Why We Will Stay at a Disney World Value Resort ALMOST Every Time

Deciding where to lay your head to rest during your family trip to Disney World can be tough. Do you go with the closest hotel? The cheapest option? Onsite or offsite? The choices are endless! After many visits, and staying at a variety of hotels, we ultimately decided staying onsite at one of Disney World’s Value Resorts is an option we would choose almost every time. Read on more to hear us make our case!

What is a Value Resort?

Disney World Resort has three tiers of onsite hotels – Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Deluxe Resorts. They all range in price, amenities, and experience. Deciding what category of hotel to stay at will be dependent on what you are hoping to get out of your hotel experience, as well as your budget. The Value Resorts are considered the most budget-friendly accommodations, with smaller motel-style rooms, and quick serve dining options. Standard room sizes come in at around 260 square feet, which is 70 square feet less than the average hotel room. I know what you are thinking – why would we choose to stay in a smaller hotel room?! I don’t disagree with you! But what you get out of these Value Resorts make the cozy rooms worth it.

There are 5 hotels that are considered Value Resorts – All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. For the sake of this post, we will refer to the first 3 as the “All-Star” resorts as they are all practically identical, with the main difference being theming.

Pricing Options

As mentioned, the Value Resorts are considered the most budget-friendly of all Disney World hotels. Nightly rates for a standard All-Star room ranges from around $150-$200, with Pop Century and Art of Animation a little higher at around $200-$250. Pricing can fluctuate quite a bit depending on what time of year you are traveling (ie. holidays, summer break, etc.). If you are wondering what time of the year is the least expensive and least crowded, there are several bloggers who explain this in detail. In our recent personal experience, we can attest to early May and late August being some of the best times to visit!

Traveling with a group larger than 4? All-Star Music and the Art of Animation have family suites that can sleep up to 6 adults. Nightly rates range from around $350-$600. Both resort suites come with a living area, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette. The Art of Animation has suites that are also fantastically themed to either The Lion King, Cars, or Finding Nemo.

Just a tidbit: With their ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, Disney World has become a main destination for many sporting tournaments throughout the year. During an event weekend, it is not uncommon to see a large influx of visitors staying at the All-Star resorts. All-Stars Sports tends to see the most bookings as the ESPN complex is located nearby. This can make your stay feel inundated with non-theme park visitors. Before booking your next vacation, I suggest looking at the event calendar to see if your dates align with an upcoming event. If so, a stay at one of the other Value Resort hotels may be preferred.

Resort Theming

The Walt Disney Company is known to do amazing work in transformations and immersiveness. Their resorts are no exception. Out of all Disney World resorts, the Value Resorts have the most “Disney” theming. The Moderate and Deluxe resorts tend to be themed more around locations on a map. Throughout the resort grounds, you will find a variety of giant Disney character sculptures, making you feel like you are in a “Honey I Shrunk the Kid” movie!

The All-Star resorts are themed around, you got it, Movies, Music, and Sports! The rooms are dispersed throughout several buildings, with each having their own sub-theme. We enjoy taking walks around the grounds and pointing out the various decor. It’s like taking a walk down memory lane! One major perk of the All-Star Sports in particular is the transformation of communal spaces between the buildings into sporting fields, such as a football field, tennis court, and basketball court. We just let our boys run free any time we are staying here! Pop Century theming will bring nostalgia to the millennial generation as it is themed around 20th-century pop culture.

Just a tidbit: Aside from the Family Suites at All-Star Music, all standard rooms are the exact same at these first 4 Value Resorts. And they are not themed to anything in particular. As opposed to the hotel grounds, the rooms themselves do not scream Disney aside from a few pictures and magic touches.

Connected to Pop Century via a bridge is the Art of Animation, which immerses you in the storytelling and animation of Disney and Pixar movies. Out of all the Value Resorts, the Art of Animation is the only hotel with themed rooms. All standard rooms are themed to The Little Mermaid, and their Family Suites are themed to The Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo (starting in summer 2027 these rooms will be going through a major refurbishment).

Included Amenities

A major reason for why we almost always choose to stay at a Value Resort is the amenities that are included with your nightly rate:

Parking

If you have a car during your Disney World vacation, each hotel has complimentary overnight self-parking available for their guests. If wanting to visit another Disney World Resort during you stay, you will also receive complimentary day-parking.

All guests of a Disney World Resort will also receive complimentary standard parking at any of the 4 theme parks. If you would like to upgrade to the Preferred Parking, guests will just pay the difference in fees. This can be a $35/day savings! We almost always take advantage of this amenity and opt to drive and park on our theme park days. The main reason is to avoid the opening/closing crowds. We prefer staying in control of our timing as much as possible!

Just a tidbit: The parking for Magic Kingdom is the only lot not located next to the park entrance. You will need to park your car and then take either the Monorail or Ferryboat. Depending on crowds, this can add an extra 15-30 minutes to your morning commute. Be sure to plan accordingly if trying to make it to early entry or rope drop.

Resort Transportation

Not planning to have a car during your Disney World vacation? Not to worry! Guests of Disney World Resorts will have access to complimentary transportation. All 5 Value Resorts will have access to the Disney Bus Transportation that can take you to the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and other Disney Resort Hotels.

Pop Century and Art of Animation are also designated stops along the Disney Skyliner. These gondola’s give a unique perspective and experience to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and select Disney Resorts.

Just a tidbit: If you are booking your stay at Pop Century or Art of Animation specifically for use of the Skyliner, be sure to check its open schedule ahead of time. Generally, once a year, the Skyliner will be closed for a short time to go through its annual maintenance.

Early Entry

Arguably the best perk of staying at a Disney World Resort is the Early Entry option. Resort guests will be able to enter the parks 30 minutes in advance to enjoy some of the rides before general admission. We utilize early entry to get a head start on the rides that are known to have long stand-by waits throughout the day (such as Rise of the Resistance and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train). Not all areas of each park are open during early entry hours. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience App the morning of to confirm what is available.

Dining Options

Ready to fuel your body for a day of fun at the parks? In need of a late-night snack? Each of the Value Resorts has a main dining-hall with quick serve meal options. Hours are generally from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm, giving ample time to fill your bellies. Want to skip the line? Mobile dining is usually offered through the My Disney Experience Apps. Adult beverages can also be found outside the main dining hall at the pool bar.

Just a tidbit: During lunch and dinner hours, full-size pizzas are available for order, ranging from $21-$23 each. If everyone in the family is in the mood to share, this is a great way to save a few bucks on food. And the pizzas are actually quite tasty too!

Complimentary Resort Amenities

• Pools – each Value Resort will have several pool options for their guests. There will be a large main pool closest to the hotel lobby, and one or two smaller satellite pools. For the little ones, each resort will have a kiddie pool and/or splash pad to enjoy some water time. Complimentary life jackets are also available for those kiddos still practicing their water safety strokes.

• Playground – kiddos prefer to stay dry? Each Value Resort has a playground available for those last few bits of energy to get out.
• Campfire Activities – gather around a campfire to reminisce about your day’s adventures while roasting marshmallows.
• Movie Under the Stars – wind down for the night by catching a classic Disney movie with the whole family. Check with the front desk for the movie schedule.

Other Amenities

• Arcade – need a change of pace from all those rides? Each Value Resort has an arcade with a variety of games, both classic and new. Note, the arcade is not complimentary and does come with added costs.

• Souvenir and Gift Shop – looking for one last item before your Disney World adventure comes to an end? Stop by the gift shop for the latest Disney swag, accessories, and toys.

Just a tidbit: Each Value Resort shop will also carry non-souvenir items such as toiletries, snacks, and beverages. A good thing to know, should you be in urgent need of something!

In-Room Amenities

As mentioned earlier, the standard rooms for the All-Star Resorts and Pop Century are identical in their layout and size. Over the last 5-10 years, these rooms went through a major remodel, adding modern touches, and more storage and space saver options. We have been thoroughly impressed with how well Disney utilizes the small spaces they have to work with. With a family of four, these details make a big difference in your overall comfort!

• Toiletries – no need to worry about packing your soaps. Each Value Resort room comes with an ample supply of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion.

• Beverage and Food Storage – included in each standard room is a beverage/food storage shelving unit, equipped with a coffee maker and beverage cooler. Complimentary coffee and tea are available. Note, the beverage cooler is not the same as a mini-fridge. The set temperature is technically not food-safe. If you are in need of an actual refrigerator, call the resort ahead of time to see what options may be available to you.

• Technology – Don’t worry about needing to figure out how to stay “connected”. Wi-fi is complimentary for all Value Resort guests. There is also a TV with live channels, and Disney On-Demand shows that are only available during your stay. We always enjoy watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks show snuggled up in the comfort of our room! Another unique complimentary option is the “Hey Disney!” in-room voice assistant. There are a variety of fun activities for the family such as Disney trivia, stories from your favorite Disney characters, and even joke telling! This device can also be used to order housekeeping items, like more towels. We advise parental supervision when letting the kiddos have fun with the “Hey Disney!” device. During one of our stays, our youngest accidentally ordered a pack and play to be delivered to our room! We felt terrible having to turn it away as it was delivered set up and ready for a little one.

HOw Does the Price compare to an Offsite Hotel?

As you can see, the “value” in the Value Resorts is quite extensive! Combine the amenities with the Disney theming and you are sure to have a family trip to remember. I know what you may be thinking – even though it is a “value resort”, wouldn’t it still be cheaper to stay offsite because it is Disney World? Simple answer – not necessarily! There are certainly many hotels in the Orlando area that are similar in price, and may even be cheaper, but we do not feel these hotels have nearly the same perks. To us, the Disney theming, Early Entry, and complimentary parking at the theme parks are what make it worth it. Of course, as I always say, choose what is best for your family. Regardless of where you lay your head for the night, your Disney World trip is destined to be a magical one!

Just a tidbit: If you do choose to stay at an offsite hotel, you may consider staying at a “Disney Good Neighbor Hotel”. These are typically hotels located near Walt Disney World and with Disney concierge services. Many of these hotels also offer shuttle services to and from the Disney World theme parks. All “Disney Good Neighborhood Hotels” are Disney World stamped and approved for comfort and service!

Another tidbit: If staying at a Disney World resort is a must-do but the price is a big pill to swallow, keep an eye out for special offers. Disney World is almost always promoting discounted rooms throughout the year. We are lucky to be able to take advantage of the Florida Resident discounts, which make it possible for us to enjoy a Disney World resort during our family trips!

Do the Moderate and Deluxe Resorts have just as good value?

Short answer – yes! As you go up in tier, the quality of the rooms, dining, and overall service and experience go up as well. However, so does the price. And quite substantially. At times you may find similar prices for some of the Moderate Resorts in comparison to the Art of Animation or Pop Century. If you are willing to push your budget some, you may consider looking at a Moderate Resort during your stay (the Port Orleans – French Quarter is our favorite!). But we know a Disney World vacation is an expensive one and saving funds where you are able can help alleviate a lot of stress in the planning.

For our family, the goal with our theme park adventures is to maximize the time in the parks themselves. Where we lay our head for the night is less important since the time spent in the room will be minimal. This is where the Disney World Value Resorts are great. We get all the perks with the fun Disney theming without breaking the bank. This is a win-win in our book!

Just a note: If you plan to spend time at your hotel, or if you schedule “rest days” in between the busy park days, you might consider a Moderate or Deluxe resort if your budget allows. Generally, these resorts will have more spacious rooms, nicer pool accommodations, and higher quality food. While these resorts do not have the Disney theming quite like the Value Resorts do, there is a “Disney quality” to them, making your stay just as worth it!