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.
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!
Last edited by toomanybooks; Apr 27, 09 at 7:53 pm.
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.
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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.
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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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MoreMilesPlease
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mkt
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.
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.)
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.
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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.
Last edited by toomanybooks; Apr 29, 09 at 8:05 am.
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.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by toomanybooks
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.
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. I did see a Mcdonalds in walking distance from All Star Sports.
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.
I did see a Mcdonalds in walking distance from All Star Sports. 
