All Star Resorts Question

[motelseti35]

I managed to convince my SO to return to Disney World this year for the third year in a row. We had a blast the last two years staying at the Port Orlean’s French Quarter both times.
We were going to skip a year...but I convinced a return based on the idea that we could stay at a less expensive hotel. We are looking at the All Star resorts and was wondering how different our experience might be at these budget friendly resorts.
Is anyone familiar with these resorts that can provide a comparison review? Part of the previous experiences I found so wonderful was the time spent at the resorts...even though the majority of the time is out and about at the parks. The late night food, breakfast in the morning, the bus pick up experience, the friendliness of the staff, etc.

 

[RoseGold]

I would go AoA. The Skyliner is a gamechanger, especially during Covid. With the specials for the spring, you aren't going to get much cheaper in a Disney hotel.

 

[StageTek]

My "home" resort is POFQ. I haven't stayed at an All Star since my first trip back in '08. But I've stayed at POP.

It's a very different vibe. They really feel like a motel. Food courts are more frantic and POFQ, no real place to just hang out and relax like at POFQ, buses are more crowded (it seems to me anyway), but the staff is just as good.

You'll still have a great time - it'll be quite different.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hi @motelseti35, to the DIS!

Just making sure you know, All Star Movies reopens 2/9, the other All Stars do not have a reopening date yet.

Not sure if that matters to your question, just wanted to point that out in case you don’t know.

Happy planning!

 

[Disneyfan754321]

We really like ASM and the family suite at Music.
We just stayed at pop last week it was a very similar experience to the all star resorts... same room just a little bit more room at the end of the bed.. same building layout.
We are a family that only sleeps at the hotel all of our time is spent at the parks etc. So I would rather save money.
I planned on using the skyliner but the line was so long we decided to uber.
The next day the weather halted the skyliner to epcot. So for me not a huge deal.

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

Unless you really make use of the gardens, I don’t think that you will feel that you are downgrading by staying at *** rather than FQ. The rooms are almost identical with outside corridors etc. The jump from moderate to deluxe is huge but relatively minor between value and moderate.

 

[Aprilshack]

Has anyone heard if they are carrying on with the refurb at Music?

 

[BebopBaloo]

I don't think your bus experience will be any different between Movies and FQ during this Covid era. Buses can no longer be packed in like they used to be, so I don't think that's of any worry. The Food Court will be Mobile Order only, so you won't be standing in a long lined, crowded area even if it is busy there. The rooms were refurbished not long ago before everything shut down. I'd say, go for it.

 

[WEDWDW]

I have always thought Disney makes a big mistake by continuing to call them "Value" Resorts.

At one time that description may have been appropriate as they didn't have many of the Amenities of the Moderates and Deluxes.

That is no longer true(especially at the refurbed ones -Movies is the only All-Star now open and it has finished the Refurb).

These are things that have been added to All-Star Movies in recent years(Pre Covid):

Fridges
Full Size Hair Dryers
Pool Towels
Expanded Room Delivery Menu
Queen Beds
55 inch TVs
Coffeemakers
Yoga Classes On Fridays

Movies was also the last of the 3 All-Stars built and was "plussed" a little over the other 2.

Finally,the most common misconception is that the "Values" have "less quality" Cast Members,"less quality" landscaping,"less quality" Housekeeping,etc,

NOT TRUE-the Values are held to "Disney Quality" just as much as the Moderates and Values.

 

[WEDWDW]

I don't think your bus experience will be any different between Movies and FQ during this Covid era. Buses can no longer be packed in like they used to be, so I don't think that's of any worry. The Food Court will be Mobile Order only, so you won't be standing in a long lined, crowded area even if it is busy there. The rooms were refurbished not long ago before everything shut down. I'd say, go for it.

Definitely agree-no matter where you stay your Resort experience will be VASTLY different in Covid World.

 

[Chris Anglin]

Have you considered POP? The price isn't that much different and it's in the "value" catagory. They have the skyliner to help with transportation. I haven't been since the skyliner opened but I hear it's hit or miss just like the buses and if the other 2 All Stars open by the time you go, the 3 of them share buses. It's also not as large as the All Stars so, depending on what catagory room you choose, the walk isn't as far to the main building. BUT, I've never stayed anywhere but the values so I can't give an unbiased opinion. My thing is I'd rather have the extra money saved on accommodations to spend elsewhere. We only shower and sleep there.

 

[jennyq87]

I don't always think there's a massive difference between all "Value" and "Moderate" resorts, but if you're specifically comparing an All Star resort to POFQ, then yes, I think there's a pretty significant difference. In my experience, the All Star resorts are widely spread, loud, and very active. Your food options are relatively generic, and your scenery is relatively limited to large buildings and lots of people. You're pretty land-locked and have to rely on buses for transportation. But you're still going to get your same excellent Disney service and if you just need a place to sleep, then maybe the rest doesn't matter much to you! If you're used to POFQ and enjoy that atmosphere, I think the All Stars will be quite an adjustment -- but it's certainly better than not going at all!

Have you considered looking at the non-tower rooms at Coronado? Sometimes they have some pretty good prices!

 

[Disneyfan754321]

I don't always think there's a massive difference between all "Value" and "Moderate" resorts, but if you're specifically comparing an All Star resort to POFQ, then yes, I think there's a pretty significant difference. In my experience, the All Star resorts are widely spread, loud, and very active. Your food options are relatively generic, and your scenery is relatively limited to large buildings and lots of people. You're pretty land-locked and have to rely on buses for transportation. But you're still going to get your same excellent Disney service and if you just need a place to sleep, then maybe the rest doesn't matter much to you! If you're used to POFQ and enjoy that atmosphere, I think the All Stars will be quite an adjustment -- but it's certainly better than not going at all!

Have you considered looking at the non-tower rooms at Coronado? Sometimes they have some pretty good prices!

We just had a split stay and spent one night in the non tower rooms for night , yes we got a awesome rate.. but nothing was open and if I had been there without a car it would have been really unpleasant. We really liked pop but that's because we really like ASM and it is basically the same room.

 

[Pmlocke]

My wife and I have stayed at All Star Music for the last 10 visits. We are both in our 60's and I can tell you that we keep returning to ASMu because we love it. The staff, the cleanliness, the staff, the breakfast, the staff, the pool, the staff, the reliable bus service, oh, did I mention, the staff. We love ASMu because they have never let us down. We have never had a dirty room. We have never had to wait longer than 10 minutes for a bus. Oh, by the way, we only share buses in the afternoon when there are usually only 2-3 people waiting in line. Adds maybe 5 minutes to the ride. No big deal. We spend a lot of time every afternoon at the pool as we are from Michigan and we always go down in February. We never have any problem with noise. Remember, this is a value resort so you will not have some high end amenities.

 

[jennyq87]

We just had a split stay and spent one night in the non tower rooms for night , yes we got a awesome rate.. but nothing was open and if I had been there without a car it would have been really unpleasant. We really liked pop but that's because we really like ASM and it is basically the same room.

Sorry you didn't enjoy your stay! I was under the impression most things were open other than the quick service marketplace. But I haven't been personally since it reopened.

 

[CheshKAT]

We have stayed in ASMu x 2, ASmo and Pop Century x 3. For the simple fact that you are looking for value, I would def. do All Stars. Pop was our fav but now that they increased the price due to the Skyliner, I think All Stars will suffice. Having easy access to 3 resort food courts give you a few more options for meals. We too are 'park all day' people and want to spend our savings on food or treasures rather than extra conveniences that we don't take full advantage of. Some day that will change I'm sure but for now, we well utilize values.

*O* have a fabulous time *O*

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

Our main complaint about the All-Star resorts is the food court. Also, having experienced the convenience of the Skyliner, Pop is definitely appealing, and Pop/AoA seem to have more food court options. It is all quick service though, unlike the moderates. We like All-stars for short trips/rundisney race weekends, but when we were there for 5 days, we found ourselves driving or bussing to Disney Springs for evening meals.

 

[lorileahb]

I am loyal Port Orleans Riverside - trying Pop for the first time next week. I like the quiet of POR, the food court and other on-site dining is so good, and the buses are close to MK; always knew which bus stop was the first one for pick up. A little worried about Pop and all I read about being in bus and/or skyliner line 90+ mins early (that's about 530 on our 7 am Animal Kingdom day!)... think we may Uber/Lyft some. Will post afterwards.

 

[MinnesotaChill]

I managed to convince my SO to return to Disney World this year for the third year in a row. We had a blast the last two years staying at the Port Orlean’s French Quarter both times.

When are you planning to go? Most of the All Stars aren't open and some don't have planned reopen dates yet. Our son is a CM at Movies (which is consistently rated highest at the true "All Stars," AOA and Pop are Values but not All Stars), and they won't be reopening until Feb. and I think they will be one of the first.

 

[dd316]

We've been a value resort family for ages. Movies, Music, Pop... we've stayed at them all and enjoyed ourselves every time. But last time we stayed at POFQ and it was a game changer. I don't think we'll ever go back to a value resort. I just enjoyed myself so much more at POFQ.