I love splurging on moderate or deluxe properties, but it can easily cost a family of three close to $10,000 to spend five days at the park while staying at a deluxe resort. When it comes down to it, the Disney value resorts are usually the best option for my vacation budget.
There are five different value resorts at Disney World: All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, Pop Century, and Art of Animation.
Now that I've checked all of them off of my to-stay list, I can confidently say there are only two I'd book again, and only when the price is right.
Here's my take on each value resort.
I only stay at All-Star Movies if I find an extra cheap room.
There's a fun "Toy Story" area at All-Star Movies.
Megan duBois
Three All-Star Resorts share a property at Disney: All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, and All-Star Music.
I normally don't stay at any of them, but I book Movies occasionally if I can find an extra-cheap room with my Florida-resident or annual-passholder discount.
Disney's All-Star Movies puts guests right in the heart of their favorite Disney films. I love walking through the outdoor common areas and seeing massive statues of characters like Buzz Lightyear and Woody from "Toy Story" and Pongo and Perdy from "101 Dalmatians."
Since the hotel isn't connected to any Disney transportation except for the complimentary buses, I try to have a car when I stay here to make getting to the parks easier.
All-Star Sports is a nice spot for sports fans, but it seems a little outdated to me.
There is a really cool football area at All-Star Sports.
Megan duBois
I love the sports theming at All-Star Sports, especially the football area where kids can run around on a turf field. But the overall vibe of the resort feels outdated to me.
Even if I could get a good deal on a room here, I'd rather spend a little more money to stay at Pop Century or a moderate resort.
All-Star Music is my least favorite of the All-Star resorts.
I've never been a fan of the decor at All-Star Music.
Megan duBois
My least favorite All-Star property is Disney's All-Star Music.
I get the appeal for families on a budget because the deals tend to be pretty good. But I just don't love the theming.
It's also located between Sports and Movies, so finding parking in the shared lots can be hard. That gets annoying when I already have to rely on my car since there aren't many free transportation options.
Pop Century is my favorite value resort because of the price and location.
There are fun, nostalgic toys all around Pop Century Resort.
Megan duBois
If I could only stay at one value resort again, I'd choose Disney's Pop Century.
I love the larger-than-life decade-specific theming of the buildings, and the nostalgic nods to the past in the lobby are fun to look through.
It's also usually pretty easy to find a good deal, with stays often dipping below $200 a night.
In addition to saving me money, Pop Century has easy access to Hollywood Studios and Epcot via the Disney Skyliner gondolas, saving me time on trips to the parks.
Art of Animation is great for families, but the price can be a little steep.
There are bigger suites for up to six guests at Art of Animation.
Disney Parks
Disney's Art of Animation has special family suites for up to six people, which is ideal for bigger groups traveling together. But the resort is priced more like a moderate (or even deluxe) Disney hotel and only has the value amenities.
Family-suite rates start at $623 a night. For comparison, rooms at Disney's Wilderness Lodge start at $552 a night.
Of course, the Wilderness Lodge rooms only sleep four people. But if your family is smaller, staying at the deluxe resort could be more cost-efficient. Plus, you get access to more upscale amenities.
Even Art of Animation's standard four-person room rates start at $292. For just a few more dollars a night, I'd rather stay at a moderate resort like Coronado Springs or Port Orleans. Those rates start at $302 and $307, respectively.
