Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, choosing the right accommodation can significantly impact both your experience and budget. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, one of three All-Star Value Resorts at Walt Disney World, offers an affordable entry point into the magic of staying on Disney property. Disney’s All Star Music is usually one of the lesser expensive value resorts of the Disney Resorts, and is a great place to stay when on a tight budget.

Disney’s All-Star Music Summary

• Located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, this value-category hotel offers affordable accommodations while providing all standard Disney resort benefits including Early Theme Park Entry and complimentary bus transportation.
• Accommodations include standard rooms sleeping up to four guests and family suites sleeping up to six, with all rooms recently renovated to feature modern amenities while maintaining musical theming.
• The resort’s dining options center around the Intermission Food Court, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a quick-service setting, complemented by the Singing Spirits Pool Bar.
• Recreation features include two themed pools—the guitar-shaped Calypso Pool and the Piano Pool—along with Movies Under the Stars, an arcade, and a playground area.
• The musically-themed buildings are organized into five sections (Rock, Broadway, Calypso, Jazz, and Country Fair), with the Broadway section offering the most convenient access to the main building and transportation.
• While the resort excels in affordability and theming, guests should note that it occasionally shares bus service with other All-Star resorts during off-peak periods and offers limited dining options compared to moderate and deluxe resorts.

Location and Transportation

All-Star Music Resort is situated in Disney’s Animal Kingdom resort area, specifically located at 1801 West Buena Vista Drive. The resort’s strategic position provides relatively quick access to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, while still maintaining reasonable travel times to other Walt Disney World destinations.

Transportation to and from the resort is provided exclusively through Disney’s complimentary bus service. Buses run to all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), Disney Springs, and the Disney water parks. During peak times, buses typically arrive every 20 minutes, while off-peak periods might see intervals of up to 30 minutes.

One notable transportation consideration is that All-Star Music occasionally shares buses with its sister properties, All-Star Sports and All-Star Movies, particularly during off-peak seasons. This sharing system can sometimes lead to longer wait times and more crowded buses, especially during park opening and closing hours. The multiple internal bus stops can also extend travel time, so guests should factor this into their planning.

Resort Theming and Layout

The resort celebrates various music genres through larger-than-life icons and decorative elements. The guest rooms are housed in five pairs of buildings, each celebrating a different musical style. The Rock Inn buildings showcase giant electric guitars and drum kits, while the Broadway Hotel section features larger-than-life playbills and theater marquees. The Calypso area transports guests to a tropical paradise with massive maracas and steel drums, while the Jazz Inn celebrates the smooth sounds of jazz with towering saxophones and trumpets. The Country Fair section rounds out the collection with boot-scootin’ decor and oversized banjos.

The theming is unmistakably bold and playful, capturing Disney’s knack for immersive storytelling. While some guests might find the aesthetic a bit over-the-top, it creates an engaging environment that particularly resonates with families with children. The musical touches extend beyond the building exteriors, with themed walkways, light fixtures, and landscaping that reinforce each area’s distinct identity.

Room Options and Amenities

All-Star Music offers two primary room categories: Standard Rooms and Family Suites. The Standard Rooms measure approximately 260 square feet and can accommodate up to four adults. These rooms provide a comfortable retreat after a day in the parks, featuring either two queen beds or one king bed. The bathroom includes a tub/shower combination, perfect for families with small children. A small table with two chairs offers a convenient spot for quick meals or planning the next day’s adventures. The rooms also include practical amenities such as a mini-fridge for storing drinks and snacks, a flat-screen TV for entertainment, and storage options including a dresser and small closet area.

The Family Suites offer a more spacious option at approximately 520 square feet and can sleep up to six people. These suites feature a master bedroom with a queen bed, providing parents with a private retreat. The living area doubles as a sleeping space with a pull-out sofa bed, complemented by a sleeper chair and sleeper ottoman for additional sleeping arrangements. With two full bathrooms, families can streamline their morning routines. The addition of a kitchenette with a microwave and mini-fridge allows for simple meal preparation and snack storage, while expanded storage space helps keep the suite organized during longer stays.

All rooms at the resort have undergone recent renovations, introducing a more contemporary design while maintaining subtle musical touches. The modern updates include wood-effect flooring instead of carpet, contributing to better cleanliness and maintenance. The new design scheme incorporates clean lines and neutral tones, accented by playful musical elements that tie into the resort’s theme without overwhelming the space.

Dining Experience

Melody Hall serves as the central hub of Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, housing essential guest services and dining facilities. This expansive building welcomes visitors with oversized musical instruments adorning its façade, setting the tone for the resort’s melodious theme. Inside, guests will find the resort’s check-in area, the Intermission Food Court, and Maestro Mickey’s Gift Shop. The food court features various serving stations designed to resemble a musical stage, complete with themed lighting and decorative elements that reinforce the performance venue aesthetic. The lobby area showcases a dramatic display of musical motifs, from giant piano keys to orchestral designs, creating an immersive entrance experience. Guest services, including the concierge desk and luggage assistance, are also conveniently located within Melody Hall, making it a frequent stop for visitors throughout their stay.

The Intermission Food Court serves as the resort’s primary dining location, offering a varied menu throughout the day. For breakfast, guests can start their day with traditional favorites like Mickey waffles, fresh eggs, and breakfast platters, or grab quick options like pastries and fruit for those eager to reach the parks. The lunch and dinner menus feature a rotating selection of American classics and international dishes, with dedicated stations for pasta, pizza, grilled items, and made-to-order sandwiches. A market section provides convenient access to grab-and-go items, beverages, and snacks for in-room enjoyment.

While the food quality is generally good for a quick-service location, guests staying for extended periods might find the menu somewhat repetitive. The food court can become particularly busy during peak breakfast hours between 8 and 10 AM, and during the dinner rush from 6 to 8 PM. During these times, finding a table can be challenging, and wait times at ordering stations may increase.

Maestro Mickey’s Gift Shop not only offers resort-specific merchandise and Disney souvenirs but also serves as a convenient spot to pick up basic sundries, snacks, and last-minute necessities. The shop’s selection of grab-and-go food items can be particularly convenient for late-night cravings or quick breakfast options.

The Singing Spirits Pool Bar, located near the main Calypso Pool, provides a relaxing spot to enjoy a variety of alcoholic beverages and light snacks. The bar’s menu includes tropical cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options, perfect for afternoon refreshment or evening relaxation.

Recreation and Entertainment

The resort’s recreational offerings center around its two distinctive pools. The Guitar-shaped Calypso Pool serves as the main aquatic attraction, featuring a vibrant atmosphere with regular poolside activities led by enthusiastic Disney cast members. While the pool doesn’t include a water slide, it offers interactive water features that provide plenty of entertainment for younger guests. A dedicated kiddie pool area ensures that even the smallest visitors can safely enjoy the water.

The Piano Pool offers a quieter alternative for those seeking a more relaxed swimming experience. Its unique design, shaped like a grand piano complete with black and white keys, adds a whimsical touch to the swimming experience while maintaining a more subdued atmosphere compared to the main pool.

Beyond the pools, the resort offers several other recreational options. A well-maintained jogging trail connects all three All-Star Resorts, providing a scenic route for morning runs or evening walks. The Note’able Games Arcade presents a climate-controlled entertainment option, particularly welcome during afternoon thunderstorms or for teens seeking additional entertainment.

The resort’s Movies Under the Stars program offers complimentary Disney movie screenings in the evening, creating a magical experience for families to enjoy together. The outdoor viewing area provides a comfortable setting to relax and enjoy classic Disney films under the Florida sky. A playground area near the Calypso Pool gives younger guests additional options for burning off excess energy.

Advantages of Choosing All-Star Music

One of the most compelling reasons to choose All-Star Music Resort is its affordability. As a Value category resort, it consistently offers some of the lowest rates for staying on Disney property, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers who still want to experience the benefits of staying at a Disney resort.

Speaking of benefits, guests at All-Star Music enjoy the same valuable Disney resort perks as those staying at more expensive properties. Each morning, resort guests can enter any theme park thirty minutes before the official opening time through Early Theme Park Entry, providing a significant advantage in experiencing popular attractions with shorter wait times. The complimentary transportation system connects guests to all Disney destinations, while convenient resort package delivery allows shoppers to send their in-park purchases directly to the hotel. Guests also gain the advantage of early access to Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane selections, available starting at 7 AM.

The resort’s Family Suites deserve special mention as they provide an excellent value for larger families or groups. These accommodations offer a more affordable alternative to Deluxe Villa rooms while still providing ample space and practical amenities for extended stays. The recent room renovations throughout the resort have also enhanced the overall guest experience, introducing modern amenities and fresh aesthetics while maintaining the playful musical theme that makes the resort unique.

The compact layout of All-Star Music proves particularly beneficial for guests with mobility concerns or families with young children. Most amenities lie within a short walking distance from guest rooms, minimizing the time and effort required to reach the food court, pools, or bus stops.

Considerations and Limitations

Transportation at All-Star Music, while complimentary, presents certain challenges worth considering. During off-peak periods, the resort often shares bus service with its sister All-Star properties, potentially leading to extended wait times and more crowded conditions. Unlike some other Disney resorts, All-Star Music doesn’t offer alternative transportation options such as boat service, monorail access, or walking paths to parks. The presence of multiple internal bus stops can also add time to each journey.

Dining options at the resort remain relatively limited compared to moderate and deluxe alternatives. The single quick-service location, while offering varied menu items, can become quite crowded during peak dining hours. The absence of a table-service restaurant means guests seeking a more upscale dining experience will need to travel to other resorts or Disney Springs.

The resort’s popularity among youth groups and sports teams can impact the overall atmosphere, particularly during certain seasons. Pool areas often become quite busy during peak hours, and the external walkway design means some rooms may experience higher noise levels during busy periods. These considerations make room location an important factor in the overall guest experience.

Strategic Room Selection

Room location can significantly impact your stay at All-Star Music, and several factors deserve consideration when making requests. The Broadway Hotel section, particularly buildings 1 and 2, offers excellent proximity to the main building, minimizing walking time to the food court and transportation. Upper floor rooms typically provide better views of the resort’s imaginative architecture and can offer a quieter environment away from ground-level foot traffic.

Guests prioritizing a peaceful environment might prefer rooms facing away from the pools, where activity levels remain high throughout the day. Conversely, families planning significant pool time might appreciate the convenience of the Calypso buildings, offering easy access to the main pool area. Transportation-focused guests should consider requesting rooms near internal bus stops, though they should weigh this convenience against potential noise from early morning and late-night bus operations.

Making the Most of Your Stay

Maximizing your experience at All-Star Music Resort involves strategic planning and setting appropriate expectations. Guests who book standard rooms should consider packing efficiently, as storage space requires thoughtful organization. Bringing a small pop-up hamper can help manage clothing and maximize available space, while over-the-door hooks can provide additional storage options for jackets and bags.

Timing can significantly impact your resort experience. The food court typically sees lighter crowds between 7:00-7:30 AM or after 8:30 PM for dinner. These off-peak dining times can provide a more relaxed meal experience. Similarly, the pools often see reduced crowds during normal park hours, making mid-afternoon breaks an excellent time for swimming if your schedule permits.

Transportation strategies can help optimize your park experience. Consider allowing 45-60 minutes for bus transportation to any destination, particularly during peak times or when bus sharing is in effect. Early morning park visitors should plan to arrive at the bus stop at least 45 minutes before Early Theme Park Entry begins to ensure timely arrival for rope drop.

Why Choose Disney’s All-Star Music Resort?

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort successfully fulfills its role as a value-category hotel within the Walt Disney World portfolio. It delivers on the essential elements that make a Disney resort stay special – themed environments, helpful cast members, and valuable Disney benefits – while maintaining accessibility for budget-conscious travelers. The recent room renovations have enhanced the guest experience considerably, bringing modern amenities and fresh aesthetics to complement the resort’s playful musical atmosphere.

While the resort does present certain limitations in dining options and amenities, these trade-offs are generally well-balanced against the significant cost savings compared to moderate and deluxe alternatives. The key to enjoying All-Star Music lies in understanding its position within Disney’s resort hierarchy and adjusting expectations accordingly.

For families, first-time visitors, and Disney fans seeking an affordable home base for their theme park adventures, All-Star Music provides a harmonious blend of Disney magic and practical value. The resort’s commitment to maintaining clean, comfortable accommodations while providing access to essential Disney benefits makes it a noteworthy contender for your Walt Disney World vacation planning.

Whether you’re conducting your first Disney orchestra or returning for an encore stay, All-Star Music Resort offers a comfortable, themed environment that serves as an ideal launching pad for your Walt Disney World adventures. With proper planning and realistic expectations, guests can create magical memories while maintaining better control over their vacation budget, making this resort a sound choice for many Disney World visitors.

Find out more about all Walt Disney World Value Resorts.