Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is part of Disney’s Value Resort category, offering budget-friendly accommodations with sports-themed decor. The resort celebrates a variety of sports, including football (American), baseball, basketball, tennis, and surfing. Known for its energetic atmosphere and bold, larger-than-life icons, All-Star Sports is a great option for families, sports fans, and groups looking for an affordable stay at Walt Disney World. Here’s an in-depth look at what you can expect from this lively resort.
Key Highlights of Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
1. Sports-Themed Decor
All-Star Sports is divided into five different sections, each themed after a popular sport, with giant props and decor to match. These larger-than-life details make it a visually exciting and immersive experience, especially for sports fans.
- Surf’s Up!: This section, closest to the main building, is themed around surfing, with oversized surfboards and beach-themed decor.
- Touchdown!: The football section features massive goalposts, footballs, and helmets. The football field-like courtyard is a fun spot for kids to run around.
- Hoops Hotel: The basketball section has giant basketballs and hoops, offering a fun nod to the sport.
- Center Court: The tennis-themed area includes massive tennis balls and rackets towering over the buildings.
- Home Run Hotel: The baseball section showcases large bats, balls, and a diamond, adding to the resort’s playful and sporty atmosphere.
Key Tip: If you want to stay near the main building (Stadium Hall), which houses the food court and bus stop, request a room in the Surf’s Up! section for easy access.
2. Affordable Value Resort
All-Star Sports is one of the most affordable resorts on Disney property, making it a popular choice for guests looking to stay on-site without the high price tag of Moderate or Deluxe resorts.
- Room Rates: Standard rooms typically range from £100 to £160 per night, depending on the season. While the rooms are smaller and simpler than those at higher-end resorts, they offer great value for families and groups who plan to spend most of their time at the parks.
- Basic but Comfortable: Rooms are clean and functional, with two queen beds, a flat-screen TV, a small refrigerator, and basic amenities.
Key Tip: If you’re mainly focused on spending your time in the parks and need a cost-effective place to sleep, All-Star Sports is an excellent option that provides good value for money.
3. Pools and Recreation
All-Star Sports offers two main pool areas, each featuring fun, sports-themed elements. The pools may not be as elaborate as those at Moderate or Deluxe resorts, but they provide a refreshing break after a day in the parks.
- Surfboard Bay Pool: The main pool is themed after surfing, featuring giant surfboards around the pool area. It’s the larger of the two pools and is located near Stadium Hall.
- Grand Slam Pool: This baseball-themed pool is shaped like a baseball diamond and is located in the Home Run Hotel section. It tends to be quieter than the main pool, making it a good option for families looking for a more peaceful swim.
Key Tip: The Surfboard Bay Pool is the livelier of the two and closer to dining and transportation, while the Grand Slam Pool offers a more relaxed experience.
4. Dining at Stadium Hall
All-Star Sports features a large quick-service food court located in Stadium Hall, offering a variety of meal options throughout the day. While there isn’t a table-service restaurant on-site, the food court offers plenty of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- End Zone Food Court: This quick-service dining area serves classic American favourites like burgers, pizza, pasta, salads, and breakfast platters. The food court is conveniently located near the main lobby and the Surfboard Bay Pool, making it easy to grab a quick meal before or after visiting the parks.
- Grandstand Spirits Pool Bar: Located near the Surfboard Bay Pool, this poolside bar offers a variety of beverages and light snacks, making it a great spot to relax with a drink after a day at the parks.
Key Tip: The End Zone Food Court can get busy during peak meal times, especially breakfast, so try to eat at off-peak hours to avoid long lines.
5. Complimentary Transportation
As with all Disney resorts, All-Star Sports offers complimentary bus transportation to all the Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.
- Bus Transportation: The buses run frequently, with a bus stop located right outside Stadium Hall. However, All-Star Sports sometimes shares buses with All-Star Music and All-Star Movies, which can lead to crowded buses during peak times.
Key Tip: All-Star Sports is often the first stop on the shared bus route, meaning you’re more likely to find a seat compared to guests at the other All-Star resorts.
Downsides of Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
1. Basic Accommodations
While the rooms at All-Star Sports are clean and comfortable, they are simpler and smaller compared to those at Disney’s Moderate or Deluxe resorts. The theming inside the rooms is minimal, and the focus is more on functionality than luxury.
Key Tip: If you’re planning to spend most of your time at the parks and only need a place to sleep, the simplicity of the rooms won’t be an issue. However, if you prefer more immersive or luxurious accommodations, you might want to consider a Moderate or Deluxe resort.
2. Shared Bus Service
One of the most common complaints about the All-Star Resorts is that they often share buses, especially during non-peak hours. This can result in longer travel times to the parks, as the buses stop at All-Star Movies and All-Star Music before heading to the parks.
Key Tip: To avoid crowded buses, try to catch them during off-peak times, such as mid-morning or late afternoon. Being the first stop on the bus route at All-Star Sports is a slight advantage, but buses can still get full quickly.
3. Lack of Dining Variety
While the End Zone Food Court provides plenty of options for quick-service meals, there is no table-service restaurant at All-Star Sports. Guests looking for more upscale dining options will need to travel to other resorts or visit the parks.
Key Tip: If you’re looking for more dining variety, consider heading to Disney Springs for a wide range of table-service restaurants, or explore nearby Moderate Resorts like Coronado Springs for more extensive dining options.
Final Thoughts: Is Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Worth It?
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is a solid choice for budget-conscious travellers, families, and sports enthusiasts looking for an affordable on-site Disney experience. The lively sports-themed decor, affordable pricing, and convenient complimentary transportation make it a good option for those who want to enjoy all the perks of staying on Disney property without the higher costs associated with Moderate or Deluxe resorts.
While the rooms and amenities are simpler and the reliance on shared buses can be a downside, All-Star Sports delivers plenty of Disney magic for those looking to spend most of their time in the parks. Its proximity to Animal Kingdom and being the first stop on the shared bus route are added advantages.
For travellers who want to focus on park experiences and save on accommodations, All-Star Sports offers an energetic and family-friendly environment, ensuring a fun and memorable Disney stay at a budget-friendly price.
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