Are you planning a trip to Disney World? Are you having problems deciding on where to stay?

Well, the first thing you need to think about is your budget, right? But you also need to think about what Disney World hotel might offer you the best value, or bang for your buck. So we’re going to tell you about some hotels that might not be on your list, but should be! We’re also going to tell you why.

We get it — your money is valuable in Disney World. Some of these hotels on our list might cost more than a standard room at Disney’s cheapest hotels, the All-Star Resorts. However, they might offer better value than those hotels.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Okay, so although we mentioned that you might NOT want to stay at an All-Star Resort, we’re making an exception for Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. There’s a reason for that. If you’re planning a trip for your family or group and are considering multiple standard hotel rooms, STOP.

That’s because you can get a Family Suite at All-Star Music starting at a little over $300 per night for a room that sleeps up to 6. If you do the math, you’ll spend a lot less on a suite than multiple rooms, and in the end, you’ll be saving money. Also, these rooms are HUGE.  They also have a large refrigerator AND microwave, so you can store and reheat leftovers.

However, that’s not the only reason to consider Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. You’ll also have access to the Intermission Food Court, where you can get reasonably-priced (by that, we mean, reasonably priced for Disney) food that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Is it the best food on property? Probably not, but you can save money for nicer meals if you eat one meal a day at the food court (even if that is breakfast).

Tour a Family Suite at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

If you’re willing to pay just a little bit more for a standard room at the All-Star Resorts, you might want to “splurge” on a room at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Why? Well, first, many visitors feel the theming is a little better here — it’s still OVER THE TOP, but it covers all the different pop culture trends of the 1950s-1990s.

Another bonus of Pop Century is that you’ll have access to the Skyliner, which can take you to and from EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, as well as other Skyliner resorts. Compared to Disney buses, this could save you some time when you’re traveling to the parks (and you know what they say, time is money). Plus the Skyliner is almost like a ride itself. You can also walk to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort from here.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it might be worth it to stay at Pop Century just because the All-Star Resorts will sometimes share a bus — meaning that all three resorts — All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, and All-Star Movies — will use the SAME bus to provide transportation to and from the parks. This usually happens during non-peak times and it can be inconvenient, especially at the end of the day if your resort isn’t the bus’ first stop.

Take A Tour of a Room at Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort combines some of the pros of All-Star Music AND Pop Century. First, you can get a THEMED Family Suite at Art of Animation. There are suites that are themed to Cars and The Lion King and they are SO cool. These suites sleep up to 6 and start at around $550 per night (which is a good value for a larger group). Speaking of theming, it’s pretty on point here, too, and many visitors prefer it over that of the All-Star Resorts (particularly in the suites).

However, if you don’t need a suite, you can also book a standard room here for a little more than what you might pay at Disney’s All-Star Resorts. That could be worth it because this hotel is also convenient to the Skyliner (Art of Animation and Pop Century share a Skyliner station). You also don’t have to worry about a shared bus situation here either.

Finally, you can walk over to Pop Century Resort to check it out (or maybe try its famous Tie-Dye Cheesecake).

Tour a Lion King FAMILY SUITE at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

If you’re a member of the Marriott Bonvoy membership program, you should consider staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Why? Well, you’ll get deluxe hotel accommodations with the perks that come with the Marriott Bonvoy membership because the hotel is owned by Marriott. You’ll be able to earn rewards for every stay PLUS you can spend rewards to book stays at this hotel, which could save you some $$$.

What’s even better? You’ll still get the same perks that Disney World deluxe hotel guests get. That includes Early Theme Park Entry, which allows you to get into the parks 30 minutes before the official opening time. You’ll also be able to stay in the parks later than everyone else with Extended Evening Hours, which happen at select parks on select evenings.

Plus you’ll be staying in the HEART of the EPCOT-resort area, meaning you can walk to EPCOT (and the EPCOT Skyliner Station) AND Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as to Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Resort. You can also take Friendship Boats to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and to the other resorts in the area.

Because you can walk to all those great resorts, you also have access to some great dining. First, the Swan and Dolphin have some pretty amazing restaurants you might want to check out, including the NEW Rosa Mexicano. But you can also walk to a TON of restaurants that are nearby, including Beaches & Cream, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and more!

Here’s The Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts

With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off!

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Which Disney World hotel do you think offers the most value? Let us know in the comments!

The post My UNPOPULAR OPINION On The BEST Disney World Hotel Value of Them All. Don’t Knock It Til You Try It. first appeared on the disney food blog.