What is the best, least expensive resort?

[daisy677]

I am planning a trip to Disney World in February and want to get the best possible deal and hotel out there. After doing some of my own research I found that the All Star Hotels are the cheapest. But they don't look that nice. I don't plan on spenidng alot of time in the hotel but would like to stay some where fairly nice. Also, I heard that the All Star Resorts are far from everything. How far is far, I know they have a bus/shuttle service that will take us places. But how long of a trip is it from the parks? Any info you have would be great.
Thanks

 

[robinb]

Welcome to the DIS!

The cheapest resorts are the All Stars and the new Pop Century. All 4 of those resorts are based on the giant icon theme. I happen to think it's kinda cute, so it doesn't bother me. I've heard that the Pop Century rooms are nicer than the All Star rooms, so you may want to book there if you need to stay at a Value Resort. Yes, the All Stars are a long way away, but the All Stars has the very best bus service of all the resorts (IMO).

The next step up is the Moderate Resorts. I have only been to the Caribbean Beach Resort (CBR) and I really liked it. For approximately $30 more per night than the All Stars you'll get nicer buildings, a nicer room, and a nicer pool (with slide and hot tub).

There might be some specials available as you get closer to your dates which might save you money. Check out www.mousesavers.com for more info on specials and codes. Re-check periodically .

 

[tailfethrs]

The All Stars aren't bad at all, they are clean and well kept up. The new Pop Centery will be open when you go they will even be newer. The theming is very LARGE stuff, but it's kinda neat. Kids love these hotels it seems. My son likes the Beach hotel and then the All Stars(he really likes movies).

And as Robin in the above post has said, the bus service is by far the best, and fastest of any at the World. They do a great job with the bus service

Rosie

 

[disney daft dad]

the buses are really good from the All Stars, the longest journey is from DTD to the resort at night... this took 45-60 minutes... it was probably about 30 minutes to MK, 20-25 Epcot and 15 minutes to AK and MGM.... these are rough guesstimates, but should give you an idea.

We never waiting more than 15 minutes for a bus and usuaslly a lot less, they also do the On Demand on the All Star routes so if a particular route is busy then the drivers radio back to base and they send more buses out.... simple

You do share the buses with Music and Sports and Movies is the last to be picked up and dropped off, although at really busy times they split the Movies from the other 2 and run a bus from there only.

We loved it and are happily planning on going back

Val
xx

DDMum

 

[goin2disneyagain]

I have stayed at all 3 All Stars and All Star Movies is my favorite. It is the newest of the 3. The location is really not that bad. I would stay at All Star Movies or Pop Century if you want to stay in a value resort. I have stayed at CBR and CSR also and liked them both too if you want to try a moderate. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[CBRorBust]

But how long of a trip is it from the parks?

I do not remember being on a bus longer than 20 minutes max to any part of Disney. They are on the "edge" of WDW, but by no means way out of the way.

 

[mmeb144]

Try checking the Unofficial Guide to WDW. It gives the transportaion times from the various resorts to the Theme parks. It's pretty cool.

Marie

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

A common misconception is that the All-Stars are FAR from everything else. This is completely FALSE.

Yes, they are the furthest away from the MK. That does not mean they are far. Average trip time from All-Stars to Magic Kingdom is LESS than 15 minutes. Typically 12-14, depending on red lights. Less for Epcot, Studios and AK. DTD might be the longest run. 15-20 minutes, depending on destination.


As for my personal recommendation... maybe I'm biased, but I'd strongly recommend Pop Century. Great theming, new resort, great location, and value priced. And best of all, I work there!

 

[Pig Pen]

I want to work there!

Anyway....now that I am over my fit....I would recommend Coronado Springs if you can get a discount code. To me, this moderate resort is the next best thing to a deluxe. We managed to get an annual passholder rate of $79 in May. I think the general public code for the same timeframe was $99.

You should also check out the Dolphin/Swan. If you are a teacher, gov't employee, nurse you could qualify for a discount. Military qualifies for Disney discounts at Shades of Green (which is being rehabbed so you get "stuck" at the Contemporary instead).

Even if you decide on All Stars it will still be a great trip.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Some of the icons can be used as props in pictures to take. Like a doggie looking at a TV that has you and your family in the screen. The kids we were with had a great time when we stayed at ASMo and we would do it again. We also would give Pop Century a try.

 

[Pig Pen]

Swan / Dolphin is available on Priceline and Hotwire too. You must be careful when you bid as you might get stuck with the Hilton or something in DTD.

 

[crazywig]

we just stayed at coronado springs last week and i loved it. it wasn't too expensive (although we had ap rate) and the place is great! i highly recommend it!

check out epcotfan's website at www.wdwmemories.com/csr

 

[tailfethrs]

As for my personal recommendation... maybe I'm biased, but I'd strongly recommend Pop Century. Great theming, new resort, great location, and value priced. And best of all, I work there! [/B][/QUOTE]

I have a question about the rooms? Are they very much like All Stars? Or by chance do they have a drap that goes across where the sink is like I think CBR or maybe PO or both. I know one had it the last time we stayed there and I thought this was great privacy thing.

Can't wait till we go and stay there for the Marathon in Jan.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

The are similar to the All-Stars, but with a few improvements. I dont recall seeing a privacy curtain for the sink area, though.

 

[cyndibelle]

we are staying at the pop century in february....we figure..it is going to be new...and hey how much time are you gonna be in the room anyways.....

 

[sm4987]

I'd try Pop Century. I think with it being a new resort, you would love it. I also wouldn't say no to the All-Stars. I too think they are cute!

 

[swilphil]

I would say that Swan/Dolphin is the best hotel for the money--that's the various discounts they offer. Right now they have a $99/night rate for Dec. 12-25. Along with the teacher/govt/nurse rate, they have an Entertainment Book rate that's about the same. The S/D is a deluxe hotel that is by Epcot/MGM/Boardwalk. It's basically the same location as the Yacht Club/Boardwalk resorts, but sooo much cheaper. The staff there is really nice. It's on Disney property, but owned by Starwood and has those Westin Hotel Heavenly Beds.

 

[tailfethrs]

Originally posted by swilphil
I would say that Swan/Dolphin is the best hotel for the money--that's the various discounts they offer. Right now they have a $99/night rate for Dec. 12-25. Along with the teacher/govt/nurse rate, they have an Entertainment Book rate that's about the same. The S/D is a deluxe hotel that is by Epcot/MGM/Boardwalk. It's basically the same location as the Yacht Club/Boardwalk resorts, but sooo much cheaper. The staff there is really nice. It's on Disney property, but owned by Starwood and has those Westin Hotel Heavenly Beds.

Lots of people here keep raving about these, I think we may have to check them out. In all the times we have been we have never stayed at the Swan/Dolphin, I've stayed at every Disney hotel, but not there.

Rosie

 

[jdm_dkm]

We stayed at an All-Star for the first time last week. We wre pleasantly surprised at how nice ASM was. The rooms are a little small and the beds are doubles not queens, but we found the bus transportation to be fine.

We are not in our rooms much, so it was fine for us.

 

[Kimberle]

Welcome to the Dis!

You've gotten lots of wonderful advice! Wherever you stay, you'll have a wonderful vacatlion!! I've done both, and staying on-site is ssssoooooo much better than off.