Walt Disney World has 5 Value Resorts: All-Star Sports, All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, Pop Century, and Art of Animation.
Value Resorts are extremely popular choices, especially with families, because of their lower price and fun atmosphere.
But, how do you know which Value Resort is best for your family?
Comparing Value Resorts at Walt Disney World
All Star Resorts
There are 3 All-Star Resorts in close proximity to each other.
Each have their own unique theme and larger than life characters, toys, instruments, and more.
Because of this, the All-Star Resorts are popular among children and the young-at-heart Guests who love the fun atmosphere and the feeling of staying in the “Disney Bubble”.
Why they work for your family:
Of all the Value Resorts, the All-Star Resorts are slightly cheaper, which is beneficial for Guests trying to stay within budget.
While All-Star Sports and All-Star Movies accommodate up to 4 Guests per room, All-Star Music do have Family Suites that accommodate 6 Guests.
Larger families, who are used to booking 2 rooms to accommodate their family, can save some money due to the Resort’s affordable prices.
And smaller families enjoy the larger Room, which also includes a kitchenette. This is especially helpful if you have strollers, wheelchairs, or scooters.
Why they may not work:
Buses
All-Star Resorts are 3 different Resorts, but because they’re located so close to each other, many times they also share buses.
As you can imagine, sharing buses means more stops and additional time getting to and from the parks, which isn’t ideal when you have a fastpass or a Dining Reservation to get to.
Rooms
Of all the Value Resorts, the All-Stars are also known to look the most outdated.
Physically, there’s nothing wrong with the rooms. But, if you’re looking for modern touches, you’re not going to find them at the All-Star Resorts.
Free Dining?
Want to take advantage of the Free Dining Promotions? All-Star Movies is oftentimes excluded from this promotion.
If you would like to add the Dining Plan during this time, one would have to be purchased with your Vacation Package.
Pop Century
Pop Century gives tribute to the decades, from the 1950’s to the 1990’s.
Not only will you find fads that were popular during that decade, your favorite Disney characters hide throughout the resort, as well (located in the decade they came out, of course.)
Why it works for your family:
Buses
Pop Century only has one bus stop and doesn’t share buses with any other Resort.
With buses running every 15 minutes or so, you shouldn’t have to wait long before you’re at your desired location.
Rooms
The rooms at Pop Century has recently underdone a major refurbishment.
Long gone are the small storage spaces, carpeting, and curtain that separates the bathroom area from the bedroom area.
The refurbishment also brought murphy beds. If you need more room to walk around or store things, all you have to do is fold up the bed. And it’s so easy that even a child can do it!
Skyliner
Opening in Fall 2019, the skyliner will be opening between Pop Century and Art of Animation.
Want an easier way to get to Hollywood Studios and Epcot? Hopping on to one of Disney’s colorful gondolas will be a short walk from your room.
Why it may not work:
Noise
Due to the popularity of this resort, and all the activities that go on during the day, rooms surrounding the pool (especially the Hippy Dippy Pool) may be a bit loud.
The pools do close down for the night, but if you or your children like to take a nap in the middle of the day, you may hear music and other guests playing in the pool.
While I’ve never had an issue with any sort of noise, I’ve heard others getting bothered by this.
While it’s not guaranteed that requests will be honored, you can request a room farther away from this main pool. Since many Guests like to be closer to the lobby, there’s a good chance this request will be honored.
No room for larger families
The Resort only accommodates 4 Guests per room throughout the Resort. Families can get adjoining rooms, but 2 rooms will need to be booked, adding to your cost.
Related Post: 10 Reasons We Love Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Art of Animation
Art of Animation is famous for being the only Resort on Walt Disney World Property with a pool that plays music underwater.
And with the Resort’s amazing larger-than-life characters, there’s no way to not feel like you’re on a Disney Vacation.
Why it works for your family:
Pool
While Pool-hopping is often discouraged, it’s hard to enforce. There’s usually nothing more than an unlocked gate between you and the pool.
But, with the popularity of the underwater speakers in the Finding Nemo pool, you are required to tap your MagicBand at the Pool Gate.
Only Guests with a Reservation will be allowed to access the Main Pool area.
Decor
Art of Animation has 4 distinct “lands”, featuring The Little Mermaid, Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo.
The entire Resort is beautifully themed and puts you right into the movies. Some of my favorite vacation photos come from just walking around this Resort.
There are so many photo opportunities!
Great for large families
Art of Animation is mostly made up of Family Suites, accommodating up to 6 Guests per Suite.
The amount of space you get in these Family Suites (which includes a separate bedroom and a kitchenette) can not be matched at any other Value Resort.
The only exception is The Little Mermaid Rooms, which hold up to 4 Guests. These rooms are comparable in price and size to Pop Century. So, for families of 4 or less, you will experience the best decor of all the Value Resorts.
Buses
Art of Animation only has one bus stop and does not share buses with any other Resort, so once you’re on the bus, you’re on your way to your destination.
Skyliner
Just like Pop Century, the Skyliner station will be just a short walk to those colorful gondolas. Rooms in the back of the Resort will also get a view of these beauties from their rooms.
Why it may not work:
Cost
Of all the Value Resorts, Art of Animation is the most expensive.
Although you sacrifice room space, familes of 4 or 5 pay less by booking a Moderate Resort, like Port Orleans Riverside.
Free Dining
Want to take advantage of Free Dining Promotions? The Little Mermaid Room is oftentimes excluded from this promotion.
If you would like to add the Dining Plan during this time, one would have to be purchased with your Vacation Package.
Pop Century is my favorite value resort because it doesn’t share buses and I love walking near Hourglass Lake! Can’t wait to try out the Skyliner! The All Star Resort rooms are starting to get renovated – I stayed in a renovated room at Movies in January!
OMG thanks! I didn’t realize that they started renovations at the All-Stars yet!
And I can’t WAIT for the skyliners either! I was so excited to see them unwrapped! The views are going to be amazing!