Disney Value Resorts Guide (2025): Affordable Magic On Property
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- May 8, 2023
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 18
Updated 7/17/25
Don’t let the word “Value” fool you—Disney’s Value Resorts are anything but basic. While they may not have the grand lobbies or fine dining of Deluxe Resorts, they offer some of the best perks of staying on property at a budget-friendly price.
Each resort brings the Disney magic with playful theming, oversized icons, lively pools, and updated rooms that make smart use of space. Plus, you’ll enjoy free transportation to the parks, large food courts, and that signature Disney service that makes everything feel extra special.
Sure, the rooms are smaller and amenities more limited—but for families with kids, first-time visitors, or anyone who plans to spend most of their time in the parks, Disney’s Value Resorts are a smart and magical choice.
✨ What Are Disney Value Resorts?
Walt Disney World has five Value Resorts, each with its own unique theme and personality—but all offering budget-friendly pricing, on-site perks, and fun for the whole family.
All-Star Sports – A high-energy resort themed around football, basketball, baseball, and more, perfect for little athletes and sports lovers.
All-Star Movies – Features beloved Disney film icons like Toy Story and 101 Dalmatians—ideal for young families and movie buffs.
All-Star Music – Celebrate the sounds of jazz, rock, and pop with musical theming throughout and access to family suites for larger groups.
Art of Animation – Disney’s most elaborately themed Value Resort with immersive areas dedicated to Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.
Pop Century Resort – A nostalgic tribute to the fads and fashions of the 1950s–1990s, complete with fun decor and Skyliner access.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Stuck between Pop Century and Art of Animation? Both share a Skyliner station—but Pop’s standard rooms are usually more affordable, while Art of Animation offers the best theming and suite options.
🧳 Still deciding if staying on-site is right for you?
Check out our full breakdown of why staying on Disney property can make your vacation smoother and more magical—including perks like early park entry, free transportation, and resort delivery services.
👨👩👧👦 Who Should Stay at a Disney Value Resort?
Disney Value Resorts are ideal for travelers who want to stay on property and save money while still soaking in the Disney magic. Here’s who they’re best suited for:
Families with young kids – The oversized Disney characters and bright theming (think Lightning McQueen, Woody, and Ariel!) add a fun and whimsical touch that little ones love.
Park-first visitors – If your hotel is just a place to sleep between rope drop and fireworks, Value Resorts give you everything you need—without paying for extras you won’t use.
Larger groups on a budget – The family suites at All-Star Music and Art of Animation can accommodate up to 6 guests and include kitchenettes, making them perfect for bigger families or groups who want to stay together.
Budget-conscious travelers – Whether you're visiting during a promotion or trying to maximize your Annual Passholder perks, Value Resorts are one of the most affordable ways to stay inside the Disney bubble.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip:If you’re not planning to spend much time at the resort—and would rather be park-hopping or exploring Disney Springs—Value Resorts let you put more of your vacation budget toward experiences, not accommodations, like us.
Inside the Disney Value Resorts
🎨 Value Resort Theming
Disney Value Resorts are known for their over-the-top, playful theming—perfect for kids and the young at heart!
Expect larger-than-life Disney icons like Ariel, Simba, Woody, and Pongo around every corner.
You’ll also spot massive sports gear, musical instruments, and whimsical retro touches depending on the resort.
The bold colors and immersive designs make for some seriously fun photo ops and unforgettable vacation vibes.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip:Want the most “Instagrammable” theming? Art of Animation is bursting with detail—especially in the Cars and Finding Nemo sections.
🛏️ Value Resort Rooms
While Value Resort rooms are the most compact on Disney property, they’ve been thoughtfully updated for comfort and function:
Standard Rooms are 260 sq ft and typically sleep up to 4 guests
Suites at All-Star Music and Art of Animation can sleep up to 6 adults and include:
A separate bedroom
Living area with pull-down bed or sleeper
Kitchenette
Two bathrooms
Most buildings use exterior hallways, with the exception of family suite buildings at Art of Animation.
Recently updated rooms at All-Star Resorts and Pop Century now include:
Elevated beds for storage underneath
Fold-down Murphy-style beds
Extra USB ports and outlets
Sleek, modern finishes that open up floor space
The Little Mermaid rooms at Art of Animation are the only standard rooms at the resort (everything else is a suite). These charming, under-the-sea-themed rooms sleep up to 4 guests and are a great pick for Ariel fans—but be aware:
They’re located furthest from the Skyliner and main building, making for a longer walk to transportation and the food court.
They also haven’t been updated recently, unlike the refurbished rooms at Pop Century and the All-Star Resorts.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip:If theming is a top priority, Little Mermaid rooms deliver. But if convenience and modern upgrades matter more, you may prefer Pop Century or an updated All-Star Preferred Room.
🍔 Dining options at Value Resorts
You won’t find signature dining or table-service restaurants at Disney Value Resorts, but you will find large, convenient food courts with something for everyone.
Each resort features a quick-service food court offering classic fare like burgers, pizza, pasta, chicken tenders, and salads—great for picky eaters and families.
Most food courts also offer grab-and-go snacks, coffee, and allergy-friendly options.
In-room pizza delivery is available in the evenings (check your resort’s app or welcome guide for hours).
Each resort has a poolside bar serving cocktails, mocktails, and light snacks—a great way to unwind while the kids swim.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Avoid the food court crowds by dining during off-peak times (before 8am or after 7:30pm), especially if you are trying to get a head start for Early Entry. We like to order groceries and grab a quick breakfast in the room.
Want to know our strategy for making the most of Early Entry at the Disney parks?
Pop over to our Early Entry Guide for tips on what to prioritize, when to arrive, and how to make that extra 30 minutes count!
🛒 Need groceries delivered to your Disney Resort? We’ve got a full guide coming soon with delivery tips, resort address info, and fees—perfect if you want snacks, water, or breakfast essentials waiting when you arrive.[Check back soon for the link!]
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip:Ordering groceries ahead of time can save you money and time in the parks—especially if you’re staying at a Value Resort with limited dining options.
🏊 Recreation and Activities
While you won’t find spas or water slides like at Deluxe Resorts, Disney Value Resorts still pack in plenty of fun between park visits:
Themed main pools (like The Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation or the Calypso Pool at All-Star Music)
Smaller quiet pools perfect for a break from the crowds
Splash areas available at some main pools
Daily poolside activities and games hosted by Cast Members
Movies Under the Stars shown nightly outdoors
Playgrounds available at each resort
Arcades with classic and modern games in the main building
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip:If you're planning a resort day, grab a schedule from the front desk or check the My Disney Experience app—you’ll find trivia contests, dance parties, crafts, and more included in your stay.
🚌 Value Resort Transportation
Disney Value Resorts make it easy to get around Walt Disney World without a car.
Art of Animation and Pop Century offer direct access to the Disney Skyliner, providing scenic (and fast!) gondola transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Art of Animation and Pop Century share a Skyliner station, and lines can get surprisingly long in the morning—especially if you're trying to make rope drop at EPCOT or Hollywood Studios. Give yourself extra time and consider hopping in line 60–90 minutes before park opening if you want to be among the first through the gates!
All Value Resorts have Disney bus service to:
Magic Kingdom
Animal Kingdom
EPCOT & Hollywood Studios (for All-Stars)
Disney Springs and the water parks
The All-Star Resorts typically operate separate buses during busy seasons and park open/close times—but during slower periods, they may share buses, which can increase travel time.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip:If you're staying at an All-Star resort, ask the front desk which park buses are shared vs separate during your stay. Planning your park order around bus timing can save time in the mornings!
🗺️ Want to dive deeper into how each Disney Resort connects to the parks?
🚍 Or browse the main Disney World Transportation Planning Page for tips, maps, and cheat sheets!
2025 Pricing for Disney Value Resorts
Standard Value Rooms start at around $170/night
Resorts like Pop Century and Little Mermaid rooms at Art of Animation typically run $50+ more per night
Prices increase during high-demand times like Christmas, Spring Break, and holiday weekends
Family Suites at All-Star Music start at approximately $365/night
Family Suites at Art of Animation start at around $520/night
Prices vary by theme (Cars, Lion King, Nemo) and season
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip:If you’re a large family with younger kids, family suites are a game-changer. You’ll get extra space, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette—all under one roof. But if you’re traveling with teens or adults, booking two standard rooms (especially at the All-Star Resorts) may actually be the more cost-effective option.
🤑 How to Save Even More on Disney Value Resorts
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to pay full price to stay at a Disney Resort! If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can often take advantage of limited-time Disney World discounts that can save you hundreds on your hotel stay or vacation package.
✨ Disney releases special offers several times a year, including:
Room-only discounts (often up to 30% off)
Vacation package deals
Occasionally even Free Dining promotions!
📅 Flexible travel = more savings — Traveling during off-peak times (like late January, early May, or mid-September) gives you the best shot at scoring a deal.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Even if you’ve already booked your trip, Disney often lets you apply new promotions later—a good travel advisor will do this for you automatically (And we know a great one! 🧳 Book with Bren)
✈️ Returning Perk: Airport Bag Check for Southwest Flyers
A long-missed convenience is finally back for Disney Value Resort guests! Starting April 3, 2025, travelers flying Southwest Airlines out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) can once again take advantage of Disney’s Airport Bag Check Service.
This complimentary perk allows guests staying at Disney’s Value Resorts to check their luggage and receive boarding passes right at the hotel—no need to haul your bags through the airport!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This service saves serious time on your departure day. Drop your bags in the morning, then head to the parks or enjoy the pool without the hassle of carrying luggage around.
Read all the details about this returning perk→ here.
💬 Final Thoughts: Why We Love Disney Value Resorts
We’re Value Resort girlies through and through. Sure, we adore the occasional bougie stay at a Deluxe resort and have a soft spot for the charm of Moderates—but because we visit Walt Disney World multiple times a year, we like to save a little money where it makes sense.
Choosing a Disney Value Resort lets us stay in the magic without sacrificing those on-site perks we love—like Early Entry, free transportation, and that pixie-dusted Disney service.
✨ Pop Century is hands down our favorite Value Resort (hello, Skyliner access!). But more often than not, you’ll find us at an All-Star Resort in a Preferred Room—close to the lobby and food court, and a lot kinder to our feet after a long park day.
🧭 Keep Planning Your Disney Vacation:
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip:It’s not about spending the least—it’s about spending smart. Value Resorts help us put more of our vacation budget toward what matters most to us: tours, table service meals, character experiences, and… okay, a little shopping.
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
P.S. Planning your own magical getaway?
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