If you are looking for the least expensive accommodations at Walt Disney World, Disney World’s Value Resorts will help you stick to your budget. But how do you choose between two popular resorts? Today, we’ll take a look at Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s All-Star Movies hotels.
The lobby at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Both resorts offer unique themes and while they have many of the same amenities, there are also some differences that you should know about.
We want to help stretch your vacation dollars because trips to Disney World can be costly. Not surprisingly, hotel expenses can take up a big portion of your travel budget. How do you make the right decision for your family? We’ll go over all the details so that you can choose wisely between Art of Animation and All-Star Movies!
All-Star Movies Lobby
The best way to tackle such a massive decision like this is with as much logic as possible, so we broke down this comparison into five categories: Common Ground, Theme/Rooms, Pools, Food, and Transportation. Let’s see how these two resorts match up!
Common Ground
Both of these hotels fall under the category of Value Resorts at Disney World. That means they will both be at a comparable price point, with similar room sizes and amenities. Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s All-Star Movies have strong theming found outside, in the rooms, and throughout the gift shop, food court, and lobby.
Each resort is divided into different areas with the names matching their themes. This can help guests navigate when wandering around these often-large resorts! Because of their kid-friendly decorations and amenities, you are more likely to see families with children at these resorts, as well as traveling groups from schools. With so many young people around it can get hectic, so don’t be surprised if it’s a little noisier here than at other resorts!
Cars area at Art of Animation
At All-Star Movies, room rates start at $128 per night excluding tax for their Standard Rooms at the cheapest times of year when the parks are least busy. The most expensive room rates here will run you about $323 per night — that’s for a Preferred Room around Christmas, one of the more popular times of year. Both of these room types can sleep up to 4 adults.
Art of Animation has higher rates. Little Mermaid Standard Rooms start at $201 per night in value season, and a Finding Nemo Family Suite will cost about $912 per night during the December holiday season. Family suites sleep a whopping six guests comfortably!
Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests
Theme/Rooms
Celebrate the characters, colors, and creativity of Disney animated films at Art of Animation Resort! At All-Star Movies, you’ll be surrounded by colorful, whimsical, larger-than-life icons.
Check out the large statues around Art of Animation.
Art of Animation
Many of our readers tell us that Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the BEST value resort on Disney World property. It’s a great hotel for families, particularly if you’re needing some more space and you’re willing to pay for it.
Family Suite at Art of Animation — Living Area
Guests may reserve a Lion King Family Suite, a Cars Family Suite, a Finding Nemo Family Suite, or a Little Mermaid Standard Room (277 sq. ft.) for their Art of Animation stay.
The Little Mermaid Standard Room at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The theme feels well done and intricate, so it’s at least a bit nicer than the other values.
PHOTOS! Tour a Lion King FAMILY SUITE at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!
All-Star Movies
The rooms at All-Star Movies were recently updated. They have a modern design with pops of Disney art — when you pull down this Murphy Bed it reveals a mural of Huey, Dewey, and Louie!
Standard Room
These rooms (260 sq. ft.), while smaller than those at Moderate or Deluxe Resorts, still have plenty of space for your belongings. They are functional and include large TV’s, multiple storage options, and generously sized showers. Guests may reserve a Standard Room, or Preferred Room, for their All-Star stay.
Take a Photo Tour to see even MORE details of an All-Star Movies Standard Room here!
Outside of your room, you can explore the resort to discover larger-than-life versions of characters from classic Disney films like 101 Dalmations, Toy Story, Fantasia, and many more. The buildings in each area are also decorated to fit the theme of the movie!
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Results
It’s a tie! Both resorts have undergone room makeovers so that accommodations feel welcoming and updated. Choose based on the theme that you like best. If you need space, Art of Animation offers suites. For the least expensive standard room, choose All-Star Movies.
The PROS And CONS Of Staying At Disney World’s Value Resorts
Pools
If you thought the giant outdoor icons were the full extent of these resorts’ strong theming, just wait until you see their pools!
Art of Animation
Art of Animation boasts the largest pool of any Disney Resort hotel: it’s The Big Blue Pool!
Pool at Art of Animation
Guests also have access to two more pools. The Cars section hosts the Cozy Cone Pool (complete with clever Cone Cabanas) and The Little Mermaid section hosts the Flippin’ Fins Pool.
All-Star Movies
Fantasia is another classic Disney film that deserves an entire pool themed after it. Sorcerer Mickey and his enchanted brooms have settled at All-Star Movies at the Fantasia Pool! Just as it was in the movie, Mickey’s enchantment also got out of hand at the resort and created a pool for guests to enjoy (but we’re grateful for the oasis!).
Fantasia Pool
The giant broomsticks carrying buckets of water can be spotted next to the pool which has a massive curtain framing the Sorcerer Mickey fountain. At the Fantasia Pool area you’ll also find a small kiddie pool and play area for the little ones to splash around in.
Results
This is a tough decision because the pools are all themed well. However, Art of Animation has one of the best splash pad areas — Schoolyard Sprayground — for little kids at Walt Disney World. And the pool at over 308,000 gallons is massive.
10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools
Food
Again, both of these resorts have similar dining options! With one food court option and a pool bar each, let’s take a look and see if we can spot any differences between them.
Art of Animation
The Landscape of Flavors food court which serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. The menu offers classic counter service eats such as pizza and pasta, burgers, and more. You might even order up a dish inspired by global flavors like Mongolian Stir-fry. Or you can grab a creative cupcake from the bakery case!
Mermaid Tail Cupcake
Guests can also rest their fins and grab a drink at The Drop Off Pool Bar located by the Big Blue Pool.
Pool Bar
P.S. This is a GREAT place to stop and check out what they’re serving up for the Drink of the Month!
Find our COMPLETE GUIDE TO EATING at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort HERE.
All-Star Movies
All-Star Movies has a food court that’s appropriately named World Premiere! The dining space is decorated with movie posters that are worth a visit themselves.
World Premiere Food Court
Cuisine here is all-American for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Saunter on over to the Fantasia Pool to find the Silver Screen Spirits pool bar!
Silver Screen Spirits at All-Star Movies
You can pull up a chair and have a seat at the bar or take your purchases with you back to your lounge chair or table for a more relaxing vibe.
Find our COMPLETE GUIDE TO EATING at All-Star Movies Resort HERE
Results
Both resorts offer a food court and pool bar. You won’t find table-service restaurants at the value resorts. We’re going to give this one to Art of Animation as the food court menu has a larger variety and because of its proximity to Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Being able to walk to another resort opens up your dining options!
Transportation
Disney World has several transportation options, but not every type stops at every resort. Of course, both resorts offer Disney’s bus transportation.
Bus stop at All-Star Movies
Art of Animation
Disney’s newest form of transportation, the Disney Skyliner, hosts a station located between Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This is a HUGE perk for Art of Animation guests that makes getting around Disney World a whole lot easier (and fun!).
Skyliner gondola system
From Pop Century and Art of Animation, the Skyliner goes directly to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort where guests can then transfer to Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT.
Additionally, guests have access to Disney Bus Transportation to and from the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.
All-Star Movies
This value resort offers bus transportation only to all Disney World destinations.
Results
For Disney transportation, Art of Animation comes out on top due to the convenience of the Skyliner!
Your Guide to Walt Disney World Resort Transportation
The Winner
In this comparison, Disney’s Art of Animation wins because of the Disney Skyliner, larger pool, better food court, and family suites! However, if budget is your highest priority, you’ll save money by staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies. These resorts are very similar — enjoy your stay!
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Do you have a favorite between these two resorts, or is there another one that stands out more? Comment below!
The post All-Star Movies vs. Art of Animation Disney World Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.