Disney’s All-Star Resorts are often viewed as the most family-friendly option at Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s one expert’s opinion on why that’s not the case.

There are so many options to consider when planning your Disney World vacation, including the all-important question: where you’re going to stay. For me, the answer to that has changed from pre-kids to post-kids, as I look to consider options that will have kid-friendly accommodations as well as convenient transportation.

And having stayed at many of the Disney World hotels, I’ve formed some opinions on what actually deserve the most family-friendly spot or not.

Disney’s All-Star Resorts Overview

Disney World is home to three All-Star Resorts, each of which falls into the Value Resort category of hotels. What this means is you’re going to get the best bang for your buck on per-night stays here, but the hotels will have fewer dining and amenity choices, and often smaller room sizes than standard rooms at Moderates or Deluxes.

The three hotels to choose from are: Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. The three resorts opened over the course of the 90s, with All-Star Music and Sports Resorts in 1994, and All-Star Movies Resort in 1999.

All-Star Movies Resort. Photo by Danny Shuster

Each of the hotels comes with larger-than-life theming, including giant statues of Disney characters and props that fit with the theme of each of the resorts. The hotels are all spread out, with quite a few buildings for a larger capacity of guests. They also only offer the option of bus transportation to each of the four parks, plus the water parks and Disney Springs.

Why I Prefer the Alternatives to Disney’s All-Star Resorts

At a Disney World Value Resort, you know what you’re getting. The hotels will have fewer amenities and fewer options for things like transportation and recreation. But, for that, you are paying less for your hotel. While the All-Star Resorts can be a great option for those who are just looking for a place to sleep at night, getting the perks of being on Disney property, I always pick one of the other two Value Resorts: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

Photo by Laurie Sapp

Art of Animation Resort is almost a more updated version of All-Star Movies, offering giant character statues and rooms themed to some of your favorite Disney movies. Pop Century is themed to the various decades, so you’ll also see some character statues from various older Disney animations. However, these Value Resorts also both come with a prime perk: access to the Disney Skyliner. This gives you the option to hop on a gondola and ride to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a major plus for a Value Resort.

Additionally, Art of Animation offers the unique option of family suites, spacious rooms with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette that can accommodate up to six guests. This is an option you can find at both Art of Animation and All-Star Music, and they are perfect picks for larger groups.

While Art of Animation often costs a good deal more than the All-Star Resorts, there’s frequently a minimal price difference between Pop Century and the All-Star Resorts. To me, the addition of the Skyliner makes for enough of a plus that the cost difference is often worth it when staying with my family.

Who Disney’s All-Star Resorts Are Right For

While the All-Star Resorts aren’t always my top pick, there are definitely circumstances where they can be a great option to consider.

You Won’t Be Spending Much Time in Your Room

If you aren’t spending much time in your room, an off-property hotel may provide better accommodations at an even more reasonable price. However, if you are looking to still be on property, the All-Star Resorts can provide a better option.

All Star Movies Standard Room. Photo by Danny Shuster

All-Star Sports typically has the best pricing for any of the Disney World Resorts, sometimes for less than $100 a night pre-tax. If you are simply looking for a place to rest your head each night in between days at the parks, this can make for a great deal that fits within those parameters.

Kids Who Love Character Statues

If you have a kid who loves the Disney characters, both All-Star Movies and Art of Animation make for fantastic options to provide some incredibly fun scenery for them. Each has larger-than-life characters that you’ll see as you walk throughout the resort, but All-Star Movies provides them at a lower price tag!

Family Suites

While both Art of Animation and All-Star Music offer Family Suites, All-Star Music offers these six-person accommodations at a typically cheaper price. For Art of Animation, you are likely to pay over $500 a night for your suite, while All-Star Music has the room available some nights under $400.

Both can sleep up to six adults, making them ideal options for larger families that are looking to stay in one suite versus two separate standard rooms.