Walt Disney World Value Resorts

Walt Disney World’s value resorts offer budget-conscious travelers the full Disney resort experience while maintaining many cherished Disney amenities. These resorts provide the perfect starting point for magical vacations, each with its own distinct theme and personality.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century celebrates American pop culture through five decades of nostalgia. The resort’s sections transport guests from the 1950s through the 1990s, with massive icons defining each era. Recently renovated rooms feature modern amenities, including queen beds and innovative Murphy bed designs that maximize living space. The resort’s prime location and Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios elevate it above typical value resort offerings. Everything POP Shopping and Dining provides extensive meal options, while three themed pools offer aquatic entertainment, including the centerpiece Hippy Dippy Pool.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort represents Disney’s newest value offering, immersing guests in the world of animation. The resort divides into four distinct sections celebrating The Little Mermaid, Cars, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo. Most rooms are family suites sleeping six guests, though standard rooms exist in The Little Mermaid section. The Big Blue Pool, Disney World’s largest resort pool, anchors the Finding Nemo area. Landscape of Flavors food court offers diverse dining options exceeding typical value resort fare. Like Pop Century, Art of Animation benefits from Skyliner access.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort brings Disney cinema to life through larger-than-life icons and immersive theming. Recent room renovations mirror Pop Century’s design, providing modern accommodations within the classic value resort framework. Themed sections celebrate Toy Story, Fantasia, 101 Dalmatians, The Love Bug, and The Mighty Ducks. The Fantasia pool area features Sorcerer Mickey, while Cinema Hall’s food court provides standard quick-service offerings.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort celebrates diverse musical genres through its themed sections. The resort offers both standard rooms and family suites, though these suites differ from Art of Animation’s design. Musical instruments and icons create perfect photo opportunities throughout the property. The guitar-shaped Calypso Pool provides the main swimming area, while the Piano Pool offers a quieter alternative.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort completes the All-Star trio with sections themed to different athletic pursuits. Giant football helmets, baseball bats, and surfboards create distinctive environments throughout the resort. Though currently awaiting renovation, rooms maintain classic value resort design. The resort particularly appeals to young athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Transportation Comparison

Transportation options significantly differentiate these resorts. Pop Century and Art of Animation’s Skyliner access provides quick connections to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, while maintaining dedicated Disney bus service to other destinations. The All-Star Resorts rely solely on bus transportation, occasionally sharing service during off-peak periods.

Dining Experiences

Dining experiences vary between properties. Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors leads value resort dining with diverse options and preparation stations. Pop Century’s Everything POP similarly provides extensive choices. The All-Star Resort food courts offer more limited but adequate quick-service options.

Room Designs and Updates

Room designs create another point of distinction. Pop Century and All-Star Movies feature fully renovated rooms with queen beds and Murphy beds. Art of Animation combines both family suites and standard rooms with modern designs. All-Star Music offers older-style family suites, while All-Star Sports awaits renovation.

Location and Access

Location impacts park access times. Pop Century and Art of Animation occupy the EPCOT resort area, providing central access to most destinations. The All-Star Resorts cluster near Animal Kingdom, requiring longer travel to certain parks but offering quick access to Animal Kingdom and Blizzard Beach.

Common Benefits

Despite their differences, all value resorts provide core Disney benefits including Early Theme Park Entry, Disney Dining Plan eligibility, and complimentary transportation. Each resort features multiple pools, arcades, gift shops, food courts, and nightly Movies Under the Stars presentations.

Pricing Structure

Pricing structures reflect amenities and renovation status. The All-Star Resorts typically offer lower rates, particularly All-Star Sports with its original room design. Pop Century commands slightly higher rates, justified by Skyliner access and updated rooms. Art of Animation’s family suites represent the premium value resort offering, with standard rooms priced similarly to Pop Century.

Making Your Choice

When choosing between value resorts, consider transportation preferences, room design priorities, and theme preferences. Pop Century’s combination of location, transportation, and updated rooms makes it an excellent choice for many guests. Art of Animation suits larger families requiring suite accommodations. The All-Star Resorts provide the most economical entry point to Disney resort benefits.

All value resorts succeed in providing affordable access to Disney magic while maintaining essential amenities. Though lacking certain moderate and deluxe resort features, they deliver core Disney benefits and themed environments at budget-friendly prices. Through careful consideration of each resort’s strengths, guests can select the perfect home base for their Disney World adventure.