Which Disney World Value Resort Is Best?

Insider insights from someone who’s stayed and enjoyed them all (and loves them all). ✨

Walt Disney World’s Value Resorts are a favorite for guests who want great Disney theming, fun pools, complimentary transportation, and fantastic price points — without sacrificing the magic. As someone who has stayed in all of them, I can confidently say you can’t really go wrong… but there are differences worth knowing before you book.

Here’s my breakdown of each Disney Value Resort and what makes it shine — plus recommendations based on your travel style.

The Value Resort Lineup

Disney World currently has five official Value Resorts:

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

All of these resorts offer early park entry, too!

Best Overall Value: Disney’s Pop Century Resort

If I had to pick one value resort to recommend broadly — Pop Century has it all.

Vibe: Bright, nostalgic fun honoring decades from the 1950s–1990s.
Rooms: Recently refurbished and comfortable — small but efficient.
Dining: A great food court with varied options.
Transportation: Direct access to the Disney Skyliner (huge win for ease and views).
Why it’s great: Clean, cheerful, and the Skyliner makes travel to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios a breeze — no buses to wait for.

Best for: First-timers, families with older kids, and anyone who wants convenience + value.

Most Themed & Fun: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

This resort feels like stepping into Disney movies.

Theming: Amazing. Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid — everywhere you look is colorful and immersive.
Suites: The only value accommodations that include family suites — with separate sleeping areas and kitchenettes.
Pool: The HUGE “Big Blue” pool is one of the best on property.
Why it’s great: If theming matters and you need extra space, this feels worth the upgrade (still value-priced compared to moderates).

Best for: Families who want space and character immersion.

I stayed in a Little Mermaid room which was excellently themed, with crooked artwork and shells galore. The resort is over-the-top themed with huge characters and fun signs.

Classic Disney Value: All-Star Sports / Music / Movies

These three sister resorts are similar in price and amenities, so choosing between them comes down to theme preference and vibe:

🏅 All-Star Sports

Theme: Giant icons of your favorite sports.
Best for: Families with energetic kids or sports fans.
Vibe: Fun, loud, active.

Note that if you're visiting in January-February during cheer or dance competitions, this resort often hosts those teams, making them a little busier and noisier.

🎶 All-Star Music

Theme: Instruments and genres — jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, Broadway.
Best for: Music lovers and guests who want classic Disney value with a bit more relaxed feel.
Vibe: Slightly quieter than Sports.

🎥 All-Star Movies

Theme: Favorite Disney film icons — from Toy Story to Fantasia.
Best for: Disney movie fans and those looking for quintessential Disney kitsch.
Vibe: Cheerful, classic, crowd-friendly.

This is my personal pick for the All-Star Resorts!

Pro Tip: If you don’t care about theming, the three All-Stars are often the most affordable. Rooms are standard and functional — great for guests who plan to spend their days in the parks.

How to Choose Based on Your Trip

Here’s a quick guide depending on what matters most to you:

For Convenience & Skyliner Access

- Pop Century
Skyliner makes travel easier — minimal waiting, direct lines.

For Immersive Theming

- Art of Animation

For Pure Budget

- All-Star Resorts
Usually cheapest — solid basics, fun themes.

For Large Families or Longer Stays

- Art of Animation Family Suites
Bigger space + sleep up to 6 comfortably.

For Quiet Evenings After Long Parks Days

- All-Star Music
A slightly calmer atmosphere overall.

A Few Notes on Rooms

The Value Resort rooms are smaller than Moderate or Deluxe resorts, and they’re functional rather than luxurious — but:

They’re clean, comfortable, and well-kept. And most rooms have been updated in the last few years!
Art of Animation family suites are a notable upgrade.
Pop Century rooms are the most updated among the standard values- and as of February 2026, are still being updated in the 90s section.

Final Verdict

Best Overall: Pop Century
Most Fun (and Best for Families): Art of Animation
Best Budget Choice: All-Star Resorts

The reality is, you’ll have a magical stay at any of these — Disney doesn’t skimp on hospitality, and every Value Resort brings Disney joy in its own way.

So cast your vote — what’s your favorite Disney Value Resort? Let me know in the comments!