Looking to save some money on your next Disney resort stay? Staying on Disney property comes with a variety of benefits exclusive to resort guests, but it also comes with a price. To get the most out of your trip in terms of special perks, being close to the magic, and staying within a reasonable price point, read on to determine which value resort is right for you:
The solo traveler: All Star Music or All Star Sports
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All Star Music and All Star Sports are typically the least expensive of the value resorts. Of course, this is subject to change, especially when you factor in various discounts and promotions and whether or not standard or preferred rooms are all that’s available. Where solo travelers typically are not spending lots of time in the hotel rooms, theming and amenities matter less than they would with couples or families. For this reason, All Star Music or All Star Sports can allow for an immersive Disney experience without breaking the bank.
As solo travelers tend to spend little time in the room, extended amenities are not usually important, making standard rooms at whichever value resorts are having the best deals great options. Amenities will still include pools, quick service restaurants, (poolside) bars, gift shops, ATMs, concierge, package delivery, and everything else that comes with a Disney resort stay including the Magical Express service and complimentary park transportation, without the extra unnecessary amenities for guests who will not spend much time at the resort.
All about the kids: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or All Star Resorts
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The go-to resort for kids in the value category is without a doubt Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The Big Blue Pool, themed after Finding Nemo not only rivals deluxe resort pools in terms of size and theming, but it features the added bonus where guests are able to hear music underwater. Additionally, Art of Animation takes the movie theming of All Star Movies to the next level, with even more details in resort rooms and fun photo ops around the resort for movies like The Little Mermaid, Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King.
One downside to staying at Art of Animation however is the price. With the rooms being primarily suites, except for The Little Mermaid rooms, it is the most expensive of the value resorts. And for families with kids who either do not need a suite, or just aren’t all that interested in staying in the mermaid-themed rooms, any of the All Star Resorts with a theme that better fits their interests may be the best option.
For the honeymooners: Art of Animation or Pop Century
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As the most intricately themed value resort, Art of Animation is a top pick for honeymooners looking for a budget-friendly Disney resort. For two guests, rooms in The Little Mermaid building make the most sense as the rest of the rooms are suites, but if you love The Lion King for instance and don’t mind a bit of a splurge (it is your honeymoon after all!) the other sections may be just what you’re looking for!
Pop Century is often more of a hit with adults than with kids, as the theme of pop culture over different decades does not resonate with kids the same way it does with adults. Of course, any of the value resorts are more popular with families with kids than the moderate or deluxe resorts, which can sometimes deter guests from spending their honeymoons there. If you are looking for all the benefits of staying on Disney property, with less kids (especially school groups) Pop Century can also be an excellent choice.
Grandparent getaways: Pop Century
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Who would love Pop Century even more than honeymooners? Grandparents of course! Grandparent getaway trips do not often take the value resorts into consideration, but a stay at Pop Century is a fun way to senior couples to reminisce since they have fond memories of a lot of the pop culture references shown off at the resort. Compared to the All Star Resorts, Pop Century also has its own dedicated bus line (where the All Stars sometimes share) meaning less time standing in line to potentially experience a full or almost full bus while trying to leave the resort.
For the budget-conscious: All Star Resorts
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Any of the All Star Resorts will be your least expensive options for staying on Disney property while visiting the theme parks (unless of course you stay at a campsite in Fort Wilderness). For many guests, the thought of staying at a resort that typically houses the large groups like cheerleaders, band trips, and tour groups, makes the All Stars unappealing. If you are considering staying off-site, consider some of these perks that you’ll still be able to take advantage of at the All Star Resorts:
Extra Magic Hours allow Disney resort guests to enjoy the theme parks on select days either one hour before the park opens to day guests or a couple of hours after it would regularly close. Resort guests are also able to take advantage of complimentary transportation both between their resort and the theme parks and between their resort and the Orlando International Airport. Resort guests can also use complimentary package pick up services at their resorts, and are able to book FastPass and dining reservations sooner than non-resort guests. Of course, these benefits are available to guests staying at any Disney resort, not just the values—but if you are torn between staying off site or at a value resort, consider how important some of these benefits would be to your trip.
For the family who needs the most space: Art of Animation or All Star Music
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Both Art of Animation and All Star Music offer suites that can sleep up to 6 guests. As with the standard rooms at each of these resorts, All Star Music’s suites will be more affordable but less themed than the suites at Art of Animation. Both resorts offer wonderful room options for larger families, or any guests who are just looking for a little more space.
