Disney World on a Budget: Inside the Value Resort Experience

Planning your first Walt Disney World vacation can feel like an uphill battle. For some Disney fans, starting at a Value resort can help keep the budget in check while still giving them the on-site Disney perks that make a trip feel special. I checked into Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort for a one-night stay to see how it fits a first trip. Short answer: it works.

Why start with a Value resort

Disney groups their resort hotels into Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Values are the most affordable and still include on-site transportation and Early Theme Park Entry. All-Star Movies layers on movie-themed fun from the first moment. There is a literal red carpet at the entrance that sets the tone right away.

Arrival and check-in

I completed online check-in via the My Disney Experience app and went straight to my room when the ready alert arrived. That simple step saved time and made the arrival feel smooth. If you can add your arrival time in the app, be sure to do so.

Where I stayed

I booked a Preferred Room in the Fantasia section, Building 5 on the first floor. Preferred rooms are in the Fantasia and Toy Story areas, closest to the lobby and food court. I was steps from the Fantasia feature pool with the huge Sorcerer Mickey fountain, which added extra fun and ambiance. The small upcharge for Preferred was worth it for proximity.

A room that works harder than the square footage

Rooms at All-Star Movies are compact at around 206 square feet, so layout and storage really matter. The setup includes one queen bed and a Murphy bed that folds down and transforms from a table into a bed. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the Murphy bed felt; it was softer than I expected, and perfectly fine for sleeping. When it’s open, space is limited with about a foot to a foot and a half of walkway between the two beds, but it works.

One small but important design win is the presence of nightstands on both sides of the queen bed, along with a shared surface for the Murphy bed. It sounds minor, but being able to place my glasses, lip balm, or a glass of water within reach makes the room feel more functional and thoughtful.

The room’s storage is cleverly designed as well. Deep drawers and cabinets hold plenty, and inside the cabinet you’ll find extra pillows along with a safe large enough to fit a laptop. Suitcases can slide neatly under the bed, freeing up precious floor space. For a room this size, that extra breathing room makes a BIG difference.

The beverage station sits by the entry, with a Cuisinart coffee maker stocked with Joffrey’s Coffee packets, plus teas, creamers, and sugar. A beverage cooler and ice bucket complete the setup.

Instead of a traditional closet, there is a pared-down solution with hooks, hangers, and an open cubby. It’s not much, but it works for a short stay. Families who like more structure may want to pack a foldable organizer.

The bathroom keeps things simple but practical. Shelving provides a place for baskets or toiletries, and there is a lighted makeup mirror, hair dryer, and the familiar former-H2O products in wall dispensers. The sliding door separates the vanity from the rest of the room, giving a little privacy. Nothing here feels fancy, but nothing feels lacking either.

Finally, the flooring is laminate instead of carpet, a design choice you now see across many resorts at Walt Disney World. It’s easier to keep clean and feels fresher, especially for guests who prefer fewer allergens.

Food that overdelivers

All meals for this stay came from World Premiere Food Court, and the quality surprised me in the best way. I had the Honey Barbecue Pulled Pork for about $10.49, the Show Stopper Burger for about $13.49, and the Braised Beef for about $14.49. Everything landed as a good choice. If you book a Value resort, you thankfully don’t have to compromise on food quality. This food court can absolutely carry you through a weekend.

Pools, laundry, and extras

The Fantasia Pool is the resort’s main feature pool with Sorcerer Mickey at the center. It’s worth noting that Value resort pools don’t have slides. If slides are a must, look to Moderate resorts. A second pool, the Duck Pond Pool in the Mighty Ducks area, serves as a quieter alternative. 

A 24-hour self-service laundry sits in the Mighty Ducks section with card-operated machines and vending for detergent and dryer sheets. Donald’s Double Feature sells souvenirs and practical needs like snacks, diapers, toiletries, and coffee. The Reel Spot screens movies in the evenings. I caught part of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 there and loved the relaxed vibe.

Transportation and the morning rush

The Disney transportation servicing the All-Star Resorts is bus only. Out front, you’ll find clearly labeled stops for each park and Disney Springs, along with boards listing park hours and first bus times for the next day.

If making Early Entry is important, plan to be in line before the first bus departs. If you have a car, driving works well for EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For Magic Kingdom, the bus is usually easiest.

Theming that makes the trip feel like Disney

Giant, photogenic icons are everywhere. The Toy Story section shrinks you to toy size with Andy’s door and the cloud wallpaper motif. Herbie sits low enough for selfies. Buzz, Woody, Bo Peep, and Rex tower over courtyards. The Fantasia section glows at golden hour; charm is all around at All-Star Movies.

Groups, noise, and nighttime energy

An important thing to keep in mind is that large competition groups stay at the All-Star Resorts during the winter, which can create added noise and crowding. On my visit, cheerleaders practiced on the lawn in the morning, but did so quietly. The food court was hopping at 10pm as guests returned from the parks for dinner, but Ince I was seated, things were fine. 

What it cost for this stay

My rack-rate night priced at about $204 at the time of filming. Promotions shift with the season, and you can expect a small increase for a Preferred Room.

Hits and important things to know

One of the biggest highlights of my stay was the food at World Premiere Food Court. I expected it to be just passable, but it went well beyond that. Every meal I had was enjoyable, from the pulled pork to the burger and breakfast platter (hello, Mickey waffles!). If you are planning your first trip and worried about food quality at a Value resort, this location will surprise you in the best way.

Another standout was the location of our Preferred Room. Being so close to the pool and main building made the stay much more convenient, especially for a short trip. That little bit extra in the room rate was worth it for the simplicity it brought.

The theming and photo opportunities are also worth celebrating. Larger-than-life characters, playful icons, and themed courtyards create moments that make a Disney stay feel extra magical. Whether you’re walking through Andy’s toy-sized world or snapping a photo with Herbie, the theming makes the resort feel fun from morning to night.

Finally, the room layout deserves a nod. Even though the rooms are compact, the design is smart. The Murphy bed is surprisingly comfortable, there is plenty of under-bed storage, and multiple nightstands make the small space far more functional. Disney clearly thought about the details that help families manage their vacation days with ease.

On the flip side, there are a few things to know before you book. The rooms are small at just 206 square feet. Two adults will be fine, but add children or extra guests and space will feel tight, especially when the Murphy bed is down.

Amenities are pared back compared to higher categories. Don’t expect the extra little bottles of lotion or other luxuries you might find at a Disney Moderate or Deluxe resort. Pack your own essentials to avoid scrambling or paying a premium in the resort’s shop.

The closet setup is also limited. Instead of a full closet, you’ll find hooks, hangers, and an open cubby. It works for a short stay, but families staying longer may want to bring packing cubes or organizers.

Pool time is fun here, but keep in mind that Value resorts don’t have slides. You’ll find a playful water feature with Sorcerer Mickey at the main pool, but the bigger slides are reserved for the Moderate and Deluxe resorts.

Lastly, transportation is bus only. While buses run regularly, they can get crowded around park opening and closing times. Build in buffer time, especially if you want to make rope drop or avoid late-night waits after fireworks.

Who will love All-Star Movies

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is an excellent match for first-time visitors who want the convenience of staying inside the Disney bubble without paying higher prices for Moderates or Deluxes. Because the resort features larger-than-life theming, families with young children will especially enjoy exploring the giant Toy Story characters and the playful Sorcerer Mickey fountain at the pool. In addition, the resort works well for park-focused guests who plan to spend most of their time riding attractions and catching shows rather than lounging at the hotel. Since Early Theme Park Entry is included, and because dining is made easy with the on-site food court, All-Star Movies delivers exactly what many first-timers need: a fun, affordable, and immersive way to experience Disney without stretching the budget too far.

When to consider stepping up later

Value resorts like All-Star Movies are a fantastic entry point for first-time visitors, yet there may come a point when you want to explore the next levels. For example, if you are looking for more space to spread out, especially with a larger family, the Moderate and Deluxe categories provide bigger rooms and additional bedding options. Moreover, families who love pool time will notice a difference, since slides and splash areas begin at the Moderate level. Guests who prefer more in-room amenities such as extra toiletries, larger vanities, and upgraded décor may also feel more at home in these higher categories. Transportation can be another deciding factor, as All-Star Movies relies on buses, whereas some Moderates and Deluxes might connect directly to the parks (via a short walk), the monorail, or even boat service. Therefore, if those perks sound like they would enhance your trip, it’s worth comparing Moderates and Deluxes before your next stay. I’ll be putting together a companion guide that highlights these options so you can clearly see the tradeoffs and decide what works best for your traveling party.

For savings and support in planning your trip, begin with Unlocked Magic. You’ll find discounts on Walt Disney World park tickets, in addition to helpful planning tips and tricks to make the most of your vacation. With the right tools and insider advice, you can stretch your budget further while still enjoying all of the Disney magic.