Best Disney Value Resorts

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Affordability

Standard rooms in the Value category start around $136 per night (before tax) during the slowest weeks, making them the most affordable accommodations on Walt Disney World property. During peak holiday weeks, standard rooms climb to around $290 at the All-Star resorts and top $400 at Art of Animation.

Family suites start around $350 per night at All-Star Music and around $480 at Art of Animation, and they can nearly double during peak holiday weeks.

Prices listed are Disney’s published nightly rack rates before tax, and they typically rise a bit each year. It’s always best to check with a trusted Disney travel agency, like The Vacationeer, for current pricing and promotional rates.

Location & Transportation 

Disney’s Value Resorts are located a bit farther from the theme parks than some other Walt Disney resorts. However, they are still situated within the Walt Disney World property, which is an advantage over staying at an off-site resort. Guests staying at Disney’s Value Resorts can access all the Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs through the free Disney transportation system.

Pop Century and Art of Animation resorts have their own dedicated bus service to and from the theme parks. The three All-Star resorts sometimes share buses, especially later in the day. When they do, buses stop at All-Star Sports first, then Music, then Movies. Buses run from early morning until late at night, and bus stops are conveniently located in front of each resort entrance.

Additionally, both Pop Century and Art of Animation are on the Skyliner gondola system, which conveniently connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT’s International Gateway to Disney’s Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Art of Animation, and Pop Century resorts.

Themes

Among Disney World resorts, Value Resorts are the most “Disney-ish,” kid-friendly resorts on Disney property. Each resort has its own overall theme, and each building/wing has a theme based on a Disney movie, musical style, sport, decade, or another specific element. Here are the five Value Resorts and their themes:

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – features family suites themed to Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King, plus standard rooms themed to The Little Mermaid.
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – easily recognizable by its gigantic icon statues of beloved Disney characters from the company’s film history.
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – features five different music genres, including country, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, calypso, and Broadway.
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – has sports-themed rooms based on football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and surfing.
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort – celebrates the decades of the 20th century with larger-than-life icons, including a giant Big Wheel and a Rubik’s Cube.

These themed areas and elements are sure to provide a memorable experience for both kids and adults alike!

Room Decor

The Disney Value Resorts are known for their fun-themed exteriors. However, the interior design stays simple and functional, with minimal room decor. Depending on the resort’s theme, subtle decorative elements vary.

For instance, Disney’s All-Star resorts have barely-there-themed accents, while Pop Century’s rooms, refreshed in 2025 and 2026, feature Mickey and Pluto artwork over the beds, brighter colors, and comic-style curtains. Disney’s Art of Animation resort has the most decorative rooms, with bright colors and animated features to match the suite’s theme.

Value Resort rooms are basic, with essential amenities including a table and chairs, a dresser, and a bathroom with a shower/tub combo. Standard rooms have limited closet space and only a basic shelf and towel rod in the bathroom, while suites offer more space. All rooms include cable TV and free Wi-Fi.

Most Value Resort rooms open onto exterior walkways in a motel-style layout. The exception is Art of Animation’s family suites, which are reached through interior hallways (its Little Mermaid standard rooms have exterior walkways like the other Value Resorts). Expect a simple, motel-style look with a touch of Disney magic.

Room Size and Configuration

Standard Rooms:

• Pop Century and the 3 All-Star resorts have rooms that are 260 square feet
• Art of Animation offers rooms that are 277 square feet
• This compares to 314 sq ft for Moderate Resorts and 380 sq ft for Deluxe Resorts on average
• Standard rooms have one queen bed plus a queen-size pull-down or table bed, two queen beds (Art of Animation), or one king bed
• Maximum occupancy is four people
• A baby under the age of 3 can also be accommodated in a crib

Family Suites:

• All-Star Music and Art of Animation both offer family suites
• Family suites at All-Star Music are 520 square feet (1 queen bed and 2 queen pull-down beds)
• Family suites at Art of Animation are 565 square feet (1 queen bed, 1 double-size pull-down bed, and 1 double-size sleeper sofa)
• Maximum occupancy is 6 people
• A baby under the age of 3 can also be accommodated in a crib

Food

All five of the Disney Value Resorts have their own food court, where you can enjoy Quick Service meals. Although none of these resorts offer Table Service meals, their food courts provide an extensive range of meal options, including American-style dishes, unique choices, and special dietary requirements.

Despite their name, the food courts at Disney Value Resorts are not your typical mall food court. You can find a variety of delicious meals to satisfy everyone in your group.

If your Disney Dining Plan includes Table Service credits, you can still use them at other locations on Disney property.

Pools, Arcades, and Play Areas

Pools are among the most exciting resort amenities, especially for children. Although none of the Disney Value resorts have waterslides, each has its own uniquely themed main pool, which is accessible to guests.

The All-Star resorts feature two heated pools each, while Pop Century and Art of Animation offer three pools each. For added convenience, kiddie pools are located close to the larger pools.

Value Resort pools are generally smaller, with fewer features than you’ll find at Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Art of Animation is the exception: its Big Blue Pool is the largest resort pool on property and one of the best pools in Disney World.

All Value resorts have their own arcade, jogging trail, and playground for kids, providing plenty of entertainment options for families.

Privileges

Disney Value resort guests enjoy a range of benefits, just like Moderate and Deluxe guests. These advantages are available because they are staying at an on-site resort owned by Disney.

Some of the privileges include:

• Early Theme Park Entry
• Eligibility for the Disney Dining Plan
• The ability to charge purchases to the resort room
• Free overnight self-parking and free standard Disney theme park parking
• Early access to buy Lightning Lane passes (7 days before check-in for your whole stay, versus 3 days for off-site guests)
• Dining reservations for your entire stay at the 60-day mark

Although there are many great off-site resort options, Disney’s on-site perks offer a significant advantage and can make a stay worthwhile on their own. The main perk Value guests miss out on is Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, which are reserved for guests at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts.

5. All-Star Movies Resort

Cost:

• Standard Room prices range from about $140 (low season) to $287+ (peak holiday season) per night, before tax
• Preferred Rooms range from about $181 (low season) to $332+ (peak holiday season)

Theme: Disney Movies

Location: Animal Kingdom Resort Area

Areas: 101 Dalmatians, Toy Story, Fantasia, The Mighty Ducks, Herbie: The Love Bug

Rooms: 1920

Suites: None

Transportation: Shared bus service

History: Opened January 15, 1999.

Best For: Movie buffs wanting rock-bottom pricing with a cinematic flair.

Overview:

Disney movie buffs will feel at home in All-Star Movies.

The resort’s larger-than-life Disney characters (from Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians, Fantasia, The Mighty Ducks, and Herbie: The Love Bug) adorn the exteriors and interiors of their respective wing.

In fact, some of the characters reach 40 feet tall, creating the perfect photo opportunity for your family to cherish as a Disney souvenir.

The resort’s most notable features include the World Premiere Food Court (with five movie “marquees” serving a variety of tasty foods throughout the day), the Fantasia-themed pool where Sorcerer Mickey sprays water on guests, and the nightly outdoor screening of Disney’s “Movies Under the Stars.”

*All rooms at All-Star Movies are standard size.

Bottom Line:

All-Star Movies is a great resort option, especially if you’re a fan of classic Disney films. It has the best theming among all the All-Star resorts, giving you a distinct Disney feel as you walk around the grounds. The food court is also designed like a movie lobby, which is a nice touch.

This resort is also a great value for the price, but there is a downside. When the All-Stars share buses, Movies is the last stop, so you might board a bus that’s already picked up guests at Sports and Music. This can be an inconvenience for some guests.

Overall, if not for the transportation issue, All-Star Movies would have ranked higher on our list.

4. All-Star Sports Resort

Cost:

• Standard Room prices range from about $136 (low season) to $287+ (peak holiday season) per night, before tax
• Preferred Rooms range from about $174 (low season) to $332+ (peak holiday season)

Theme: Sports

Location: Animal Kingdom Resort Area

Areas: Touchdown!, Center Court, Home Run Hotel, Surfs Up!, Hoops Hotel

Rooms: 1920

Suites: None

Transportation: Shared bus service

History: Opened on April 29, 1994.

Best For: Sports fans seeking the lowest prices and good park access.

Overview:

All-Star Sports opened in 1994 and was the first Value Resort on Disney World property. The resort celebrates the world of competitive sports with themes to match each wing: baseball, basketball, football, tennis, and surfing. All-Star Sports features plenty of sporty decor throughout the grounds, including photo-worthy icons of your favorite Disney characters striking a sporty pose.

The resort offers many features, including a sprawling pool with an elaborate surfboard motif, the sports-themed End Zone Food Court, and nightly “Movies Under the Stars” by Surfboard Bay Pool. Additionally, the All-Star Sports jogging trail, Game Point Arcade, and kids’ playground ensure boredom never sets in during your stay.

All rooms at All-Star Sports are standard-sized and can sleep up to 4 people, plus a baby under 3.

Bottom Line:

All three All-Star Resorts offer comparable standard rooms, so there is no clear advantage in room quality. As for the layout and amenities, All-Star Sports is very similar to All-Star Movies, so it’s difficult to say one is better than the other. Therefore, it all boils down to the theming and transportation.

While my family prefers the theming at All-Star Movies a little more than All-Star Sports, this is entirely subjective. However, All-Star Sports stands out for its bus transportation. When the All-Stars share buses, All-Star Sports guests are picked up first and dropped off first upon return (and buses often aren’t shared at all, especially in the morning). So, if you appreciate a comfortable bus ride as my family does, this resort is the perfect choice.

All-Star Sports is one of the most affordable Value Resorts at Disney World. It offers the best transportation among the three All-Stars, making it a great option for those who prioritize comfort and affordability over themes.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with excellent transportation, All-Star Sports is the perfect choice.

3. All-Star Music Resort

Cost:

• Standard Room prices range from about $140 (low season) to $287+ (peak holiday season) per night, before tax
• Preferred Rooms range from about $181 (low season) to $332+ (peak holiday season)
• Family Suites range from about $350 (low season) to $675+ (peak holiday season)

Theme: Music

Location: Animal Kingdom Resort Area

Areas: Calypso, Jazz Inn, Rock Inn, Country Fair, Broadway Hotel

Rooms: 1604

Suites: About 215 family suites

Transportation: Shared bus service

History: Opened November 22, 1994.

Best For: Music enthusiasts and groups looking for affordable suite options.

Overview:

Attention, music lovers! All-Star Music is a Disney Value Resort themed around some of the most popular music genres: rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, country, Broadway show tunes, and calypso.

Guests will marvel at the massive, music-inspired icons surrounding the buildings and the lighthearted musical elements inside each wing.

All-Star Music’s most notable features include the guitar-shaped pool and the expansive, music-themed Intermission Food Court.

All-Star Music Resort has floor plans and standard rooms that are similar to the other two All-Star resorts. However, All-Star Music is the only All-Star resort that offers family suites that are perfect for larger groups or families.

The suites can accommodate up to six people (plus a baby in a crib), and they feature two bathrooms, a master bedroom with a queen bed, and a living room area. The suites are priced higher than the standard rooms, but they offer more space and amenities.

Bottom Line:

All-Star Music Resort is our top pick among the All-Star resorts because it offers family suites in addition to standard-size rooms. While All-Star Movies and Sports offer only standard-size rooms, All-Star Music Resort gives you the added option of family suites, making it a better choice for larger groups or families. The family suites are equipped with all the necessary amenities, providing more space and privacy for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

The price of the standard rooms at All-Star Music Resort is comparable to the other All-Star Resorts, with only a slight difference of a few dollars. Although the suites cost more, they are still the cheapest family suites on Disney property, making them a great choice for those who want more space at an affordable price. The resort’s music theme is great, and the buildings look stunning when they light up at night.

However, the resort doesn’t have the same “Disney feel” as most other Value resorts, which is a downside for some guests. Additionally, some areas within the resort require a long walk to reach the main area, such as the food court or bus stop. In other words, the property’s layout could be improved to make it more convenient for guests.

Transportation can also be a problem. When the All-Stars share buses, All-Star Music is the second stop, so All-Star Sports guests may already be on board, and the bus could be crowded before you get on.

That said, we give it the advantage because of its affordable suites. If you are just looking for a standard room at a rock-bottom price, you may wish to consider the other two All-Star resorts.

2. Art of Animation Resort

Cost:

• Standard Room prices range from about $231 (low season) to $415+ (peak holiday season) per night, before tax
• Family Suites range from about $482 (low season) to $838+ (peak holiday season), with a small premium to pick a specific theme

Theme: Disney Characters

Location: ESPN Wide World of Sports area

Areas: The Little Mermaid, Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King

Rooms: 864 Little Mermaid standard rooms

Suites: 1,120 family suites

Transportation: Skyliner and dedicated bus services (not shared)

History: Opened May 31, 2012.

Best For: Families that value immersive experiences and are willing to pay a bit more for upgraded amenities and theming.

(Select family suites are dog-friendly)

Photo Credit: Jayron32 under CC BY-SA 3.0

Overview:

Art of Animation is Disney’s newest Value Resort, opening its doors in 2012. It is considered a “Value Plus” resort, offering guests a slightly more luxurious experience than the other four Value resorts.

The resort boasts the largest resort pool at Disney World, known as The Big Blue Pool. Art of Animation also offers spacious family suites that accommodate up to six guests and are available in the Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King sections of the resort.

Standard rooms feature plenty of Little Mermaid-inspired decor from the classic Disney movie, and family suites are accessed through interior hallways.

Various Disney elements throughout the hotel make it one of the best places for children visiting Disney World. The Disney icons around the property provide perfect opportunities for selfies and family photos.

And if you enjoy a good meal, Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors offers an amazing selection of counter-service food throughout the day. Hands down, Art of Animation’s food court is the best among the Value resorts.

Bottom Line:

Art of Animation resort has everything you need for a magical Disney World experience. From great theming to comfortable accommodations and convenient transportation options, this resort has it all.

A few years ago, my family and I went on an incredible multi-generational trip to Disney World with my parents. We stayed in the Art of Animation suite, which was perfect for our group of six. The suite was beautifully decorated, and the resort had an ample selection of dining and transportation options. We absolutely loved the amazing pool and food court, and the theming was spot on.

The resort provided a dedicated bus service to each theme park as well as a stop on the Disney Skyliner gondola, which made it easy for us to navigate around and enjoy everything Disney World had to offer. The grandparents had a great time taking their grandkids to Disney World, and my wife and I were there to make it all possible. Art of Animation turned out to be an excellent choice.

I highly recommend the Art of Animation resort to anyone, especially if you’re looking for great family suites at Disney World. Although it may be a bit more expensive than some of the other Value resorts, the resort’s amenities and transportation options make it well worth the price. However, if finding a low-priced option is more important to you than upgraded amenities, then our top pick might be a better fit for you.

1. Pop Century Resort

Cost:

• Standard Room prices range from about $195 (low season) to $377+ (peak holiday season) per night, before tax
• Preferred Rooms range from about $227 (low season) to $419+ (peak holiday season)

Theme: 20th-century American pop culture

Location: ESPN Wide World of Sports area

Areas: 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s

Rooms: 2880

Suites: None

Transportation: Skyliner and dedicated bus services (not shared). See our Pop Century map for navigation assistance.

History: Opened December 14, 2003; guest rooms and the lobby were refreshed in 2025 and 2026.

Best For: Those who enjoy pop culture and prefer a balance of cost and convenience with Skyliner access.

Overview:

Pop Century Resort is a unique hotel that takes you on a nostalgic trip back in time to the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The resort is designed to immerse you in the fashions, toys, dances, and catchphrases popular in the second half of the 20th century.

You can experience the iconic themes of Lady and the Tramp from the 1950s, The Jungle Book from the 1960s, the Mickey Mouse rotary telephone from the 1970s, the Rubik’s Cube and Sony Walkman from the 1980s, and the cellular phone and computer age from the 1990s.

The resort boasts a variety of fun themes, quirky decor, and unique photo opportunities that make it an enjoyable experience for all ages.

• The Hippy Dippy Pool is a 1960s-themed pool that features flower-shaped water jets to help you cool off on hot days.
• The Everything Pop Shopping and Dining area is a groovy food court with seven food stations that offer a range of cuisines, including American, Italian, and Asian, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus its own coffee shop.
• The resort has a pool bar and a snack bar where you can grab quick bites or refreshing drinks.

One advantage of staying at the Pop Century Resort is complimentary transportation to all Disney theme parks and water parks, including the Disney Skyliner gondolas to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This makes it easy and convenient to get around the Disney World property.

It’s worth noting that Pop Century Resort only offers standard rooms (no suites). So, pack your yo-yo and get ready to relive the fun and nostalgia of yesteryear at Pop Century Resort!

Bottom Line:

Pop Century is a favorite among families seeking an affordable yet fun-filled stay at Disney World. The pricing of this resort is competitive, noticeably more than the rock-bottom pricing of the All-Star resorts but less than Art of Animation.

My wife and I have stayed at Pop Century since we were dating. Now that we visit Disney with our school-age kids, it’s become one of our go-to resorts for several reasons. The hotel offers great value, impressive theming, iconic decor, and convenient transportation options that our family loves. The kids love it, and so do we!

Have a great trip!