The All Star Resorts are some of my favorite on-site hotels because they are so affordable. In fact, they are the cheapest way to stay on property (with the exception of campsites at Fort Wilderness). However, the lower price tag doesn’t mean compromising on services or amenities as you still receive many of the same benefits and accommodations as other resorts. They are also easy to navigate compared to moderate hotels. The one downside is that the All Star Resorts are commonly used for sporting events at the nearby ESPN complex, so be prepared for lots of kids running around.
Which All Star Resort Is Better?
One of the first questions that arise when talking about the All Star Resorts is which one is the best. I personally stay at All Star Sports, but most people prefer the theming of All Star Movies. Additionally, those who need a little more space should consider the family suites at All Star Music.
Each of the resorts has its own front desk with separate pools, food courts, and bus stops. In essence, they are completely separate hotels that are all located very close to each other. The truth is that the three hotels are nearly identical. The rooms feature some light-theming differences, as do the lobbies.
Where Are the All Star Resorts
The All Star Resorts are all located on the southern end of Disney property at the end of Buena Vista Way past the McDonald’s. The hotels are very close to Animal Kingdom and ESPN Wide World of Sports. However, they are some of the furthest hotels from Magic Kingdom.
How Much Are All Star Resorts
Rates at the All Star Resorts vary significantly from day to day. The cheapest rack rate for a standard room in 2024 is $133 while the highest is $295. Keep in mind that preferred rooms and suites cost even more. While the upper range does seem a bit ridiculous for what essentially equates to a motel, you should keep an eye on specials as Disney has recently offered steep discounts for these resorts. Finally, I recommend checking the rack rates chart to compare prices easily.
All Star Resort Rooms
Disney’s All Star Resorts don’t have a ton of room options, but there are a few differences to be aware of. Each offers standard rooms, which are the farthest away from the lobby. Additionally, pool view rooms will often be located at the secondary pool unless you upgrade to a preferred pool view room. Here are the other main room types to consider.
All Star Resort Preferred Rooms
All of the value resorts offer preferred rooms, which are the same size as a standard room, but they are located closer to the lobby. Looking at a map these are the buildings nearest the lobby and the main pool area. Some preferred rooms may also be in the next set of buildings. Even so, paying a few dollars extra for a preferred room guarantees you won’t be stuck trekking back to one of the far-off buildings after a long day in the parks.
All Star Music Resort Suites
All Star Music was the first value resort to get suites. However, the hotel was not initially built with the one-bedroom suites it has today. Instead, Disney converted standard rooms into suites. That means there are no interior corridors like you would find over at Art of Animation. That isn’t a big deal for most people who just want an affordable way to visit Disney World.
The family suites at All Star Music often go overlooked, but the rooms sleep up to six. The main room features two fold-down queen beds. Putting them in the up position reveals a sofa and a table. The bedroom has a King-size bed and its own bathroom area. Finally, there is a small kitchenette that actually features a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and sink.
All Star Resort Pools
Each of the three All Star Resorts offers two swimming pools. The main pool for each hotel is right outside of the food court, while a secondary pool is located in between farther away guest rooms. The secondary pools tend to be much quieter than the main pool area.
The pools at the All Star resorts are nothing special and lack the theming and pizzazz of the moderate and deluxe resorts. With that in mind, they are perfect for cooling off after a long day in the parks.
Where to Eat at the All Star Resorts
Disney’s value resorts, including the All Star Resorts, have food courts and walkup bars. However, they do not have table service options or the more robust lounges. Inside the food court area is a small walk-up bar. That extends outside to the pool area, which has some seating.
All Star Resort Food Courts
The food courts at the All Star Resorts serve a lot of the same food including pizza and burgers. The food courts are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pricing is comparable to what you will pay in the theme park, but I find the portions are usually a little larger. Additionally, you can save money by purchasing a refillable mug that is good for the length of your stay.
All Star Resort Transportation
| All Star to Magic Kingdom | Bus |
| All Star to Epcot | Bus |
| All Star to Hollywood Studios | Bus |
| All Star to Animal Kingdom | Bus |
| All Star to Disney Springs | Bus |
| All Star to Blizzard Beach | Bus |
| All Star to Typhoon Lagoon | Bus |
Can You Walk From All Star to McDonald’s
It is possible to walk from the All Star Resorts to McDonald’s. However, it is a very long walk depending on which hotels you are staying at. There are no busses that go from the hotel to McDonald’s, so you will waste a lot of time that could potentially be spent in the parks.
One of the first things guests see when going to the All Star Resorts is a giant McDonald’s at the intersection of Osceola and Buena Vista. You may be tempted to pay the Golden Arches a visit to save some money, but there are a few problems. Guests staying at All Star Sports will walk about half a mile. However, that distance may be as much as a mile for those staying at All Star Movies.
A final word of warning: I’ve visited the McDonald’s near the All Star Resorts on a few occasions and it’s worth noting that meals cost significantly more than what you will find back home. The prices are in between a regular McDonald’s and theme park food. If you do decide to pay this location a visit, be sure to look on the McDonald’s app for specials to save some money. Otherwise, you will probably be better off by spending a few dollars more at the hotel food court.
Can You Walk Between All Star Resorts
It is very easy to walk between the All Star Resorts and I have done it a number of times. You probably won’t want to start hiking after a long day in the parks, but it is worth taking a walk between them to explore. Additionally, I have taken a different bus back from the park when there were a lot of people waiting for my resort. Be sure to look at the resort map because you may find that the walk to a different resort is shorter than your own. For instance, I stayed in the Mighty Ducks area at All Star Movies and used the drink machines and bus stop at All Star Music because it was much closer.
Transportation to ESPN Wide World of Sports
The ESPN Wide World of Sports is right around the corner from the All Star Resorts, but you will need to take a bus to get there. Busses don’t run to ESPN all the time, but they do when events are going on. Disney occasionally changes up the bus routes, so ESPN may share a route with Blizzard Beach or even Disney Springs. While the bus stop will be marked, I recommend speaking to someone at the front desk to find out the exact schedule for the ESPN buses during your visit.
All Star Comparisons
Let’s see how the All Star Resorts compare to other popular options at Walt Disney World.
All Star Resorts Vs. Coronado Springs
Coronado Springs is a moderate resort that largely gets ignored these days in favor of other hotels. The resort has a well-themed pool area and the new Gran Destino Tower really elevates the property. It does come at a higher price than the All Stars, but you shouldn’t have to worry about as many kids running around. The hotel also features a large number of dining options for a moderate resort. The downside to Coronado is that it is massive so you will likely have to use the internal bus system to get from your room to the resort lobby.
All Star Resorts Vs. Pop Century
Pop Century is one of my favorite hotels and it’s also the closest to the All Star Resorts. Pop Century does not have any suites and the dining options are identical to the All Star Resorts. However, Pop Century has a lot more rooms, so it can feel more crowded. That also means you will likely have a longer walk to your room than the All Star Resorts. However, Pop Century’s biggest selling point is the Skyliner which takes guests to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Best of all, Pop Century is slightly more expensive than the All Star Resorts but is still much more affordable than other hotels on the Skyliner.
All Star Resorts Vs. Art of Animation
Art of Animation is located right next to Pop Century, so it shares the same great benefits, like the Skyliner. However, Art of Animation is targeted toward families. The hotel is comprised almost entirely of suites. These rooms are a little different than suites at All Star Music because they have slightly different layouts and interior corridors.
All Star Vs. Caribbean Beach
Caribbean Beach Resort is a popular moderate hotel thanks to its location on the Skyliner. The hotel has some great theming and decent food offerings, including a table service restaurant. However, it is spread out just like Coronado Springs, which can make getting around both time-consuming and difficult. Of course, the Skyliner and theming of the resort do help make up for the layout.
All Star Vs. Port Orleans
Port Orleans is actually comprised of two distinct hotels. Riverside is themed to a bayou atmosphere while French Quarter is inspired by New Orleans. French Quarter is easily the most compact of the moderate hotels, which means it is very easy to walk from your room to the front.
Riverside is the complete opposite thanks to its sprawling design. You will need to use the internal bus system at Riverside to get around. However, it does have numerous pools and both hotels have excellent theming and food. One thing that does set them apart is boat transportation to Disney Springs via the Sassagoula River.
As for amenities, both Port Orleans hotels have lounges, quick service options, and pool bars. However, French Quarter is the lone moderate resort without a table service restaurant. The good news is that Disney Springs is just a boat ride away.
All Star Resort Map
We are working on adding a map of the All Star Resorts. Until then check out the interactive map on Disney’s website.
All Star Resort FAQ
Does All Star Have Elevators?
Yes, all of the buildings at Disney’s All Star Resorts have elevators. Additionally, you can go to luggage services in the lobby to ask for help getting any bags to your room. If you have a mobility device such as a scooter or a wheelchair you should not have any problems getting it inside of your room.
Do All Star Resorts Have Laundry?
Disney’s All Star Resorts do have self-service laundry areas. The laundry is located next to each pool area, in the same building as the bathroom and showers. Each laundry area has washers and dryers along with space to fold your clothes. Try to pack some laundry pods or bags of soap powder to avoid the expensive ones that Disney sells.
Do All Star Resorts Have a Fitness Center?
The All Star Resorts do not have a fitness center. None of Disney’s value resorts have gyms or workout areas. However, there are jogging tracks that weave through the All Star Resort area.
When Were All Star Resorts Built?
Disney began construction of the All Star Resorts in 1992. All Star Sports and All Star Music opened in 1994 while All Star Movies opened several years later in 1995. I wouldn’t be concerned by the age of the hotels as Disney recently finished an extensive refurbishment that greatly improved the rooms.
When Were All Star Rooms Renovated?
The All Star Resorts got their first major renovation starting in 2018. The complete overhaul was a slow process that was slowed by the pandemic. The good news is that all the work is complete and you can expect to sleep in one of the modernized rooms on your next stay no matter which All Star Resort you choose.
