Breaking Down Cheap Disney World Resorts
When planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort, selecting the right accommodation is crucial for both comfort and budget. The last thing you want to do after a long day at the park is come back to a hotel room that's too far, too small and too expensive (and they exist - believe me).
Disney’s Value Resorts, the "lowest" tier of on-property hotels offered by Disney, offer an affordable way to stay on Disney property without sacrificing (most of) the magic and convenience associated with Disney hotels.
This guide provides an in-depth look at these budget-friendly options, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision. Here are the best cheap Disney resorts for your family!
Related: Our Guide to All Things Disney!
Overview of Disney’s Value Resorts
Disney’s Value Resorts are designed to provide guests with immersive theming, convenient amenities, and close proximity to the theme parks at a more affordable price point. The Value category includes five resorts:
1. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
2. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
3. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
4. Disney’s Pop Century Resort
5. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Each resort offers unique themes and experiences, catering to different interests and preferences.
Disney’s All-Star Resorts
The All-Star Resorts are a trio of hotels, each with its own distinct theme:
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Theme: Celebrates various sports, including football, baseball, basketball, tennis, and surfing. This one is for the little athlete in your life.
Accommodations: Offers standard rooms featuring two double beds or one king bed, accommodating up to four guests.
Dining: The End Zone Food Court provides a variety of quick-service dining options, but you won't find too much beyond this (a common theme at the Value Resorts!).
Recreation: Features two pools: the Surfboard Bay Pool and the Grand Slam Pool.
Transportation: Bus transportation is available to all theme parks and Disney Springs.
Advantages:
• Affordable rates, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
• Fun, sports-themed decor appealing to athletic enthusiasts.
Disadvantages:
• Rooms are smaller compared to Moderate and Deluxe Resorts.
• Limited dining options with no table service restaurant.
• Bus transportation is shared with other All-Star Resorts, which can lead to longer wait times. This can be an absolute killer if you have a crying child, a stroller and lower back pain from wandering around Epcot all day.
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Theme: Celebrates a diverse array of musical genres, including jazz, rock, country, calypso, and Broadway, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions that each style brings to the world of music. This vibrant celebration highlights the unique rhythms, melodies, and stories that resonate within these genres, inviting audiences to explore and appreciate the depth and variety of musical creativity.
Accommodations: This is one of the more popular Value Resorts thanks to their family suites option. All-Star Music Resort offers both standard rooms and family suites. Family suites include a queen bed, a double-size sleeper sofa, and two twin-size sleeper chairs, accommodating up to six guests.
Dining: The Intermission Food Court offers a variety of quick-service dining options.
Recreation: Features two pools: the Calypso Pool and the Piano Pool.
Transportation: Bus transportation is available to all theme parks and Disney Springs.
Advantages:
• Family suites are ideal for larger groups or families seeking extra space.
• Musical theming provides a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
Disadvantages:
• Shared bus transportation with other All-Star Resorts can result in longer travel times.
• Limited dining options with no table service restaurant.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Theme: Celebrates classic Disney films, including “Toy Story,” “Fantasia,” “The Mighty Ducks,” “101 Dalmatians,” and “The Love Bug.” If you were raised on classic Walt Disney animation, you're going to love this one.
Accommodations: Offers standard rooms with two double beds or one king bed, accommodating up to four guests.
Dining: The World Premiere Food Court provides a variety of quick-service dining options.
Recreation: Features two pools: the Fantasia Pool and the Duck Pond Pool.
Transportation: Bus transportation is available to all theme parks and Disney Springs.
Advantages:
• Immersive movie-themed decor, especially appealing to families with children, and even the big kids in your life.
• Affordable rates within the Value category.
Disadvantages:
• Shared bus transportation with other All-Star Resorts can lead to longer wait times (again, yes, we know, but this is extremely important).
• Rooms are smaller and may feel cramped for larger families.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Theme: Celebrates pop culture from the 1950s through the 1990s, with each section dedicated to a different decade, showcasing the unique trends, iconic figures, and influential events that shaped each era. This exploration highlights the evolution of music, fashion, television, and film, allowing audiences to appreciate the rich tapestry of cultural history.
Accommodations: Offers standard rooms with two queen beds or one king bed, accommodating up to four guests.
Dining: Everything POP Shopping & Dining offers a variety of quick-service dining options.
Recreation: Features three pools: the Hippy Dippy Pool, the Bowling Pool, and the Computer Pool.
Transportation: In addition to bus transportation, Pop Century has access to the Disney Skyliner, providing quick and convenient transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Advantages:
• Access to the Disney Skyliner, the best transportation Walt Disney World has, offers efficient transportation to select theme parks and other hotels on-property.
• Recently refurbished rooms with modern amenities.
• Vibrant theming appeals to guests of all ages.
Disadvantages:
• No table service restaurant on-site.
• Larger resort size may result in longer walks to amenities. This is actually my least favorite value resort for this reason! Back in 2020, my wife and I got the deal of a lifetime for pandemic-era Disney, and we stayed at a standard room at Pop Century that placed us in the back of the resort. In order to get from our room to the front of the resort for breakfast, it was a 13 minute walk (I timed it!).
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is one of the most popular choices among Disney’s Value Resorts, especially for families with younger children who love animated films. With its colorful decor, larger-than-life characters, and immersive storytelling elements, this resort feels like you’ve stepped into a Disney or Pixar film. Let’s dive into the specifics of what makes Art of Animation such a unique choice.
Accommodations
• Room Options: This resort offers both family suites and standard rooms. Family suites are found in the “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” and “The Lion King” sections, each with dedicated themes for added charm. These suites are designed with larger groups in mind, offering a queen bed, a double-size sleeper sofa, and a double-size sleeper table bed, comfortably sleeping up to six guests.
• Standard Rooms: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the standard “Little Mermaid” rooms are available, accommodating up to four guests with two double beds or one king bed.
• Theming: Each section has intricately themed decor that immerses you in Disney magic, whether you’re swimming with “Finding Nemo” characters or cruising through “Cars” landscapes.
Dining Options
• Landscape of Flavors Food Court: This food court is well-known for its diverse and creative quick-service options, catering to various tastes. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it features multiple food stations where guests can find everything from burgers to international dishes.
Recreation
• Pools: Art of Animation boasts the Big Blue Pool, themed after “Finding Nemo” and the largest pool across all Disney World hotels. There are also two smaller pools, the Cozy Cone Pool in the “Cars” section and the Flippin’ Fins Pool in “The Little Mermaid” area, offering quieter spots to relax.
• Extras: Kids will enjoy the splash play area near the Big Blue Pool, and there’s a dedicated pool bar for adults. The resort also offers family-friendly activities, including movie nights under the stars and themed playgrounds.
Transportation
The Disney Skyliner is a major advantage here, connecting Art of Animation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This offers a quick, scenic route to these parks and is particularly convenient if you plan on spending time at either location. Bus service to other parks is also available.
Advantages
• Ideal for Larger Families: Family suites provide ample space for larger groups or families, a rarity among Disney Value Resorts.
• Skyliner Access: Provides easy access to select theme parks, which can reduce travel time and stress.
• Unique Theming: Fans of Disney and Pixar films will appreciate the immersive designs, bringing characters like Simba, Lightning McQueen, and Ariel to life.
Disadvantages
• Higher Rates: Art of Animation’s family suites come at a higher cost compared to standard Value Resort rooms, often closer to a Moderate Resort price range. However, it's a case of paying 150% for one room, rather than paying 200% for two rooms.
• Distance to Themed Areas: The Little Mermaid section is a bit farther from the main building, so be prepared for a bit of a walk if you’re staying in these standard rooms.
Pros and Cons of Staying at Disney Value Resorts
Clearly, as laid out above, there are some significant advantages to staying in Disney Value Resorts, and that's why I've stayed in them so often with my wife! They offer great bang-for-buck, and they're the easiest way to get your foot in the Mickey-shaped door.
Pros of Staying at a Disney Value Resort
1. Affordable Disney Magic: Disney Value Resorts are the most budget-friendly way to experience a Disney resort hotel without leaving the magic of Disney property.
2. Family-Friendly Theming: These resorts are highly themed, appealing to families with young children who enjoy the vibrant decor and larger-than-life character statues.
3. Convenient Amenities: From food courts to gift shops, Value Resorts provide essentials without the extra costs associated with Deluxe and Moderate Resorts.
4. Access to Disney Perks: All Disney resort guests receive benefits like early theme park entry and the ability to book your Lightning Lanes earlier than non-resort guests, making it easier to enjoy popular attractions with shorter lines. With the changes made recently to Lightning Lanes (RIP for the main man Genie) and Virtual Queues, staying at a Value Resort purely for those advantages is a game changer.
5. Transportation Options: Disney offers bus transportation to all parks and Disney Springs, with Pop Century and Art of Animation having added Skyliner access.
However, there are some cons when staying at a Disney Value Resort. You won't be getting five-star...anything. So set realistic expectations when your stay at one of these. The biggest cons are:
Cons of Staying at a Disney Value Resort
1. Basic Room Amenities: While comfortable, Value Resorts rooms are more basic, lacking some of the enhanced amenities found in Moderate and Deluxe Resorts.
2. Shared Transportation: We have to drill this into you at all costs. All-Star Resorts in particular share buses, which can lead to longer wait times and crowded buses, especially during peak hours. There is nothing worse at Walt Disney World than surviving a long day at the park, coming down after a sugar rush of Mickey Bars and iced coffee and then seeing an ungodly long line at the bus station. During the busiest times of year, you'll be waiting oftentimes for the second or third bus before you can get a seat (or a small area to stand) to get back to your hotel.
3. No Table Service Restaurants: Value Resorts only offer quick-service dining, which may be limiting for guests seeking more diverse or formal dining experiences.
4. Larger Resort Footprints: These resorts are sprawling, so depending on your room location, it can be a long walk to the main building or bus stops. You can get around this one by booking preferred rooms, but ponying up for those rooms sort of defeats the purpose of staying at a value resort in the first place.
Tips for Choosing the Best Value Resort
1. Consider Room Type and Group Size: For larger groups, family suites at Art of Animation or All-Star Music Resort provide additional space and amenities like kitchenettes. For smaller groups or those looking to save, standard rooms in the All-Star Resorts or Pop Century are excellent options.
2. Factor in Transportation Needs: If EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios are high on your list, the Skyliner access at Pop Century and Art of Animation could save valuable time.
3. Plan for Dining: Value Resorts generally have one food court with various quick-service options. If you enjoy sit-down meals, consider planning dining reservations at other Disney resorts or parks.
4. Book Early for the Best Rates: Value Resorts are popular due to their affordability, so booking early will give you the best chance at securing lower rates.
5. Look for Discounts and Deals: Keep an eye on Disney’s seasonal promotions, which often include discounts on room rates for Value Resorts, especially during off-peak periods.
Final Thoughts on Disney’s Value Resorts
Disney’s Value Resorts offer an accessible way to experience the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation without a high price tag. With colorful themes, family-friendly atmospheres, and perks like early theme park entry and Skyliner access, they provide a great balance between cost and convenience. While these resorts may lack some of the amenities found in Disney’s Moderate and Deluxe Resorts, they’re still packed with Disney magic and provide a unique, immersive experience.
Whether you’re traveling as a small family, a large group, or even on a budget-friendly solo trip, Disney’s Value Resorts offer a comfortable, affordable option. By choosing the right resort based on your needs and preferences, you can make the most of your Disney World stay and create magical memories that last a lifetime.
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