friendly All-Stars, you’re sure to find a Value Resort that brings your Disney dreams to life without emptying your wallet.

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