Trip Prep

Which Disney World resort category should you choose? Part 1: What makes them Value Resorts?

by TinkerBethany

With over 20 resorts to choose from, Disney World provides a range of options for guests, but which resort category should you choose? Sometimes the price helps determine your choice, but what about those times when you’re on the cusp of a resort category? Will the differences be worth the upgrade? Let’s take a look at some of the differences you’ll find between resort categories. You can compare Value Resort details below with my Moderate and Deluxe Resort posts.

VALUE RESORTS

Walt Disney World features five Value Resorts: All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. These are bright, “eye candy” resorts, with giant statues of characters and icons matching the resort’s theme scattered across the grounds. I typically describe them to my clients as the nicest motel-type accommodation you’ve experienced.

Pop Century

ROOMS

  • Standard rooms are about 270 square feet, for a maximum of four guests (plus an infant). Standard room bedding includes two Queen beds (typically one Queen and one Queen murphy bed), or one king bed. As the exception, Art of Animation Family Suites are twice as large with bedding for six guests (plus an infant), a kitchenette, and two full bathrooms.
  • Room doors open to the outside. Again as the exception, Art of Animation Family Suite buildings feature interior hallways.
  • Standard bathrooms include a single sink and small open closet with hanging rod.
  • Room decor is simple and modern with wood, veneer or plastic furnishings.
Pop Century Standard Room with Murphy Bed down
Pop Century Standard Room closet and bathroom sink

Art of Animation Family Suite kitchenette

POOLS

  • Each resort boasts several themed pools, including a kiddie pool. Spray features add to the fun at the main central pool.
  • There are no slides at Value Resort pools.
  • Plastic lounge chairs are provided on the pool decks. On par with its theme, the Cars pool at Art of Animation sports traffic cone shaped cabanas.
Art of Animation Little Mermaid pool

SHOPPING & DINING

  • Each Value Resort features a Quick Service food court in the main building.
  • A pool bar provides refreshments for guests at the central feature pool.
  • The main building of each resort also houses a gift shop with a variety of souvenirs, snacks, and pharmacy-type products.

RECREATION

  • Pool-side games led by cast members during the day
  • Movies Under the Stars and marshmallow roasting at a campfire in the evening (check the Resort Activities schedule on arrival)
  • Playground and jogging trail
  • Arcade
Art of Animation Lion King Courtyard

TRANSPORTATION

  • The primary mode of Disney transportation between the theme parks and Value Resorts is Disney’s bus service.
  • Pop Century and Art of Animation also feature Skyliner access to Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Caribbean Beach Resort, and the Riviera Resort. Exiting the Skyliner at Epcot also gives guests access to the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and the Boardwalk.

LOCATION

  • Value Resorts are located farthest from the Magic Kingdom and generally on the outer perimeter of Disney World property.

CLUB LEVEL

  • Club Level service is not available at Value Resorts.

Value Resorts provide the most economical way to stay on Disney World property, which is a great reason to love them. If you want to immerse yourself in Disney animation inside and outside of the theme parks, they are the place to stay.

Check out my Moderate and Deluxe Resort posts and be sure to visit my Request a Quote page so that we can get started planning your magical trip!