Disney's Value Resorts

Disney's Value Resorts are the least expensive way to stay on Disney property (aside from popping up a tent and camping at the Fort Wilderness Campsites).  The Value Resorts are not the best place to stay and for the money ($85-$$176 depending on the season/date) they are really not as nice as a comparably priced Holiday Inn or Hilton nearby.  That being said, the perks that come with staying on Disney property are worth it as long as you are not planning to spend a lot of time in your room.  If you're going to use your room as a place to leave your things and sleep, they will be just fine.  

A few things to consider before you book a room in the Value category:

• The doors open to exterior hallways which are large and sound carries - you may not get the best night's sleep.
• The bathrooms are not as private - they are a fabric curtain that pulls in front of the sink area and then a small room with just a toilet and a shower/tub.
• Pools (but no water slides)

The Value Resorts: 

1) All Star Movies, Sports, and Music:
These 3 separate resorts all share one bus.  If you plan to use Disney's free bus transportation and you are staying at the All-Star resorts, pack your patience and get to the bus early - it could take a while!  The closest park to the All-Star resorts is the Animal Kingdom. 


2) Pop Century
This resort is themed on trends and toys from the 1950's-1990's.  The rooms at Pop Century are small, simple, and functional.  They are basic, but slightly nicer and newer than the rooms at the All-Star resorts.  Pop Century is located on the Southern part of the Disney property near the Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

3) Art of Animation
Disney's newest value resort has all Disney animated movie themes.  There are Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo suites and standard rooms that are decorated for the Little Mermaid.  I can't believe it's taken this long for Disney to theme an entire resort (and especially the rooms) after their movies and characters.  The family suites are colorful and spacious, but not luxurious. The suites have a sink, mini fridge, and microwave, but the Little Mermaid standard rooms only have mini fridges.  The Art of Animation Resort is near Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.  Be warned that if you stay in the Little Mermaid standard rooms (the only rooms at this resort that are not suites) that they are a long walk from the bus stop.  I don't recommend those rooms for families with a stroller unless they are prepared to walk a good distance at the beginning and end of the day or they plan to drive in their own car.