Click Here for Armstrong's Everyday Vacay Full Resort Tour on YouTube!
Click Here to Watch Our Music Themed Vacay in August, 2018!
Resort Category: Value Resort
Pros:
- Big bang for the buck! You get all the on-site perks and full Disney experience for a very low price!
- Great Disney theming that children love!
- Has Suites that will sleep up to 6!
- TIP: When you stay at one of the All-Star Resorts you have full access to pools, dining and recreation at all 3 All-Star Resorts!
Cons:
- Shared bus transportation with other All-Star Resorts can be time consuming.
- Small rooms.
- No Table Service Restaurants.
- Thin walls so you may need a sound machine to drown out your neighbor's noise!
Resort Area: The All-Star Resorts are all closest to Animal Kingdom.
- TIP: If you are driving yourself follow the signs that say "Animal Kingdom Area Resorts"!
Resort Overview:
- Themed is Music!
- Opened November 22, 1994
- Check in: 3:00pm
- Check out: 11:00am
- 1604 guestrooms including 192 SUITES that will sleep 6 (plus a crib)!
- Self Service Laundry Rooms near both pools.
- Credit/Debit Cards accepted for washers, dryers and soap machines.
- Cost: $3/wash and $3/dry cycle; Laundry soap, softner and dryer sheets sold for approximately $1 a piece. You can purchase a $7 laundry card at the front desk that will get you one wash, one dry and text you when your clothes are done.
- Disney uses a technology called "LaudryView" that allows you to monitor the availability of the resort's laundry equipment. View LaundryView website here.
Resort Map
Typical Floor Plan:
- Room Amenities:
- Alarm clock with radio, 1500 watt wall mounted hair dryer, In-room safe, Free WiFi, Iron & ironing board, Mini-fridge, Full length mirror, Telephone, and H2O-brand bar soap, shampoo and conditioner.
- Standard Room: NO Coffeemaker or Microwave!
- Suites: Kitchenette with Microwave, Coffeemaker, Mini-fridge, and Sink.
- Bathroom Details:
- Shower with a bathtub (wheelchair accessible rooms have roll in showers and no bathtub) and toilet separate from a single sink with mirror above it and dressing area.
- A curtain separates the dressing area from bedroom so 3 people can get ready at the same time.
- Average water pressure but could vary from building to building.
- Shower curtain rod angles out to give more room while showering.
- Suites: 2 Full Bathrooms with Separate Vanities.
- ROOM TIPS!
- No Queen Beds (except suites) so if you are tall the double beds may be uncomfortable.
- Cots only allowed in king bed rooms because of the fire code.
- The double beds will not move so if you are trying to fit a twin blow up mattress between them it won't work! You can, however, move the furniture and it will fit.
- Preferred rooms can be noisier because they are closer to the main building and pool. Requesting the 3rd floor will help you get a quieter room.
- The Suites say they sleep 6 adults but it will be a very TIGHT SQUEEZE!
- Transportation Options: Bus only to all theme parks and Disney Springs.
- The buses typically run 60-90 minutes before and after park opening and closing.
- Always expect to wait at least 20 minutes for the bus and if it comes sooner or happens to be there when you show up consider yourself lucky! The early morning buses seem to come more frequently than the afternoon when it is not so busy.
- Plan on leaving the resort 90-120 minutes prior to any dining reservations elsewhere!
*Typically there is not a designated bus from the resort to the water parks!
- To get to Blizzard Beach: Take a bus from All Star Music to Animal Kingdom then take the bus to Blizzard Beach from there.
- To get to Typhoon Lagoon: Take a bus from All Star Music to Disney Springs then take the bus to Typhoon Lagoon from there.
*ESPN Wide World of Sports: Buses only available from the 3 All-Stars (Movies, Music and Sports), Caribbean Beach and Pop Century Resorts Thursday - Monday 5:00 - 11:00pm.
- These buses also run 1 hour prior to the opening of the Sports Complex when events are taking place until 11 p.m. or Sports Complex close, whichever is later.
- TRANSPORTATION TIPS:
- Consider taking a Minnie Van or Uber especially if you have dining reservations at another resort. There are no buses that will take you directly to a resort. The Ubers are generally <$10 no matter where you go on Disney property!
Table Service: No
Quick Service: Intermission Food Court
- Mall style food court
- Consists of 5 stations all selling different types of food, such as pizza at one, burgers at another, etc....
- Breakfast: 6:30am - 11:00am Intermission Food Court Breakfast Menu
- Lunch 11:00am - 5:00pm Intermission Food Court Lunch Menu
- Dinner 5:00pm - 12:00am Intermission Food Court Dinner Menu
- Late Night Dining (see Dinner Menu)
- Average Price: $6.00 - $15.00
- Dining Plan: 1 Quick Service Credit; DDP Snack Credit Available
- Tables in Wonderland Discount: Yes; No restrictions
Pool Bar: Singing Spirits Pool Bar
- Serves refreshments ranging from a non-alcoholic smootie to beer, wine and margaritas!
- Hours: 11:00am - 1:00am (weather permitting) Singing Spirits Pool Bar Menu
- Dining Plan: No
- Tables in Wonderland Discount: No
Room Service: Pizza Delivery
- Includes not only pizza but chicken wings, salads, sandwiches, desserts, beer, wine, and sodas.
- Delivery can take up to 90 minutes so you may be better off ordering from an outside pizza delivery service like Dominoes or walking to the food court.
- Price: Expensive! For example, a medium 16" cheese pizza costs approximately $14. They add an 18% tip, $3 delivery charge and 7% sales tax. Minimum order is $15.
- To order press "In-Room Dining" on your room phone.
- Hours: 6:00pm - 1:00am
- Dining Plan: 2 Table Service Credits that includes 1 pizza, 2 non-alcoholic drinks and 2 desserts.
DINING TIPS:
- Kid Meals include a drink and 2 sides yet the portions are not far off from the adult size one!
- If you are on the Dining Plan make sure you grab a "to go" drink from the cooler plus fill up your refillable mug!
- If you are on the Dining Plan you can order adult menu items for the kids which are plenty to share. This will help you save credits!
- Biggest Item to Split if paying cash: Chili Cheese Footlong! Its HUGE!
- Tables in Wonderland discount available here without added gratuity due to lack of available Table Service restaurant.
- If you have your own car and want to save some money there is a McDonalds right down the street!
General Pool Info:
- Open year round and heated to 82°F/28°C!
- NO Hot Tubs/Jacuzzis!
- NO Waterslides!
- Showers, Lockers, Restrooms and Laundry Facilities nearby.
- Lifeguard Availability and Hours subject to change but plan on at least 9:00am - 8:00pm and as late at 11:00pm during peak seasons.
- Complimentary Towels provided at pools.
- Life Vests of all sizes located at all pools.
- Infants/children in diapers allowed in all pools with a Swim Diaper on.
- Pool Toys allowed including noodles.
- Beach Balls provided when we were there in August, 2018!
Main Pool: Calypso Pool
- Located behind Melody Hall between the 2 Calypso Buildings.
- Shaped like a Guitar and features the Three Caballeros shooting water at people!
- There is a kiddie pool area located nearby for the little ones!
"Quiet Pool": Piano Pool
- Located in the center of Jazz Inn, Rock Inn, Country Fair and Broadway Hotel.
- Shaped like a Giant Piano!
- Considered a "quiet" pool therefore loud play and splashing is discouraged.
Movies Under the Stars:
- Complimentary Disney movies played in the evenings.
- Typically movies start at 7:30pm yet times vary so check the recreation guide or call the front desk before heading down!
- Located at the Calypso Pool.
Jogging Trail:
- 1 mile path that connects all 3 of the All-Star Resorts.
- I was surprised to see that this" trail" is actually the sidewalk in front of the resorts on a main road.
- Not the most scenic jogging path for sure!
Playground:
- Located down the path between Calypso Building #10 and Jazz Inn Building #9.
- For ages 2-12 only.
Arcade: Note'able Games Arcade
- Located in Melody Hall across from Intermission Food Court.
- Must purchase a rechargeable Game Card and add game points with a credit card or cash at the kiosk inside the arcade.
- TIP: You can use the Game Card at other resort arcades.
Scheduled Activities:
- Located on the deck of the Calypso Pool.
- Activities vary but some examples are arts and crafts poolside, relay games, scavenger hunts, ring toss, bingo, trivia and cookie decorating.
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- Located in Melody Hall straight across from main lobby.
- Items include the typical souveniers, swim toys, luggage, sundries, diapers, wine, beer, hard alcohol, cigars, sunscreen and medication.
- Prices are pretty standard Disney rates. Try your best to come prepared is all I have to say! Sunscreen was $13.99!
- Handicap Accessible Rooms:
- Approximately 200 handicap-accessible rooms available.
- Some rooms have roll-in showers.
- Hearing assistive devices in some rooms for hearing impaired.
- Most handicap accessible rooms have 1 king bed yet some have 2 double beds. Most rooms with roll-in showers have 1 king bed yet there is a handful that have both 1 king and 1 double bed.
- Both pools have a chair lift that can lower you in the shallow end of the pool.
- Sharps containers are available upon request at no extra charge.
- In-Room Options: Easiest option when staying at a resort that does not offer it on-site and relying on Disney transportation.
- Kid's Nite Out offers sitters that are insured, bonded, screened, reference checked, police-checked and CPR certified. They are all older than 18 and will take your children to the theme parks (you pay) or other places you request. They will NOT transport them in private vehicles, take them swimming or give them baths. They do offer bilingual sitters.
- Sitters are male and female.
- Base Rates per Hour
1 child $18
2 children $21
3 children $24
4 children $26
5 or more children Call for rate - 4-hour minimum
- Payment by Credit Cards Only.
- Transportation fee $10; Before 7:59am or after 8:59pm extra $2 per hour; Additional fee for holidays and special events.
- Cancellation Guidelines: 24 hour advance notice (48 hours on holidays)
- Gratuities Accepted.
- They request a meal be provided for the caregiver if a shift of 6 or more hours is needed.
- Fairy Godmothers (no website) offers sitters that are insured, bonded, screened, reference checked, police-checked and CPR certified. They are all older than 18 and will take your children to the theme parks (you pay) or other places you request. They will not transport them in private vehicles or give them baths. Swimming is at the discretion of the sitter. They do offer bilingual sitters.
- All sitters are female.
- Base Rates per Hour
1 child $16
2 children $16
3 children $16
4 children $18 - Additional Charges: Transportation fee $14; After 10pm extra $2 per hour.
- Cancellation Guidelines: 3 hours before service.
- Payments with Cash or Traveler's Check only
- Kid's Nite Out offers sitters that are insured, bonded, screened, reference checked, police-checked and CPR certified. They are all older than 18 and will take your children to the theme parks (you pay) or other places you request. They will NOT transport them in private vehicles, take them swimming or give them baths. They do offer bilingual sitters.
- On-site Child Care Options: This is a good option if you have your own car and can drop the kiddos off before heading out! Ideal for people with dining reservations at a Monorail or Boardwalk Resort!
- Camp Dolphin: Located in Dolphin side of Swan and Dolphin Hotel, 1st Floor
- Hours: 5:00pm - 12:00am
- Cost: $12 per hour, per child. A kids meal can be included for an additional $10.
- Ages: 4 - 12 years old, potty trained
- Activities: Arts, crafts, movies, board games, video and arcade games, nightly themed activities with prizes/souvenirs and a Disney movie!
- Phone Number: (407) 934-4241
- Reservations required.
- TIP: If you dine at Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo or Il Mulino New York Trattoria OR if you have a service at Mandara Spa you will receive up to two hours of complimentary time at Camp Dolphin. You must present your receipt at time of child pickup. (One child admitted for each adult entrée purchased. One child admitted for each spa treatment of 75 minutes or more.)
- Pixar's Play Zone: Located in the Contemporary Resort
- Hours: 5:00pm - 10:30pm
- Cost: Flat rate of $65 per child (plus tax).
- Ages: 4 - 12 years old, potty trained
- Activities: Bonnie's Play Room will have several toys the kids can play with then they can head to the Living Room for Space Ranger Training where they will learn to "identify and battle enemies of the Star Command”! Woody and Jessie will teach the kids the “ropes of the Wild West during Woody’s Roundup” followed by a sing along! The kids can also go to the Radiator Springs Racetrack to build their own racecars to race in the "Piston Cup Challenge" down a soapbox derby racetrack! The night will end with an Incredible Dance Party hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Incredible! Arcade games, dinner and dessert are included!
- Phone Number: (407) 824-KIDS
- Reservations Required by 5pm for same day services.
- Camp Dolphin: Located in Dolphin side of Swan and Dolphin Hotel, 1st Floor
BREAKING NEWS ALERT!
- DISNEY OFFICIALLY CLOSED LILO'S PLAYHOUSE, SIMBA'S CLUBHOUSE AND SANDCASTLE CLUB ON JULY 31, 2018!!
- PIXAR'S PLAY ZONE AT THE CONTEMPORARY IS THE ONLY OPTION BESIDES CAMP DOLPHIN AT THE DOLPHIN HOTEL!
Room Rates:
- $120 - $485 (rack rates) depending on the season and type of room.
- Annual Passholders or Florida Residents can get rooms as low as $99 on select nights!
Self-Parking Fee:
- $13 per night (sales tax included)
- Room Refurbishments:
- All-Star Music is next on the list after Movies is completed in November, 2018 followed by All-Star Sports.
- Construction should not be heard between dusk and 9am.
- Beds are going to be 2 QUEENS as opposed to the Doubles they are now. One will be a Murphy style bed that will double as a table while in the upright position.
- Large Flat-Screen Mounted TVs and USB ports to be installed in the rooms.
- A sliding door between the bed area and the vanity vs the curtain they have now!
- A mirror with LED lighting and a sliding glass door for the shower will be nice additions to the bathroom! More shelving in the vanity area is being added which is definitely needed!
- An electronic safe is going in as well.
- I can't believe they are finally adding a COFFEE MAKER! Yay!
- The mini-fridges are going to be a bit smaller yet modern in that you will be able to see through a glass door.
- Vinyl wood plank flooring with a solid black vintage movie camera icon (like the one that appears in the All Star Movies logo) will appear faded into the floor near the doorway.
- These are the same refurbishments Pop Century just underwent and they are a HUGE difference! Soooo much nicer!
- These resorts will have their own logo faded into the floor.
- There's a rumor that if you follow the notes on the shower curtain or wallpaper that you can play "Name that Tune"!
From a Child's Mouth to Your Ears!
What Joslyn Liked the Most:
What Vince Liked the Most:
What Joslyn Liked the Least:
What Vince Liked the Least: