Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is one of three All Star Resorts, and brings the magic of Disney and Pixar animation to life through larger-than-life decor, themed buildings, and immersive courtyards that celebrate classic films. This value resort delivers an engaging and affordable experience for families wanting to stay within the Walt Disney World bubble without breaking their vacation budget. All-Star Movies has long been one of the most popular Disney value resorts on Disney property.

All-Star Movies Summary

1. Value resort featuring oversized Disney movie icons, including Toy Story, Fantasia, 101 Dalmatians, Love Bug, and Mighty Ducks sections
2. 260-square-foot rooms sleep up to 4 guests, featuring two double beds or one king bed with mini-fridge
3. World Premiere Food Court provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar for drinks and snacks
4. Two pools: Fantasia Pool (feature pool with activities) and Duck Pond Pool (quiet pool)
5. Located in Animal Kingdom resort area with bus transportation to all Disney parks and Disney Springs
6. Guest perks include Early Theme Park Entry, Movies Under the Stars, and Reel Fun Arcade
7. Affordable pricing ranges from $119-$270 depending on room type and season

Location and Transportation

Situated in the Animal Kingdom resort area, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is located at 1991 West Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The resort enjoys convenient access to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, which is just a short drive away. It’s also well-positioned for reaching other Walt Disney World destinations, though it’s important to note that it’s one of the more distant resorts from Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Transportation to and from the theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs is provided exclusively by complimentary Disney bus service. The resort has a covered bus stop area located conveniently near Cinema Hall (the main building). Buses typically begin running 45 minutes before park opening and continue until about 2 hours after park closing. During peak times, All-Star Movies often has its own dedicated bus service to each park. However, during slower periods, it may share buses with the other All-Star resorts (All-Star Sports and All-Star Music), with Movies being the second stop on the route.

For guests driving their own vehicles, the resort provides ample parking. Standard self-parking is available for a fee per night, which is added to your room charges. Complimentary parking is available for guests visiting just for the day or dining at World Premiere Food Court.

Resort Layout and Theming

The resort consists of Cinema Hall (the main building) and five pairs of three-story buildings arranged in themed courtyards. Each area celebrates a different Disney film with enormous icons, creative landscaping, and detailed decorations that transport guests into their favorite Disney movies.

Cinema Hall serves as the heart of Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, housing all essential resort services in a space designed to evoke the golden age of movie theaters. The expansive front lobby welcomes guests with a soaring ceiling, art deco styling, and dramatic lighting that creates an authentic cinema atmosphere. Behind the front desk, oversized film strips and movie reels decorate the walls, while the expansive space flows naturally into the World Premiere Food Court and Donald’s Double Feature shop. The building’s layout efficiently connects guests to resort amenities, with the food court occupying one wing and the merchandise location in another.

In the Toy Story section, larger-than-life versions of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and other beloved characters create an immersive playground atmosphere. Giant toy blocks, a massive Candyland board, and oversized playground toys surround guests, making them feel as though they’ve been shrunk down to toy size. The attention to detail extends to the building facades, which feature creative touches like Andy’s drawings and crayon-style accents.

The Fantasia area pays homage to Disney’s classic animated masterpiece with huge statues of Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, accompanied by marching broomsticks and magical fountains. The buildings showcase art deco styling that reflects the film’s distinctive visual style, creating a sophisticated yet whimsical atmosphere that appeals to guests of all ages.

In the 101 Dalmatians section, gigantic spotted puppies and towering fire hydrants create a playful environment that captures the charm of the beloved film. Pongo and Perdita keep watch over their many pups, while oversized dog bones and spots create delightful photo opportunities that families love to discover.

The Love Bug section celebrates the spirit of racing with Herbie taking center stage. Giant pylons, checkered flags, and racing memorabilia surround the buildings, creating an atmosphere of high-speed adventure that racing enthusiasts particularly enjoy.

The Mighty Ducks section features massive hockey sticks, pucks, and netting that transform the area into a larger-than-life hockey arena. While this area may feel somewhat dated to modern guests, it maintains a fun sports atmosphere that resonates with young athletes and sports fans.

Rooms and Accommodations

The resort’s standard rooms measure 260 square feet and provide comfortable accommodations for up to four adults. Each recently refurbished room features either two double beds (one standard queen and one Murphy bed queen) or one king bed, perfect for families or traveling companions. The rooms received their most recent update in 2021, which introduced hardwood-style floors, updated furnishings, and a fresh color palette while maintaining subtle movie-themed elements.

Inside each room, guests will find a mini-refrigerator perfect for storing snacks and drinks, as well as a table with two chairs that provides a convenient spot for quick meals or planning the day’s activities. A wall-mounted flat-screen TV offers entertainment during downtime, while the bathroom features a tub/shower combination and a separate vanity area with sink, making it easier for multiple guests to prepare for the day simultaneously.

The rooms come equipped with modern amenities including a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and an in-room safe for valuables. Reliable WiFi access throughout the resort keeps guests connected, and the efficient layout makes the most of the available space.

Room categories vary based on location and view. Standard rooms may overlook parking areas, rooftops, or service areas, while preferred rooms offer the convenience of proximity to Cinema Hall, the food court, and bus transportation. Pool view rooms provide pleasant vistas of the resort’s swimming areas, with preferred pool view rooms combining both a prime location and appealing outlook.

Dining Options

The World Premiere Food Court serves as the resort’s primary dining location, welcoming guests in Cinema Hall with theming that recalls a classic movie theater concession stand. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this expansive quick-service venue offers a variety of dining stations that cater to different tastes and preferences. The Majestic counter specializes in Italian favorites, serving fresh-made pizzas and pasta dishes throughout the day. At the Roxy, guests can find American classics like burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches prepared to order. The Lyric offers lighter fare including fresh salads and warming soups, while the Grand provides convenient grab-and-go items, tempting desserts, and beverages. The Rialto rounds out the offerings with specialty items and rotating entrees that keep the menu fresh and interesting.

Near the Fantasia Pool, the Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar provides a relaxing spot for adults to unwind while keeping an eye on swimming children. This outdoor venue offers a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine, along with non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks. The casual atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for afternoon refreshment or evening relaxation.

While the resort doesn’t offer traditional room service, guests can still enjoy the convenience of evening pizza delivery directly to their rooms. This option proves particularly popular with families after long days in the parks or during inclement weather.

Recreation and Amenities

The Fantasia Pool serves as the resort’s main aquatic attraction, themed to the iconic Sorcerer’s Apprentice sequence from the classic film. A towering Sorcerer Mickey stands at the pool’s edge, spraying water into the swimming area while keeping watch over splashing guests. The spacious pool deck provides ample lounge chairs for sunbathing or supervising young swimmers, while regular poolside activities led by enthusiastic recreation staff keep the energy high and the fun flowing.

For those seeking a quieter swimming experience, the Duck Pond Pool in the Mighty Ducks section offers a more serene atmosphere. This secondary pool features the same heated comfort as the main pool but with notably less activity and crowd noise. The hockey-themed surroundings create a unique ambiance while providing a peaceful retreat for afternoon swimming or evening relaxation.

Each evening, the resort hosts Movies Under the Stars near the Fantasia Pool, screening favorite Disney films for guests to enjoy in the open air. This complimentary entertainment option proves especially popular with families looking to extend their Disney magic beyond the parks. The nearby playground in the Fantasia section gives young children another outlet for physical activity, while the jogging trail connecting all three All-Star Resorts provides exercise opportunities for fitness-minded guests.

The Reel Fun Arcade offers indoor entertainment with a mix of modern and classic games. This air-conditioned space provides a welcome diversion during afternoon thunderstorms or for families seeking evening entertainment beyond the pools and movies.

Shopping and Services

Donald’s Double Feature, the resort’s merchandise location, stocks everything from Disney souvenirs to practical necessities. The shop maintains a varied inventory of resort-specific merchandise that makes for perfect vacation mementos, along with a practical selection of sundries, toiletries, and swimming supplies. Parents particularly appreciate the availability of baby essentials and basic medical supplies, while everyone enjoys browsing the selection of snacks and beverages available for purchase.

The resort provides several convenient services that enhance the guest experience. A business center in Cinema Hall offers basic computing and printing services, while ATMs provide easy access to cash. Laundry facilities in each section of the resort help families stay fresh throughout their vacation, and the airline check-in service makes departure day significantly more manageable.

Special Considerations for Different Travelers

Families with young children often find the Toy Story and 101 Dalmatians sections particularly appealing, as these areas feature the most recognizable characters and engaging photo opportunities. The oversized decor creates an immersive environment that captures children’s imaginations and makes even walks to the bus stop an adventure in themselves.

Light sleepers might prefer requesting rooms on upper floors away from the pools and main courtyards. The resort’s popularity with youth groups and families can create higher noise levels in central areas, particularly during peak seasons. The buildings furthest from Cinema Hall tend to offer the quietest surroundings, though they require longer walks to resort amenities.

Guests with mobility considerations should carefully consider room location when booking. While the entire resort is accessible, the sprawling layout means significant walking distances from outlying buildings. A Preferred room near Cinema Hall will substantially reduce required walking and provide easier access to dining, shopping, and transportation.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

Florida’s climate plays a significant role in the resort experience. All walkways between buildings are outdoor paths with limited covered areas, making inclement weather preparation essential. Afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months can make walking between buildings challenging, so packing umbrellas or ponchos is strongly recommended.

The resort sees distinct busy periods throughout the year, particularly during youth sporting events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. These periods bring increased activity to common areas, especially the food court during breakfast hours. Understanding these patterns helps guests better plan their stays and set appropriate expectations for crowds and noise levels.

During summer months, the intense Florida heat makes pool time especially appealing. Both pools remain heated year-round, though the Fantasia Pool tends to draw larger crowds due to its themed elements and activities. The Duck Pond Pool provides a excellent alternative during peak afternoon hours when the main pool reaches capacity.

Transportation Timing and Strategy

Morning transportation to parks requires strategic planning, especially during peak attendance periods. Buses typically begin running 45 minutes before park opening, but early morning lines can form as guests rush to reach rope drop. The bus stop’s covered waiting area provides protection from sun and rain, though during busy periods, some guests may need to wait in uncovered portions of the queue.

Evening returns from parks often see the heaviest bus traffic, particularly after fireworks shows. During these peak times, having a backup plan such as sharing a ride service can prove valuable. The resort’s location means slightly longer bus rides to Magic Kingdom and Epcot compared to some other Disney properties, though the time difference rarely exceeds 5-10 minutes.

Value and Affordability

The resort’s position in Disney’s value category provides significant advantages for budget-conscious travelers. Room rates typically run lower than moderate and deluxe resorts while still providing essential Disney benefits like Early Theme Park Entry and Disney’s Magical Express (through 2021). Strategic planning around meal times can further reduce costs, such as keeping breakfast items in the room’s mini-refrigerator or purchasing refillable mugs for beverages throughout the stay.

Impact of Recent Changes

Recent room refurbishments have modernized the accommodations while maintaining Disney charm. The replacement of carpeting with hardwood-style floors has improved room cleanliness and allergen levels. Updated furnishings provide more efficient storage solutions, helping families maximize the available space in these compact rooms.

The implementation of mobile ordering at World Premiere Food Court has streamlined the dining experience, reducing wait times during peak meal periods. This technology integration, combined with online check-in options, has significantly improved the efficiency of guest services throughout the resort.

Final Thoughts

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort successfully delivers an immersive Disney experience at a value price point. While the resort may lack some amenities found at more expensive properties, it compensates with imaginative theming and practical accommodations. For families seeking an affordable entry point to the Disney resort experience, All-Star Movies provides a comfortable home base with access to the full range of Walt Disney World magic.

Find out more about all Walt Disney World Value Resorts.