Your Complete Guide to Disney’s All-Star Resorts: Affordable Magic at Walt Disney World
- Ryan Jones
- Dec 2, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 5
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort and looking for affordable, family-friendly accommodations, Disney’s All-Star Resorts are the perfect choice. This trio of value resorts—Disney’s All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, and All-Star Sports—offers immersive themes, Disney perks, and a convenient location, all without breaking the bank. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about the Disney Resort All-Star properties so you can pick the best one for your magical vacation.
What Are Disney’s All-Star Resorts?
Disney’s All-Star Resorts are a collection of three value resorts located in the Walt Disney World Resort area in Orlando, Florida. These resorts are popular for their affordability, fun theming, and access to exclusive Disney perks. Each resort has a unique theme that’s larger-than-life, making them a hit with families and groups alike. Here’s an in-depth look at each Disney Resort All-Star hotel.
1. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort: Celebrate the Magic of Disney Films
Theme: Classic Disney movies
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort brings favorite Disney films to life with larger-than-life characters and decor inspired by beloved classics. This Disney Resort All-Star location is ideal for movie fans and families with young children.
Room Options: Standard rooms accommodate up to four guests and feature movie-themed decor with amenities like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs.
Dining: The World Premiere Food Court offers quick-service dining options, from Mickey-shaped waffles to burgers and pasta.
Pools: The Fantasia Pool, with a Sorcerer Mickey fountain, and the Duck Pond Pool, themed after The Mighty Ducks, provide a fun place to cool off.
Activities: Families can enjoy Movies Under the Stars, an arcade, and playgrounds for some extra Disney magic outside the parks.
Who It’s Best For: Disney movie fans and families with young children who want to stay surrounded by characters like Woody, Buzz, and the 101 Dalmatians.
2. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort: A Symphony of Themes
Theme: Different music genres
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort celebrates various music genres, including jazz, rock, country, Broadway, and calypso, with giant musical instruments and themed decor. This resort is the only Disney Resort All-Star location with Family Suites, making it a great choice for larger groups.
Room Options: Standard rooms and Family Suites. The suites sleep up to six guests and include a kitchenette, making them perfect for families or groups needing more space.
Dining: The Intermission Food Court serves American fare like pizza, sandwiches, and salads, as well as international options.
Pools: The Calypso Pool, shaped like a guitar, and the Piano Pool offer fun swimming options with musical themes.
Activities: Enjoy Movies Under the Stars, a playground, an arcade, and poolside games for added entertainment.
Who It’s Best For: Families and music lovers who need more space, as well as larger groups that can benefit from the spacious Family Suites.
3. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort: Fun for Sports Fans
Theme: Major sports
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort celebrates popular sports, including football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and surfing. With huge sports equipment and themed areas, this Disney Resort All-Star option is perfect for sports enthusiasts of all ages.
Room Options: Standard rooms accommodating up to four guests, featuring sports-themed decor.
Dining: The End Zone Food Court serves quick-service meals such as pizza, sandwiches, and salads, perfect for grabbing a bite before heading to the parks.
Pools: The Surfboard Bay Pool, with a surfing theme, and the Grand Slam Pool, shaped like a baseball diamond, are great for cooling down.
Activities: Poolside games, Movies Under the Stars, a playground, and arcade games provide plenty of ways to enjoy the resort.
Who It’s Best For: Sports fans and families with active kids who will love the playful, sports-themed decor and activities.
Shared Benefits of Staying at Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Each Disney Resort All-Star location shares several perks and features that make them ideal for budget-conscious Disney guests who still want a magical experience:
1. On-Site Disney Benefits
Staying at any Disney resort gives guests access to Disney Resort Guest perks, including early access to dining reservations, early entry to Disney parks, and free Disney transportation throughout Walt Disney World.
2. Affordable Rates
The All-Star Resorts are part of Disney’s value resort category, which offers some of the most budget-friendly options within the Walt Disney World Resort. If you're looking for an affordable stay without sacrificing Disney magic, the All-Star Resorts are a great choice.
3. Free Transportation to the Disney Parks
Disney’s complimentary bus transportation connects all three All-Star Resorts to the four main Disney theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs. Guests can easily explore the parks without the need for a rental car.
4. Fun Pools and Themed Decor
Each resort features uniquely themed pools and decor that immerse guests in the magic of Disney. The larger-than-life characters, sports equipment, and musical instruments make these resorts especially appealing to children and families.
5. Family-Friendly Activities
All-Star Resorts offer Movies Under the Stars, playgrounds, and arcades, providing entertainment options for families even after the parks close. These resorts are designed to be as fun and engaging as the Disney parks themselves.
6. Proximity to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
The All-Star Sports Resort is especially popular with teams and groups visiting the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Its sports-themed decor and convenient location make it an ideal choice for athletes and fans attending events.
7. Pet-Friendly Options
If you're traveling with a furry friend, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort has a limited number of pet-friendly rooms, allowing you to bring your pet along for an additional fee.
Pros and Cons of Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Pros:
Affordable Disney Accommodations: Among the most budget-friendly resorts within Walt Disney World.
Fun Themes for All Ages: The oversized characters and decor make them visually exciting, especially for kids.
Access to Disney Perks: Extra park time, free transportation, and early dining reservations.
Family Suite Options at All-Star Music: Great for families or groups needing extra space.
Cons:
Basic Room Amenities: As value resorts, the rooms are simpler and may lack some of the luxury amenities found at moderate or deluxe Disney resorts.
Bus-Only Transportation: The All-Star Resorts rely solely on Disney buses, which can get crowded, especially during peak hours.
Crowds and Noise: These resorts are popular with families and groups, making them busier and sometimes noisier than other Disney hotels.
Which Disney All-Star Resort is Right for You?
Choosing the right Disney Resort All-Star depends on your preferences and group size:
All-Star Movies is ideal for families with young children and Disney movie lovers.
All-Star Music is a good choice for families who need more space (Family Suites) and music lovers.
All-Star Sports is perfect for sports fans and active families who want a playful, energetic setting.
Tips for Staying at Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Book Early: The All-Star Resorts are popular due to their affordability, so book as early as possible, especially if you need a Family Suite.
Use Mobile Ordering for Meals: Each resort’s food court can get busy. Save time by using the My Disney Experience app to order meals in advance.
Plan for Bus Waits: During peak park hours, the bus system can get crowded. Leave extra time to get to and from the parks, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Take Advantage of Pool Breaks: With two pools at each resort, it’s easy to cool down and relax between park visits, especially during the hot Florida afternoons.
Check Resort Activities: Look for movies, games, and activities in the lobby or on the My Disney Experience app to see what’s happening at your resort during your stay.
Experience the Magic of Disney at an Affordable Price
Whether you’re looking for a sports-themed stay, a musical escape, or an adventure with your favorite Disney characters, the Disney Resort All-Star hotels offer a magical experience on a budget. With unique themes, Disney perks, and convenient access to the parks, Disney’s All-Star Resorts are the perfect base for your Walt Disney World vacation.
For more tips and insider advice, check out Disney’s official website or speak to a Disney travel planner to make the most of your All-Star Resort experience.
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