Mom On The Run

Kristina

Planning a visit to Walt Disney World is an exhilarating experience for families. The magic, the rides, the characters—it’s a dream destination for many. However, finding suitable accommodation, especially for larger families, can be challenging. For families of six, the All-Star Music Family Suites offer an enticing option. Here, we will explore these suites in detail, focusing on their layout, room size, kitchen facilities, Murphy beds, and storage options. We’ll also review the amenities of the All-Star Music Resort and compare the cost to similar Walt Disney Resorts.

There are so many factors to consider when deciding on the best hotel accommodations for your family vacation. Keep reading to see if the All-Star Music Family Suites would be right for you.

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Family-Friendly Accommodations at Walt Disney World

When it comes to choosing a place to stay at Walt Disney World, families have diverse needs. While the magic of Disney is everywhere onsite, the right accommodation can enhance the experience. For a family of six, options can be limited and often expensive. Most suites that have accommodations for six people fall into the “deluxe” hotel category. If it is within budget, these rooms are beautiful and spacious. If you are trying to plan a more budget friendly trip to Walt Disney World, deluxe accommodations may not be the best solution. Falling into the “value resort” category is the Art of Animation Resort, which also sleeps six, but is more expensive than most value resorts. This is where the All-Star Music Family Suites come into play, offering a budget-friendly solution without compromising on comfort or experience.

All-Star Music Family Suites

These suites have been recently renovated, providing a fresh and lively atmosphere that aligns with the musical theme of the resort. Located in the heart of Disney’s All-Star Resort area, they offer convenient access to the parks and a comfortable retreat after a long day of adventure.

Family Suite Layout

The layout of the Family Suites at All-Star Music Resort is designed with families in mind. Each suite is essentially a one-bedroom apartment, reimagined to cater to the needs of a larger family.

Features of the Layout

• Living and Dining Area: The living room doubles as an additional sleeping area, with fold-down Murphy beds that cleverly transform the space.
  • When the first bed is closed, it transforms into a dining table with four chairs, perfect for a quick meal or snack. It is also great if you have a rest day and want to play a game of Uno.
  • couch with ottoman. Across from the couch and table
• Separate Bedroom: The suites feature a private bedroom with a queen-size bed, allowing parents to have their own space.
  • The bedroom includes a dresser, side chair with table and lamp, nightstands on both sides, and access to the second bathroom.
• Two Bathrooms: Having two bathrooms is a significant advantage for families, minimizing morning chaos and maximizing park time. As a family of 6 with three teenage girls, having their own bathroom made our trip so much smoother!
  • The main bathroom hosts an area with a sink, counter space, and plenty of storage.
    • There is a separate room with a tub/shower combination and a toilet.
  • The second bathroom is off the main bedroom and also has a sink, counter, and storage.
    • A walk-in shower and toilet are located in the private adjoining room.
• Kitchen: The suites feature a dedicated kitchen between the main room and the separate bedroom.

This thoughtful layout ensures that families have both communal space and privacy, making it easier to relax and recharge.

Room Size

When it comes to room size, the All-Star Music Resort Family Suites offer a surprisingly spacious option for larger families. While the suites are not quite as large as those at Art of Animation Resorts, the functionality and cost savings make it well worth consideration.

Room Dimensions

• Square Footage: Each suite is approximately 520 square feet, providing ample room for movement and storage.
  • The main challenge is the placement of the ottoman and dining chairs when both Murphy beds are down. There is a space between the door and the dress that can accommodate the ottoman and a chair or two. We ended up placing another chair on the other side of the dresser and near the kitchen.
  • We were able to get our stroller in the room behind the door at night as well.
• High Ceilings: The high ceilings add to the feeling of spaciousness, making the suite feel open and airy.

Families often praise the room size for being more than adequate, especially considering the suite’s budget-friendly nature. It’s a perfect blend of space and comfort, ensuring everyone has room to unwind.

Kitchen Facilities

One of the standout features of the Family Suites is the inclusion of a kitchen, which can be a lifesaver for families looking to save on dining costs. Standard rooms only include a small beverage cooler. Even the kitchen area at the Art of Animation Family Suites is a small nook with only a mini-fridge and microwave. This is where All-Star Music Resort really stands out!

Kitchen Amenities

• Microwave: Ideal for heating up quick meals or snacks.
• Full Size Refrigerator: Keeps drinks and perishable items cold.
  • The fridge can hold an entire case of bottled water on one of its shelves.
• Sink and Counter Space: Useful for meal preparations.
• Coffee Maker: A must-have for parents needing a morning caffeine boost.
• Cabinets and Shelving: All of the shelving provides so much space to bring food or store extra items.

While not a full kitchen, these amenities allow for simple meal prep, which can be both convenient and cost-effective. Having the option to prepare breakfast or quick lunches can significantly reduce daily expenses. We ordered groceries with our Walmart Plus membership. They were delivered straight to Bell Services, and we picked up from there. Consider bottled water, breakfast foods, and sandwich items.

Murphy Beds

The innovative use of Murphy beds in the All-Star Music Resort Family Suites maximizes sleeping arrangements without compromising on space.

Sleeping Arrangements

• Queen-Sized Murphy Bed/Couch: Located in the living area, it easily folds down for nighttime use and tucks away during the day.
• Queen-Sized Murphy Bed/Table: Located in the dining area. Offers additional sleeping space, at night and a space to eat during the day.

These beds are comfortable and easy to use, transforming the living area into a cozy sleeping space at night. The mattresses are the same as the queen bed in the main bedroom. The flexibility they offer is perfect for accommodating varying family needs.

Storage Features

Adequate storage can be a challenge in hotel rooms, but the All-Star Music Resort Family Suites have addressed this with a range of smart solutions.

Storage Features:

• Closet Space: Creates ample space in both bathrooms in the bedroom and living areas for clothes and personal items.
• Under-Bed Storage: Provides additional room for larger items, such as suitcases.
  • During our last trip, our family stored all six carry-on size suitcases under the bed in the main bedroom.
• Dressers and Shelves: Offer plenty of space for personal belongings and clothing.
  • To help keep organized, keep clothes in packing cubes, which can simply be moved straight from your suitcase to the dresser.
  • There is also space in each bathroom closet for a pop-up hamper if you prefer to keep dirty laundry separate until the end of your trip.
• Ottoman: Opens to provide additional storage for smaller items, such as back packs or shopping bags.
• Kitchen Shelves: Provides plenty of additional storage for food or other smaller items during your stay, such as games or souvenir purchases.

These storage solutions make the most use of the space and ensure that the suite remains clutter-free, helping families stay organized throughout their stay.

All-Star Music Resort Amenities

Beyond the suites themselves, the All-Star Music Resort offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance the overall experience.

Theming and Atmosphere

The resort’s musical theme is vibrant and fun, with each section of the resort celebrating a different genre of music, from jazz to rock ‘n’ roll. The playful decor and lively atmosphere resonate with guests of all ages.

The Family Suites are located in the Calypso section of the resort (Buildings 1 and 10), which is considered the preferred section. Preferred sections are closest to amenities, such as the main pool, primary building with food, and transportation.

Pools

The All-Star Music Resort offers two swimming pools within the resort. The main pool is located toward the main building in the Calypso section and is slightly larger than the other pool

• Calypso Pool: The main pool area, featuring a giant guitar shape and whimsical musical notes. Centered in the pool are the Three Calibros.
  • The large pool offers plenty of seating and umbrellas for shade.
• Piano Pool: A quieter, more relaxed alternative, great for families seeking a break from the excitement.
  • This pool is located toward the back of the resort in the center of the Jazz, Broadway, Country, and Rock ‘n Roll sections.

It is good to keep in mind that pool amenities vary depending on the resort categories. Value resorts do not offer water slides or hot tubs, though those can be found in higher level resorts.

Dining Options

As a value resort, All-Star Music Resort does not offer a sit down dining restaurant. This is something to consider if you are looking for more upscale dining. They do, however, offer a quick service dining location in the main building.

• Intermission Food Court: Offers a variety of food choices, from breakfast favorites to pizza and pasta.
  • There is plenty of seating inside with easy access to the outdoor tables as well.
  • Try placing a mobile order through the My Disney Experience app. For a quick and inexpensive meal, you can order a large pepperoni pizza for around $22. Pair it with an order or two of breadsticks. Simply pick it up at your set arrival window time and take it back to your room for a relaxing dinner after the parks or pool day.
• Singing Spirits Pool Bar: Perfect for a refreshing drink while lounging by the pool.
  • While the Pool Bar does not offer full entree options, snacks are available for purchase. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available.

Transportation

The resort offers complimentary bus service to all Disney parks and Disney Springs, making it easy to explore without the hassle of driving or parking. While there is no Skyliner access from the All-Star Music Resort, such as at Art of Animation Resort, the busing is consistent and reliable.

Arrival and departure times are posted on a board at the bus stop and are available on the My Disney Experience app. If you are taking a stroller with you, remember that these have to be folded down to go on the bus. If you have a lot to carry, it may help to have a large foldable tote that you can put everything in when you collapse your stroller.

Cost Comparison to Other Walt Disney Resorts

When choosing a resort, cost is a critical factor. The All-Star Music Family Suites offer exceptional value compared to other Disney accommodations.

Cost Analysis

• Budget-Friendly: The All-Star Music Family Suites are one of the most affordable options for larger families, often priced significantly lower than deluxe resorts and the Art of Animation Family Suites.
• The All-Star Music Family Suites can price up to $200/night less than the suites at Art of Animation! If you are planning to stay for several nights, this can quickly add up.
• Value for Money: Despite the lower price, guests enjoy excellent amenities and convenient access to Disney parks.

While there are more luxurious options available, the All-Star Music Resort Family Suites provide a balance of comfort, convenience, and cost-effectiveness that is hard to beat.

Deciding What’s Right for You

For families of six looking to experience the magic of Walt Disney World without breaking the bank, the All-Star Music Family Suites offer a compelling choice. With spacious accommodations, convenient kitchen facilities, and a lively atmosphere, these suites cater to the needs of larger families. While some may desire more upscale amenities, the overall value and convenience make these suites a standout option.

So, what do you think? Would your family enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and practical comforts of the All-Star Music Family Suites? How important is budget when planning your Disney vacation? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

If you want to explore Walt Disney World resorts in more detail, check out their website at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/.

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