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Choosing the perfect Disney World Value Resort can be as tricky as navigating Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s final drop. But don’t worry, Disney fans! We’re about to dive deep into the magical world of Disney’s Value Resorts to help you find your perfect match. Buckle up, because this is going to be more fun than a Dole Whip on a hot Florida day!
Understanding Disney World Value Resorts
Before we break down each resort, let’s clarify what “Value Resort” means in Disney terms:
- Most affordable on-site accommodation option
- Larger-than-life theming
- Compact rooms (260-277 square feet)
- Food court dining (no table service restaurants)
- Extensive bus transportation to parks
- Huge pools (no water slides)
The Value Resort Lineup
Disney World offers five Value Resorts:
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Let’s dive into what makes each of these resorts special, and who they’re perfect for.
Pop Century: A Blast from the Past
Pop Century is one of the best value resorts and our personal favorite. It’s really close to two theme parks (Hollywood Studios and Epcot) and also has access to the skyliner. Plus, it’s usually one of the least crowded resorts as most families stay at Art of Animation. And who doesn’t love a 7:00 am jog around Hourglass Lake to start your morning?!
Who It’s Perfect For
- Nostalgia lovers
- Couples looking for a quieter atmosphere
- Disney Skyliner enthusiasts
- Budget-conscious travelers who want a recently refurbished room
What Sets It Apart
- Decades-themed sections from the 1950s to 1990s
- Access to the Disney Skyliner for easy transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
- Recently refurbished rooms with queen beds and Murphy beds
- Three pools: Hippy Dippy Pool (flower-shaped), Bowling Pin Pool, and Computer Pool
Dining Options
- Everything POP Shopping & Dining (food court)
- Petals Pool Bar
Room Types
- Standard Room
- Preferred Room (closer to main building and transportation)
- Pool View Room
Pros
- Most rooms sleep up to 4 adults
- Dedicated bus service (not shared with other resorts)
- Larger-than-life icons perfect for photos
Cons
- Can be noisy during peak seasons
- Food court can get crowded during mealtimes
Art of Animation: A Brush with Disney Magic
Welcome to the best value resort in terms of theming! Here, you’ll really feel like you’re staying on Disney property. Whether you’re in the Little Mermaid room, Finding Nemo room, Lion King room, or the Cars room, you’ll no doubt have a wonderful stay.
Who It’s Perfect For
- Families needing more space (family suites sleep up to 6)
- Disney-Pixar superfans
- Those who appreciate immersive theming
- Families with young children who love characters
What Sets It Apart
- Elaborate theming based on four Disney-Pixar films: The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars
- Family suites with separate bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette
- The Big Blue Pool: largest resort pool in Disney World with underwater speakers
Dining Options
- Landscape of Flavors (food court)
- The Drop-Off Pool Bar
Room Types
- Little Mermaid Standard Rooms
- Family Suites (Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars themes)
Pros
- Most immersive theming of all Value Resorts
- Access to Disney Skyliner
- Spacious family suites
Cons
- Most expensive of the Value Resorts
- Little Mermaid rooms are furthest from main building and Skyliner
- Extremely crowded, even during the slow seasons
All-Star Movies: Lights, Camera, Vacation!
Our personal favorite out of the All Stars resorts, this resort is quite a catch. If you’re hesitant to stay on Disney property but want to see what everyone’s talking about, this is a great “starter” resort and we’d definitely recommend it over the other two All Stars!
Who It’s Perfect For
- Film buffs
- Families on a tight budget
- First-time Disney visitors
- Those who love larger-than-life Disney characters
What Sets It Apart
- Sections themed after Toy Story, Fantasia, 101 Dalmatians, The Love Bug, and Mighty Ducks
- Fantasia-themed main pool with Sorcerer Mickey
Dining Options
- World Premiere Food Court
- Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar
Room Types
- Standard Room
- Preferred Room (closer to main building and transportation)
Pros
- Recently refurbished rooms with queen beds
- Fantastic photo opportunities with giant Disney characters
Cons
- Shared bus service with other All-Star Resorts (can be crowded)
- Smaller food court than Pop Century or Art of Animation
All-Star Music: A Symphony of Fun
While definitely not a bad resort, this one is never our first choice. It’s quite similar to All-Star Movies, except with a focus on music. If you’re a music aficionado, this one’s for you!
Who It’s Perfect For
- Music lovers
- Guests who enjoy a lively atmosphere
- Families looking for affordable suites
What Sets It Apart
- Music-themed sections: Country, Jazz, Rock, Broadway, and Calypso
- Guitar-shaped Calypso Pool
- Family suites available at a lower price point than Art of Animation
Dining Options
- Intermission Food Court
- Singing Spirits Pool Bar
Room Types
- Standard Room
- Preferred Room (closer to main building and transportation)
- Family Suite
Pros
- Family Suites sleep up to 6 and are more affordable than Art of Animation
- Recently refurbished rooms
- Lively atmosphere with music-themed areas
Cons
- Shared bus service with other All-Star Resorts
- Can be noisy during youth group events
All-Star Sports: Game On!
Listen, sometimes all you need is a nice bed to sleep in after a busy day in the parks. And being the cheapest value resort, All-Star Sports definitely has a purpose. If you’re filling your trip with park days, this resort could be a great option as it gives you all the benefits of staying on Disney property at a drastically reduced price tag. Don’t sleep on this resort!
Who It’s Perfect For
- Sports enthusiasts
- Active families
- Guests who love a high-energy environment
- Visitors who are just looking for a place to sleep
What Sets It Apart
- Sports-themed sections: Football, Tennis, Basketball, Baseball, and Surfing
- Surfboard-shaped main pool
- Often hosts youth sports groups
- Cheap price tag
Dining Options
- End Zone Food Court
- Grandstand Spirits Pool Bar
Room Types
- Standard Room
- Preferred Room (closer to main building and transportation)
Pros
- Great for sports-loving families
- Often less crowded than other All-Star Resorts
- Recently refurbished rooms with queen beds
- Often the most budget-friendly option
Cons
- Can be noisy when hosting sports groups
- Shared bus service with other All-Star Resorts
- Furthest Value Resort from most parks
Value Resort Comparison
| Resort | Theming | Unique Perk | Best For | Transportation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pop Century | Decades of Pop Culture | Skyliner Access | Couples, Nostalgia Lovers | Dedicated Bus, Skyliner |
| Art of Animation | Disney-Pixar Films | Family Suites | Families, Disney Superfans | Dedicated Bus, Skyliner |
| All-Star Movies | Classic Disney Films | High-Energy Vibe | Film Buffs, First-Timers | Shared Bus |
| All-Star Music | Music Genres | Affordable Suites | Music Lovers, Lively Atmosphere | Shared Bus |
| All-Star Sports | Various Sports | Most Budget-Friendly | Sports Fans, Active Families | Shared Bus |
Making Your Decision
Still can’t decide? Here are some quick tips:
- Budget is Key: If you’re pinching pennies, check rates across all five. All-Star Sports is often the cheapest.
- Size Matters: Need more space? Go for Art of Animation or All-Star Music family suites.
- Transportation: If Skyliner access is important, Pop Century or Art of Animation are your only Value Resort options.
- Theming: Choose based on what excites you most. Love sports? All-Star Sports. Can’t stop quoting Disney movies? All-Star Movies.
- Pool Time: If pool-hopping is your jam, Art of Animation’s Big Blue Pool is hard to beat.
The Bottom Line
Remember, there’s no wrong choice here. Each of these resorts offers that special Disney magic at a value price point. Whether you’re reliving the 80s at Pop Century or living your sports dreams at All-Star Sports, you’re in for a treat.
Pick the one that makes your Disney-loving heart sing, and get ready for a vacation that’s more magical than Tinker Bell’s pixie dust!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a certain mouse. See ‘ya real soon!
