Ultimate Guide to Cheap Disney Resorts: Save Money While Staying in the Magic
Planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World doesn’t have to break the bank. While Disney is famous for its enchanting experiences and world-class entertainment, it is possible to have a magical trip on a budget – especially when you stay at one of the cheap Disney resorts within the property.
If you’re dreaming of visiting Disney World but need to watch your spending, booking a stay at a Disney Value Resort is one of the best ways to save money while still enjoying the convenience and perks of staying onsite.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most affordable Disney resorts, what to expect, and how to choose the best one for your family.
Hi there! Just a heads up- if you click on a link within this post I may receive a small commission from affiliate links. I appreciate your support of To Travel & Beyond and hope to bring you great recommendations for many years to come! See the full privacy policy here.
How Much Does a Disney Vacation Cost?
Before diving into the most affordable Disney hotels, let’s look at the average cost of a Walt Disney World vacation. A family of four can expect to spend between $4,000 to $6,000 for a 4–5 night trip. This includes park tickets, hotel accommodations, dining, transportation, and souvenirs.
Are you planning a 4-day Disney vacation? Check out the perfect Disney itinerary here.
But here’s the good news: your choice of hotel can make a significant difference in your overall budget. Choosing a cheap Disney resort – aka a Value Resort – can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, allowing you to spend more on park days, dining experiences, or that adorable Mickey ears souvenir.
What Are Disney Value Resorts?
Disney Value Resorts, aka cheap Disney resorts, are the most budget-friendly hotel options offered directly by Disney. These resorts are perfect for families or travelers who want to stay immersed in the magic of Disney without the high price tag.
These resorts provide a memorable family experience at a lower price point, making it possible to have an incredible family adventure while saving money. Staying at a value resort is one way to strike a balance between cost and experience when planning a Walt Disney World vacation. These resorts cater to budget-conscious travelers and offer convenient accommodations within the Disney World property.
While they don’t include luxury amenities like spas or fine dining, they do offer:
- Fun, kid-friendly theming
- Free transportation to all Disney parks
- Early theme park entry
- On-site dining, pools, and gift shops
- Access to all the benefits of staying in the “Disney bubble”
But what do you “give up” when staying at the value hotels? It depends! Below, I am sharing all the details on each of the Disney World hotels in the “Value” category, as well as the pros and cons for each one vs the pros and cons of splurging for Moderate or Deluxe accommodation.
Are you trying to decide which Disney resort is best for your family?
Download the Ultimate Guide to Walt Disney World Resorts today to get detailed descriptions of each resort, a worksheet to determine which one is the best fit for your family, and everything you need to know about Disney transportation from resorts!
Best Cheap Disney Resorts Ranked and Reviewed
Here’s a breakdown of the top cheap Disney resorts ranked by price, amenities, transportation access, and who they’re best for.
1. Disney’s All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music, and Sports)
These three sister properties are often the cheapest Disney World resorts, and each has a unique theme:
⭐ Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
It has a classic Disney movie theme with larger-than-life characters, like Buzz Lightyear, 101 Dalmatians, and Fantasia, and is perfect for larger groups seeking family-friendly, affordable accommodations with immersive Disney theming.
- Theme: Classic Disney films like Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians, and Fantasia
- Average Cost: $120 – $220 per night
- Pros: Iconic Disney theming, great for families with young kids
- Cons: Standard rooms only, far from most parks, bus-only transportation
- Best For: Budget-focused families who love Disney characters
⭐ Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
This resort celebrates the love of music with giant musical instruments and whimsical decor. You will also find family suites at All-Star Music, which can be a great option for larger families or groups!
- Theme: Musical genres and instruments
- Average Cost: $120 – $220 per night
- Unique Feature: Family suites available with a kitchenette
- Best For: Larger families or groups wanting cheap Disney accommodations with more space
⭐ Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
It provides a lively and energetic atmosphere with affordable accommodations, suitable for sports enthusiasts and families and often hosts sporting competitions. If you aren’t traveling with a sports group, this is my least favorite out of the All Star resorts.
- Theme: Sports like baseball, football, and basketball
- Average Cost: $110 – $210 per night (often the cheapest Disney hotel)
- Best For: Youth groups, sports teams, or travelers looking for the lowest rates
All-Star Resort Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cheapest Disney World resort options with the lowest prices no matter the season
- Larger family suites for an affordable cost
- Fun theming like Toy Story and Mighty Ducks
- Close proximity to Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
- Free parking at the resort
Cons
- Longer driving distance to most of the Walt Disney World Parks
- Bus-only transportation
- Motel-style accommodations (which could be a pro or con!)
- Only quick-service dining options
- The resorts are quite large, you could end up a good 15-minute walk from your room to the main building and buses
2. Pop Century Resort
For guests seeking a budget-friendly Disney resort with nostalgic charm and Skyliner access, Disney’s Pop Century Resort is a fan favorite. This value resort celebrates pop culture from the 1950s through the 1990s, with each decade represented through larger-than-life Disney icons, colorful theming, and fun throwback details.
Average Price: Rates generally range from $160 to $280 per night, making it a more affordable option – especially compared to moderate or deluxe resorts – without sacrificing location or convenience.
Location: Pop Century is located in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area, directly across Hourglass Lake from Art of Animation Resort. Its central location provides easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios via the Skyliner.
Room Types: All rooms at Pop Century are standard hotel-style rooms with:
- One queen bed and one Murphy-style pull-down queen bed
- Mini-fridge, coffee maker, and safe are all in the rooms
- Hardwood-style flooring (no carpet), updated storage options, and modern finishes after a recent refurbishment
Each room sleeps up to 4 people and is compact but efficiently designed – perfect for families planning to spend most of their time in the parks.
Theming: Each building is themed to a different decade:
- 1950s – Bowling pins and jukeboxes
- 1960s – Hippie flowers and giant Baloo
- 1970s – Foosball and Mickey phone
- 1980s – Rubik’s Cubes and Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head
- 1990s – Cell phones and computer icons
This nostalgic theming makes for great photo ops and sparks fun conversations with kids and adults alike.
Transportation:
- Disney Skyliner Station at Hourglass Lake provides quick, scenic access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
- Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs
- Guests can also walk across the bridge to Art of Animation to explore that resort or dine at its food court
Dining:
- Everything POP Shopping & Dining is the main quick-service location, offering a variety of American eats, grab-and-go options, and a popular tie-dye cheesecake dessert
- Refillable drink stations and ample indoor/outdoor seating
- The adjacent gift shop makes it easy to grab Disney merchandise without heading into the parks
Pools & Amenities:
- Hippy Dippy Pool (main pool) features flower-shaped water jets and a splash area/wading pool for kids
- Two additional leisure pools: Bowling Pin Pool (1950s section) and Computer Pool (1990s section)
- Movies Under the Stars, arcade, jogging trail, and playground offer entertainment beyond the parks
Best For: Families wanting affordable access to the Skyliner, Disney theming without overwhelming characters, and a fun, upbeat atmosphere that doesn’t break the bank.
Insider Tip: Request a preferred room in the 1960s section for the shortest walk to the Skyliner, food court, and main pool. It’s worth the slight price increase for the convenience, especially with little kids or after a long park day.
Why It’s a Fan Favorite: Pop Century is often considered the best value for money thanks to its Skyliner access, central location, and vibrant theming.
Art of Animation Resort
If you’re looking for one of the most immersive and family-friendly cheap Disney resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a top-tier pick in the value category. This resort stands out for its bold theming, larger-than-life character statues, and unique accommodations designed especially with families in mind.
Average Price: Rates typically range from $180 to $420 per night, depending on the season and room type. The family suites are more expensive than the standard rooms, but they offer significant space and amenities, making them ideal for families of five or six.
Location: Situated near Disney’s Hollywood Studios and adjacent to Pop Century Resort, Art of Animation sits in a prime spot for families looking to spend time in the parks.
Room Types:
- Standard Rooms (Little Mermaid section): These rooms are themed to Ariel and undersea friends. They are smaller in size (approximately 260 sq. ft.) and are the only standard rooms at this resort, making them the most affordable option.
- Family Suites: These are themed to The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars, and include:
- One private bedroom with a queen bed
- Two pull-down queen beds in the living area
- Two full bathrooms
- Kitchenette with a microwave, mini-fridge, and sink
- Around 565 sq. ft. of space
Transportation: Art of Animation is part of the Disney Skyliner route, providing quick, scenic access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Buses are available for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. This Skyliner access is a major perk not found at the All-Star Resorts.
Dining:
- Landscape of Flavors food court offers diverse options, including plant-based meals, burgers, pasta, and bakery items.
- The Drop Off Pool Bar is a relaxing spot for adults to grab a drink by the main pool.
Resort Amenities:
- The Big Blue Pool (inspired by Finding Nemo) is the largest pool at any Disney resort, with a splash pad and zero-entry area.
- Additional pools are located in the Cars and Little Mermaid sections.
- An immersive playground, arcade, walking trails, and movies under the stars offer plenty of non-park entertainment.
- Dedicated photo-op areas throughout the resort for each movie theme – great for memory-making.
Best For: Families with young kids, larger families needing extra space, and anyone who wants to feel completely “inside” the Disney magic throughout their stay.
Insider Tip: If you want to stay here at the lowest rate, book early and opt for the Little Mermaid rooms, but be aware they sell out quickly and are located farthest from the Skyliner and main pool.
Pro Tip: The family suites sleep up to 6 people and include two bathrooms, a kitchenette, and plenty of space – perfect for groups wanting more room without splurging on a deluxe resort.
Honorable mention, which only counts as value if you camp with a tent or an RV:
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
For a truly unique and budget-friendly Disney experience, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is unlike any other. This resort offers a rustic, outdoorsy setting while still delivering the Disney magic, making it one of the most affordable Disney resort options if you’re open to camping or RV travel.
Average Price:
- Tent and Pop-Up Campsites: $60 – $120 per night
- RV Campsites with Hookups: Can range from $100 – $200+ depending on the season and size of the site
- Cabins (Deluxe Tier): These are not value-priced but are available for those who want a wilderness feel with indoor comfort
Location: Nestled in wooded forest land near Magic Kingdom, Fort Wilderness is incredibly serene and peaceful – but still close to the magic. It’s one of the few resorts offering boat transportation directly to Magic Kingdom, which is a charming and convenient perk.
Accommodation Options:
- Guests can bring their own tents or RVs or rent equipment through third-party vendors who deliver and set up campsites for you. Keep in mind, you must book these off of Disney’s preferred provider list.
- While the cabins are a fantastic option, they are typically priced more like a moderate or deluxe resort and not considered part of the “cheap Disney resorts” category.
Transportation:
- Internal bus system due to the massive size of the property
- Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, and Wilderness Lodge
- Buses to other parks and Disney Springs
Dining:
- Trail’s End Restaurant (currently transitioning to new dining experiences)
- P&J’s Southern Takeout: a quick-service spot for comfort food like fried chicken and BBQ
- Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue: A beloved dinner show featuring singing, dancing, and classic Americana fare (reservation required)
Activities & Amenities:
- Archery, horseback riding, and canoe rentals
- Bike trails and fishing areas
- Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long with s’mores and character appearances
- Swimming pool with waterslide, kiddie splash zone
- Golf cart rentals to easily navigate the campground (highly recommend but you must book in advance!)
Best For: Nature-loving families, RV travelers, or anyone looking for a laid-back, outdoorsy Disney stay at a lower cost. It’s also a hidden gem for large groups or families looking to create a different kind of Disney memory.
Insider Tip: Book early – tent and RV campsites fill up quickly, especially around holidays and seasonal events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Christmas at Magic Kingdom.
Takeaway Note: As mentioned above, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness are considered Moderate tier and are more expensive – but camping is a great way to stay onsite for less.
Not sure which Disney resort is right for your family?
Download my free resource: The Ultimate Guide to Walt Disney World Resorts
✅ Compare every resort by price, perks, and location
✅ Insider tips from someone who’s stayed at them ALL
✅ Make the best decision for your family and your budget
👉 Grab the guide here and start planning a magical, stress-free stay!
Pros of Staying at a Value Resort
- You get the standard benefits and fun amenities of staying at a Disney-owned hotel! This includes early theme park entry, easy access to contacting customer service cast members who usually go above and beyond to help before, during, and after your stay, onsite gift shops with all the Disney merchandise, poolside activities each afternoon, and transportation to all parks and Disney Springs.
- The cheapest Walt Disney World resort options
- Disney Gift Shop at each resort (this could be a con if you aren’t a fan of spending money)
- It’s a great way to stay in the Disney bubble the entire time you are on vacation due to the transportation and theming
Cons of Staying at a Value Resort
- The pools are usually standard, hotel-style pools without extra amenities like water slides or hot tubs. Although the pool at Art of Animation is one of the best!
- Standard-sized hotel rooms. For the same cost, you could often find larger rooms offsite, so depending on the number of people it might not be a great option
- Only quick-service, food court-style dining options. If you prefer table service restaurants, you will need to go to another resort or dine in the parks
Now that you know about each of the most affordable Disney resorts, I will share our opinion. As Annual Passholders who have stayed at every resort, including value resorts, moderate resorts, and deluxe resorts, we have our favorites!
Our Top Picks for Cheap Disney Resorts
As a Disney-loving family who visits often, here’s our honest take:
- Best overall cheap Disney resort: Pop Century – great value and access to the Skyliner
- Best for families with young kids: Art of Animation – incredible theming and family suites
- Best if you’re on a tight budget: All-Star Movies – lowest nightly rates across all Disney hotels
- Most unique stay: Fort Wilderness (camping) – rustic charm, great location, and unbeatable price
Are you looking for the full Walt Disney World experience?
Check out the Disney page to learn more about navigating the parks, all the best snacks, planning an ideal Disney day & more!
Should You Consider Moderate Resorts?
If your budget allows for a bit more, Disney’s Moderate Resorts like Caribbean Beach (also on the Skyliner) or Coronado Springs (which has queen beds, lounges, and optional tower suites) can offer upgraded dining and better transportation while still being more affordable than deluxe resorts.
Final Thoughts on Booking Cheap Disney Resorts
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy all the magic of Walt Disney World. By choosing one of these cheap Disney resorts, you can save hundreds of dollars on accommodations and still enjoy immersive theming, park perks, and a memorable experience with your family.
Whether you’re booking your first trip or visiting again on a budget, these value resorts prove that Disney magic is accessible at every price point.
Ready to book your affordable Disney vacation? Look out for seasonal discounts or room-only promotions on Disney’s website, or work with a Disney-certified travel planner to find the best rates and options for your family.
