I’m a single mom, working a middle-class job so it’s true, when I plan a Disney vacation, I almost always choose a value resort (not always, but most of the time). And I have no shame in saying that I love Disney’s Value Resorts. I think they are simply amazing and make every vacation the best it can be. Disney has five value resorts: All Star Sports, All Star Music, All Star Movies, Pop Century and Art of Animation (although honestly, this one definitely pushes the definition of “value” resort). Here’s why I love them so much.
1 – Value!
Well, duh! Of course, this is my favorite reason. You can usually stay at a Value Resort for about half the price of a moderate, and often a quarter (or more!) of the price of a Deluxe Resort. You might miss things like Spas and multiple table-service restaurants but you can gain so much more by saving $100s of dollars a night. With a value resort stay, I can stay longer and then add on some really special touches of things that my family will really appreciate, like a tour that piques our interests or special meal at a really nice Disney restaurant.
2 – Theming
I admit, when I’m at Disney, I’m all in. I don’t want to think I’m in New Orleans or off on a Polynesian Island. I want Disney in my face 24/7. I want larger than life Disney icons that scream at me “hey you lucky family, you finally made it to Disney.” I want to hear Disney music everywhere I go, see the characters that I grew up loving and immerse myself in a world that transports me away from the daily grind. Moderate and Deluxe Resorts are beautiful but give me vibrant and bold and bright any day of the week!
3 – Food Court Food
Ok. I got kids. You got kids, too? Then guess what, the chance of you finding something everyone will like is much greater in a food court than it is at a nice sit down restaurant (although I do love those as well, don’t get me wrong). And the food courts really present some yummy food, from make-your-own pasta to delicious salads and sandwiches. Are you going to want every meal at the food court? No, probably not (if you are, you’re missing some valuable park time). But you’ll appreciate the quickness and options when you are there. Oh, and I almost forget! There are some amazing dessert and ice cream options at those food courts that you won’t want to miss.
4 – Energy
Yep, it can get loud and crazy at Value resorts. Sometimes you ride the bus with an entire high school choir and listen to them sing the whole way. Sometime slews of young men actually play football on the larger than life football field at All Star Sports. All the time, you can hear kids laughing and splashing in the pools. I know this isn’t for everyone, but if you’re feeling run down after a long day and then you hear some kid yell “cannonball” as he explodes into the pool, you can’t help but smile and catch everyone’s joy for being at Disney.
So, don’t get me wrong. If someday I win the lottery (I suppose I have to start playing to make this even somewhat possible), I may give up my Value Resorts for the more elaborate and even dare I say, beautiful Deluxe and Moderate resorts. But no matter where I end up in life, my heart will always belong to the Value Resorts since they are what began my Disney journey and afforded me the opportunity to make life-long memories with my family. I am grateful that Disney sees and values the financial diversity of all of its fans.
Are you a fan of the Disney Value Resorts? Favorite?