Disney World Value Resorts Guide

Ready to start planning your Walt Disney World vacation? With so much information, it can be difficult to navigate all the things. But we are here to help! The first step to planning your Walt Disney World vacation is to choose what type of resort you want to stay at. Today we are sharing all about the Value Resorts at Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World has 3 resort categories. Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Each resort category offers different things, at different price points, and in this post, we are sharing what you need to know about value resorts at Walt Disney World. And how you can decide if a Disney Value Resort is right for your Walt Disney World vacation!

What Are Disney Value Resorts?

The Value Resorts at Walt Disney World are the least expensive resorts on Walt Disney World property, and are usually available for between $120- $240 per night, depending on a variety of factors. Value resorts at Walt Disney World are also the most Disney-themed! Lion King, Little Mermaid, Pop Stars, Herbie the Love Bug, and even Mighty Ducks all have a place at the All-Star Resorts. If you’re looking for large Disney icons strewn across the resort, you will only find them at these hotels. Considered a more of you bare bones type of hotel Value Resorts are a great option for those traveling to Walt Disney World on a budget. And if you’re planning to spend most of your time in the Parks, you probably don’t need anything too fancy.  There are six Disney Resorts in the Value Resort Category. 

• Disney’s All Star Music 
• Disney’s All Star Movies
• Disney’s All Star Sports
• Art of Animation Resort
• Pop Century Resort
• Campgrounds at Fort Wilderness

All of the Value Resorts will have a main food court, gift shop, pool bar, and one or more pools throughout. They are set up like a motel-style hotel, with doors directly facing the outside. These resorts tend to be quite large. And can sometimes require a lot of walking between bus stops and the food court depending on where your room is located. With the exception of the campgrounds, there is usually only one bus stop area. 

All Stars Resorts at Walt Disney World

The All-Stars Resorts are a group of three resorts that are basically set up the same, but with different themes. They are all located within walking distance of one another, and on occasion will share buses. Each All-Stars Resort basically offers the same thing, with a food court, pool bar, and two pools. Many of the rooms have been refurbished in recent years, so you can expect them to look pretty similar to one another. 

All Stars Movies Resort

Probably the most popular of the All-Stars resorts, All Stars Movies Resort is based on classic Disney cartoons. One of the most “Disney” hotels you can find at Walt Disney World, All Stars Movies Resort not only tends to be slightly higher priced than the others but also usually sells out first.  Movies represented here are Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians, Fantasia 2000, The Mighty Ducks, and The Love Bug.  All Stars Movies features a pool themed to Fantasia in a movie theater for its main pool, with a smaller pool located in the Mighty Ducks section and themed to match. The rooms have been updated in recent years, so you can expect clean and modern accommodations with little Disney touches. Disney transportation at All Stars Movies is buses only. 

All Stars Music Resort

All Stars Music Resort is the only All-Stars resort that offers family suites. Many people don’t know about these as they aren’t heavily advertised.  But we think it’s a great way to travel with a larger party on a budget. All Stars Music is themed with larger-than-life musical instruments all around. Genres represented here are jazz, country, rock and roll, calypso, and Broadway. The main pool is shaped like a guitar and is themed around the Three Caballeros, while the second pool is smaller and shaped like a keyboard. Buses are the only method of Disney transportation at All Stars Music Resort. 

All Stars Sports Resort

All Stars Sports Resort is unfortunately the only value resort that has not yet been fully refurbished. This is actually really a shame because it doesn’t necessarily result in lower prices.  Disney’s plan is to have all rooms refurbished sometime in 2023, so we are hoping they can stick to that timeline. Sports represented here are football

Pop Century Resort

Our favorite value resort is Pop Century. With the convenience of the Skyliner, easy access to Art of Animation, and its fun, bright colors, this is our go-to resort when traveling on a budget.  Themed to pop culture over the years, this resort is a little quirky, and a little cheesy, but mostly it’s just a lot of fun. They have one main pool with a 60s theme near the front at Classic Hall and two smaller quiet pools throughout. The rooms are pretty standard-looking rooms, as they were refurbished several years ago.  Bus transportation is available for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. And the Skyliner will take you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. 

Art of Animation Resort

Disney’ Art of Animation Hotel is technically a value-plus resort and the only one in its category. Not quite moderate, but slightly different than a traditional Value Resort. Art of Animation is perfect for families, because well, it mostly offers family suites! Art of Animation is by far the most Disney resort you’ll find at Walt Disney World. With larger-than-life characters, this resort is over-the-top Disney-themed everywhere. The only standard rooms it offers are the Little Mermaid Rooms. And all other rooms are suites, with themes like Finding Nemo, Lion King, and Cars. The family suites here are great for those traveling with larger parties, or those wanting a little extra space. They have one of the most fun pools and splash pads for little ones, and we think this is the perfect resort for anyone traveling with kids.

Art of Animation is also located on the Skyliner Route, making it easy to access both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Like Pop Century, bus transportation is available for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. 

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is kind of its own thing. But the campground portion of this resort is technically a value resort, with prices to match. Campsites include spaces for tents, campers and RVs. And for those who want something a little more, the Cabins of Fort Wilderness are here too, but at a deluxe price point.  Fort Wilderness is quite large. And perfect for those who are looking for a different way to vacation at Walt Disney World.

Submersed in nature, the campgrounds at Walt Disney World have become one of our favorite spots! Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground have two pools and more dining options than the other value resorts. PJ’s Southern Takeout, Hoop-de-doo-Revue, Crockett’s Tavern, and food trucks can be found at Pioneer Hall. And Trail’s End is being newly reimagined later this year, so guests staying here will have even more quick service options. Bus transportation is available to all parks except Magic Kingdom, which offers boat transportation instead. 

Pros and Cons of Disney Value Resorts

Are Disney Value Resorts right for your family trip to Disney World? As always, that depends! If you’re traveling to Walt Disney World on a budget, then we think it’s a good option to consider. If you don’t need anything fancy and plan to spend most of your time at the Parks, then yes, we think the Value Resorts are a good option.  Since they tend to be the most fun-themed resort for little ones, we also think the Value resorts are a great choice for those traveling with smaller children.  And the family suites at All Stars Music and Art of Animation are great for families who want or need a little more space.

Value Resorts may not be the right choice for you though if you prefer having other forms of transportation to the Parks than the buses. Or if you want more convenience in getting to and from the Parks, we say skip these. If you’re looking for a more luxurious resort experience, Value Resorts also won’t offer you that either.  While we wouldn’t recommend staying at a Value Resort for a special occasion like a honeymoon, or for a family trip where most of your time is spent at the Parks, we think they are just fine!

Disney Value Resorts Prices

How much do Value Resorts cost at Walt Disney World? Price is going to vary widely based on the time of year and availability though are usually available for between $120- $240 per night. For instance the Family Suites at Art of Animation  can be closer to $500/ night certain times of year. There are cheaper options with Good Neighbor or off-property hotels near Disney Springs, but if you’re looking to stay at a Walt Disney World resort, these will be your most budget-friendly option. That being said, during a lower season and with a promo, we were able to find some rooms closer to $100-ish per night. Always check the Disney special offers page for discounts!

Overall Review of Disney World Value Resorts

Overall we think the Value Resorts at Walt Disney World can be a great choice depending on what your priorities are, what you want your trip to look like, and what your bank account allows. They may not have multiple dining options, and in the case of the All-Stars, not have the most convenient transportation options. But if you’re not too picky about where you stay, these are comfortable enough and are a great jumping base for being able to enjoy what the Disney Parks have to offer. Have you stayed at a Value Resort before? Which is your favorite?