🏰 Disney Value Resorts Ranked (2026): Pop Century vs Art of Animation vs All-Star Sports
✨ Trying to pick a Disney hotel without spending a fortune?
If you’re planning a Disney trip and want to stay on property without paying deluxe prices, the Value Resorts are usually the best place to start.
But here’s the problem:
👉 Not all value resorts are equal.
Some are worth every dollar…
Others are only worth it in the right situation.
Let’s break them down honestly 👇
🏨 What Are Disney Value Resorts?
Disney’s Value Resorts are the most affordable on-property hotels, offering:
Budget-friendly pricing
Disney theming
Early park entry
Free transportation
Disney has five value resorts, but here’s how they stack up…
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s All-Star Resorts
All-Star Sports Resort
All-Star Music Resort
All-Star Movies Resort
🥇 #1 – Disney’s Pop Century Resort (Best Overall)
If you’re looking for the best mix of price, convenience, and quality, this is it.
✔️ Why It’s #1:
Skyliner access (huge advantage)
Recently refurbished rooms
Great balance of price and location
💡 Best For:
✅ First-time Disney trips
✅ Couples and small families
✅ Anyone who wants convenience without paying moderate prices
🥈 #2 – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Best for Kids)
This is the most themed value resort—and kids LOVE it.
✔️ Why It’s Great:
Immersive Disney theming (Cars, Nemo, Lion King)
Family suites (huge for larger groups)
Skyliner access
⚠️ Downsides:
More expensive than other value resorts
Standard Little Mermaid rooms are far from everything
💡 Best For:
✅ Families with young kids
✅ Larger groups needing suites
✅ People who want a “Disney experience” at the hotel
🥉 #3 – Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort (Best Budget Option)
This is usually the cheapest way to stay on Disney property.
✔️ Why It’s Still a Good Option:
Lowest price
Recently updated rooms
Fun theming for kids
Good quick-service food + pool area
⚠️ Downsides:
No Skyliner (bus only)
Can feel more crowded
Less convenient overall
💡 Best For:
✅ Budget-focused trips
✅ Short stays
✅ Families who don’t plan to spend much time at the resort
🎬 Disney’s All-Star Movies & 🎵 All-Star Music (Worth Considering)
🎬 Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
✔️ Pros:
Classic Disney theming (Toy Story, Fantasia, etc.)
Often priced very close to All-Star Sports
Great for younger kids
⚠️ Cons:
Bus-only transportation
Slightly less convenient than Pop Century
🎵 Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
✔️ Pros:
Offers family suites (cheaper than Art of Animation)
Good option for larger groups on a budget
Fun music-themed sections
⚠️ Cons:
Less immersive theming than Art of Animation
Bus transportation only
🤔 So Why Aren’t They Ranked Higher?
👉 It mostly comes down to transportation and overall convenience
No Skyliner access
Slightly older feel compared to Pop Century
Fewer standout features
💡 When These Resorts Make Sense
Choose Movies or Music if:
✅ You find a better price than the others
✅ You need a budget-friendly family suite (Music)
✅ You just want to stay on Disney property for the lowest cost
🤔 Which Value Resort Should You Choose?
Here’s the simple breakdown:
👉 Go with Pop Century if you want the best overall experience
👉 Choose Art of Animation if you’re traveling with kids or need space
👉 Pick All-Star Sports if your priority is saving money
🧠 My Honest Take
If I had to recommend one resort to most people:
👉 Pop Century wins almost every time
It gives you:
Better transportation
Updated rooms
A smoother overall experience
…without a huge price jump.
🚀 Want Help Choosing the Right Resort?
I help families plan Disney trips at no extra cost—and I’ll help you pick the right resort based on your budget and travel style.
👉 Start here: FREE QUOTE FORM
🎁 Bonus: Free Planning Guide
Want help planning the rest of your trip?
👉 Download my FREE Character Dining Guide here: CHARACTER DINING