If you’re planning your first Walt Disney World trip with young kids, the All-Star Resorts might look like the perfect fit. It’s budget-friendly, bright theming, and all the Disney magic you’ve heard about.
But here’s the thing – where you stay makes a big difference in how easy (or not) it is to get around. And that matters a lot when you’re pushing a stroller, juggling snacks, and trying to keep everyone happy in the heat and humidity.
So, no, I don’t usually recommend the All-Stars for families with young kids. It’s not about the rooms or the theming—I’ve actually stayed there solo on a work trip and loved my stay. The resorts are clean and cute.
But, I don’t stay there with my family. And that’s because of Transportation.
Why Disney Transportation Can Make or Break Your Day
When you’re traveling with little kids, transportation isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s one of those things that can quietly make your day easier…or unexpectedly make it way harder.
And at the All-Star Resorts, the Disney buses are your only option for getting to the Parks.
Now, to be fair—it’s not always a total disaster. But when you do miss that bus, and you’re standing there with a stroller full of snacks, an overtired toddler, and the Florida sun beating down, you feel every single minute of that wait.
Then, when the bus finally shows up, you’re squeezed in – nose to armpit with the person next to you – trying to hold a squirmy toddler in one arm and keep your stroller from tipping into someone else’s ankles with the other.
It’s…not exactly magical. However, there are better options that don’t require you to cash out your 401K to stay there.
Better Disney Resort Options for Families
No Disney Resort is going to completely eliminate the need for buses – unless you have a car or use a rideshare service like Uber, Lyft, or Minnie Vans.
But, if you’re going to be using Disney’s free transportation, choosing a Skyliner Resort can make getting around way easier.
There are 4 Resorts on the Skyliner line:
- Pop Century (Value)
- Art of Animation (Value)
- Caribbean Beach (Moderate)
- Riviera Resort (DVC)
If you’re watching your budget, you’ll likely be looking at Pop Century and Art of Animation. These are both Disney Value Resorts, with a similar layout and feel as All-Star Resorts. That means they’re great for small kids.
However, if you have a little wiggle room in the budget, Caribbean Beach is probably going to be your best option since it’ll put you at the center of the Skyliner Line (meaning you won’t have to transfer). While it is a Moderate, the discounts are usually greater than at Value Resorts, bringing that cost down.
The downside is that it’s a much larger Resort than the others. So, you could end up with a long walk to pools, food, buses, and the Skyliner.
However, my Clients don’t have to worry about this. Of course, a room request is just that…a request. It’s not a guarantee. But, since most Guests don’t know to do this, my Clients are able to get a room in the best part of the Resort, making walks to the Skyliner quick and easy.
What Makes the Skyliner So Much Easier?
The Skyliner is moving continuously, so the line keeps moving. Unless, the line is ridiculously long, you’re usually in the shade. And most families get their own gondola – which is nice, especially after a long park day.
But, my top reason for staying at a Skyliner Resort is that you don’t have to fold up your stroller to get on!
Unless you have a side-by-side double stroller (most front-to-back doubles are fine — and 3rd party rental companies like Kingdom Strollers make sure the ones they rent fit Disney’s size guidelines), you just roll right on.
While it may not seem like enough of a reason to move away from the All-Star Resorts to another Disney Resort, as a mom of 3 (with 1 still using a stroller), you’ll appreciate the convenience when you don’t have to take your sleeping toddler – and everything else – out of the stroller.
Trust me – It’s way easier!
If you’re not a fan of heights, the Skyliner might not be your thing—and that’s okay! But if Epcot or Hollywood Studios are on your list, the time (and stress) you’ll save might just win you over.
How to Afford a Disney Vacation: Budget-Friendly Tips for Families
You’ve probably been saving for this trip for a long time. So, let’s make sure that you enjoy it.
No one wants to overpay for their vacation. That’s why I am a big believer in planning early – like really early. When you’re working with a tight budget, this is how you’ll make sure you don’t overspend.
You’ll lock in current prices, so the rates will never go up. But it can come down… Disney releases new discounts periodically throughout the year. So, you can expect there to be a new one roughly 3-6 months before you travel.
Because prices change all the time, applying new discounts to existing reservations means you’ll pay less than someone who waited until the discount was released to book. Instant win!
Planning early also lets you budget better for your vacation. Sure, moving from an All-Stars Resort to another Disney Resort is going to cost you more. But, it could be as simple as saving an extra $20 a month. And if that means fewer meltdowns, better naps, and an easier time getting to and from the parks…that tradeoff might be worth it.
Need Help Planning Your Disney Trip on a Budget?
If adding that extra cost feels out of reach, please email me. I really mean it.
I believe that everyone deserves a break from reality every once in awhile. But, I also don’t believe anyone should go into debt to go on vacation. And I certainly don’t believe a tight budget means you need to settle for a less magical vacation.
I’ve been helping families plan Disney vacations for almost 10 years now. I know how to make budgets stretch without sacrificing the magic…or your sanity. I’ve found that sometimes a better vacation is as simple as choosing the right package or applying the right promo at the right time.
And, who knows, you could wind up with a better vacation and a lower overall cost.
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