Walt Disney World’s value resorts are often the least talked-about among the WDW hotels. The reason is that they live up to their name as true value spots, the least expensive of all the Disney properties. The downside of that is that they’re not fancy at all, the only dining options are a food court and often the same layout in a couple of pools and smaller buildings.
The resorts are meant for two types of guests: those looking for a cheaper Disney vacation and/or those who plan to spend almost all their time in the parks. Thus, the value resorts serve as place to simply rest and sleep after a long day at the parks rather than a complete vacation experience.
But Disney does its best to liven these up with unique theming and still the Disney magic. For a long time, they were lacking in transport, but the Skyliner allows much better access to the parks. Here’s how each Disney World value resort ranks to show they may not have the flash of the other Disney spots but still have some appeal for guests not wanting to spend too much on a trip.
5. All-Star Sports
If you’re a sports fan, this resort can be fun with giant helmets, caps and other bits like a stairway designed after a canister of tennis balls. There are touches like a yard looking like a football field and a baseball-diamond pool. The rooms need an update and those giant decorations can be a bit of an eyesore.
It’s a double-edged sword when the place is used by cheerleading squads or sports tournaments, as it can be a lot busier and noisier than expected. The bus transport is also rougher, so while a good price, Sports stands as the weakest of the All-Star and value resorts.
4. All-Star Movies
The decor made Movies the best-looking of the All-Star resorts. It’s fun for guests to walk past huge statues of Woody, the Dalmatians or Mickey himself, often towering a couple of stories. There are only two pools, each about the same size, and the food court is nice but nothing too fancy.
The walking trails and other touches are almost identical to Sports, so it’s really the Disney characters that gives Movies an edge, even if it’s not too different from its All-Star counterparts.
3. All-Star Music
The newest of the All-Star trio, Music has its obvious theming in giant instruments and each building after a different musical style. It’s also fun seeing the pool area shaped like a huge piano. Music gets the nod over its counterparts as it’s the only one with family suites, which boosts it over the regular rooms.
The updated rooms have better amenities and feel fresher. So while Music may not have the coolest theming of the All-Star resorts, the family suite addition makes it a better pick for larger parties.
2. Art of Animation
For kids, the Art of Animation is a fantastic hotel. The family suites are larger and themed to scores of Disney characters like the Lion King and Finding Nemo, while the moderate rooms are themed after The Little Mermaid. Indeed, the theming around the hotel is great, with villas designed after Radiator Springs, undersea venues and more, giving guests lots of photo opportunities.
The food court has some good options, and the three pools have good decorations after either Ariel or Nemo. While it may be a tad pricier than the other value resorts, the animation decorations make this a great place for families and truly immerses a visitor into the Disney experience.
1. Pop Century
When it comes to “value,” Pop Century is the tops of all the resorts. It’s cheaper than Art of Animation and notable for its terrific decor, themed after the pop culture of the 1950s through 1990s. That means giant Rubix cubes, rollerblades and more, with each villa area themed after a different decade. There are three pools and a good food court. Guests can easily walk to Art of Animation too.
The Skyliner access makes this a good spot to reach the other parks, and the walking trails are better than the others. It’s the cost that may be key, so between the great price and the unique theming, Pop Century has to rank among the best of Disney’s value resorts.