Deciding where to stay in Disney World is no easy feat.
There are lots of factors that go into deciding where to stay, with one of the largest ones being the cost. However, you’ll also want to keep in mind what park you’d like to be closest to, what transportation options are available, and the theming. We thought we’d do a fun experiment — let’s take a look at how the most expensive hotel room in Disney World measures up to the most inexpensive.
The most expensive resort to stay at at any given time is typically Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, aka, the flagship hotel of Disney World. It’s a deluxe resort located right on the Monorail route, and within walking distance of Magic Kingdom. Prices fluctuate depending on the season, but the average cost for a room here per night is $1,976.
One of the cheapest hotels to stay at on property is Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. This is one of three value all-star hotels and typically stays as one of the cheapest. The only way to get to the parks from this park is by bus, rideshare, or by taking your own car. An average night here costs around $201.50.
But how do the rooms compare? Below we’re going to show you photos of both parts of each room and discuss their similarities and differences.
When you walk into a Grand Floridian room, it feels just that — grand. The beds are big and gorgeous and the room feels decently spacious.
When you walk into a room at Disney’s All-Star Movies, you’ll be hit with color. The room itself isn’t very large, and it does feel a little cramped, but it’s a fantastic sight to remind you that you’re in Disney.
The bathrooms in the Grand Floridian are just as elegant, with lots of lighting and counter space to help you get ready in the morning.
Over at All-Star Movies, the theming stays cohesive, but it’s much smaller. Only one person can get ready at a time, and they may even feel a little cramped.
As for spacing to put your clothes, the Grand Floridian will have more space to place your items, even if it’s not a built-in closet like this Studio Room.
At All-Star Movies, you’ve got a dresser that sits below the TV for your items, and that’s about it.
You also have room to lounge in the Grand Floridian, like on this couch that turns into a sleeper bed if need be.
There’s no such room at All-Star Movies. If you want to lounge, it’ll need to be on the bed, or in the one set of table and chairs against the wall.
And we can’t forget to talk about the details! At Grand Floridian, you’ll find that the details of the room are very subtle, and unless you look very closely, you may forget that this is a fancy DISNEY hotel.
Some people aren’t a fan of this — they’d like to be reminded that they’re at Disney, and if that’s you, then you’ll much prefer the theming of the All-Star Movies room, which is very in-your-face. Not overly so, but when compared to the Grand Floridian, it’s a stark difference.
Overall, you’ll find that the feel of the Grand Floridian is much more elegant and refined. This is great if you’re traveling with an older group, but if you’ve got younger kids, they may feel pretty out of place and rather have Mickey everywhere.
If you’re looking for something a little less serious and more fun, then All-Star Movies and the other value resorts are a good fit. You can’t walk more than a few feet without a reminder that you’re in Disney World staying at one of their resorts, and for some, that’s perfect.
It’s up to you to decide how you prefer to spend your Disney World vacation, but it’s important to note the differences between these two types of resorts (and remember that moderate resorts are in the middle of the two for price and in elegance) before you plan your trip. What’s right for your family may be wrong for another, and that’s okay!
We’re always here to help you make decisions about your Disney vacations, so stay tuned to AllEars!
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What’s your preferred hotel to stay at and why? Tell us in the comments!
Might be relevant to also say how the deluxe hotels you enter from within the hotel in carpeted hallways and value resorts you enter from outside hallways and doors. I found there to be more noise coming from outside and next door at value vs deluxe. as well as I often had to walk further to room in value.