Your Guide To Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
Hey there, Disney fans! Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World and considering staying at the All-Star Movies Resort? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide is your ultimate resource for everything you need to know about this fun, affordable, and movie-themed resort. Let's dive in and get you ready for your magical vacation!
Overview of Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
Okay, guys, let's start with the basics. Disney's All-Star Movies Resort is one of the All-Star Resorts, known for being the most budget-friendly options on Disney property. Don't let the word "budget" fool you, though! You still get all the perks of staying in the Disney bubble, including complimentary transportation, early theme park entry, and the immersive theming that Disney does best. This resort is themed, as the name suggests, around classic Disney movies. We're talking some serious nostalgia here!
Think about it: you are surrounded by larger-than-life versions of your favorite characters and scenes from films like "Toy Story," "Fantasia," "The Mighty Ducks," "101 Dalmatians," and "The Love Bug." Each section of the resort is dedicated to one of these movies, making it a super fun and immersive experience, especially for families with young children. Seriously, imagine your little ones' faces when they see a giant Buzz Lightyear or Pongo from "101 Dalmatians!" It's pure Disney magic.
The resort is massive, with over 1,900 rooms spread across these themed sections. While that might sound overwhelming, it also means there's plenty of space to explore and enjoy. You will find two huge pools, a food court with a variety of dining options, a gift shop packed with souvenirs, and even an arcade for some extra fun. All-Star Movies offers a fantastic balance of affordability and Disney charm, making it a popular choice for families looking to make the most of their vacation budget. Plus, with the money you save on accommodation, you will have more to spend on snacks, souvenirs, and those must-do experiences in the parks! So, yeah, it's a win-win situation. You get to stay on Disney property, enjoy all the perks, and still have money left over for churros. What could be better?
Accommodation: Rooms and Amenities
Let's talk about where you will be resting your head after a long day of riding rollercoasters and meeting Mickey Mouse. The rooms at All-Star Movies are standard value resort rooms, but they are clean, comfortable, and perfectly adequate for a family. While they might not be the most luxurious rooms on Disney property, they are definitely functional and well-maintained. Most rooms can accommodate up to four adults, typically with two double beds. Some rooms also offer a pull-down Murphy bed, which is a great option if you need a little extra space.
Inside your room, you will find all the basics you need for a comfortable stay. This includes a TV, a mini-fridge (perfect for storing snacks and drinks!), a hairdryer, an iron and ironing board, and a small table with chairs. The bathrooms are pretty standard, with a shower/tub combination and a single sink. One of the best updates in recent years has been the refurbishment of the rooms. These updated rooms feature hard flooring (much more hygienic than carpet!), updated décor, and a more modern feel overall. They also added a nifty little feature: a USB charging port next to the bed. Perfect for charging your phone overnight, right?
While the rooms themselves are pretty straightforward, it's the amenities that really make the difference. As a guest of All-Star Movies, you'll have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the resort, which is essential for staying connected and sharing your vacation photos with all your friends and family. You can also take advantage of Disney's Magical Express (if it's still running) to get to and from the airport, as well as complimentary transportation to all the Disney theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Trust me, this is a huge perk! Not having to worry about driving or parking is a major stress reliever. Plus, the buses run frequently, so you'll never have to wait too long to get where you need to go.
Dining Options at All-Star Movies
Alright, let's get to the important stuff: food! While All-Star Movies doesn't have any fancy sit-down restaurants, it does have a fantastic food court called the World Premiere Food Court. This place is a lifesaver when you are trying to feed a hungry family quickly and affordably. The food court is divided into different sections, each offering a variety of cuisines. You can find everything from classic American fare like burgers and fries to pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and even some healthier options like salads and grilled chicken. It's basically a one-stop shop for all your dining needs.
The World Premiere Food Court is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it super convenient no matter what time of day you need a bite to eat. For breakfast, you can grab things like Mickey waffles (a must-do!), pancakes, eggs, bacon, and pastries. They also have a coffee bar where you can get your caffeine fix before hitting the parks. Lunch and dinner options include things like burgers, chicken nuggets, pizza, pasta, and a daily selection of specials. They also have a pretty decent salad bar if you are trying to eat healthy (or at least pretend to!).
One of the best things about the food court is the mobile ordering option. Using the My Disney Experience app, you can order your food ahead of time and then just pick it up when it's ready. This is a huge time-saver, especially during peak hours when the food court can get crowded. Plus, it means you don't have to stand in line! You can just chill out at your table and wait for your order to be ready. If you are looking for a quick snack or a refreshing drink, you can also check out the Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar. This poolside bar serves up a variety of cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day in the parks.
Recreation and Activities
Beyond the theme parks, All-Star Movies offers a variety of recreation and activities to keep you entertained during your stay. The resort has two pools: the Fantasia Pool and the Mighty Ducks Pool. The Fantasia Pool is the main pool and is themed after the classic Disney movie "Fantasia." It's a large pool with a fun, whimsical design, complete with a Sorcerer Mickey fountain. The Mighty Ducks Pool is a smaller, quieter pool themed after the movie "The Mighty Ducks." It's shaped like a hockey rink and even has Goofy as the goalie! Both pools have plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, making them the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. There are also lifeguards on duty during pool hours, so you can swim with peace of mind.
In addition to the pools, All-Star Movies also has a playground for the little ones. The playground is located near the food court and features slides, swings, and climbing structures. It's a great place for kids to burn off some energy while parents take a break. If you are looking for some indoor fun, you can check out the Reel Fun Arcade. The arcade has a variety of video games and arcade games, perfect for kids and adults alike. You can also find classic games like air hockey and skee-ball. It's a great way to spend a rainy afternoon or evening.
For those who like to stay active, All-Star Movies also has a jogging trail that winds its way around the resort. It's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can also rent bikes at the resort and explore the surrounding area. In the evenings, All-Star Movies offers Movies Under the Stars, where they show classic Disney movies on a big screen near the pool. It's a fun, family-friendly activity that everyone will enjoy. They also have campfire activities where you can roast marshmallows and tell stories. It's a great way to bond with your family and make some memories.
Transportation Options
One of the biggest perks of staying at a Disney resort is the complimentary transportation to all the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. All-Star Movies offers bus transportation to all these destinations. The buses run frequently throughout the day, so you'll never have to wait too long to get where you need to go. The bus stops are located right outside the main lobby, making it super convenient to hop on and off. While the buses are generally reliable, they can sometimes get crowded, especially during peak hours. If you are traveling during a busy time of year, it's a good idea to allow yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Another option for getting around is to use Disney's Minnie Van service. These are Minnie Mouse-themed vans that you can book through the Lyft app. They are a more convenient and comfortable way to travel, but they do come at an extra cost. If you are in a hurry or want to avoid the crowds on the buses, the Minnie Vans are a great option. You can also use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft to get around. These services are readily available at Disney World and can be a convenient option for getting to destinations that are not served by the Disney transportation system.
If you are driving your own car, you will need to pay for parking at the theme parks. However, parking is free at the resort. Keep in mind that the parking lots at the theme parks can get crowded, especially during peak hours. It's a good idea to arrive early if you want to get a good spot. Ultimately, the best mode of transportation depends on your individual needs and preferences. But with so many options available, you are sure to find a way to get around that works for you.
Tips for Staying at All-Star Movies
To make the most of your stay at All-Star Movies, here are a few tips to keep in mind. First, take advantage of the My Disney Experience app. This app is your best friend when it comes to planning your Disney vacation. You can use it to make dining reservations, book FastPasses, check wait times for attractions, and even order food from the food court. It's a must-have for any Disney trip.
Second, pack light. The rooms at All-Star Movies are not huge, so you don't want to bring too much stuff. Focus on packing essentials and leave the rest at home. You can always buy anything you forget at the resort gift shop. Third, bring your own snacks and drinks. While the food court is convenient, it can get expensive. Save money by bringing your own snacks and drinks to enjoy in your room or by the pool. Fourth, take advantage of the resort amenities. Don't just spend all your time in the parks. Take some time to relax by the pool, play in the arcade, or watch a movie under the stars. The resort has a lot to offer, so make the most of it.
Fifth, be prepared for crowds. All-Star Movies is a popular resort, so it can get crowded, especially during peak season. Be patient and allow yourself extra time to get around. Sixth, consider purchasing Memory Maker. This allows you to download all the photos taken by Disney photographers throughout the parks. It's a great way to capture your memories and you don't have to worry about taking your own photos. Finally, most importantly, have fun! You are on vacation at Disney World. Relax, enjoy yourself, and make some magical memories.
Is All-Star Movies Right for You?
So, is All-Star Movies the right choice for your Disney vacation? If you are looking for an affordable and fun resort with a great theme, then the answer is probably yes! All-Star Movies offers a great balance of value and Disney magic, making it a popular choice for families and budget-conscious travelers. While the rooms may not be the most luxurious on property, they are clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. And the resort amenities, including the pools, food court, and transportation, make it a convenient and enjoyable place to stay. Ultimately, the best way to decide if All-Star Movies is right for you is to weigh the pros and cons and consider your individual needs and preferences. But if you are looking for an affordable and fun Disney experience, then All-Star Movies is definitely worth considering.
