Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

One of three on-site Disney Resort budget hotels, this outpost features a sports theme that's a draw for families with kids. Like most things at Disney, it's go big or go home here, and that impression starts right away. There are oversized sports paraphernalia everywhere, such as balls, bats, helmets, and rackets. A huge star marks the entrance to the reception area. In keeping with the rest of the hotel, the lobby is a lively, colorful space with large white stars on a blue background behind the long red reception desk. Red, yellow, and blue benches provide seating for guests, and foosball tables help keep them entertained. In fact, this space seemed constantly busy during our visit. Each building has a different sports-related theme, such as basketball, football, or tennis. One courtyard was created to look like a football field, and another looks like a tennis court with Disney characters hard at play. The overall atmosphere here is lively and fun for those who are into sports. It draws mostly families, but some couples stay here as well. At times, it can be overrun with groups of young people, and can get rowdy. 

This hotel is conveniently located within the Disney complex, about a five-minute drive from the Animal Kingdom and about 10 minutes from Magic Kingdom. Guests can get to the parks by taking the Disney bus that stops at the hotel and delivers them right at the entrance to the parks. For guests looking for less expensive dining, there's a McDonald's about a five-minute walk from the hotel. International Drive, the closest place to find off-resort entertainment, is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Universal Studios is near the International Drive strip, and it's a 15-minute drive to SeaWorld from here. Orlando International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms are simple but colorful, with yellow walls accented by a bright green wall, blue carpeting, Disney-themed wallpaper borders, and multicolored bedding. Sports-themed Disney artwork hangs on the wall, and a silhouetted mouse ear motif accents some of the furniture. Overall, the decor is fine for kids, though adults will likely find it a bit dated. All rooms have two double beds (sleeping up to four), and Standard Rooms are a bit small. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, irons, and safes. Bathrooms are compact, with the toilet and shower/tub combo in a separate room from the sink and adjacent closet space. The shower curtain features more Disney characters, white tilework is accented by red and blue, and walls are painted orange. Hairdryers and basic toiletries are supplied. Rooms on the first floor, along the path to the parking lot, can be noisy. 

The hotel aims to keep guests entertained with a variety of activities. The two outdoor pools include one shaped like a baseball diamond and another with a surfing theme. The latter has surfboards all around, plus lounge chairs and red umbrellas lining the pool deck. Tall palm trees add a tropical touch. An adjacent games area offers table tennis and corn hole toss. There's also a smaller pool for the little ones. Shaped like a baseball diamond, the Grand Slam Pool features a Goofy fountain on the pitcher's mound, and giant baseball bats along the side. A huge Coca-Cola cup stands on one corner. Both pools are gated, and lifeguards watch over the action, though there are no slides or splash areas. Free movies are shown outdoors each evening on the football field, and there's a large arcade room with a variety of games. The Sport Goofy Gifts and Sundries shop sells Disney merchandise, much of it with a sports theme, as well as snacks and travel essentials. Dining is available at the End Zone Food Court, which serves breakfast, plus kid-friendly sandwiches, pastas, burgers, pizzas, and the like in a lively food court. Guests can dine inside or out on the terrace in nice weather. Grown-ups can get adult beverages and snacks at the Grandstand Spirits pool bar. Room service is available in the evenings, with a menu of pizza and wings. Keep in mind that prices here reflect the hotel's location within the Disney compound. There's a free bus that shuttles guests between the hotel and all of the parks. Guests are also entitled to expanded park hours. Parking is free at the hotel, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The hotel also provides Magic Bands for its guests. Self-service laundry facilities take credit or debit cards.