Which Disney World Value Resort is the Best?
Which Disney World Value Resort is the best? It’s a question I hear often… especially from those traveling to Disney on a budget. As a kid, I remember my first stay at an official Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It was Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, which is considered to be one of Disney’s “value” resorts. And after staying off-property, it was a slice of pure Disney paradise! The resort was fairly new at the time, had all of the Disney touches, and it felt as if our vacation was truly seamless. No more leaving Disney property to go back to our hotel!
Today, there are five value resorts to choose from, and you may be wondering… which Disney Value Resort is the best for my family?
*This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Planning a Disney World vacation in 2024? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer this year including the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the return of the Disney Dining Plan, and more!
What you need to know first about Disney’s Value Resorts is that they are fairly basic. The rooms are similar to that of your basic hotel room. Each resort offers two or three pools, a food court, a pool bar, and a few additional small amenities. That being said, the perks of being on Disney property still apply including access to Disney transportation to and from the parks.
(Other basic amenities found at Disney’s Value Resorts include in-room celebrations, complimentary WiFi Internet, parking for a fee, online check-in, resort airline check-in, ATM, currency exchange, childcare services, designated smoking areas, laundry and dry cleaning services, mail services, and access to Disney Signature Services.)
One thing to also take note of is that the rooms are clean, Disney does a good job of updating as needed, and you don’t have to stay in a not-so-great part of Orlando to get a decent price on a hotel room. I honestly have yet to have a bad experience on Disney property (and any issues we’ve ever had were quickly resolved!) But I’ve had my fair share of issues outside of Disney. Yes, there are some great hotels off-property, but there’s something truly special about staying in a Disney Resort hotel, and at this price point, it’s possible to stick to a smaller budget and still get all of the Disney perks.
As far as which Disney Value Resort is the best… that is ultimately up to you. My personal favorites are Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s Pop Century Resort. These resorts are both newer and have access to Disney’s Skyliner. (Art of Animation also offers options for larger families traveling together.) But these resorts do start at a higher price point than the other three.
To help you make your choice, here are the basics of each of the five resort hotels at this price point.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Resort Area
This incredible resort boasts a variety of rooms, each themed after a beloved Disney movie. You’ll find yourself immersed in some of the most iconic films of all time, including Toy Story, Fantasia, The Mighty Ducks, and more. The resort offers an abundance of amenities, including a large swimming pool, on-site dining options, and a gift shop that offers a wide variety of Disney souvenirs.
Room Types: This value resort offers both standard rooms or preferred rooms with courtyard, pool, or parking lot views. Preferred rooms are basically the same rooms as standard, just in better locations within the resort itself (closer to dining, shopping, transportation, etc.) Rooms offer 1 King Bed or 1 Queen-Size Table Bed and 1 Queen Bed and sleep up to 4 adults.
Dining:
- World Premiere Food Court | $
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | American, Mobile Orders, Quick Service
- Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar | $
- Bar Service | American, Quick Service
Recreation: This resort houses two pools, outdoor movies, a jogging trail, a playground, and an arcade.
Amenities/Transportation: This resort offers all of the typical value resort amenities including bus and taxi/limo transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Resort Area
This resort offers a unique musical experience that’s perfect for all ages. With five themed sections, you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of jazz, country, rock, calypso, and Broadway. Each room features colorful decor and modern amenities to make your stay unforgettable. You can also take advantage of the resort’s amazing amenities such as the pool, arcade, and food court.
Room Types: This value resort offers both standard rooms or preferred rooms with courtyard, pool, or parking lot views. Preferred rooms start are basically the same rooms as standard, just in better locations within the resort itself (closer to dining, shopping, transportation, etc.) Rooms offer 2 Double Beds and sleep up to 4 adults. Family Suites are also available offering 1 Queen Bed and 2 Queen Pull Down Beds. It sleeps up to 6 adults.
Dining:
- Intermission Food Court | $
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | American, Mobile Orders, Quick Service
- Singing Spirits Pool Bar | $
- Bar Service | American, Quick Service
Recreation: This resort houses two pools, outdoor movies, a jogging trail, a playground, and an arcade.
Amenities/Transportation: This resort offers all of the typical value resort amenities including bus and taxi/limo transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Resort Area
With its larger-than-life sports-themed decor, this resort is perfect for sports fans of all ages. Guests can enjoy the basketball, football, baseball, tennis, and surfing displays scattered throughout the resort’s property. The resort features two different pool areas, with one that even has a wave-shaped pool. There are also various dining options available, including a food court with multiple stations to choose from.
Room Types: This value resort offers both standard rooms or preferred rooms with courtyard, pool, or parking lot views. Preferred rooms are basically the same rooms as standard, just in better locations within the resort itself (closer to dining, shopping, transportation, etc.) Rooms offer 2 Double Beds and sleep up to 4 adults.
Dining:
- End Zone Food Court | $
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | American, Mobile Orders, Quick Service
- Grandstand Spirits | $
- Bar Service | American, Quick Service
Recreation: This resort houses two pools, outdoor movies, a jogging trail, a playground, and an arcade.
Amenities/Transportation: This resort offers all of the typical value resort amenities including bus and taxi/limo transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Location: Wide World of Sports Resort Area
The resort is themed around some of your favorite Disney and Pixar films such as The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King. With a variety of family suites and standard rooms, Art of Animation Resort offers plenty of space for families of all sizes. The resort also features three swimming pools, including the largest resort pool in Walt Disney World Resort, a quick-service dining location, and a pool bar.
Room Types: Standard rooms are available and are themed with The Little Mermaid decor, but this value resort actually offers a variety of family suites. (Themes include The Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo.) Standard rooms offer 2 Double Beds or 1 King Bed and sleep up to 4 adults. Suites offer 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Table Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa and sleep up to 6 adults.
Dining:
- Landscape of Flavors | $
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | American, Mobile Orders, Quick Service, Fast Casual
- The Drop Off Pool Bar | $
- Bar Service | American
Recreation: This resort houses three pools, outdoor movies, fun with the Play Disney Parks App, a jogging trail, a playground, fishing at nearby marinas, and an arcade.
Amenities/Transportation: This resort offers all of the typical value resort amenities including bus and taxi/limo transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. This resort also offers transportation by Disney’s brand-new Skyliner!
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Location: Wide World of Sports Resort Area
This resort is an ode to the pop culture of the 20th century and boasts larger-than-life icons and vibrant colors throughout. Guests can choose from a range of rooms that cater to different budgets and preferences, with the rooms being bright and spacious. The resort offers a plethora of amenities such as multiple swimming pools, a jogging trail, and an arcade room. There are also various dining options available, including a food court, a pool bar, and a lounge.
Room Types: Standard rooms and preferred rooms (better locations) are both available, and some are even offered with a pool view. They all offer 1 King Bed or 1 Queen-Size Table Bed and 1 Queen Bed, with the exception of the preferred pool-view room which offers a queen-sized pull-down bed in place of the table bed. They all sleep up to 4 adults.
Dining:
- Everything POP Shopping & Dining | $
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | American, Mobile Orders, Quick Service
- Petals Pool Bar | $
- Bar Service | American, Quick Service
Recreation: This resort houses three pools, outdoor movies, a jogging trail, a playground, fishing at nearby marinas, and an arcade.
Amenities/Transportation: This resort offers all of the typical value resort amenities including bus and taxi/limo transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. This resort also offers transportation by Disney’s brand-new Skyliner!
Which Disney World Value Resort will you choose?
Looking to plan your Walt Disney World vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to get started!
