I spent under $200 a night to stay at Disney World's cheapest resort. My tiny room was worth the convenience.

Amanda KrauseApr 2, 2024, 03:47 IST

I posed with Woody from "Toy Story" just a few feet outside my hotel room.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

I'm a lifelong Disney fan who visited Walt Disney World in August 2021.
I stayed at the All-Star Movies Resort — one of the cheapest hotels on Disney property.

In August 2021, I visited Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, for the first time in six years.

I went to all four theme parks at Walt Disney World, including Magic Kingdom.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

I drove from northern New Jersey to central Florida for the trip, and arrived at the All-Star Resort after approximately 24 hours.

You're greeted with this sign as you drive through the All-Star Resorts entrance.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

Disney's All-Star Music and All-Star Sports sections were closed when I visited, so I stayed at the All-Star Movies hotel. My room cost between $150 and $178 per night.

Only one Disney World All-Star Resort is open at the time of writing.Disney Parks

That makes the All-Star Resort, a value hotel, the cheapest on Disney property. It has amenities like free transportation, a food court, and housekeeping, but lacks the spas, restaurants, and luxury theming of Disney World's moderate and deluxe resorts.

Disney World's All-Star Resorts are considered to be value hotels.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

That makes the All-Star Resort, a value hotel, the cheapest on Disney property. It has amenities like free transportation, a food court, and housekeeping, but lacks the spas, restaurants, and luxury theming of Disney World's moderate and deluxe resorts.

Still, the simpler resorts are worth the money you save, in my opinion. After all, Disney World's moderate and deluxe resorts can cost hundreds of dollars more per night.

You can compare room prices and amenities on Disney World's website.Disney Parks

Still, the simpler resorts are worth the money you save, in my opinion. After all, Disney World's moderate and deluxe resorts can cost hundreds of dollars more per night.

I received texts and an email at 11:30 a.m. on the day that I arrived letting me know that my room was ready. From there, I parked my car and virtually checked in.

By checking in virtually, you can skip the front desk and head straight to your room.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

Limited options were available when I planned my trip, so I booked a preferred room instead of a standard one. Mine was located on the first floor of the "Toy Story" section.

The Disney resort is decorated from top to bottom with movie-inspired decor.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

Limited options were available when I planned my trip, so I booked a preferred room instead of a standard one. Mine was located on the first floor of the "Toy Story" section.

I was able to use my MagicBand — a bracelet that you can use as a room key, credit card, and more — to unlock my door.

The reader can also scan room cards and virtual keys on the My Disney Experience app.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

Inside, I found one bed, a bright bathroom, a long dresser, and a TV. There were also hardwood floors, which I loved (the rooms used to have carpet).

On the left was a door that connected to the adjacent room, though it was kept locked.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

The dresser under the TV had three large drawers, one cabinet, four USB ports, and four outlets.

The dresser was the perfect place to store my makeup, souvenirs, and more.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

Upon opening the cabinet, I found some hotel-room staples: a safe, an extra pillow, and a Bible.

The safe could hold a lot of stuff, and it was really easy to use, in my experience.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

The room also had a small table and two chairs perched against the wall.

The room was small, but still felt spacious with enough room to eat and sleep.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

That wall actually hid a second bed. Pulling it down from the wall was super easy, and I loved how it helped save space.

Both beds were the same size and equally comfortable, in my opinion.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

Next to each bed was a small table built into the wall. Here, I found even more outlets to charge electronics.

One table had a phone, and the others were left empty.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

The room didn't have a kitchen, but there was a tall shelf with a coffee pot, ice bucket, mini-fridge, and a drawer full of coffee and tea.

The fridge wasn't super cold, but it was enough to keep my food cool through the trip.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

The bathroom had just as much storage. There was a small closet and ironing board on the left and multiple shelves surrounding the sink on the right.

The bathroom also had clothes hangers, tissues, an iron, and a makeup mirror.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

The toilet, shower, and towels were in a separate part of the bathroom that could be closed with a sliding door.

Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap were attached to the wall inside the shower.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

I had a couple of issues with the bathroom. There was a slight musty smell near the shower, and its floor-length mirror was hidden so well that I didn't notice it until the last day of my trip.

You might not notice the mirror unless you close the door while you're standing outside it.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

I had a couple of issues with the bathroom. There was a slight musty smell near the shower, and its floor-length mirror was hidden so well that I didn't notice it until the last day of my trip.

Outside, there were Toy Story decorations everywhere. Green Army Men lined the buildings, and one pathway led you through "Andy's Room."

I felt like I had been shrunken down to the size of a toy while walking around the resort.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

Not too far from my room was a pool inspired by the 1940 film "Fantasia."

I took this photo around 8 a.m., but the pool always became crowded later in the day.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

There was also a hockey-themed pool inspired by the '90s "Mighty Ducks" films across the resort.

This pool was a bit smaller than the "Fantasia" one.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

The food court was also within walking distance of my room. During my trip, it was always bustling with hungry tourists.

When I visited, you could virtually order your meals via the My Disney Experience app.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

And the same goes for the gift shop. It was filled with Disney clothes, toys, snacks, and more.

The Donald's Double Feature gift shop was open between 8 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

That's not to mention the other sections you can visit, inspired by movies like "101 Dalmatians," "The Love Bug," and more.

The resort decor also makes for perfect photo opportunities.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

In front of the hotel, you can find buses that bring you to a ton of Disney World destinations, which will save you money on transportation and parking throughout your trip.

I made use of Disney World's buses almost every day of my vacation.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

In front of the hotel, you can find buses that bring you to a ton of Disney World destinations, which will save you money on transportation and parking throughout your trip.

I've always enjoyed staying at Disney World's All-Star Movies Resort, and my last trip was no different. I found the resort to be relatively affordable, clean, and fun. I'd even say that staying there made my Disney trip all the more magical.

I took this photo inside the lobby of Disney World's All-Star Movies Resort.Amanda Krause/Business Insider

I've always enjoyed staying at Disney World's All-Star Movies Resort, and my last trip was no different. I found the resort to be relatively affordable, clean, and fun. I'd even say that staying there made my Disney trip all the more magical.

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I spent under $200 a night to stay at Disney World's cheapest resort. My tiny room was worth the convenience.

In August 2021, I visited Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, for the first time in six years.

I drove from northern New Jersey to central Florida for the trip, and arrived at the All-Star Resort after approximately 24 hours.

Disney's All-Star Music and All-Star Sports sections were closed when I visited, so I stayed at the All-Star Movies hotel. My room cost between $150 and $178 per night.

That makes the All-Star Resort, a value hotel, the cheapest on Disney property. It has amenities like free transportation, a food court, and housekeeping, but lacks the spas, restaurants, and luxury theming of Disney World's moderate and deluxe resorts.

Still, the simpler resorts are worth the money you save, in my opinion. After all, Disney World's moderate and deluxe resorts can cost hundreds of dollars more per night.

I received texts and an email at 11:30 a.m. on the day that I arrived letting me know that my room was ready. From there, I parked my car and virtually checked in.

Limited options were available when I planned my trip, so I booked a preferred room instead of a standard one. Mine was located on the first floor of the "Toy Story" section.

I was able to use my MagicBand — a bracelet that you can use as a room key, credit card, and more — to unlock my door.

Inside, I found one bed, a bright bathroom, a long dresser, and a TV. There were also hardwood floors, which I loved (the rooms used to have carpet).

The dresser under the TV had three large drawers, one cabinet, four USB ports, and four outlets.

Upon opening the cabinet, I found some hotel-room staples: a safe, an extra pillow, and a Bible.

The room also had a small table and two chairs perched against the wall.

That wall actually hid a second bed. Pulling it down from the wall was super easy, and I loved how it helped save space.

Next to each bed was a small table built into the wall. Here, I found even more outlets to charge electronics.

The room didn't have a kitchen, but there was a tall shelf with a coffee pot, ice bucket, mini-fridge, and a drawer full of coffee and tea.

The bathroom had just as much storage. There was a small closet and ironing board on the left and multiple shelves surrounding the sink on the right.

The toilet, shower, and towels were in a separate part of the bathroom that could be closed with a sliding door.

I had a couple of issues with the bathroom. There was a slight musty smell near the shower, and its floor-length mirror was hidden so well that I didn't notice it until the last day of my trip.

Outside, there were Toy Story decorations everywhere. Green Army Men lined the buildings, and one pathway led you through "Andy's Room."

Not too far from my room was a pool inspired by the 1940 film "Fantasia."

There was also a hockey-themed pool inspired by the '90s "Mighty Ducks" films across the resort.

The food court was also within walking distance of my room. During my trip, it was always bustling with hungry tourists.

And the same goes for the gift shop. It was filled with Disney clothes, toys, snacks, and more.

That's not to mention the other sections you can visit, inspired by movies like "101 Dalmatians," "The Love Bug," and more.

In front of the hotel, you can find buses that bring you to a ton of Disney World destinations, which will save you money on transportation and parking throughout your trip.

I've always enjoyed staying at Disney World's All-Star Movies Resort, and my last trip was no different. I found the resort to be relatively affordable, clean, and fun. I'd even say that staying there made my Disney trip all the more magical.