Not all Disney World hotels are created equal, and our experts are ready to tell you all about two that we’ve deemed the least popular in our ranking.
Disney has hit us with major hotel news over the last few weeks with changes in choosing your resort category and new permits filed inching us closer to learning more about a few new changes at resorts. So with so much up in the air, we figured it was time to tell you a bit about which resorts we’re considering the least popular options to choose for your next Disney vacation.
Disney World is home to literally dozens of hotels on its massive property and sometimes that can lead to a dilemma in choosing which hotel is right for you. We recently asked our team which of these hotels ranked the lowest on their popularity score and the answer was resounding and simple.
The two we kept hearing over and over were the All-Star Resorts, more specifically the All-Star Sports…
…and All-Star Music Resorts.
In full transparency, these resorts are listed as value resorts by Disney’s own classification. This means they’re entry-level, on-property hotels with direct benefits like early park admission, charging privileges through Magicbands, and eventually, Disney Dining Plans when they re-start in January 2024.
Limited Amenities
Transportation Could Be Confusing
Affordable Options For Large Groups
Updates
Another complaint that came up time and time again was the actual composite of the buildings itself. The walls to the rooms seem thinner between each one and it wouldn’t surprise us a bit if you come back complaining of being able to hear conversations in the hallway, walking or running footsteps outside in the morning or at night from inside your room, louder conversations or kids from the room next door, and even the occasional toilet flushing.
All of these things could be bothersome if you have small children or would like to get a good night’s rest while you’re on vacation…you know, when you’re not planning on rope-dropping the parks.
It’s Not All Bad Though
Don’t get us wrong here. While they’re not super popular among our Disney experts they are GREAT hotel options for lots of folks and really ARE more affordable. If you’re someone who plans on spending all your time in the parks, they can be your best bet. There are usually discounts out there that make the room rates comparable to those you would find off-property, and you have the benefits of proximity and the Disney transportation system.
We also want to make mention that there are family suite options at All Star Music that could be a wonderful value to larger or multi-generational families that don’t mind sharing a room to stretch the budget.
Disney has also taken great steps to turn around the interior room theming from something straight out of a 1990s home furnishing catalog and fill them with more modern touches — no more themed border wallpaper and coat racks. Nowadays, you’ll likely find updated flooring, updated bathroom fixtures, decorative touches, and white bed sheets instead of loud patterned comforter sets.
So there you have it, that’s our experts’ opinion on the two least popular options for a Disney World hotel and the reasons why they rank so low on our list, but tell us do you agree? Would you have listed another hotel in their place? For the latest in Disney hotel news, stay tuned with us at DFB!
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Did your pick for least popular make this list? Tell us your least favorite Disney World hotel in the comments and why it ranks that way to you!
Anne says
I Loved the over the top super colorful quilts and shaped coat racks! That was part of the Disney bubble! Kids loved them! I bought several of those quilts for my own home when they did the remodel.
If I want a boring hotel, there’s another 200 boring hotels up I-4 corridor to choose from! I heard they’re ‘sanitizing’ the rooms of the Wilderness Lodge. Is that true? That was my favorite resort. But I won’t come back if they’re all boring plain rooms! I’d choose Drury or other regular hotels near Disney springs.
naturaldisastergirl says
We love all the resorts, and I’m all up for a good value resort stay. We too are fans of the over the top theming. But at the All Star Resorts the parking can be horrible. I don’t expect to be able to park right at my building, but I have had more than one occasion when I had to park as far away from my building as was possible and still be at my resort (I’m not positive that I haven’t technically parked at a ‘sister’ resort!). And that was when they were charging for parking! Steps should be taken to ensure that people can park a reasonable distance from their building. Either that, or maybe consider adding valet. It’s optional, not a necessary added cost, and plenty of exhausted people would happily use valet rather than walk across the entire resort at the end of the day.
Carole says
The sound of the toy let flushing there was so horrendous it sounded like a jet taking off. This is great for kids but absolutely not a relaxing environment. I didn’t sleep a wink.
Julia says
First let me say, I really enjoy all your articles. I also agree with your opinion of All Star Sports. They coaches of the teams do not pay any attention to their members. The groups are noisy, out of control and have no respect for others. However, I disagree with your opinion of All Star Music. Music (and Movies) are very affordable for both families and groups. I have been bringing girl scout groups to Disney since the 90’s because they can afford it. The cost of the entire trip is about one or two nights at a deluxe resort and maybe three or four at a moderate resort. Your “experts” obviously have more money to spend than the average teenager. You did mention at the end of the article about price. You also mentioned flushing toilets which I have never heard whenever I stayed at Music. I do not hear people running around outside. I will admit I have heard doors slamming late at night when people are returning from the parks, but I have heard that in Animal Kingdom Lodge and Port Orleans.
John says
We have stayed at all star sports 8 times now and the only times we had a problem with noise was on spring break apart from that we have had a great time. And it’s great value.
Krysta Koppenal-Lynch says
We have stayed at the value resort, the moderate resort and the deluxe resort. We have never been disappointed with any of the accommodations. With the value resort, you simply have to plan a little more. As a matter of fact, when we stayed at the all-star movies resort, they would take my children’s stuffed animals and pose them as if they were watching television while we were out at the parks! My kids loved that!
Sandra G says
Boy, I hate articles trashing the All Stars, particularly Music, which is our preferred resort at WDW. Love the theming, the price, the grounds, the nice pools. Every single thing listed as a negative could also be said about some resorts at higher level hotels. With the recent upgrades, the rooms at Music are very similar to those we have stayed in at Best Western Plus or Hampton Inn, even though people often compare them to Motel 6. Queen beds, modernized bath area, huge TV, coffee station with drinks cooler, and the rooms have always been clean and the staff helpful. Love that you have access to three food courts and six pools when staying at any of the All Stars. Toilet flushing noise? I live in a “luxury” condo, still know when the guy upstairs is using the facilities and have had the same experience at much pricier hotels. No more noise from people outside than other places we’ve stayed (and we are always on the first floor). Never had a parking problem either. I’ve had some less than stellar stays at moderate/deluxe places, so why pay more?
Dottyanna says
I have stayed at the All Stars, Pop Century, Carribean Beach, on up to Bay Lake Towers, Boardwalk, and Animal Kingdom Lodge. The biggest difference is location, but I will admit the deluxe are quieter. Inside corridors, elevators, etc. do help with the noise factor. Also, we walked at least a mile back to our room at the All Stars every night – which is no fun when your feet are screaming at you. However, if I were to stay at an All Stars again, I would plan to use Lyfft or Uber to get around and consider it still a huge savings over staying at a moderate or deluxe.
Jason says
Ever try to drive into the resort during peak hours? Be prepared to wait… a while. Check in time. Park closing time. One gate, three resorts, almost no one using the automatic gate.
Tina says
I’ve stayed at both and was ok with them.