It has been years since I have stayed at one of the All Star Resorts. The first time I did I recall it was a family vacation and there were four adults staying in a standard hotel room. Aside from it being a little cramped, the room suited us well and we spent little time in it aside from showering and sleeping.
On my most recent trip, I spent a considerable amount of time in my All Star Movies Resort room due to weather. Granted, I was traveling alone and had plenty of room to spread out, but the room was comfortable, had all I needed and best of all, DirecTV and Wi-Fi.
I have not stayed at a Disney property resort in a few years and both of these amenities were welcomed and very much appreciated. The typical fall season weather was at its characteristic best this week with warm temperatures, lots of humidity and of course, rain, rain and more rain.
Some love to don the obligatory, clear vinyl poncho emblazoned with Mickey or another bright color from a competitor and head into the parks. The rain will lessen crowds and shorten lines if you don’t mind a puddle or two but for me, I like to hang out at the resort and just relax.
Although the All Stars are considered “value” resorts, there are some great benefits to staying at one of the three themed hotels. Obviously price is a big factor for families staying here but there are several other great features, too.
These hotels are at the edge of Disney property. If you have a car with you, this makes off property shopping and dining a breeze. Exit the resort, and take the Osceola parkway towards Disney’s Animal Kingdom and then a right on Sherberth Road and that will take you right out to 192/530. There are restaurants galore, shopping, grocery stores and those oh so popular tacky souvenir shops! Also, just a short drive away is the community of Celebration. I make this a stop on every trip and if you recall from a previous article, the Celebration Town Tavern is a wonderful place to enjoy lunch or dinner.
Another great thing about the All Star resorts is the heavy outdoor theming. Kids love the oversized tributes to each building’s theme and each have a courtyard with added touches to explore. I happened to stay at the Herbie the Love Bug building so in addition to a replica of Herbie in the Winner’s Circle, there were larger than life halves of Herbie, elevated and extending from the buildings opposite one another. Hints of tools and car parts were impressed in the pavement surrounding the central area.
Food options are many. The food courts offer full meals, light snacks, sandwiches, daily specials and something for everyone’s taste from differently themed stations. There is a full line of carry out items and staples to take back to your room in both the food court and gift shop areas. In room pizza delivery is available until 1AM.
During the day, there are poolside activities (as all Disney hotels offer) for anyone interested in participating, no matter what age. Also poolside there is a bar area for the big kids to relax and medicate/meditate with their favorite beverages.
So if your family is looking for a budget option without forgoing the signature Disney magic by staying off property, the All Star Resorts are more than adequate. Keep in mind, the rooms are slightly smaller, there is no in room coffee maker and some of the amenities and theming are not as elaborate but it’s clean, comfortable and a super deal all year around.
