Resort Thread Disney's ALL-STAR SPORTS Resort

[WEDWDW]

It would be nice if they had actual little frig's with a freezer section. A microwave too, but I'd settle for the frig. While that's more cost and cleaning (and potentially food court opportunity cost) for them even a Motel 6 that is actually closer to AK than Sports (we stay there) that costs $65/day typically has these.

I wonder if they provide the sticks for free or if the kit comes with the sticks. While yes, we could bring marshmallows, choc., crackers, bringing the sticks or even a knife to find a stick to carve is probably not a good idea. But potentially entertaining for someone to watch me carve up a stick for marshmallows like I'm at Fort Wilderness.

Marshmallows and sticks are free.

Smores are not.

 

[HopperFan]

It would be nice if they had actual little frig's with a freezer section. A microwave too, but I'd settle for the frig. While that's more cost and cleaning (and potentially food court opportunity cost) for them even a Motel 6 that is actually closer to AK than Sports (we stay there) that costs $65/day typically has these.

I wonder if they provide the sticks for free or if the kit comes with the sticks. While yes, we could bring marshmallows, choc., crackers, bringing the sticks or even a knife to find a stick to carve is probably not a good idea. But potentially entertaining for someone to watch me carve up a stick for marshmallows like I'm at Fort Wilderness.

One year there was a "meltdown" of fridges and right before our trip they had been removed from rooms. I drive so I bought a small fridge at Walmart and when I got there asked for rebate on room. I got back $15 a day for 10 days, more than paid for my little fridge ... that we are still using.

They totally can afford to put real fridges in rooms BUT people would be like me, bringing more food and spend less in food court. I'm kinda okay without microwave, you can use the ones in food court and sit there and eat if you want and plus is rooms don't get smelly from food.

 

[Nick6300]

One year there was a "meltdown" of fridges and right before our trip they had been removed from rooms. I drive so I bought a small fridge at Walmart and when I got there asked for rebate on room. I got back $15 a day for 10 days, more than paid for my little fridge ... that we are still using.

They totally can afford to put real fridges in rooms BUT people would be like me, bringing more food and spend less in food court. I'm kinda okay without microwave, you can use the ones in food court and sit there and eat if you want and plus is rooms don't get smelly from food.

So a correction on that Motel 6, 11 minutes on Osceola Pkwy vs. 5 minutes from Sports. But it's a good value for a cheap trip for APs looking to squeeze in extra time like near Christmas for us. We've tried just about every crappy motel - some pretty sketchy in Kissimmee for like $39, but literally used to go every single wknd.

That's awesome on the rebate. I bet that was a unique request for them too.

We had a bro in law actually pack his toaster to use in his room, so he didn't have to walk to the food court each morning. It was a surprise to see him whip that toaster out of his luggage for his pop tarts!

When we were more frequent visitors, we used to do things like actually bring a loaf of bread or bagels in a hard case to make pbj's. We've even brought in lunch packs with ice packs when just visiting for the day. But we've seen other locals bring in coolers with hot dogs and pizza, which is a little too far for me. I've been single rider next to a guy on Rock n Roller Coaster where this guy's apples fell out going upside down. Other kind of funny cheap things I used to do included bringing my own burger bun so that I can order a double bacon cheeseburger (Pecos Bills currently), and split it into 2. Bringing my own little cheese sauces for chips. Bringing those microwavable soups/spaghetti-o's for the food court. Cup of ramen soups to use the hot water dispenser at Backlot Express. I love the reactions I used to get for that. We've actually had CMs who inspected our bags at the taps tell us that we need to ask for raises!

 

[HopperFan]

So a correction on that Motel 6, 11 minutes on Osceola Pkwy vs. 5 minutes from Sports. But it's a good value for a cheap trip for APs looking to squeeze in extra time like near Christmas for us. We've tried just about every crappy motel - some pretty sketchy in Kissimmee for like $39, but literally used to go every single wknd.

That's awesome on the rebate. I bet that was a unique request for them too.

We had a bro in law actually pack his toaster to use in his room, so he didn't have to walk to the food court each morning. It was a surprise to see him whip that toaster out of his luggage for his pop tarts!

Per Disney ~ For safety requirements, Guests should avoid bringing their own personal appliances such as toasters, microwaves, crock pots, electric coolers, hot plates, camping stoves, etc. inside Disney Resort hotels. Guests, however, may request a microwave from the front desk of the Disney Resort hotel.

I personally would not take any cooking appliances, and it would be a hassle for me. Mom used to heat water in the coffee pot for instant oatmeal and wax paper and the iron make a decent grill cheese!

When we were more frequent visitors, we used to do things like actually bring a loaf of bread or bagels in a hard case to make pbj's. We've even brought in lunch packs with ice packs when just visiting for the day. But we've seen other locals bring in coolers with hot dogs and pizza, which is a little too far for me. I've been single rider next to a guy on Rock n Roller Coaster where this guy's apples fell out going upside down. Other kind of funny cheap things I used to do included bringing my own burger bun so that I can order a double bacon cheeseburger (Pecos Bills currently), and split it into 2. Bringing my own little cheese sauces for chips. Bringing those microwavable soups/spaghetti-o's for the food court. Cup of ramen soups to use the hot water dispenser at Backlot Express. I love the reactions I used to get for that. We've actually had CMs who inspected our bags at the taps tell us that we need to ask for raises!

I love packing lunch and taking in the park. Tubes of Pringles are great in a backpack because they don't crush.

We have stayed at Sports a lot now that POP outpriced me. After a couple overpriced low level meals in the food court we stopped eating there. We have found lots of reasonable meals in parks, sharing some and lots of great kid's meals. We also have found last few stays the food court was rarely full ???? prices ??? food offerings ???

 

[Nick6300]

Per Disney ~ For safety requirements, Guests should avoid bringing their own personal appliances such as toasters, microwaves, crock pots, electric coolers, hot plates, camping stoves, etc. inside Disney Resort hotels. Guests, however, may request a microwave from the front desk of the Disney Resort hotel.

I personally would not take any cooking appliances, and it would be a hassle for me. Mom used to heat water in the coffee pot for instant oatmeal and wax paper and the iron make a decent grill cheese!



I love packing lunch and taking in the park. Tubes of Pringles are great in a backpack because they don't crush.

We have stayed at Sports a lot now that POP outpriced me. After a couple overpriced low level meals in the food court we stopped eating there. We have found lots of reasonable meals in parks, sharing some and lots of great kid's meals. We also have found last few stays the food court was rarely full ???? prices ??? food offerings ???

I can't believe the grilled cheese sandwiches via hot iron. That tops anything I've done. That's creative.

Do they really give you a microwave for your room if you request it? Back when the refurb wasn't done, I thought about trying (but didn't) request an older room that might have still had the old frig by telling them we needed better cold storage for my wife's insulin.

The whole pizzas at the food court were the "value" item - where they used to try to somewhat compete with delivery prices... I feel like they were $15 and now $21, which technically is still a deal for WDW given $10 per person for dinner is low. If you can get 2-3 meals out of the pizza. We have driven to a Publix or do a restaurant or 711, but never actually done grocery delivery or even uber eats like service. I agree that it does seem like the food court is less busy. But I do think in general, there are some options for better prices and variety vs. in the Park QS.

We used to take pringles every trip but because of the tiny bit of metal, they set off the alarm and make us do the full bag check. So things like pringles are either the lay's plastic tubes or goldfish/chex. We also used to take those tuna/chicken salad crackers, but again, metal containers. So we've subbed those for jerky, jerky/cheese sticks.

This is an anomaly but our last Sept 2023 trip - we only spent about $60 total on food for 7 nights/8 days. We ate breakfast on the go while we wait for the bus, split a single kids meal for lunch or dinner only once per day, and packed the rest. We didn't even splurge on an ice cream, in Sept. Even our airport McD's was free via vouchers. We'll probably never do that again. We also only paid for 1 day of G+, and never bought a ILL for the 8 park days. But it's Sept, used party days, RD, last ride, etc. Our typical dining is typically budgeted for $200-300 for 8 days, depending if doing a lot of F&W or not. I expect more like $200 next month, and probably several hundred dollars for a 2025 trip that will have character dining, a buffet, and about 5-6 more table service (because we're taking 2 other families). Yeah, I'd say my double cheeseburger with an extra bun days are behind me now that there are 3 of us, and my wife gets on me more if I try to be too frugal on vacation. I once saw a women whip out a plate she packed and make her own free salad from Pecos Bills toppings bar, when that was around. At least I don't do that.

I usually have my dining preferences mapped out in a phone file with updated prices so we don't waste any time considering what to order. We have copied and pasted a discount purchase gift card in the note for mobile orders.

 

[WEDWDW]

Rolled in last night.

Plane was delayed,but the delay allowed a view of the MK fireworks from the Plane which is always cool-best "Welcome to Orlando" around!

Just a couple of notes-I am sure this is old news,but the old Concierge Desk area has been converted into a really nice seating area and also it looks like the Arcade has gone back to the pre-Covid 24 hour schedule.We did some LATE night Laundry around 1:30 AM and it was open.

And finally,THE 15s ARE BACK!!!!

WOW JUST WOW!!!!

This is the first July post-Covid that we have encountered more than a "spattering" of 15s.

They are EVERYWHERE-I would estimate about 90 % of pre-Covid levels.

I had forgotten what a SCENE they are!lol

Security was rigorously enforcing a Midnight curfew on them last night.

The Food Court this morning-OH MY!

CIAO!

 

[erinlynn2020]

hi sorry what are 15s? thanks

 

[MIChessGuy]

I was wondering that myself.

 

[dansdad]

hi sorry what are 15s? thanks

I was wondering that myself.

In this context the 15s are very large groups of teen girls of Mexican and Latin American decent celebrating their quinceañera. Quinceaera is the celebration of a girl's 15th birthday, marking her passage from girlhood to womanhood; the term is also used for the celebrant herself. WDW is a very popular place for this celebration.

 

[WEDWDW]

In this context the 15s are very large groups of teen girls of Mexican and Latin American decent celebrating their quinceañera. Quinceaera is the celebration of a girl's 15th birthday, marking her passage from girlhood to womanhood; the term is also used for the celebrant herself. WDW is a very popular place for this celebration.

And most of the tour groups have matching shirts and backpacks.

I would say 90% are from Argentina and Brazil and they don't like each other at all.

It will be interesting to see if Brazil shows up Sunday night in End Zone to cheer AGAINST Argentina in the Copa America final.lol

 

[TammyLynn33]

We are coming down for a quick stay Tuesday to
Friday to do MNSSHP on the 31st. Maybe a park day or a water park day unsure depends on budget ..
Tell me about the size of the resort ? I have both booked preferred and non .. how far of a walk could non preferred be ? I’m just thinking pools and refilling mugs .. kids are 10 and asd 12 but fairly mobile and just me
what do I need ? Where are the refill stations? Thanks guys

 

[WEDWDW]

We are coming down for a quick stay Tuesday to
Friday to do MNSSHP on the 31st. Maybe a park day or a water park day unsure depends on budget ..
Tell me about the size of the resort ? I have both booked preferred and non .. how far of a walk could non preferred be ? I’m just thinking pools and refilling mugs .. kids are 10 and asd 12 but fairly mobile and just me
what do I need ? Where are the refill stations? Thanks guys

IF you are lucky enough to get a Preferred Room CLOSE to Stadium Hall(the building housing the Food Court,etc.)a Preferred Room is worth its weight in gold!

We are currently here in a Preferred Room and we requested ("Surf's Up!/Building 6/Close to Stadium Hall) and lucked out and got our request.

We can literally walk out our door and be in the Food Court in under a minute.

Same with Surfboard Bay Pool.

Having said that some Preferred Rooms are just a few steps closer than some Standard Rooms.

It is all the luck of the draw and,really,no rooms are terribly far from Stadium Hall,though some rooms can feel a little far at the end of a stay.

The refill station is in End Zone Food Court and is available 24/7.

I will say that the other night they put up a sign that said the Beverge Island would start closing from Midnight to 5:30 AM.

But the sign was gone the next day so maybe it was just a maintenance thing.

Your timing is great-The 15s(LARGE Tour Groups of 15 years old girls from South America) come evey July with All-Star Sports being one of their MAIN Resorts.

They TAKE over the Resort at times,especially the Food Court.

BUT by the 29th,most,if not all,of them should be back in SA or on their way back to SA to start school again.

If you do decide to roll the dice and go Preferred and get a room that is not close to Stadium Hall,do not hesitate to go to the Front Desk and nicely ask if they would try to find you something closer-Guests do this all the time and it doesn't hurt to ask!

I hope you have a WINNING vacation at All-Star Sports!

 

[WEDWDW]

Sitting in End Zone right now with hundreds of Argentinians waiting for the game.

Oh wow!

 

[MickMan]

Best of luck with the 15's.....

 

[WEDWDW]

Best of luck with the 15's.....

The Argentina/Colombia game in End Zone got out of hand.

I don't think anyone familiar with South American Football(Soccer) was surprised in the least.lol

The "front" of End Zone was just for anyone not interested in the game and they had Disney content on the TV.

The rest of End Zone was for game watchers.

For a while it was just Argentinians mainly,cheering/chanting loudly as is custom in SA and that would have been "bad" enough for Guests who had no idea what was going on,but as the game went on,more and more of the Brazil 15s trickled in and,of course,began cheering/chanting for Colombia and/or against Argentina.

For example,when Messi got hurt,they were sure to point that out to the Argentinians.

Eventually there were almost as many Brazilians as Argentinians and it was LOUD!!!!

It seemed to be mostly "good natured" for the must part,but something happened at some point and they started to tell the Brazilians they had to go,but they eventually let them stay.

The scene didn't bother me because I go every July for my Birthday and knew what to expect.

But I felt so sorry for Guests with First Time buttons coming upon that scene!

After 4 "quiet" Julys at All-Star Sports during Covid and Post Covid,the 15s are back in full force and will only increase as time continues.

For Guests who avoid The 15s,the time has returned to stay away from All-Star Sports in July.

 

[IanDLBZF from MCMagic]

WDW is a very popular place for this celebration.

Universal and SeaWorld get them too.

 

[brockash]

The Argentina/Colombia game in End Zone got out of hand.

I don't think anyone familiar with South American Football(Soccer) was surprised in the least.lol

The "front" of End Zone was just for anyone not interested in the game and they had Disney content on the TV.

The rest of End Zone was for game watchers.

For a while it was just Argentinians mainly,cheering/chanting loudly as is custom in SA and that would have been "bad" enough for Guests who had no idea what was going on,but as the game went on,more and more of the Brazil 15s trickled in and,of course,began cheering/chanting for Colombia and/or against Argentina.

For example,when Messi got hurt,they were sure to point that out to the Argentinians.

Eventually there were almost as many Brazilians as Argentinians and it was LOUD!!!!

It seemed to be mostly "good natured" for the must part,but something happened at some point and they started to tell the Brazilians they had to go,but they eventually let them stay.

The scene didn't bother me because I go every July for my Birthday and knew what to expect.

But I felt so sorry for Guests with First Time buttons coming upon that scene!

After 4 "quiet" Julys at All-Star Sports during Covid and Post Covid,the 15s are back in full force and will only increase as time continues.

For Guests who avoid The 15s,the time has returned to stay away from All-Star Sports in July.

Good to know...thank you

 

[HopperFan]

Your timing is great-The 15s(LARGE Tour Groups of 15 years old girls from South America) come evey July with All-Star Sports being one of their MAIN Resorts.

They TAKE over the Resort at times,especially the Food Court.

BUT by the 29th,most,if not all,of them should be back in SA or on their way back to SA to start school again.

If you do decide to roll the dice and go Preferred and get a room that is not close to Stadium Hall,do not hesitate to go to the Front Desk and nicely ask if they would try to find you something closer-Guests do this all the time and it doesn't hurt to ask!

I hope you have a WINNING vacation at All-Star Sports!

Not sure that the bold is the term I would use. I really really was hoping Disney would discourage these groups from coming back like the POP Warner.

We decided this year after about 15 years with them in February we would not return that time of year, and last summer was our last July time frame. Future trips are deliberately booked to avoid.

Our favorite buildings are the Surf's up! But I couldn't get a discount for Preferred for September.

 

[Little E]

Hi Disfriends!

I just booked a quick stay at All Star Sports for mid August. I have never stayed here before. I briefly reviewed the first page of this thread, plus I looked on the WDW site for info about AS Sports. I see mention of both Grandstand Spirits and Team Spirits poolside bar on the first page of this thread, but I can't find any info on the WDW site. The "sorry this page got eaten" comes up when looking at info for the Grandstand Spirits and I see no mention of Team Spirits poolside bar on the WDW site. Can anyone fill me in on the places where I might purchase adult beverages at AS Sports?

Thanks so much!

 

[dansdad]

Hi Disfriends!

I just booked a quick stay at All Star Sports for mid August. I have never stayed here before. I briefly reviewed the first page of this thread, plus I looked on the WDW site for info about AS Sports. I see mention of both Grandstand Spirits and Team Spirits poolside bar on the first page of this thread, but I can't find any info on the WDW site. The "sorry this page got eaten" comes up when looking at info for the Grandstand Spirits and I see no mention of Team Spirits poolside bar on the WDW site. Can anyone fill me in on the places where I might purchase adult beverages at AS Sports?

Thanks so much!

Grandstand Spirits pool bar is fantastic! Can't remember when, but at some point Team Spirits changed to Grandstand Spirits.

https://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.id=348