Hey everyone! Planning a trip to Disney World? Let's dive into one of the most fun and budget-friendly resorts on property: the Disney All-Star Music Resort. This place is perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the Disney magic without breaking the bank. We're going to explore everything from the themed sections to the dining options, transportation, and all the little extras that make this resort a great choice for your vacation.

Overview of Disney All-Star Music Resort

Alright, let's get started with the basics. The All-Star Music Resort is one of three All-Star Resorts (the others being All-Star Movies and All-Star Sports) located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area. What sets it apart? You guessed it – the theme! Each section of the resort pays homage to different genres of music, from country and jazz to rock 'n' roll, calypso, and Broadway. The entire resort is vibrant, colorful, and filled with larger-than-life musical icons. Think giant guitars, massive jukeboxes, and larger-than-life musical notes everywhere you look. It’s visually appealing and creates a lively atmosphere that kids (and adults!) will absolutely love.

One of the biggest draws of this resort is its affordability. Disney can get expensive real fast, and the All-Star Resorts are designed to offer a more budget-conscious option without sacrificing the Disney experience. You still get all the perks of staying on Disney property, like complimentary transportation to the parks, early theme park entry, and the ability to book dining reservations 60 days in advance. Plus, you're surrounded by that unmistakable Disney magic from the moment you arrive.

Accommodation and Theming

The rooms at All-Star Music are comfortable and well-themed, albeit a bit smaller compared to deluxe resorts. You'll find standard rooms that sleep up to four adults, typically with two double beds (though some have a king bed). In recent years, many of the rooms have been refurbished with a more modern look, including new flooring, updated furniture, and convenient USB charging ports. These updates definitely enhance the overall experience and make the rooms feel fresh and inviting.

Now, let's talk about the theming in more detail because this is where the All-Star Music Resort really shines. The resort is divided into five distinct sections:

• Calypso: Get ready for some Caribbean vibes! This area features bright colors, steel drums, and a giant maraca statue. It’s impossible not to feel cheerful when you're surrounded by this lively décor.
• Jazz Inn: Smooth sounds and cool cats define this section. Expect to see saxophones, trumpets, and other iconic jazz instruments brought to life in larger-than-life form.
• Broadway Hotel: Show tunes and theatrical flair take center stage here. You'll find oversized Playbill covers and other nods to the world of musical theater.
• Country Fair: Giddy-up! This section celebrates country music with cowboy boots, guitars, and a rustic, down-home feel.
• Rock Inn: Rock 'n' roll never dies! This area is all about electric guitars, drum sets, and that rebellious rock 'n' roll spirit.

Walking around the resort and exploring each section is an attraction in itself. It's a great way to spend some downtime between park visits and take some fun photos. The theming is immersive and really adds to the overall Disney experience.

Dining Options

Okay, let's talk about food! While the All-Star Music Resort doesn't have any signature table-service restaurants, it does offer a pretty solid food court called Intermission Food Court. This is where you'll find a variety of quick-service options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can grab everything from classic American fare like burgers and fries to pizza, pasta, and salads. They also usually have some rotating specials that reflect different culinary themes, so there's always something new to try.

The Intermission Food Court is set up with multiple stations, making it easy to find what you're craving. You can order your food at the counter and then find a table in the spacious dining area. It can get a bit crowded during peak times, like breakfast before heading to the parks, but generally, it's manageable.

For those looking for a quick snack or beverage, there's also a small grab-and-go market located near the food court. Here, you can find things like bottled water, soda, juice, pastries, and other snacks. It's a convenient option for stocking up on essentials or grabbing a quick bite on the go.

And, of course, you can always take advantage of mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app. This is a huge timesaver, especially during busy periods. Just place your order on your phone, select a pickup time, and then head to the designated mobile order pickup window when your food is ready. It's super easy and helps you avoid waiting in line.

Pools and Recreation

Time to talk about fun in the sun! The All-Star Music Resort has two themed pools: the Calypso Pool and the Piano Pool. The Calypso Pool is the main pool and features a giant guitar-playing Three Caballeros (Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles) in the center. It's a large, zero-entry pool, making it perfect for families with young children. The vibrant colors and playful design create a festive atmosphere that's hard not to love.

The Piano Pool, as the name suggests, is shaped like a grand piano, complete with black and white keys. This pool is generally a bit quieter and more relaxed than the Calypso Pool, making it a great option for those looking to unwind and soak up some sun. Both pools have plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, so you can comfortably spend an afternoon lounging by the water.

In addition to the pools, the resort also offers a playground for kids, an arcade, and a jogging trail. The playground is a great place for little ones to burn off some energy, while the arcade offers a variety of classic and modern games. The jogging trail is a scenic path that winds around the resort, perfect for a morning run or a leisurely stroll.

Transportation

Getting around Disney World is a crucial part of your vacation, and the All-Star Music Resort offers complimentary bus transportation to all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), as well as Disney Springs and the water parks. The bus stops are conveniently located near the main lobby, making it easy to hop on a bus to your desired destination.

However, it's important to note that the All-Star Resorts often share buses, especially during off-peak times. This means that you might have to make stops at the other All-Star Resorts (Movies and Sports) before heading to your final destination. This can add some extra time to your journey, so it's always a good idea to factor that into your plans.

To minimize wait times, I highly recommend checking the My Disney Experience app for real-time bus arrival information. The app will show you when the next bus is expected to arrive at your resort, allowing you to plan accordingly. This is a lifesaver, especially when you're trying to make rope drop at the parks or have dining reservations to get to.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons of staying at the All-Star Music Resort to help you make an informed decision:

Pros:

• Affordability: It's one of the most budget-friendly options on Disney property.
• Theming: The immersive musical theme is fun and engaging for all ages.
• Transportation: Complimentary bus service to all Disney destinations.
• Amenities: Pools, playground, arcade, and food court offer plenty of entertainment and convenience.
• Early Theme Park Entry: Take advantage of getting into the parks 30 minutes before official opening.

Cons:

• Smaller Rooms: The rooms are relatively small compared to deluxe resorts.
• Bus Sharing: You might have to share buses with other All-Star Resorts, adding travel time.
• Limited Dining: Only one food court with quick-service options.
• Can be Noisy: The resort can get crowded and noisy, especially during peak seasons.

Tips for Staying at All-Star Music Resort

Here are a few insider tips to make your stay at the All-Star Music Resort even better:

• Mobile Order: Use the My Disney Experience app to mobile order your meals and save time.
• Check Bus Times: Monitor bus arrival times on the app to avoid long waits.
• Request a Preferred Room: If possible, request a room closer to the main lobby and transportation for added convenience. Be aware that this may come with an extra charge.
• Pack Light: The rooms are small, so try to pack light to avoid feeling cramped.
• Bring Snacks: Stock up on snacks and drinks to save money and have something on hand for those mid-afternoon cravings.
• Explore the Resort: Take some time to wander around and appreciate the theming. It's a fun way to relax and unwind.

Is All-Star Music Resort Right for You?

So, is the All-Star Music Resort the right choice for your Disney vacation? If you're looking for an affordable, fun, and immersive Disney experience, then the answer is likely yes! It's a fantastic option for families, couples, and anyone on a budget who still wants to enjoy all the perks of staying on Disney property. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of a deluxe resort, it offers a comfortable and enjoyable stay with plenty of Disney magic.

Just remember to factor in the potential for bus sharing and the smaller room sizes when making your decision. But overall, the All-Star Music Resort is a great value and a wonderful place to create lasting memories with your loved ones. So go ahead, book your stay, and get ready to rock out at Disney World!