Resorts
I'll be honest with you: value resorts get a bad reputation in the Disney travel community. You'll find people online who dismiss them as cramped, noisy, and not worth staying on Disney property for. But after working with dozens of families at every budget level, I've come to a different conclusion — for the right family, a Disney value resort is an absolute home run.
The key is knowing whether you're the right family for one. Let me break it all down.
Before we talk about what makes value resorts different, let's talk about what every single Disney on-site resort guest gets — regardless of price tier:
These perks are significant. Early park entry alone can be worth hundreds of dollars in time savings over the course of a multi-day trip.
This is the crown jewel of the value category and honestly rivals some moderate resorts for theming. The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and Little Mermaid suites are stunning — the kind of immersive, detailed environments that make kids absolutely lose their minds. The family suites sleep up to 6 guests, making it an incredible value for larger families. The main pool is one of the best on Disney property, period. If you're considering a value resort, start here.
Pop Century is connected to Art of Animation via the Skyliner gondola system, giving guests at both resorts incredibly convenient access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios — no bus required. The theming celebrates each decade of the 20th century with giant pop culture icons throughout the resort. Rooms are standard value size but well maintained. This is my recommendation for couples or families who prioritize location and transportation convenience over room size.
The three All-Star resorts are the most budget-friendly rooms on Disney property. The theming is fun and bold — giant Buzz Lightyear statues, oversized sports equipment, musical instruments you can actually play. Rooms are small but clean. Food court options are solid. These resorts are best for guests who plan to spend most of their time in the parks and just need a comfortable, affordable place to sleep. If you're a family of four or more, I'd push you toward Art of Animation's family suites instead.
✦ Pro Tip: Value resorts book up just as fast as deluxe resorts during peak seasons. Don't make the mistake of thinking "it's just a value resort, I'll grab it last minute." Book early just like you would for any Disney resort.
Value resorts are a great fit for families who are budget-conscious but still want the full on-site Disney experience, guests who plan to spend almost all of their time in the parks (not lounging at the resort), families with young kids for whom the theming will be pure magic regardless of room size, and first-time Disney visitors who want to experience staying on property without a huge investment.
If relaxing at the resort is a big part of your vacation, if you want a full-service restaurant on property, if you're a large group needing multiple rooms, or if location to a specific park matters a lot to you — it might be worth stretching the budget to a moderate or deluxe resort. I'm always happy to walk through the options with you and find the best fit for your specific trip.
That's exactly what I'm here for. Tell me about your family and your budget and I'll find you the perfect home base for your Disney trip.
Request a Free Quote ✦