Walt Disney World Value Resorts are great options for families looking for resorts with the most ‘Disney feel’ to them for their young kids. Value Resorts are also budget friendly with options for larger families. So which value resort at Disney World is best for you and your family?
Value resorts offer guests the chance to stay on-property without breaking the bank. Today I’m going to be your guide to the best Walt Disney World value resort. My goal with this guide is to help you choose a resort that’s perfect for your next family vacation.
What is a Value Resort?
Value Resorts are the lowest price resorts with the least amount of amenities. Disney has 3 Tiers for all on property resorts.
- Value Resorts
- Moderate Resorts
- Deluxe Resorts
Moderate Resorts and Deluxe Resorts offer more amenities and perks for guests, but come with a higher price tag. Many people like to spend their time at the parks and only use their Walt Disney World Resort to sleep at night making value resorts the right choice for them.
Is a Value Resort Right for Me?
If you fall under these categories, a value resort will be a great option for you!
- You have young kids who will enjoy the Disney theming of a value resort
- You need a budget friendly option to stay on property
- You have a large family and want to stay in a family suite
- You won’t spend much time in the room, it’s only a place to lay your head
If a value resort isn’t the right fit, check out the Moderate resorts instead. Read More: Our Favorite Moderate Resorts at Disney World
What Amenities Do Value Resorts Have?
All Disney value resorts have many similar characteristics, with a few differences noted. The rooms are of average size, with all the amenities you could need for a family vacation. The standard rooms sleep between two and four people. The rooms either have a king-size bed or a double queen bed setup. You’ll also find some family suites in these resorts, but I’ll share more about those later.
Resort Amenity List:
- In Room Floral & Gifts
- Disney Transportation to all of the Disney theme parks & Disney Springs
- “Hey Disney”
- Minnie Van Service
- Wi-fi
- Free Overnight Parking
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Laundry Facility
- Housekeeping
- Mail Services
- Early Theme Park Entry
Room Amenity List:
- Hairdryer
- Internet – Free WiFi Service
- In-Room Safe
- Telephone with voicemail
- Coffee maker
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Beverage Cooler
- Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash
- Bar of hand soap
- TV
As far as the facilities in the resort, you’ll have a large food court and pool bar at each of them. Keep in mind that there’s no table-service restaurant at any of the value resorts. You will need to go elsewhere if you want to enjoy a sit-down meal with your family. Each resort have two to three swimming pools for you to enjoy. With family daily entertainment and poolside movies in the evenings.
Arcades and merchandise stores can be found in each resort. as well as a large lobby area where you can receive help with anything you need help with during your vacation. Keep in mind that value resorts do not have an on-site hot tubs or water slides.
The Disney perks that you’ll receive are the same as at many of the other Disney resorts. Each of the resorts has free Disney bus transportation which will take you to the four theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. One great advantage of staying at Pop Century or Art of Animation is the Disney Skyliner.
This will take you to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios by way of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. All resort guests enjoy thirty minutes of early entry each day, which helps you to get ahead of the crowds. You can also book your dining reservations further in advance than when you stay off-site. Be sure to take advantage of these great perks when staying at these resorts.
Note that the bus stops for value resorts can be long, so try to avoid leaving or returning to the resort at peak hours.
Do Value Resort Rooms have refrigerators?
They will have mini beverage fridges for you to use. They will be for beverages so while they potentially could get cold enough for some things, I wouldn’t try to over pack them with everything you can. Keeping a half a gallon of milk will be fine, but don’t try stuffing multiple gallons into the mini-fridge.
Will a value resort have a tea kettle?
If you’re looking for a tea kettle in each room, then no they will not. However you can go to the food court during their normal hours of operation and able to get access to hot water. You can use the hot water for tea, oatmeal, etc. Just note that if you ask for a coffee cup you will be charged for a beverage.
My recommendation if you’re not going to buy a mug, bring one from home!
Do the value resort rooms have microwaves?
Value resorts do not have microwaves in the rooms unless you are in a family suite. Again like the tea kettle you will need to go to the food court, where you can use the microwave, or toaster. No one will judge you for using either, or charge you for using those items.
How Much do Value Resorts Cost?
There are five resorts to consider, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation. Rooms at any of the five value resorts range from an average of $173 – $255 per night though you can find deals and cheaper rates and they can of course get more expensive depending on the time of year you want to go.
If this is still too high for you, you may want to consider an off property resort instead.
Read Also: Best Value Places to Stay Off Property at Disney World
Walt Disney World Value Resort Transportation
All-Star Resorts only has bus service to the Disney Theme Parks and Disney Springs. Pop Century and Art of Animation have bus service to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Both Pop Century and Art of Animation offer Skyliner transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
After a busy day at the Magic Kingdom, you’ll find that you can get on a bus and get back to your bed to rest for another day out. The Disney Skyliner offers another perk to guests at Art of Animation and Pop Century. Be aware, this also attracts larger crowds in the morning and evening. If you consider rope dropping a park, be sure to know the schedule!
Is Art of Animation on the Disney Skyliner Route?
Both Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort are on the Disney Skyliner route. This new way of getting around makes it quicker than ever to get to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The station for these two resorts is located on the bridge in the middle of Hour Glass lake.
The first stop will be to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station. You will connect to the theme park you are looking to visit. You’ll find that it’s quite busy at the start and end of each day, but it’s still quicker than getting the bus.
The Skyliner opens up more dining options, with the connections. Make reservations to Topolino’s at the Rivera Resort, for a character breakfast. My personal favorite was a dinner buffet at Sebation’s Bistro. We were able to see fireworks from our table, and the food was amazing. These are a few of the options you have easy access to when staying at a Skyliner resort.
1. Disney’s Art of Animation
Disney’s Art of Animation is my first choice in value resort. The theming, larger rooms, skyliner access, and big blue pool all make this number 1 in my opinion.
For families with younger children, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This is generally considered to be the most popular of the value resorts. Thanks to its fantastic theming, modern facilities, and access to the Disney Skyliner. You’ll find the prices do reflect this popularity though, as it’s more expensive than the other resorts.
With the family suites staying at Art of Animation make it a great option for families. Especially those that may not want to pay for two rooms or separate the kids and adults. You’ll find that you can take a day away from the theme parks to enjoy staying here and relaxing at the pools. With three different pools to choose from, kids will find this resort to be as fun as the theme parks.
Which is the Newest Disney Value Resort?
The newest resort in the value collection is Disney’s Art of Animation resort. You’ll find that this resort has a modern theme than the others. Keep in mind, all value resorts have been renovated in recent years. The Art of Animation resort is themed using Disney and Pixar movies. You can stay in a room themed from: The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, or Cars.
The Little Mermaid rooms only offer standard room options. The Lion King rooms, Finding Nemo rooms, and Cars rooms are all family suites.
It introduced the popular family suites, which you’ll find are great for larger groups. The rooms and facilities here are over the top with Disney theming. Staying at Art of Animation offers guests a chance to be immersed in Disney’s most popular movies. Each section is themed with larger-than-life statues of characters from the movies.
Can You See Fireworks From Art of Animation?
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Pop Century Resort are both near two Disney Parks. They are located between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They don’t have a direct view of the fireworks, unlike some of the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT resorts. Depending on how high your room is, you may find that you can see fireworks from a distance. It won’t be the same as being closer to the show, or hearing the sound tracks.
If you’d like to see EPCOT’s fireworks, my advice is to hop on the Disney Skyliner. Walk to the bridge that overlooks the EPCOT resort area, which offers a good view of the EPCOT fireworks.
You can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks by heading to Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Where you can sit on the beach and enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks with the music piped in. I’d recommend picking up a dole whip from the quick service to enjoy as you watch the fireworks.
Some of the other value resorts have also added these as an option now as they have been so popular with families.
Do Art of Animation Suites Have 2 Bathrooms?
One feature of the family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the fact that there are two bathrooms. This will helps families get ready before heading to the parks. It also gives parents and children more privacy. Each bathroom is different, so keep this in mind when choosing where you are sleeping.
One bathroom is located off the master bedroom, whereas the other is in the living area. This gives kids (or other family) a space to get ready away from their parents (or other loved ones).
Read Also:Â Walt Disney World Art of Animation Resort Review
2. Disney’s Pop Century
Disney’s Pop Century is another one of my favorites for value resorts. It’s also on the skyliner like Art of Animation, and I enjoyed our stay.
Disney’s Pop Century is themed by decades, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. It is often priced similarly to the All-Star Resorts and I prefer to stay at Disney’s Pop Century for the Skyliner access.
Read Also: Affordable Magic: Staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
3. Disney’s All-Star Resorts
My least favorite on property resort are the three All-Star Resorts. They are all pretty similar except for All-Star Music having family suites. The bus lines at All-Stars can get very long, and it is not on the skyliner. The theming for All-Stars though is very cool and these are usually the lowest priced resorts.
While you’ll find the two resorts I’ve shared above are the most popular, you can’t forget the All-Star Resorts. These are the original value resorts. They offer affordable accommodations for visitors of all ages. You’ll find they are themed after sports, movies, and music, so there are options to fit everyone’s needs.
The resorts have large statues, making for fun photo opportunities for fans of any age.
One thing to keep in mind about these resorts is that they often attract large groups of kids and teens. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort host large sports teams throughout the year. So you may want to avoid this resort during big events at Disney. Sports Fans will love the theming including tennis, basketball, baseball, and football.
You’ll find that they are all very spacious resorts with all the amenities and benefits I’ve shared above. They are your best choice for an affordable Disney vacation. They are located close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Outside the entrance is a McDonald’s, in case you have a desire for a Big Mac while on vacation.
Read Also: All Star Music Resort Disney World: Family-Friendly Value
Read Also: Exploring the All Star Sports Resort Disney World
Read Also: What to Expect: Disney’s All Star Movies Resort
Which Disney Value Resort is Known for its Family Suites?
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the one that’s best-known for its family suites. The Little Mermaid section only offers standard rooms. The rest of the three areas in this resort offer family suites. They are themed to Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King, so you can opt to stay in an area that’s best suited to your family. Family suites are able to sleep larger groups with a bedroom, two bathrooms, and two pull-down beds.
With this extra space, you’ll find that you can also enjoy time in your room. It makes for a much more relaxing vacation, when you can have a moment to yourself. Remember that you are still staying in a value resort, so don’t expect a luxury suite. Yet, it’s a great way to stay at Disney and have more space without breaking the bank.
The Best Disney World Value Resort for Adults
The Disney Value Resorts are great for adults traveling on a budget as well. I recommend Disney’s Pop Century Resort for adults. You’ll travel back in time to some of the most iconic decades in recent history. This resort allows you to reminisce of decades past and toys from childhood.
The Disney Skyliner offers adults the chance to visit the other nearby resorts. Such as the new Riviera Resort, and have a drink outside at their pool bar. Or take a romantic walk thru Carribean Beach Resort. You have many options to make staying at a value resort, romantic.
Rooms here are straightforward and provides upgraded basic needs. Offering adults everything they could need after a long day in the theme parks.
You find that the two quieter pools are great for a relaxing day off from the theme parks. Where you can chill out or read a book in peace and quiet.
Which Disney Value Resort is Cheapest?
The three All-Star Resorts come in with the lowest price point. You will find that All-Star Sports and All-Star Music are the two cheapest, as the Movies is the most popular . The price of your vacation will depend on when you are traveling and the type of room you select.
Standard room can save a lot of money, but you may opt to upgrade to a preferred room for a closer location. These resorts can be quite spread out, so this helps you to be closer to the lobby and buses. Art of Animation Family suites are great for larger parties, but beware of the price. Be sure to price compare to stays in moderate resorts.
If you are looking for the most affordable price, All-Star Resorts should be your choice for your next Walt Disney World Vacation. There isn’t a big difference between the 3 all star resorts except for the theming. If you are a large family, you will want to look at All-Star Music for the family suite option.
Disney’s Value Resorts are excellent options for anyone coming to Orlando on a budget. You’ll find that they have everything you need to make the most of your time in Walt Disney World. You won’t be paying for extra facilities you are unlikely to use when spending all day in the theme parks. Check out the various room options to find one that suits your family’s requirements.
Visitors appreciate that Disney is able to cater to everyone’s needs and budget. Which is why this category of resorts remains popular year after year with travelers. Anyone looking for lower price points should consider a value resort.
Read Also: Disney Resorts for Large Families and Groups
6 comments
Michael
This is an excellent and comprehensive guide to the value resorts. I love your attention to practical detail, such as if the rooms have tea kettles or microwaves.
Bayley Clark
Thank you! I know people always wonder about options in the room like coffee makers, tea kettles, and microwaves. Hopefully this helps some planners!
Jolayne
How did I not know about the value resorts when my girls were younger? They would have loved them.
Bayley Clark
They are perfect for young kids!
Kevin Foodie
This is an informative post. I have never been to Disney World but it’s good to learn about the different tiers of Disney Value Resorts. I think your readers, like myself, who have never been to Disney will be empowered and confident going Into booking a stay at one of these resorts.
Bayley Clark
Thank you! It’s never too late to plan a trip!