Why Staying at Walt Disney World Value Resorts Makes a Great Choice

Stay close to the magic without overspending. Walt Disney World Value Resorts are perfect for families on a budget. If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you might be debating where to stay: value, moderate, or deluxe? The Disney World Value Resorts are often underrated. Still, they offer numerous perks for families, first-time visitors, budget travelers, and even Disney veterans who want to experience the magic without breaking the bank. Below are the top reasons to choose a Value Resort for your stay and what you get (and give up) when you do. With everything in the world costing more, Walt Disney World visitors sometimes need to cut their budgets to enjoy the magic.  The Walt Disney World Value Resorts might be a solution to this concern.

What Are the Walt Disney World Value Resorts?

Before we delve into the benefits, let’s ensure we’re referring to the same group. Walt Disney World Value Resorts are the most affordable tier of on-property hotels. The resorts in this category include:

• Disney’s All-Star Movies
• Disney’s All-Star Music
• Disney’s All-Star Sports
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

These resorts typically have standard rooms, some family suites (at specific properties), large themed décor, food court-style dining, complimentary transportation, and many of the Walt Disney World perks you expect, just with fewer bells and whistles.

All-Stars Resorts

The All-Stars Resorts typically cost less than the other two. There are three All-Star resort hotels: All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, and All-Star Sports. Rooms at the All-Star resort hotels range from around $130 to just over $200, depending on the season and any Disney World hotel discounts.

All three All-Star resort hotels have recently undergone refurbishments that have significantly upgraded the rooms to a much more modern, functional design. Each standard room offers one king bed or a queen bed with a queen-size table bed. Since these upgrades, the rooms at the All-Star resort hotels are now worth much more, thanks to improved quality.

Since the All-Star Resort hotels don’t have over-the-top lobbies, you won’t see overwhelming crowds from non-resort guests. In fact, due to their location and lack of table-service dining, non-resort guest traffic will be negligible compared to that at Walt Disney World Deluxe-level hotels. This is a nice benefit. Staying at a Deluxe-level hotel usually involves navigating the lobby with many other guests who are not staying there. While the value resorts do not have table-service restaurants, the large food courts at the All-Star resort hotels offer a wide variety of options that will meet the expectations of most families.

Bus Transportation

However, the All-Stars only have bus transportation, unlike Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation. Many guests feel that paying $50-$100 more for Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation is worth it just for Disney Skyliner access. In fact, even though Walt Disney World classifies Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort as value resorts, many consider them to be a higher category than the All-Star Resorts based on transportation. Additionally, the food courts are considered weaker at the three All-Star Resorts. Still, that perspective is valid. However, the difference regarding quality is not as noticeable as in the past.

Regarding Suites

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort has a few family suites that sleep more than four. Disney’s Art of Animation offers a greater variety of suites for larger groups. Of course, the pricing for those at Disney’s Art of Animation may no longer feel like a value. Your “Pixie” at Pixie Vacations can help you through that decision, if a suite sleeping six works best for your group. The other Walt Disney World value-level hotels only have standard rooms.

Top Reasons to Stay at One of the Walt Disney World Value Resorts

Here are the significant advantages, especially if you’re watching your budget, traveling with kids, or want to spend most of your time in the Walt Disney World theme parks rather than enjoying your hotel’s amenities.

1. Cost Savings / Budget Friendly

   

   Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation

• Perhaps the most obvious benefit: Walt Disney World Value Resorts are by far the cheapest way to stay on Disney property. Standard rooms often cost substantially less than similar rooms at Moderate or Deluxe resorts. In some cases, the price looks very competitive compared to nearby “off-site” hotels. However, if your Orlando-area visit includes a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, the value-level hotels there are less expensive.
• That means more freedom with your spending: more money for park tickets, meals, souvenirs, or even an extra day in the parks. Still, if your budget is fixed, staying at one of the Disney World Value Resorts may be the difference between staying on property versus off-site.

2. Disney Perks Without the Premium Price

   

   Photo Credit: Walt Disney World

Although Walt Disney World Value Resorts are more basic, you still get many of the benefits of staying at a Disney hotel. Some of those include:

• Early Theme Park Entry (you can enter the parks 30 minutes before general admission) for on-site resort guests.
• Complimentary transportation to the parks, Disney Springs, and water parks.
• Being within the “Disney bubble” — you’re fully in a Disney environment, so you’re closer to rides, more immersed, and no commuting long distances.

So, you don’t have to give up all the magic to save money.

3. Fun & Unique Theming

   

   Photo Credit: Walt Disney World

This is a big plus, especially for kids and anyone who loves Disney’s characters, stories, and goofy over-the-top design. Walt Disney World Value Resorts lean into bold, playful theming. Some examples include:

• All-Star Movies has massive icons and props from favorite Disney films: Toy Story, Fantasia, 101 Dalmatians, etc.
• Art of Animation’s sections are themed around The Little Mermaid, Cars, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo—bright, immersive, great places for photo ops.
• Pop Century celebrates pop culture by decade, with themed pools and decor (for example, the bowling-pin pool).

The appeal of being surrounded by visible Disney magic, even when you’re just walking from your room to the bus or pool, can brighten your vacation.

4. Good Amenities for Families

   

   Photo Credit: Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Value Resorts include a solid set of amenities that are well-suited for families, including:

• Multiple pools, including at least one main pool that is larger and more themed. For example, Disney’s Art of Animation has “The Big Blue Pool,” one of the largest on Walt Disney World property.
• Playground areas so children can burn off energy.
• Food courts with multiple quick service options so everyone in the family can pick something they like, and you don’t need to schedule sit-down meals if you don’t want to. These also help you dine without leaving your hotel.
• The family suites in certain resorts (Art of Animation and All-Star Music) afford more space, extra bathrooms, or kitchenettes, which is a big help for larger groups or more extended stays. These provide more space for groups to spread out.

5. Convenience & Location of Amenities

   

   Everything Pop Food Court Area

Even though Walt Disney World Value Resorts are more basic, the convenience factors are strong:

• Free Wi-Fi in rooms. That helps with planning, maps, checking park hours, etc.
• There are on-site gift shops, so you don’t have to go out of your resort to get basics: sunscreen, souvenirs, snacks, etc.
• Transportation directly from the resort to the parks, Disney Springs, etc. Even though mostly by bus, they run often. Some resorts (like Pop Century and Art of Animation) also have access to the Disney Skyliner, which offers a fun, scenic way to get to Hollywood Studios/Epcot.
• Nightly resort entertainment: pools with themed features, movie nights under the stars, and scheduled resort activities.

6. Great for First-Time Visitors & Those Who Prioritize Parks Over Lodging

   

   Photo Credit: Walt Disney World

If your priority is spending more time in the parks, riding attractions, and enjoying shows rather than staying in a fancy hotel, the Walt Disney World Value Resorts shine here. Since your lodging cost is lower, you’re putting more of your budget into the theme park experience. Also, Walt Disney World Value Resorts tend to have simpler layouts, with vivid theming that helps you and your kids orient yourselves easily.

In fairness, a Walt Disney World Resort vacation should be about more than just the theme parks. However, for many guests, the average Walt Disney World vacation has gotten shorter over the last decade or so. Only visiting for a few days leaves little time to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities at Walt Disney World Resort beyond the four theme parks.

7. More Flexibility in Your Travel Budget

Lower nightly hotel rates mean greater flexibility. You might afford longer trips (by staying more nights) or add extra perks (meals, special tours) without blowing past your budget. This also gives your group a better chance of taking advantage of deals, promotions, and off-peak pricing. Sometimes Walt Disney World offers discounts or incentives specifically for the Value Resorts. Off-season stays often see lower demand and better pricing.

Walt Disney World Value Resorts: Things to Consider / Trade-Offs

To make an informed decision, you should also be aware of what you don’t get (or get less of) when staying at a Walt Disney World Value Resort. That way, you can decide if the trade-offs are acceptable for you.

Room Size & Amenities are Basic

Rooms are smaller than those at Moderate and Deluxe resorts. If you have a large family, multiple pieces of luggage, or want more space, this can feel cramped.

Many rooms have exterior corridors (doors opening to the outside rather than central indoor hallways), which means less privacy / more exposure to the weather, and more walking outdoors.

 Fewer Luxury Add-Ons

• There are no table-service restaurants (i.e., sit-down, full-service dining) at the Walt Disney World Value Resorts. It’s all quick-service / food courts. So, if you like fine dining or relaxing meals, you’ll need to plan to eat outside or upgrade to a more expensive option.
• Fewer premium transportation options: mostly buses, which can be slower, more crowded, and subject to stops.
• Fewer recreational amenities compared to moderate or deluxe: no large spas, no table-service lounges or bars, limited fitness facilities, fewer high-end amenities.

Higher Traffic, Crowds, & Possible Noise

• Since these resorts are cheaper, they tend to attract more guests; large group bookings (youth groups, sports groups) are common. That can mean more crowded food courts, longer lines, and more bus riders.
• With exterior corridors (in many of the value rooms), noise from neighbors, hallways, and foot traffic can carry more. On busy days or during significant events, those aspects may be more noticeable.

How to Decide If a Walt Disney World Value Resort is Right for You

To help you decide, here’s a quick checklist. If most of these apply to you, staying at a Value Resort will likely be a strong choice:

Yes/No          If Yes ? Value Resort Good Fit

• Your budget is limited, or you want more money for park experiences.
• You plan to spend most of your time in theme parks, not at the resort.
• Traveling with kids who will love theming, pools, and fun atmospheres.
• Don’t mind using buses or public Disney transportation; not so concerned about luxury.
• Need a family suite / more room (if you pick the right resort)? (Maybe—check whether the resort you choose offers family suites.)
• Prefer table-service dining and more upscale amenities? (Maybe Upgrade to Moderate / Deluxe.0

Highlights of Individual Value Resorts

To help you pick which Value Resort might suit you best, here are some notes on particular resorts in this tier.

• Art of Animation – Probably the most immersive theming, especially for families. Large pools (including “The Big Blue Pool”), family suites. Interior hallways in some sections. Great if you want more Disney magic per square foot.
• Pop Century – Very popular; fun theming by decades, includes iconic pools (like the bowling-pin pool). Like Aart of Animation, it also benefits from Skyliner access, which is a huge plus if you plan to use Skyliner to get to Epcot or Hollywood Studios.
• All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music, Sports) – Among the lowest-cost resorts, with great theming; the All-Star resorts are often bustling, so expect more guests. In pick season, lines and bus waits may be longer. If cost is the most significant deciding factor, these are solid picks

Tips & Tricks for Getting the Most Out of a Disney World Value Resort Stay

If you go the Value Resort route, here are some suggestions to maximize enjoyment and minimize discomfort.

• Book early & off-peak if possible—prices usually go up in high season. If your dates are flexible, choose one during lower crowd times.
• Consider family suites if rooming with more people—If you have more than four people or want more comfort, the family suites (offered at certain resorts) provide more space and amenities, though at a higher cost.
• Pay attention to transportation logistics—know that to get to certain theme parks, you may need to ride buses (or the Skyliner if you’re at a resort with it). Buses stop frequently, but may have multiple stops—so plan extra time.
• Bring what makes your room more comfortable – Think about packing a power strip (if allowed), small snacks, and kid-friendly items (night lights, etc.). Since rooms are smaller, being efficient helps.
• Use resort downtime smartly—use the afternoon to rest, enjoy the pool, and have a slower meal; avoid being “on the go” every single minute. Resort entertainment, like movies under the stars or pool play, can be nice relaxers.
• Prioritize what matters most to you—if proximity, luxury, or quieter accommodations are more important than cost, a Moderate resort may be worth the extra expense. But if theming, being on property, and saving money are high priorities, value resorts deliver a lot.

Walt Disney World Value Resorts

Walt Disney World Value Resorts offer a compelling blend of affordability, fun, and just enough amenities to keep most guests happy. If you’re a family, a first-time visitor, or someone who prioritizes maximizing park time over spending on deluxe lodging, the Value Resort tier strikes an outstanding balance.

You get many of the signature Disney perks, transportation, early entry, themed environments, and on-site amenities, while keeping lodging costs lower. Yes, there are trade-offs: smaller rooms, fewer luxe amenities, and more crowds. Still, for many people, those downsides are more than offset by what you gain: more Disney magic, more budget left for other fun, and still staying within the Disney “bubble.”

If you decide to stay at a Walt Disney World Value Resort, pick the one that best fits your style (theme, location, suite vs standard room), plan carefully, and you can have a magical trip with more peace of mind about your budget. For many, there’s no better way to experience Walt Disney World without feeling like you’re compromising too much.

Ready For Your Next Walt Disney World Vacation?

Booking a Walt Disney World vacation is an exciting adventure, but the sheer volume of choices and constant policy changes can feel like a full-time job. That’s where a specialized travel advisor, like the “Pixies” at Pixie Vacations, becomes your most valuable asset.

They are Walt Disney World experts who handle the time-consuming tasks like monitoring for better discounts to save you money, and helping you craft a basic plan so your family doesn’t miss a thing. Their services come at no extra cost to you, as Walt Disney World pays them after your vacation. Ultimately, working with a travel advisor means less stress, more savings, and a true partner dedicated to turning your complicated planning into pure, uncomplicated magic. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to your dream Disney vacation—let the experts handle the details!