Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is a Value Resort at Walt Disney World, known for its larger-than-life theming based on classic Disney films like Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians, Fantasia, and The Mighty Ducks. As part of the All-Star Resorts trio (Movies, Music, and Sports), it offers a budget-friendly option for Disney-goers who want to experience the magic without spending top dollar. With its fun theming, convenient amenities, and relatively affordable pricing, All-Star Movies is a solid choice for families, particularly those with young children.
Key Highlights of Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
1. Fun Theming for Movie Lovers
One of the biggest draws of All-Star Movies is its movie-themed decor. Each section of the resort is themed after a different beloved Disney film, with giant statues and decor that immerse guests in the world of Disney cinema.
- Toy Story: The Toy Story section is a favourite among families, featuring a giant Woody and Buzz Lightyear as well as a recreation of Andy’s Room with massive toy soldiers. It’s a great place to take photos and let kids explore.
- 101 Dalmatians: Here, you’ll find enormous Pongo and Perdita statues overlooking a courtyard filled with paw prints.
- Fantasia: This section features a giant Sorcerer Mickey from Fantasia and whimsical theming inspired by Disney’s classic musical masterpiece.
- The Mighty Ducks: This section pays tribute to Disney’s ice hockey franchise with huge hockey sticks, nets, and themed buildings that resemble a hockey rink.
Key Tip: For families with younger kids, the Toy Story section is particularly popular due to its familiar characters and playful design.
2. Affordability
As a Value Resort, All-Star Movies offers some of the most affordable accommodation options at Walt Disney World, making it a great choice for those who want to experience Disney magic without breaking the bank.
- Room Rates: Standard rooms at All-Star Movies typically range from £110 to £180 per night, depending on the season. These prices make it one of the least expensive on-site options, especially for larger families or groups.
- Basic but Comfortable Rooms: Rooms are fairly simple but comfortable, with standard amenities like two queen beds, a flat-screen TV, and a small refrigerator.
Key Tip: For budget-conscious travellers, staying at All-Star Movies allows you to save on lodging while still enjoying all the perks of staying on Disney property, like complimentary transportation and Extra Magic Hours (when available).
3. Themed Pools
All-Star Movies Resort has two themed pools that are perfect for cooling off after a day in the parks. The pools aren’t as elaborate as those at Deluxe resorts, but they are still fun and well-themed, making them a hit with families.
- Fantasia Pool: The main pool is themed after Disney’s Fantasia, with a giant Sorcerer Mickey fountain spraying water. It’s centrally located near the Cinema Hall lobby, making it easily accessible.
- The Duck Pond Pool: Located in the Mighty Ducks section, this secondary pool is themed like a hockey rink, with large hockey stick statues and plenty of space for a quieter swim.
Key Tip: The Fantasia Pool is more crowded, so if you’re looking for a quieter swim, head to the Duck Pond Pool.
4. Complimentary Disney Transportation
Like all on-site Disney resorts, All-Star Movies offers complimentary transportation to the theme parks and Disney Springs via buses. While the All-Star Resorts share buses at times, the frequency of buses is generally good.
- Convenience: Even though All-Star Movies is further from the parks compared to other resorts, the Disney bus system is efficient, with buses running approximately every 20 minutes.
- Transportation to Parks: All-Star Movies is centrally located, providing relatively quick bus rides to Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. However, Magic Kingdom is slightly farther away, so expect a longer bus ride.
Key Tip: All-Star Movies is often the first stop on the shared bus route among the All-Star Resorts, so you’ll likely find seats available before picking up passengers from All-Star Music and Sports.
5. Cinema Hall – Dining and Entertainment Hub
The resort’s main building, Cinema Hall, serves as the central hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
- World Premiere Food Court: The quick-service food court offers a variety of American favourites like pizza, burgers, pasta, and more. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a convenient spot to grab a bite before or after the parks.
- Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar: This poolside bar serves cocktails, beer, and light snacks, making it a great place for adults to unwind.
- Donald’s Double Feature: The resort’s gift shop, where you can purchase Disney merchandise, souvenirs, and travel essentials.
Key Tip: The World Premiere Food Court can get busy during peak times, especially breakfast, so try to dine early or later to avoid crowds.
Downsides of Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
1. Shared Buses
While the bus system at Disney is convenient, one of the downsides of the All-Star Resorts is that they often share buses between Movies, Music, and Sports. This can result in crowded buses, especially during peak times.
Key Tip: To avoid long waits, try to catch buses during off-peak hours or be prepared for standing room only during busier times, such as park opening and closing.
2. Simpler Accommodations
As a Value Resort, the rooms at All-Star Movies are smaller and more basic compared to Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. While they are clean and comfortable, the rooms are more utilitarian, with simple decor and fewer amenities.
Key Tip: If you’re planning to spend most of your time in the parks and only need the room for sleeping, the simplicity of All-Star Movies won’t be an issue.
3. Fewer On-Site Amenities
Compared to Moderate and Deluxe Resorts, All-Star Movies has fewer on-site amenities like table-service restaurants, large pools with slides, or extensive recreational activities.
Key Tip: If you’re looking for a resort with more amenities like waterslides or spa services, consider a Moderate or Deluxe resort. However, for families focused on enjoying the parks, All-Star Movies provides a great value.
Final Thoughts: Is Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Worth It?
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is a fantastic option for families, couples, or groups looking to stay on Disney property without breaking the bank. The movie-themed decor, affordable pricing, and convenient access to the parks make it an appealing choice for budget-conscious travellers. While the rooms and amenities may be simpler than those at higher-end resorts, All-Star Movies still offers a fun and magical Disney experience.
For guests who plan to spend most of their time in the parks, All-Star Movies is a smart option, allowing you to save on accommodations while still enjoying all the benefits of staying on-site, including complimentary transportation and the immersive Disney theming.
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