4. Recreation

There is a glaring difference in the recreational opportunities offered by the All-Stars when compared to the Moderates and Deluxes. To some, this may not be a priority consideration, but if you would like the option to partake in amusements beyond the theme parks, it’s a factor worth contemplating.

The Moderate and Deluxe level resorts offer unique on-site recreation. Though the fun varies by resort, recreation options may include water sports, boating, archery, health clubs, bicycle/ surrey rentals, carriage rides, live musical performances, and more. Moderate and Deluxe level resorts host a wide variety of activities from arts and crafts projects, face painting, cultural and culinary experiences, and family-inclusive games. The All-Star arcades and playgrounds are evenly matched to their pricier counterparts, but activities and recreation are limited to poolside games which are typically on par with elementary-level classroom boredom busters. The nightly “movie under the stars” does extend to the All-Stars, and this event is also held poolside.

In other words, the All-Star pools are the central hub of activity and amenities at the resorts. Each resort has two pools, usually located in courtyards encircled by buildings, with one off the main lobby at each site. Unlike the Moderate and Deluxe resorts, the All-Stars have no hot tubs or pool slides. There’s a thoughtful decorative piece at each pool, but nothing that truly serves as an enhancement feature. My son is a self-proclaimed Disney pool aficionado, and by the standards of a true water baby, if pool time is a priority, this discrepancy alone is worth the price jump to at least the Moderate Resort level (where the pools are impressive enough to challenge some water parks).

5. Logistics

Disney transportation is the preferred method for ushering guests around the various parks and resorts on property. This massive system consists of multiple monorails, boats, and buses, but the only option available at the All-Stars is the bus.

The All-Stars are about as far from everything else as you can get while still being technically on Disney property. Even using your own vehicle, it feels like a bit of a trek to get anywhere from these resorts. The bus rides are even longer. Lines to board the bus are often long, and the All-Star threesome tends to share one route more often than not. This makes for crowded buses and lengthy trips due to added stops. If you want the option to return to your room after a day at the Magic Kingdom to freshen up before a dinner reservation at Boardwalk, you may want to expect this to be a two-hour excursion. On the other hand, the All-Stars share their isolated location with the nearby Animal Kingdom Lodge, which offers some of the most worthwhile entertainment and dining options on property. Ultimately, the added convenience of a more centrally located resort with increased transportation diversity can be a tremendous benefit to those planning a hop-heavy visit.

6. Fellow guests

This is the snafu that amplifies many of the All-Star shortcomings - your fellow resort guests. Due to the affordability and ample space of the All-Star trio, they’re an ideal choice for visiting youth groups. It is not at all unusual to find multiple large groups staying at the All-Stars simultaneously; in fact, it’s the norm. This often leads to unsupervised throngs of screaming teens chanting in courtyards and corridors at all hours, which can be disruptive to light sleepers.  

Large packs of guests on a singular path can delay bus transportation further, and create longer lines at the food court. Occasionally, rude behaviors can be demonstrated by children who have separated from their chaperones for a moment of anarchistic Disney revelry.

7. Pricing

When it all comes down to a matter of financial limitations, most arguments become completely irrelevant. However, if your budget allows for any elasticity at all, take a moment to figure out the actual price difference between the Values, Moderates, and Deluxes. Though rates vary wildly from week to week, the price comparisons may surprise you.

As of 2015, the lowest offered rate for any Walt Disney World Resort hotel (excluding Fort Wilderness campsites) is $96 for a standard All-Stars room. The highest offered rate for that same room is $199 during the December holidays; slightly more for a “preferred” room location. The Family Suites range from $240 to $445 depending on date of stay. The newest Value Resort, Pop Century ranges from $107 to $236; while the Value Plus level Art of Animation is priced at $123 - $514 (higher prices reflect Family Suites).

The Moderate Resorts are priced as low as $182 for standard rooms during non-peak dates. Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, and the Port Orleans duo can reach prices of nearly $400 during peak-periods, or if upgrades such as themed rooms and water views are requested.

When considering the big picture, the cost difference between the All-Stars and the Deluxe resorts can be a huge jump, with Deluxe rates at their lowest varying from around $350 to thousands at their highest, with all the bells and whistles, Deluxe options are not usually an easy reach for a family visiting for any length of time, especially if airfare is added to the equation. However, the price jump from Values to Moderates is much less extreme, and much more realistic to consider. It truly is a situation where you get what you pay for.

All Disney resort hotels hold a promise of fun, whimsy, exceptional quality, and impeccable service, but some do take the pixie dust a step or two further. It is worth mentioning that a few of these points and drawbacks may be a non-issue for some guests. For those who plan to spend every waking moment at the parks, only wishing to crawl back, exhausted, to your room for a quick shower and power nap before doing it all again - the All-Stars may just be a wise and adequate option to meet your needs. On the flip side, if you’re more interested in soaking up Disney from every angle, at a leisurely pace, with ease and diversity of options, the All-Stars will only serve to be a disappointing choice.