For many British families, a holiday to Walt Disney World is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime trip. With longer stays, transatlantic flights and carefully managed budgets, it’s no surprise that Disney’s Value Resorts – particularly the All‑Star Sports, Music and Movies Resorts – are a very popular choice for UK visitors. They offer Disney theming, on‑site benefits and family‑friendly facilities at the most affordable end of Disney’s on‑property accommodation.
However, staying at Disney World’s cheapest hotels does come with a slightly different experience compared to Moderate or Deluxe resorts. Understanding how these resorts work, and what to expect culturally and practically, can make a significant difference to how smoothly your holiday runs. Below is a refreshed and extended guide, written specifically with British tourists in mind, highlighting common mistakes to avoid – along with some important points around respecting Cast Members and following good pool etiquette.
Understanding the All‑Star Resorts
Disney’s All‑Star Sports, All‑Star Music and All‑Star Movies Resorts are located in the Animal Kingdom area of Walt Disney World. They are large, lively resorts with bold theming, spacious grounds and excellent transport links to the parks via Disney’s complimentary bus system.
Each resort offers:
- A large feature pool and a quieter secondary pool
- A children’s splash area
- A food court with quick‑service dining
- An arcade and gift shop
- Evening outdoor movies and poolside activities
These resorts are particularly popular with families, school groups and international visitors, which means they can feel busy and energetic – especially during peak UK school holiday periods.
Mistake No 1: Assuming Preferred Rooms Are Always Better Value
Preferred rooms are marketed as being closer to main amenities such as the food court, lobby and main pool. While this sounds appealing, many British visitors are surprised to find that paying extra for a preferred room doesn’t always translate into shorter walks or greater convenience.
Because the three All‑Star Resorts sit very close together, a standard room in one resort can sometimes be nearer to the amenities of a neighbouring resort than a preferred room in your own. For example, guests staying in standard rooms at All‑Star Movies in the Mighty Ducks area are often closer to All‑Star Music’s food court and bus stop than to Movies’ own facilities.
For families who don’t mind a short stroll – and many British visitors are used to walking far more than the average American guest – a standard room can offer excellent value and free up budget for dining, Genie+ or souvenirs. The key takeaway: preferred rooms are not a mistake, but they are not always the best use of money for UK visitors staying for two weeks or more.
Mistake No 2: Waiting Too Long for “Your” Bus
Disney’s bus transport is efficient but can feel unfamiliar to first‑time British visitors. A common mistake at the All‑Star Resorts is waiting exclusively for your own resort’s bus, even when another All‑Star bus is available.
Because the resorts are so close together, guests can often hop on a bus for a neighbouring All‑Star and walk a few extra minutes on arrival. This can save a considerable amount of time, particularly at park closing when queues build quickly.
Resort bus stops display estimated wait times, and it’s worth checking nearby All‑Star stops if your wait is showing as 15–20 minutes. After a long Florida park day, this small adjustment can make a big difference.
Mistake No 3: Not Checking for Refurbishments Before Travelling
Disney maintains its hotels to a very high standard, which means refurbishments are a normal part of resort life. Pools, food courts or buildings may close temporarily, sometimes months in advance.
British visitors, who often book far ahead, can be caught out if they don’t check refurbishment schedules before departure. For example, if a resort’s main pool is closed, this can significantly affect families planning regular rest days – particularly in the Florida heat.
Always check official Disney updates before travelling and be flexible. The benefit of the All‑Star location is that nearby resorts usually offer alternative facilities within walking distance.
Mistake No 4: Misunderstanding the In‑Room Fridge
Standard rooms at Disney’s Value Resorts include a small beverage cooler rather than a full refrigerator. These coolers typically operate at around 5°C, which is fine for drinks and snacks but not ideal for perishables such as milk, fresh food or leftovers.
British families staying for longer periods often plan breakfasts or packed snacks, so it’s wise to bring or order a basic cooler and use the resort’s ice machines. This avoids wasted food and unnecessary frustration during your stay.
Mistake No 5: Missing the evening quietness in the quieter pool
Each All-Star resorts have two pools, a main, central pool, and a quieter one set to the end of the resort. The quiet one have less water park type facilities, but if you have small kids with with, just want a pool to chill by with out noise and splashing, trust me, spend an evening in the quiet pool and stare at the stars, have a sip of a cocktail from the on site bar, and relax. It would be a mistake to miss that simple pleasure.
Leave a Reply