Which Disney World Value Resort is the Best?

When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, it’s essential to find the perfect resort to maximize your vacation experience.

With a variety of options available, it can be challenging to decide which Disney World value resort is the best for your needs.

Which Disney World Value Resort is the Best? – Two stand out as which Disney World Value resort is the best, my top choices are: Pop Century and Art of Animation. These resorts offer a fantastic combination of immersive theming, modern amenities, and convenient transportation options.

Out of all the Disney World hotels, choosing the right value resort is crucial for a memorable and enjoyable vacation.

This guide aims to help you navigate the options and determine which Disney World value resort is the best for your vacation.

Introduction to Disney World Value Resorts

Selecting the best resort ensures that you have a comfortable and convenient place to rest after a long day at the parks, while also offering a magical atmosphere that adds to your overall Disney experience.

When considering which Disney World value resort is the best, it’s essential to know the options available.

There are five value resorts to choose from, each with its unique theme and features:

  1. Pop Century
  2. Art of Animation
  3. All-Star Movies
  4. All-Star Sports
  5. All-Star Music

1. Pop Century

Pop Century is a popular choice among value resorts, often considered the best by many guests.

This resort is themed around different decades, from the 1950s through the 1990s, and offers a nostalgic atmosphere with larger-than-life icons from each era.

The resort’s rooms are comfortable and recently updated, and guests can enjoy the resort’s fountain play areas for kids.

2. Art of Animation

Art of Animation is another top contender for the best Disney World value resort, especially for families with younger children.

This resort features fantastic theming based on beloved Disney and Pixar animated movies, such as The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and Cars. The resort offers both standard rooms and family suites, accommodating larger groups.

It also boasts the best food court among all value resorts and is connected to the Disney Skyliner, providing easy transportation to other areas of the resort.

(How to Get From Art of Animation to Disney Springs)

3. All-Star Movies

All-Star Movies is one of three All-Star resorts, themed around popular Disney movies and filled with larger-than-life characters and icons.

This resort offers basic accommodations with a fun atmosphere, making it an appealing choice for those who want to immerse themselves in the magic of Disney films.

4. All-Star Sports

All-Star Sports is another resort in the All-Star trio, featuring a sports theme with larger-than-life sports icons and themed areas.

This resort offers basic accommodations similar to All-Star Movies but caters more to sports enthusiasts. The theming at All-Star Sports focuses on various popular sports, including baseball, basketball, football, surfing, and tennis.

5. All-Star Music

The final resort in the All-Star trio is All-Star Music, which is themed around various genres of music, including jazz, rock, country, calypso, and Broadway.

Like the other All-Star resorts, All-Star Music offers basic accommodations with a fun atmosphere.

This resort is ideal for music lovers who want to stay in a resort that celebrates their passion for different music genres.

General Pricing and Accommodations

The value resorts offer affordable accommodations while still providing a magical Disney experience.

Nightly prices for standard rooms at these resorts range from $128 to $392, depending on the resort and the time of your visit.

Keep in mind that the rooms at value resorts are generally smaller and more basic compared to moderate or deluxe resorts, but they still offer a comfortable and convenient place to rest after a day of fun at the parks.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort takes guests on a journey through time, with each section of the resort representing a different decade from the 1950s to the 1990s.

The resort features larger-than-life icons and décor from each era, immersing guests in the pop culture of the time.

Advantages over other value resorts

  1. Up-to-date public areas: Pop Century has recently undergone refurbishments, ensuring that its public spaces are modern and inviting. This resort feels fresh and contemporary, making it a favorite among guests.
  2. Less glaring room décor: Compared to the bold theming of the All-Star resorts, Pop Century’s room décor is more subdued and less visually overwhelming. This makes the rooms more comfortable and relaxing for guests.
  3. Fountain play areas for kids: Pop Century offers unique fountain play areas where children can splash and cool off. This feature sets the resort apart from other value resorts and adds to its family-friendly appeal.

Rankings and reviews from various sources

Disney’s Pop Century Resort consistently ranks high among value resorts in Disney World.

Guests praise the resort for its fun atmosphere, updated rooms, and convenient location.

Many online reviews and travel websites rate Pop Century as the best or one of the best value resorts at Disney World.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort showcases the magic of Disney animation, featuring four themed sections inspired by beloved films: The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Little Mermaid.

Each section is decorated with larger-than-life character statues, vibrant colors, and immersive landscapes, transporting guests into their favorite animated worlds.

Family-friendly features

  1. Fantastic theming: Art of Animation offers incredible theming, with intricate details that truly make guests feel as though they’ve stepped into their favorite Disney films. This immersive experience is a big hit with families.
  2. Modern facilities: As one of Disney’s newest value resorts, Art of Animation boasts contemporary accommodations and amenities. The resort features well-maintained public spaces and modern room features, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests.
  3. Access to the Disney Skyliner: Art of Animation is connected to the Disney Skyliner gondola system, which provides convenient transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This feature makes the resort an excellent choice for guests who prioritize easy park access.

Dining options and food court experience

The Landscape of Flavors food court at Art of Animation offers a diverse array of food options, from classic American fare to international cuisine.

The food court features multiple stations, each with its own unique menu, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Additionally, the dining area is spacious and well-designed, providing a pleasant and comfortable environment for guests.

Rankings and reviews from various sources

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort consistently receives high praise from guests and travel experts alike.

The resort is often ranked as one of the top value resorts at Disney World, with many reviewers citing the incredible theming, modern amenities, and convenient access to the Disney Skyliner as standout features.

Final Thoughts on Which Disney World Value Resort is the Best?

When deciding which Disney World value resort is the best for your vacation, it’s important to consider several factors, such as theming, amenities, dining options, transportation, and the overall guest experience.

Each resort offers unique features and benefits, so it’s crucial to choose the one that best aligns with your preferences and needs.

Theming

The theming is a key factor when choosing which Disney World value resort is the best for your family. Pop Century and Art of Animation stand out for their immersive and family-friendly themes, while the All-Star Resorts offer simpler, sports and movie-themed environments.

Amenities

To determine which Disney World value resort is the best in terms of amenities, consider factors such as pool areas, recreational activities, and room features.

Art of Animation’s modern facilities and access to the Disney Skyliner give it an edge over other value resorts, while Pop Century’s updated public areas and kid-friendly fountain play areas are also appealing.

Dining options

Dining options play a significant role in deciding which Disney World value resort is the best for your stay.

Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors food court offers a diverse array of food choices, while the All-Star Resorts provide more standard fare. Pop Century’s food court, Everything Pop, also presents a variety of options, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

Transportation

Efficient transportation is essential when determining which Disney World value resort is the best for your vacation.

Art of Animation and Pop Century have the added advantage of being connected to the Disney Skyliner, providing easy access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The All-Star Resorts rely on bus transportation, which may require more time and patience during peak travel times.

Overall guest experience

Finally, the overall guest experience is crucial in deciding which Disney World value resort is the best for your trip.

Online reviews and rankings can help you understand which resorts consistently receive high praise from guests.

Art of Animation often tops the list for its immersive theming, modern amenities, and convenient transportation options, while Pop Century is also highly regarded for its comfortable accommodations and updated public spaces.

By carefully considering these factors, you’ll be able to determine which Disney World value resort is the best choice for your magical vacation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Value Resort

When determining which Disney World value resort is the best fit for your vacation, it’s essential to consider several factors that can influence your decision.

These factors will help you ensure that the resort you select meets your expectations and contributes to an unforgettable Disney vacation.

Personal preferences and priorities

Your personal preferences and priorities play a significant role in deciding which Disney World value resort is the best choice for your vacation.

Consider the type of atmosphere you prefer, the amenities you value most, and the overall experience you’re seeking in a Disney resort.

Size and age of your travel group

The size and age of your travel group can greatly influence your decision on which Disney World value resort is the best fit for your stay.

Families with young children may prioritize resorts with immersive theming and kid-friendly amenities, while groups of adults may look for more subtle décor and a relaxing atmosphere.

Desired level of theming and immersion

The level of theming and immersion you desire can affect your decision on which Disney World value resort is the best option.

If you’re seeking a fully immersive Disney experience, resorts like Art of Animation and Pop Century might be more appealing.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more toned-down environment, the All-Star Resorts could be a better fit.

Budget constraints

Finally, budget constraints are a critical factor in determining which Disney World value resort is the best choice for your vacation.

While all value resorts offer affordable accommodations, some may have slightly higher or lower price points depending on the season, room type, and available discounts.

Be sure to consider your budget when comparing resorts to ensure you find the best value for your money.

Which Disney value resort is known for its family suites?

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is known for its family suites, designed to accommodate larger travel groups and provide additional space and comfort for families.

Which Disney World hotel is most convenient?

Convenience can depend on various factors such as proximity to theme parks, access to transportation, and personal preferences. However, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is often considered the most convenient due to its walking distance to the Magic Kingdom and direct access to the monorail system.

What is the difference between a moderate and value Disney resort?

The main differences between a moderate and value Disney resort are price, room size, amenities, and overall theming. Moderate resorts tend to be more expensive but offer larger rooms, more elaborate theming, additional dining options, and a higher level of comfort compared to value resorts.

Do Disney value resorts get extra magic hours?

Yes, guests staying at Disney value resorts do get access to Extra Magic Hours, which allow them to enter selected theme parks earlier or stay later than regular park hours on specific days.