A Dad Guide to the Best Disney Value Resorts Ranked

Why Choose a Value Resort

I get it. Disney World is not cheap. When my kids were little, the idea of spending a mortgage payment on a hotel room just to sleep for six hours seemed crazy. That is why I love the Disney Value resorts. They are designed for families who want to stay inside the Disney bubble without needing a second mortgage. You get all the Disney perks like early park entry, free bus transportation, and that magical feeling of being right in the middle of the action.

Prices for these rooms typically range from 170 to 300 dollars per night depending on the time of year. If you visit in September, you might find a room for 165 dollars. If you go during Christmas week, that same room might jump to 350 dollars. My advice is to look at the calendar and pick a week that works for your wallet. If you want to save even more, pack your own snacks. I always bring a backpack full of granola bars and fruit. It saves me about 40 dollars a day on theme park snacks. Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field. I feel the same way about these resorts. They are outstanding for your wallet.

The Top Contender: Pop Century

If you ask me, Pop Century is the king of the value category. It gets my top ranking because of the Disney Skyliner. Having access to this gondola system is a massive time saver. You can zip over to Epcot or Hollywood Studios in minutes. You do not have to wait for a bus during the morning rush. The rooms here were renovated a few years ago. They have queen-size beds, which are much more comfortable than the double beds at some other value spots. They also have a pull-down bed that is perfect for a third child.

I recommend this resort if you have kids who love theme park immersion. The giant yo-yos and Rubik cubes around the property are great for photos. Expect to spend around 200 to 260 dollars per night here. Make sure to tip your housekeeping staff. I usually leave 5 dollars per day for them. It goes a long way. This place feels like a classic Disney experience without the high price tag of the luxury hotels. Plus, the walking path to Art of Animation is great if you want to check out their food court.

The Budget Champion: All-Star Movies

If you really need to pinch pennies, look at the All-Star resorts. I prefer All-Star Movies because the theming is just plain fun. Seeing a giant Buzz Lightyear or Pongo from 101 Dalmatians makes the kids smile every single time. It is a bit further away from the parks than Pop Century, so you will rely heavily on the bus system. Do not worry though, the buses are frequent. I have never waited more than 20 minutes for a ride.

Prices here usually start around 170 dollars. It is the cheapest way to stay on property. The rooms are a bit smaller than at Pop Century, but you are only there to shower and sleep. I have heard it said that you should not judge a book by its cover, but you can definitely judge a hotel by its pool. The Fantasia pool at this resort is great for burning off that extra kid energy before bed. What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta. These prices are real, though. If you want to maximize your budget for character meals or merchandise, this is your best bet.

Balancing Cost and Comfort

When you are deciding where to stay, think about how much time you will actually spend in the room. If your family is like mine, we are at the parks from opening until closing. We hit the hay the second we get back to the hotel. In that case, the fancy perks of a high-end resort do not matter. You want a clean room, a good pool, and a quick way to get to the front gate. Both Pop Century and the All-Star resorts provide exactly that.

My final tip for staying at any value resort is to arrive early. If you are there for the early entry perk, you can ride the headliner attractions before the crowds arrive. This makes the value of your room rate feel even higher because you get more hours in the park. Remember to download the Trip Architect app to help plan your daily itinerary. It helps you keep track of your dining reservations and ride passes so you do not have to stress while you are walking around. A happy dad makes for a happy vacation. Grab the app, pack your sunscreen, and get ready for a great trip.