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I’ve Stayed at Every Disney Resort Tier—Here’s Why I Skip the All-Star Resorts
When planning a Disney World vacation, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodations. From off-site hotels and non-Disney properties on Disney grounds to resorts near Disney Springs and Bonnet Creek, the options are endless. Then, of course, there are the official Disney World Resort hotels, which are categorized into Deluxe Villas, Deluxe Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Value Resorts based on their price, amenities, and location.
I’ve had the chance to stay at many of these resorts across all categories. But there’s one group I consistently skip: the Disney All-Star Resorts.
What Are the Disney All-Star Resorts?
The All-Star Resorts fall under Disney’s Value Resort category. These are the most budget-friendly Disney hotels, but they also come with fewer amenities and dining options. Each All-Star Resort includes a quick-service food court, a pool bar, and bus-only transportation. They each have their own unique theme:
– All-Star Movies: Features sections themed after beloved Disney films like Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians, Fantasia, and The Mighty Ducks.
– All-Star Music: Celebrates musical genres such as country, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, calypso, and Broadway show tunes.
– All-Star Sports: Sports lovers will enjoy themes centered around baseball, basketball, football, surfing, and tennis.
Rooms are basic, offering a Queen Bed and a Queen-Size Table Bed. Preferred rooms are available if you want to be closer to the main amenities. All-Star Music also offers Family Suites that sleep up to six adults, with a Queen Bed and two Queen-Size Pull-Down Beds.
Why I Usually Skip the All-Star Resorts
I’m all for saving money on Disney trips—I’ve used Priceline blind deals and hotel points from Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. But even as a budget-conscious traveler, I usually pass on the All-Star Resorts. Here’s why:
Pop Century Is a Better Value
While the All-Star Resorts are typically the cheapest Disney hotels, Pop Century often isn’t much more expensive—and it offers more convenience. Both Pop Century and Art of Animation (also Value Resorts) have access to the Disney Skyliner, a gondola system that connects you to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and other resorts like Caribbean Beach and Riviera.
This transportation perk is a game-changer. For example, for a trip from July 13 to July 17, 2025, the All-Star Resorts were priced at $180 per night ($126 with a Passholder discount). Pop Century was $224 per night ($156 with the same discount). For just $30 more per night, I’d rather have the convenience of the Skyliner—especially with a young child in tow.
Limited Dining Options
Each All-Star Resort has a food court that covers the basics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That’s fine if you’re just looking to grab a quick bite before heading to the parks. But my family enjoys sit-down meals, often at other resorts. At the All-Stars, getting to another hotel for dining means taking a bus to a park, then transferring to another bus—then doing it all again to get back.
Pop Century, on the other hand, gives you access to the Skyliner, making it easy to dine at Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach, or EPCOT-area hotels like the BoardWalk.
Comparable Pricing to Off-Site Hotels
Staying on Disney property does come with perks—like early access to Lightning Lanes, Early Theme Park Entry, and, in 2025, free water park admission on check-in day. But many of these benefits are also available at non-Disney hotels, such as Good Neighbor Hotels, Bonnet Creek properties, and Disney Springs area hotels.
For the same price as an All-Star room ($120–$180 per night), I can often find a Marriott or Hilton with more space and better amenities. Unless I’m taking full advantage of Disney’s exclusive perks, I’d rather stay off-site.
When the All-Star Resorts Make Sense
That said, there are times when staying at an All-Star Resort is absolutely worth it. Here are a few situations where they shine:
1. Deep Discounts
Sometimes, the All-Star Resorts offer unbeatable deals. For example, a recent Disney+ subscriber promotion had rooms at All-Star Sports for just $99 per night. That’s tough to beat—even compared to nearby off-site hotels.
2. Free Water Park Admission
In 2025, guests staying at Disney-owned hotels get free water park entry on their check-in day. This perk is not available at Good Neighbor Hotels or the Swan and Dolphin. If a water park day is on your agenda, staying at an All-Star Resort could save you $43.50 to $87 per person.
3. Family Suites
Traveling with a larger group? All-Star Music offers Family Suites that sleep up to six and include a separate living area. While Art of Animation also has Family Suites, they’re significantly more expensive. For the same July 2025 dates, All-Star Music’s Family Suite is $412 per night, while Art of Animation’s ranges from $566 to $624. Even with discounts, All-Star Music is the more budget-friendly choice.
The Bottom Line
While the All-Star Resorts are often the cheapest way to stay on Disney property, they’re not always the best value for my family. We prefer the added convenience of Pop Century or the upgraded amenities of off-site hotels. That said, if you’re looking for a low-cost way to stay on Disney property—especially with a big group or during a promotion—the All-Star Resorts can be a great option.
It all comes down to what matters most to you: price, convenience, amenities, or access to Disney perks. For us, the All-Star Resorts usually don’t check enough boxes—but your mileage may vary.
Source: wdw-magazine.com