Orlando - Disney All-Star Resorts

We are looking at traveling to Orlando next month with our kids and are wondering what sort of feedback is out there for the Disney All-Star Resorts. We realize that these are 'basic' resorts however are thinking that the kids will really enjoy the 'atmosphere' so that would make it a worthwhile experience, would prefer to stay at some of the more sophisticated Disney resorts however budget is a big consideration for this trip...

Also - Are we likely to be able to see the fireworks shows at night from any of these resorts? We are leaning towards the All-Star Movies resort as it would appear to have the best theme for kids < 6 years old.

Thanks

Your best bets for in-depth commentary on Disney hotels are to go to the following websites and poke around:

www.disneyworld.com
www.mousesavers.com
www.allearsnet.com
www.disboards.com

The last one uses the same software as Flyertalk.

The answer to your question is essentially that the All-Star/Pop Century are like nice, "tarted-up," multi-level Holiday Inns with exterior hallways.

They are very attractively decorated, with numerous amazing Disney touches, including giant yo-yos, Coke cups, Disney characters, etc. I cannot imagine any kid under 10 not being totally enchanted. I'd say a kid would rather sleep in a bathtub at a Disney Value than in a penthouse at the Ritz.

We are members of the Disney Vacation Club and have also stayed at pretty much every Moderate and every Value hotel. I would certainly stay again at a Disney Value hotel.

Drawbacks:

1. Pretty small rooms.
2. Somewhat noisy (often large groups of teenagers for football or cheerleading or some such)
3. Can be a long wait for the Disney bus.
4. Pool and food court can be really crowded.

I'd say a kid would appreciate any of the Value themes, so don't worry about picking one in particular.

I seriously doubt you'd be able to see any fireworks from there.

Go for it!

The Value Resorts are very good for the money. The rooms are not luxurious but are well appointed, clean, and safe. You'll find all the Disney characters throughout the room. Disney soap, Shower curtains, etc. Disney does a fantastic job of keeping everything in excellent physical shape. It has been a few years but we were impressed with the All Star Resort considering it was inexpensive.

The common areas and pool are fun and the decorations are pretty neat even for adults. There is a food court that has reasonable prices (it is still a resort).

I think staying on Disney is a big part of the fun, at least the first time.

If you really want to stay on site on a budget, then by all means stay at the All-Stars or Pop Century. You won't see fireworks form any of them, as they're not really near the parks. The rooms are clean, but they're small and very noisy.

Personally, I'd save the money and book a room off-site. You'll likely save enough money to cover a car rental and parking at the parks (and probably get free breakfast to boot), and you won't be at the mercy of Disney for your entire trip.

If you really want to stay on site on a budget, then by all means stay at the All-Stars or Pop Century. You won't see fireworks form any of them, as they're not really near the parks. The rooms are clean, but they're small and very noisy.

Personally, I'd save the money and book a room off-site. You'll likely save enough money to cover a car rental and parking at the parks (and probably get free breakfast to boot), and you won't be at the mercy of Disney for your entire trip.

While I understand your reasoning, staying on-site at Disney is all part of the experience.

I really recommend that everyone stay on-site at least once, especially with kids. You are surrounded by the "magic" 24/7 and it really does add to the holiday. I think the noise factor is variable and depends on what groups may be there. We had no noise probems when staying so it might be highly variable. The rooms are small but very, very well kept and Disney is all around.

If you really want to stay on site on a budget, then by all means stay at the All-Stars or Pop Century. You won't see fireworks form any of them, as they're not really near the parks. The rooms are clean, but they're small and very noisy.

Personally, I'd save the money and book a room off-site. You'll likely save enough money to cover a car rental and parking at the parks (and probably get free breakfast to boot), and you won't be at the mercy of Disney for your entire trip.

While I understand your reasoning, staying on-site at Disney is all part of the experience.

I really recommend that everyone stay on-site at least once, especially with kids. You are surrounded by the "magic" 24/7 and it really does add to the holiday. I think the noise factor is variable and depends on what groups may be there. We had no noise probems when staying so it might be highly variable. The rooms are small but very, very well kept and Disney is all around.
Staying at Disney is an experience, but look at the drwbacks listed for the All Star resort. Doesn't really get into much of the experience.
For the same price you can get a whole house with a kitchen and pool off site.
If you really want the disney expereince, folk out the additional cash (or starwood points) stay at the Dolphin or Swan, or perhaps
Disney Boardwalk.

I stayed at the All-Star Music back in November when they were offering rooms for something like $59 per night.

It was only a good deal because I had my own car. I ended up in a part of the property that was about as far a walk from the lobby and bus stop as possible.

Things that I liked:


Cheap
Decent room and quiet enough for me
Free parking
Free parking at all resort parks
Early and late hour perks at designated
parks

Things I didn't like:


Off the beaten path
Long walk from parking to room
Motel-ish feel

Staying at Disney is an experience, but look at the drwbacks listed for the All Star resort. Doesn't really get into much of the experience.
For the same price you can get a whole house with a kitchen and pool off site.
If you really want the disney expereince, folk out the additional cash (or starwood points) stay at the Dolphin or Swan, or perhaps
Disney Boardwalk.

I just don't think that's true. The prices at the Disney value resorts are equal to or lower than similar-quality lodging off-site. Earlier another poster talked about not wanting to "be at the mercy of Disney the entire trip". Personally, nothing else in Orlando really interests me, but I could spend weeks at Disney and not have my fill.

Also, while I've stayed plenty of times at the Dolphin and Swan, neither one offers a true Disney experience. They're more like standard Sheraton/Westin hotels in the midst of the magic, but not really part of it themselves. Also, several of the benefits that apply to guests at all Disney resorts (including the value resorts) are not available to Swan/Dolphin guests.

I will agree with you that the extent of the Disney experience increases dramatically when stepping up the price scale. But for a family on a tight budget, the All-Stars and Pop Century Resorts offer unbeatable value.

If possible, I prefer the Pop Century over the All Stars as it is a newer property and the rooms are a bit bigger. They're usually priced about the same for the same categories of rooms.

If possible, I prefer the Pop Century over the All Stars as it is a newer property and the rooms are a bit bigger.This is a scary statement. I've stayed at the Pop Century before and if those were bigger rooms than the All Star hotels, I'm not sure 4 people could be in the room at the same time. :D

I agree that staying at Disney on-site does have an appeal. But if one is there during a more crowded time, then a few of those benefits can be a hindrance. You can end up standing in line for a bus for quite a bit of time (both to and from the hotel.) While the extra park hours seem like a nice perk, after a long day at the parks, the kids just didn't want to stay even more hours after normal close. And just try to get your kids up early to be at the park at 7:00am. (And remember, if you are coming in from the West Coast just think what time that really is.) :eek:

But if you can go in the fall when Disney usually offers the Dining Plan for free. This can really help make the trip more economical and worth staying on site for.

If possible, I prefer the Pop Century over the All Stars as it is a newer property and the rooms are a bit bigger. They're usually priced about the same for the same categories of rooms.

Everything I have read at the websites I mention above says that all regular Value rooms are 260 square feet (Disney has introduced some "family suites" in the Values, too).

So figure roughly 13 x 20 feet.

We find it acceptable for a couple and one child. With 2 children, you'd be on top of one another.

Moderate rooms are 340 square feet.

I cited the possibility of noise. This has not been a particular problem for us, but some people are quite sensitive to it.

If you sleep in, you will likely notice that folks are walking on the breezeway by your room in the morning, and probably hear excited kids outside. If you happen to be placed near a bunch of band/cheerleading/football/dance high schoolers, you WILL hear them at all hours.

In certain rooms, you might hear a bit of vehicle noise, or from the pool.

But it's unlikely to be terrible.

I've stayed at nearly every Disney resort including the All Star Music, All Star Movies and Pop Century twice. I would think they would be a perfect vacation value for your family.

Most of the negatives pointed out here are true. The good thing is, if you are in Disney with kids, chances are you are not spending much time in your (small) room other than to shower and sleep, so the size of the room won't matter.

The experience of being on-site will please any child. It makes it much easier if you decide not to do the parks for a day; the kids will still feel like they are getting the Disney experience.

A big plus to staying on-site is that you can take advantage of the Magical Express Bus if you are flying into MCO and do not need to rent a car. The bus is free, clean and convenient and a definite plus over the hotels off Disney property. In fact, since Magical Express service began, I haven't stayed anywhere in Orlando except Disney property just because of this convenience.

As far as the fireworks go, no you can't see them from the value resorts. But I will send you a private message with some info that will help you in that regard.

As far as the fireworks go, no you can't see them from the value resorts. But I will send you a private message with some info that will help you in that regard.

Thanks flyerwife and all those who have provided advice, lots of good information for us to consider and some great links as well.

Everything I have read at the websites I mention above says that all regular Value rooms are 260 square feet (Disney has introduced some "family suites" in the Values, too).

I'm just posting my experiences, having spent far too many nights in those properties than I care to admit to

Once again the nice thing about staying on Disney property is the extended magic hours, free parking at all parks if you decide to rent a car, and the magical express bus to and from the airport included in the price of the room. :p

The bad thing is the noise, small rooms, waiting for the bus to and from the park, and having to eat Disney food at your resort everyday. :td: I did see a Mcdonalds in walking distance from All Star Sports. :D

I have stayed at Sports, Music, and Movies. I just finished a trip in Orlando three days ago and stayed off property. We stayed at the Marriott Springhill Suites five minutes from the entrance to Disney. We rented a car and had the free breakfast in the morning. We like having a car so we have choices of restuarants and shops so we are not raked by the prices Disney charges.

We travel to Disney 8-10 times a year. We live in Ohio and also have yearly passes. We enjoy both Disney resorts as well as the Marriott. Have a MAGICAL trip.

The prices at the Disney value resorts are equal to or lower than similar-quality lodging off-site.

No way. Orlando is the ultimate city for cheap lodging. For rates less than what is offered for the standard motel rooms at the All-Stars (and Pop-Century) you can stay at an all-suite property like Hawthorn Suites. With kids, having a separate bedroom is far better than any of the perks offered by Disney for staying at their properties.

Extra Magic Hours are only of real value in the peak seasons. Disney transportation is awful: crowded and slow. The only resorts I really enjoy are the monorail resorts, and they're just ridiculously expensive for what you get.

No way. Orlando is the ultimate city for cheap lodging.

I just ran a Hotwire search for early June at WDW and found a 2-star hotel in Celebration for $16.

I just ran a Hotwire search for early June at WDW and found a 2-star hotel in Celebration for $16.

And for that kind of deal, you can rent a car and pay to park every day and still come out far cheaper than the All-Stars and Pop-Century.

I just ran a Hotwire search for early June at WDW and found a 2-star hotel in Celebration for $16.
2 star in Celebration? Sounds like one of the motels on 192.

2 star in Celebration? Sounds like one of the motels on 192.

I doubt it, that's Kissimmee.

Edit: Looking at Hotwire's areas, it could be one of the hotels close to I-4 on 192 but those aren't any worse than the All-Stars.

I doubt it, that's Kissimmee.

Edit: Looking at Hotwire's areas, it could be one of the hotels close to I-4 on 192 but those aren't any worse than the All-Stars.

I will dispute that fact. Disney is the absolute best at keeping it's physical structures in shape. Disney actually runs courses on how they do their maintenance and the Disney management philosophy.

A $16 a night no-tell motel off Disney will not be in any way a comparable place to stay. It will be a cheap motel that delivers what you pay for. There is nothing wrong with that, but it will not be any type of Disney experience nor Disney quality.

I have "done" Disney staying on-site, staying off-site, and driving in for the day. Each has pluses and minuses.

I understand that many people could care less about Disney or what it offers in the overall experience. Everyone has their own way of calculating value.

I have "done" Disney staying on-site, staying off-site, and driving in for the day. Each has pluses and minuses.

I understand that many people could care less about Disney or what it offers in the overall experience. Everyone has their own way of calculating value.

That's the best post of this thread. My experiences are exactly the same as yours, in terms of the various ways of doing Disney. And "value" to me means a lot more than "the cheapest place I can lay my head at night".

The hotels on I-192 (Irlo Bronson Hwy) are for the most part the kind you find in the back of those books you pick up at highway rest stops. Even the ones with name branding were pretty poor places to put your family for a vacation compared to the Disney value hotel experience (that is, if in fact you are going to Disney).

If someone needs to get a $16 hotel in Orlando, they probably shouldn't be doing the parks anyway, as the budget usually goes out the window on a Disney vacation, no matter where you stay.

Those hotels definitely have their place, and for families that absolutely cannot afford the $80 or so to stay on Disney property they are possibly the only way that some can do an Orlando vacation, but I would definitely choose Disney value resorts over those Kissimmee resorts unless I was truly on a shoestring (or not traveling to the parks with family).

Additionally, Disney still offers free transportation from MCO to their hotels and that may allow families to forgo the cost of a rental car. And traffic on I-192 can be awful.

If someone needs to get a $16 hotel in Orlando, they probably shouldn't be doing the parks anyway, as the budget usually goes out the window on a Disney vacation, no matter where you stay.

We have annual passes and go to Disney about one weekend a month. We have stayed at every level of resort on-site, and we've stayed at properties from the super-cheap 192 motels up to the Peabody. I always feel ripped off in the Disney resorts, and we've always had a better time staying off-site. These days our preference is various all-suite properties, from the Quality Suites up to Embassy Suites, depending on the deals available.

Disney transport is awful, Disney food is mediocre at best (excepting the international restaurants at EPCOT), and the All-Stars and Pop-Century are just overpriced roadside motels. The Deluxe resorts are nice, but even so they are extremely overpriced for what you get.

No offense, but that statement is just ridiculously out of touch.

We have annual passes and go to Disney about one weekend a month. We have stayed at every level of resort on-site, and we've stayed at properties from the super-cheap 192 motels up to the Peabody. I always feel ripped off in the Disney resorts, and we've always had a better time staying off-site. These days our preference is various all-suite properties, from the Quality Suites up to Embassy Suites, depending on the deals available.

Disney transport is awful, Disney food is mediocre at best (excepting the international restaurants at EPCOT), and the All-Stars and Pop-Century are just overpriced roadside motels. The Deluxe resorts are nice, but even so they are extremely overpriced for what you get.

This shows the difference of someone who has done Disney in every way possible. Your view is very much colored by the overwhelming number of times you have been to Disney.

After going to Disney once a month for a long time, then any place to stay is fine since you could care less about most things Disney. Sometime familiarity does breed contempt.


For someone going to Disney the first time part of the magic is immersing yourself in the total Disney experience from the Mickey soap to riding the bus to the parks. To compare your repeated once a month trip to a once in a lifetime experience is not quite the same.

This shows the difference of someone who has done Disney in every way possible. Your view is very much colored by the overwhelming number of times you have been to Disney.

After going to Disney once a month for a long time, then any place to stay is fine since you could care less about most things Disney. Sometime familiarity does breed contempt.


For someone going to Disney the first time part of the magic is immersing yourself in the total Disney experience from the Mickey soap to riding the bus to the parks. To compare your repeated once a month trip to a once in a lifetime experience is not quite the same.

Sure. First-time visitors should indeed stay in a Disney hotel for the total immersion. I always recommend they rent a car, especially if traveling with young children during busy times; those 45-minute waits for a packed bus with a cranky kid after Wishes back to Pop Century are killers.

I like staying in Disney hotels, which we have done many times, as much as the next guy (we are DVC members), but sometimes you just want to save the money.

Last month, Choice Hotels was having a promotion that made some of their rooms essentially free (I use the points to renew a Southwest Companion Pass, which is worth about $2500 to me).

I was traveling with my DS12, who needs to learn a bit about economizing anyway and about the sort of grungy roadtrips that you take as you enter your late teen years. The WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) will not allow this when she is along.

We saved hundreds of dollars and he learned some good lessons, including that you need not spend $20 per person for every meal (love those room picnics).

eited...not worth arguing over The Happiest Place on Earth :)

eited...not worth arguing over The Happiest Place on Earth :)

Except that we're talking at Disney WORLD, not DisneyLAND! ;)

Except that we're talking at Disney WORLD, not DisneyLAND! ;)

As you can tell, I'm ridiculously out of touch

:D

As you can tell, I'm ridiculously out of touch

Not at all. Only a self-admitted Disney nerd like myself would make the distinction...

eited...not worth arguing over The Happiest Place on Earth :)
The most Magical Place on earth ;)

These are very nice properties and the other posters have done a nice job highlighting the strengths and weaknesses. I can only say that growing up, before Disney offered anything other than the Polynesian and Contemporary, we used to have to stay off property and have found memories of Ramada Inns and Holiday inns with pools. Seeing the Pop Century, I think it is a wonderful option and you and your family will enjoy.

I've never had a problem staying at the All Stars. Yeah, the bus ride is pretty long, but like any hotel that I'm staying at - I'm there to sleep. Since I'm <25, renting a car isn't a cheap option, so I do like the frequent Disney transport (even though buses, especially to the All Stars, can get very full very fast).

They're pretty basic hotels - they have food courts for dining, a couple of basic pools, nothing overly special. If you can get a room at a moderate resort for $20 or so a night more, I'd do that (Caribbean Beach is a big resort, but at least has a restaurant, a nicer pool area, nice area to walk around, and is more centrally located, especially to Epcot and MGM Studios).

Of course, none of these compare to the Epcot area luxury resorts - love these just for the convenience where I can walk to the back door of Epcot and it's a short boat ride to MGM.

If anyone would like to read my Trip Report from last October, when I stayed at the All Sports, please see below.

It's very long I'm afraid, but might be a nice Disney Fix for you.

Cheers Larry.

PS Going back this Thursday for four nights.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1991807

I stayed at Pop Century in August 2009 with my mother and my sister's 2 kids ages 7 and 10. Me and my mother have done Disney off site hotels but this was the kids first visit.

We got a package deal through AAA which included the room, hopper passes, and airport transport.

The hotel was nice, clean, and the service was very good throughout the resort. The food was overpriced but ok for the few times we ate in the dining area.