In the years that I wasn’t blogging, I visited Walt Disney World many times. So, I have a lot of content I can put out on those experiences. I figured that I would start with reviewing the resorts since there are so many options available. Over the years, I have stayed at most of the on-site resorts. To kick-off my coverage of the resorts, I’m starting with the most affordable, Disney’s All Star Resorts!
Disney’s All Star Resorts
There are three Disney’s All Star Resorts: Music, Movies, and Sports! Each of them is considered a “value” resort at WDW. That simply means these rooms will be the cheapest on-site rooms available. Personally, I’m a fan of staying on-site due to the included transportation to the parks. Often times, that makes it worth the higher prices to stay at an official Walt Disney World resort. So, here’s a look at the three cheapest hotels.
Disney’s All Star Movies
Of the three resorts, All Star Movies has my favorite theming. I guess it feels more Disney-like to wander around seeing big statues of movie characters. The sections here include: Toy Story, Fantasia, Love Bug, 101 Dalmatians, and Mighty Ducks. I have stayed here a couple of times, but I think I prefer the Toy Story section the most. It reminds me of my childhood and gets me in the mood to visit Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios. Plus, it’s considered a preferred section as it’s closer to transportation and the lobby, which is worth a lot after a long day in the parks.
Disney’s All Star Music
I’ve stayed here only once and it was a great solo trip. In fact, it was my last trip before the pandemic and my last as a WDW Annual Passholder. All Star Music has sections themed after popular music genres including: country, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, calypso, and Broadway. I paid extra to stay in the preferred section or calypso section and it was worth the few extra dollars to be close to everything.
Disney’s All Star Sports
Lastly, there’s Sports. I finally stayed at this Disney’s All Star Resort in December 2024! I guess it’s because I’m not super into sports. Also, this is a super popular one for guests competing at ESPN Wide World of Sports to stay at. So, it can sometimes be easier to get a room at the other two. Sports themed sections here include: baseball, basketball, football, surfing, and tennis. I stayed in the tennis section, which was great because I’m a Donald Duck fan.
Pros
- Cheaper rates. This is compared to other on-site hotels and not necessarily off-site ones.
- Family Suites at Music are usually the cheapest suites on property and great for a larger family.
- On-site perks, including transportation, early entry, and booking dining length of stay 60 days out.
- Fun theming to suit your tastes.
- Newly refurbished rooms.
Cons
- Noise. There are outside corridors, which leads to more noise. Additionally, the walls and floors tend to be thin. I’ve heard all kinds of things while staying in a value resort. In fact, I find the All Stars to be comparable to the Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites at Universal Orlando in terms of room quality and noise.
- All three are popular with sports/tour groups. My advice: avoid them during competitions or school breaks.
- One bed is a pull down bed. With the refurbishment, one of the beds became a pull-down bed/table. It’s just not as comfortable as a regular bed. It’s definitely not optimal for longer stays or older folks.
- Buses are crowded. In fact, during slower times of the year, a bus will be shared between all three resorts.
Overall, I find Disney’s All Star Resorts to be great for a short trip on a budget. However, I think it’s worth it to spend a little extra for a longer trip or one when you need two actual beds.
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