The cheapest resort at Walt Disney World - for better or worse
The All-Star Resorts are the cheapest hotels you can find at Disney World, and a great choice if you're traveling on a budget. If you sort Disney Resorts by “Lowest Prices” first, you’ll see All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, and All-Star Music at the top, with starting prices around $150 per night. Hey, considering you get complimentary bus transportation to the parks and Early Entry, that’s not bad, right?
There are three different All-Star Resorts, but they’re pretty similar overall, and they’re all located right next to each other as well. All-Star Music is often considered the most peaceful (and probably the best), while All-Star Movies tends to attract more families with kids. All-Star Sports is usually the busiest, especially during events at ESPN Wide World of Sports, when it can get crowded and noisy. I usually avoid that one and go for All-Star Music.
This is the kind of resort for those focused on one thing: price. The rooms are standard, and the amenities are basic, with each resort having a swimming pool and a simple food court. The All-Star Resorts are generally considered a step below Pop Century and Art of Animation, which have more appealing theming and, more importantly, access to the Skyliner system.
What we like about Disney All-Star Resorts
The Price.
If you’re staying at the All-Star Resorts, chances are you’re looking to save money. A room at an All-Star Resort starts around $150 per night, while Pop Century starts at $200 and Art of Animation at $250. If you’re planning to spend your days at the theme parks and just need a base to sleep and recharge, this can be a great option.
Paying $150 and still getting some solid perks can be a big win for many guests. You get Early Entry, which means you can enter the theme parks 30 minutes before the general crowd, and you also get complimentary bus transportation to and from the parks. A bus from the All-Star Resorts to Magic Kingdom takes about 30 minutes. That might sound like a lot, but keep in mind that, if you're not staying at a Disney Resort, you’ll need to drive to the Ticket and Transportation Center and then take the monorail. That whole process usually takes even longer.
Other than that, the resort is… fine? Nothing here is top-notch or luxurious, but that’s expected. It definitely feels Disney-ish, with lots of oversized statues and decor that bring movies like Fantasia and even The Mighty Ducks to life. Kids usually love this resort, though it might not be the best pick for an adults-only trip. The swimming pools are basic but do the job, and the food courts are mostly there for a quick bite or an emergency dinner.
What we don’t like about Disney All-Star Resorts
It’s pretty easy to see the downsides of this resort, and honestly, there’s no surprise there. It’s the most affordable Disney resort, which means it comes with some of the typical trade-offs you'd expect at a $150-per-night hotel. One of the main drawbacks is that it doesn’t have access to the Skyliner, while similar Value Resorts like Pop Century and Art of Animation do.
Another issue is that the decor feels a bit… dated. For example, The Mighty Ducks are still prominently featured, even though Disney no longer owns an NHL team, and let’s be real, most kids today probably haven’t even heard of the movie. The overall aesthetic and the giant statues have a very early-90s vibe, and not in a good way. They can come across as kind of odd and low quality. I really hope Disney gives the All-Star Resorts a full refresh at some point and brings in newer IPs.
The All-Star Resorts can also feel a bit crowded and chaotic depending on the time of year. As I mentioned earlier, my recommendation is to go with All-Star Music first, followed by All-Star Movies. All-Star Sports can get really packed during special events, like college visits or even regular school trips. If you can, avoid it.
Disney All-Star Resorts FAQ
How much is a room at Disney’s All-Star Resorts?
Rooms at Disney’s All-Star Resorts start at around $150 per night.
Do the All-Star Resorts offer access to the Skyliner?
No, the All-Star Resorts do not have access to the Skyliner system.
What are the differences between the All-Star Resorts?
The differences between All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, and All-Star Movies are mostly aesthetic. All three offer similar amenities, including swimming pools and food courts.
What is the best Disney All-Star Resort?
Altough all three are very similar, we at Famvia think that the All-Star Music Resort is the best choice, since it's the most peaceful one.
How long is the trip from the All-Star Resorts to the theme parks?
It depends on the park. A bus ride from the All-Star Resorts to Magic Kingdom takes about 25–30 minutes. A trip to Animal Kingdom takes around 10 minutes.
