Our Guide to All-Star Movies (20 benefits & amenities)
If you’re dreaming of a magical Disney vacation on a budget, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is one of the best places to start. This larger-than-life, movie-themed hotel combines classic Disney storytelling with affordable pricing.
We recommend this resort often for families, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants to stay immersed in the magic without breaking the bank.
From giant statues of beloved Disney characters to colorful buildings themed after animated classics like Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians, and Fantasia, All-Star Movies offers fun around every corner.
In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort—including room types, dining options, transportation, pool fun, and insider tips to make the most of your stay.
Photo Gallery of All-Star Movies:
Click below for over 85 pictures I took from the resort!
All-Star Movies Guide:
#1. Larger than life theming!
The moment you arrive at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, you’re surrounded by the magic of the Disney movies. This Value Resort is designed to celebrate the fun and nostalgia of some of Disney’s most beloved films, with massive, colorful icons and detailed touches.
The resort is divided into five themed sections, each inspired by a different Disney classic: Toy Story, Fantasia, The Mighty Ducks, 101 Dalmatians, and Herbie the Love Bug. Each area features larger-than-life statues of characters and props, creating photo opportunities and fun backdrops everywhere you look.
Some examples include a towering Buzz Lightyear and Woody, a Sorcerer Mickey hat, giant dalmatians, or a full-size Herbie the Love Bug.
The buildings themselves are decorated with film reels and colorful patterns that reflect the spirit of Hollywood. Even the walkways and courtyards are part of the theme, with landscaping and set-like staging that make you feel like you’re in a movie set.
Inside Cinema Hall—the resort’s main lobby—you’ll find nods to Disney’s film legacy, including movie posters, film memorabilia, and a star-studded atmosphere.
All-Star Movies is designed to be fun, lighthearted, and family-friendly. Kids can play under a giant Woody, and adults can enjoy a wave of nostalgia for the Disney films they grew up loving.
The theming is bold, colorful, and unmistakably Disney, making every moment at the resort feel like a continuation of the magic you’ll find in the parks.
#2. Early Theme Park Entry
One great perk of staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is access to Early Theme Park Entry. This benefit allows all Disney Resort hotel guests to enter any of the four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom—30 minutes before official park opening every day.
This extra time might not sound like much, but it can make a big difference. It’s one of my top tips for anyone visiting Disney World -> Stay at a Disney Resort and make sure you get to the parks early to enjoy these 30 minutes!
You’ll have a head start on popular rides before the day guests arrive, giving you the chance to experience shorter wait times.
#3. Free transportation to Disney Parks and more!
Did you know that Disney World provides FREE bus transportation from All-Star Movies to the four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs? And the best part is that the bus stop is right outside the main entrance (Cinema Hall).
The complimentary bus transportation to the parks is one of the BEST benefits of staying at All-Star Movies.
Bus service to the parks typically begins 45 minutes before the park opens and ends 1 hour after it closes. Once they start, the buses run continuously throughout the day. I have found that you can typically expect a bus to arrive around every 20 minutes.
When you arrive at the bus stop, look for a digital sign that shows when the next bus is scheduled to arrive.
#4. The pools at All-Star Movies
One of the best things about All-Star Movies is the pools!
The resort has TWO pools – Fantasia Pool and Duck Pond Pool.
Pool #1: The Fantasia Pool
The Fantasia Pool is considered the feature pool at All-Star Movies! Because of its LARGE size and central location, it is the resort’s busiest and most popular pool.
As the name suggests, the Fantasia Pool is inspired by the classic Disney movie Fantasia. The central decoration is a large statue of Sorcerer Mickey at the back of the pool. Your kids will love playing and seeing the multiple jets of water that shoot out from Mickey’s sides!
The Fantasia Pool area is designed to feel like a grand movie premiere, in line with the resort’s movie-inspired theme. It is typically open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and has a lifeguard on duty.
There is also a splash pad and kiddie pool behind the Fantasia Pool in a fenced-off area just for little kids!
Pool #2: The Duck Pond Pool
The other pool located at All-Star Movies is the Duck Pond Pool. It is smaller than the Fantasia Pool and is considered quieter and more relaxed than the other one.
The pool and surrounding area are themed after the classic Disney movie, The Mighty Ducks. If you were to look at the pool from above, the entire area is supposed to resemble a hockey rink. You can even see the face-off circles painted on the bottom of the pool and the pool deck.
A few things to know about the pools at All-Star Movies:
- There are certain times that Disney Cast Members come out to play games (trivia, relays) with the kids!
- Since All-Star Movies is a “Value Resort,” you won’t find any water slides or hot tubs at either of the pools.
- Both pools are 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m) deep.
#5. Delicious Dining Options
Luckily, while staying at All-Star Movies, you don’t have to go far to find food. 🙂
The main place to eat is called World Premiere Food Court. It’s a large dining area located right inside Cinema Hall. The movie theme continues here, as it’s styled like a classic theater concession stand, complete with movie marquee signs and film references throughout.
- A large variety of food options is served here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- A grocery-type market also offers many “Grab and Go” options.
- You can purchase a refillable resort mug for unlimited refills on soda, coffee, tea, and more during your stay.
- Mobile ordering is available – super helpful during busy times.
- Lastly, don’t miss the delicious treats and baked goods. Can you say cupcakes?!
There is also an outside pool bar called Silver Screen Spirits. It’s located next to the Fantasia Pool.
- Here you can find lots of delicious alcoholic drinks to enjoy while sitting at the pool.
- They also offer a limited food menu, such as Mickey pretzels, salads, and sandwiches.
#6. What’s included in your room
All the rooms at All-Star Movies are 260 square feet and include two double beds or one king bed. Here are the amenities you will find inside the room:
- Mini-refrigerator
- In-room safe
- Hairdryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Alarm clock with radio
- Telephone with voicemail
- Internet – FREE Wi-Fi
- Toiletries – includes soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Coffee machine – includes creamer, sugar, coffee, tea, and paper products. It uses traditional coffee, not K-cups.
There are NO microwaves or toasters in the rooms at All-Star Movies, but you will find them at the World Premiere Food Court.
All-Star Movies has no room service since it is considered a “Value Resort.” But feel free to take food back to your room from the food court.
During your stay, you can choose to have your room cleaned every other day. Disney Cast Members will empty the trash, give you new towels, clean the counters, and vacuum.
Accessible room options are also available at All-Star Movies for guests with mobility needs.
#7. Roast marshmallows! (free)
Are you having a quiet evening and staying at the hotel? If so, a fun thing to do at All-Star Movies Resort is roasting marshmallows by a fire.
If you want to check out this fun activity, head down to the campfire behind the Fantasia Pool between Buildings 5 and 8. The fun begins at 6:30 pm and ends at 7:30 pm (7 days a week).
- Times are subject to change, so please verify with a Cast Member at the resort.
#8. Watch a movie under the stars
If you had a long day at the parks and want a fun way to unwind with the family, then you will love this amenity at All-Star Movies!
Every night at 8:30 pm at The Reel Spot, right outside the World Premiere food court, you can sit and watch a Disney movie under the stars. Check out the movie schedule at the Front Desk, so you don’t miss your favorite. 🙂
#9. Run or walk on the jogging trail!
A wonderful amenity of the All-Star Movies Resort is the jogging trail! There is a one-mile paved trail where you can either walk or run.
The path connects all three of the All-Star Resorts, which include All-Star Sports and All-Star Music, in addition to All-Star Movies.
- Here is a map of All-Star Movies to help you see the location of the running trails (and everything else). Click HERE to download a PDF of the map!
There is no fitness center located at All-Star Movies. You must stay at a Moderate or Deluxe Resort for this benefit.
#10. A playground your kids can’t resist
If your kids need to burn off extra energy, you will love the playground area at All-Star Movies, where they can run, play, and climb.
I don’t know about your kids, but mine can’t pass up a playground, even if it’s just for a few minutes! This would be a great way for kids to play and unwind a bit, especially if the lines were especially long that day at the parks.
#11. Play at the arcade
One fun amenity at All-Star Movies is the Reel Fun Arcade, located inside Cinema Hall. Our son loves playing games at arcades, so he was incredibly excited that he could play right at the resort.
If you want to play, you must buy a game card and add points using a credit card or cash at the kiosk in the arcade. These cards are rechargeable and can be used at other Disney Resort arcades.
The arcade is open daily! Check the Front Desk for hours of operation.
#12. You can shop without leaving All-Star Movies!
Inside Cinema Hall, you will find Donald’s Double Feature shop. Here you can shop for various souvenirs, shirts, pins, Mickey ears, sports apparel, character merchandise, snacks, and many other supplies!
#13. FREE parking!
It’s rare to find free parking these days, but Disney Resort guests get it automatically.
And I don’t mean you get free parking just at All-Star Movies. If you decide to drive yourself to any of the parks, you get to park for FREE at that park, as long as you stayed at All-Star Movies the night before.
Free parking is an amazing feature of All-Star Movies, as parking costs a minimum of $25 per day at the theme parks.
#14. Clean your clothes
You can do laundry inside this building near the Fantasia Pool.
We have taken advantage of the 24-hour access to the washing machines on many of our trips. Plenty of times, we have needed to clean clothes because the kids spilled something on themselves or we didn’t pack enough shirts.
The laundry service is self-serve, and it’s located near the Duck Pond Pool and the Fantasia Pool. The cost is $3 per wash, and the dryers are $3 per 30 minutes. Luckily, you can use your credit card for payment.
If you need dry cleaning or valet laundry service, you can call “Housekeeping” on the phone in your hotel room. Please note that both of these services have additional costs.
#15. Online Check-In (easy)
Do you want to bypass the front desk at check-in time? If so, then use the online check-in service!
Here is how to take advantage of the Direct-to-Room amenity:
- First, link your Disney resort hotel reservation to your Disney account in the My Disney Experience app or Disney’s website.
- When you arrive, let Disney know you are there by using the online check-in service.
- When your room is ready, the My Disney Experience app will provide you with your room number and let you unlock your door! In addition, your MagicBand (if you have one and it is active) will work to let you in your room.
Check-in time at All-Star Movies typically starts at 3:00 pm.
#16. Easy access to an ATM
If you need to get some cash for your day at the parks, there’s an ATM near the front desk, open 24 hrs.
The ATMs accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover/Novus, Cirrus, Plus, Star, and Honor!
#17. Currency Exchange
If you are visiting Disney World from outside the United States, you will appreciate the currency exchange.
If you are interested in exchanging foreign currencies, you can head to the front desk or concierge at the hotel.
#18. FREE Wi-Fi everywhere
Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered at All-Star Movies and inside every Disney park and resort area!
#19. Receive deliveries (or mail a letter)
Are you looking to send magic to someone while visiting Walt Disney World? You can send letters, postcards, or pre-labeled packages with postage already applied at the Front Desk!
You can also receive packages during your stay at All-Star Movies! I know we have had items shipped to our resort from Amazon after forgetting something crucial at home. Just have your delivery sent to the mailing address of All-Star Movies. Disney also recommends that it says “Guest” and the date of your arrival on the package.
Here is the address of Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort: 1901 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, 32830-8412.
#20. Designated Smoking Areas
For guests who smoke, you will be happy to hear that there is a designated outdoor smoking area for guests. You can ask a Disney Cast Member or check the resort map to see where this area is located.
When I visited All-Star Movies, the smoking area was quite busy!
Please know that smoking is not allowed in hotel rooms or on balconies.
Here’s what you won’t find at All-Star Movies:
Disney’s Value Resorts, including All-Star Movies, are a great way to stay on Disney property without spending a fortune, but there are a few amenities and features that are not available compared to Moderate and Deluxe resorts.
Table-Service Restaurants:
Value Resorts do not offer sit-down dining or table-service restaurants. Instead, they have large food courts with quick-service options. If you’re looking for a more upscale or themed dining experience, you’ll need to visit a Moderate or Deluxe resort—or head to the parks or Disney Springs.
Water Slides and Hot Tubs:
Pools at Value Resorts are themed and fun, but they do not have water slides or hot tubs. These features are available at Moderate and Deluxe resorts only.
Multiple Transportation Options:
Unlike some Deluxe resorts that offer monorail, Skyliner, or boat access, Value Resorts rely solely on Disney bus transportation (unless you opt for ride shares or drive your own vehicle).
Larger Room Sizes and Suite Options:
Rooms at Value Resorts are smaller and more basic in layout compared to Moderate and Deluxe categories. Some family suites are available at All-Star Music and Art of Animation, but not at All-Star Movies.
Fitness Centers and Spas:
You won’t find gyms, fitness centers, or spas at Value Resorts. Guests looking for wellness amenities will need to stay at a Moderate or Deluxe resort.
Interior Hallways:
Value Resorts have motel-style exterior room entrances, meaning the doors open to the outside rather than a hotel hallway—less of a luxury feel, but still clean and well-maintained.
Club-Level Service or Concierge:
Value Resorts do not offer club-level rooms, concierge lounges, or personalized planning services.
Despite these omissions, Value Resorts offer excellent perks like early park entry, free transportation, themed pools, and all the Disney magic—at a more affordable price.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort offers incredible value, immersive theming, and access to all the perks of staying on Disney property.
It’s not the most luxurious resort, but for families and first-timers looking for fun, convenience, and affordability, it’s hard to beat. With the magic of Disney movies all around you, this resort is a vacation destination in itself.
