We are always looking for the best deals at TouringPlans, and sometimes that turns us to the value resorts at Disney and Universal. From their basic accommodations to advanced features that would fit in a deluxe resort, these hotels offer great amenities at a reasonable price. So what’s the difference between a Disney and a Universal value resort? All this and more are answered inside.

What is a Value Resort?

Value Resorts are hotels that focus on offering a low price point over premium resort amenities – counter service dining only, fewer decorations, a simpler theme, and a Holiday Inn quality room. Disney calls them Value Resorts, while Universal adds a spin by calling them Value Inns & Suites. We are comparing Disney’s All-Star Resorts trio and Universal’s Endless Summer duo of hotels.

Resort Theme, Amenities, & Layout

The Value Resort themes are broad and nebulous over specific and grounded – think “music” and “summer” as themes. Disney’s All-Star Resorts are themed to either music, sports, or movies, and each has wings broken down into mini-themes. All-Stars leans into the oversized icons with wacky postmodern design graphics that are whimsical and kid-friendly. Meanwhile, Universal’s Endless Summer resorts are themed to summer, with each resort taking inspiration from the beach and pier. At the same time, the decorations are more understated, with large murals and accent colors.

The most significant difference between the All-Star and Endless Summer hotels is their design. Disney chose to adopt a motel design where the rooms exit to the outside and not an interior hallway. Because of this, there are long outdoor walks to hotel services and the bus stops. Universal’s value hotel rooms exit into interior hallways and feature covered access to the hotel’s amenities. While the interior hallways have a more premium feel, elevator backups happen during peak periods.

On-site dining is offered at cafeterias at the resorts, which offer salads, sandwiches, pizzas, entrees, desserts, alcohol, and more. Grab-and-go alcohol and food are also on sale for folks interested in dining in their rooms or at the pool. The food is respectable but nothing to write home about.

The Rooms

Disney and Universal offer basic, no-frills accommodations at their value resorts, which can easily accommodate four people for a week. But each room is different with positives and negatives. So, let us dig into them.

The Disney Value rooms at All Stars and Pop Century went through a large refurbishment in the 2010s and early 2020s to bring them up to modern standards. The old room layout was retired and replaced with one queen bed and one Murphy queen bed setup that offers more room and a side table. Disney’s value bedding is good, with comfortable mattresses and lots of comfortable sheets and blankets. The bathroom now has a sliding barn door to block out the light to the sink and vanity area. The toilet and bath are also located behind a locking slide door. We particularly like the large TV and modern entertainment set up, but do ding the room for only offering a “cooler” that keeps things cool rather than a minifridge. Come on, Disney!

Universal’s Endless Summer rooms are similar in offering two queen beds (no Murphy bed option) with a modern TV setup and an actual mini fridge! Unlike at Disney, the sink and vanity area does not have a door to block off the light for mom and dad getting ready in the morning. Universal also makes use of automatic light sensors and switches in the rooms, including requiring placing your keycard in the light switch to turn on the larger lights. We also tend to find the beds are not as comfortable as Disney’s value resorts with thinner pillows and harder mattresses (for my taste).

Universal does offer a two-bedroom suite option for their value hotel room with the standard two beds, a third bed in its own room with a TV and closet, and a small kitchenette area. We love these rooms and think they are one of the best deals in Orlando.

Price

Ok, let’s talk the nitty gritty. These rooms are priced in the $100-$300 range, depending on the season and hotel. Pop Century rates run higher than the others due to the presence of the Skyliner.

• Disney’s All Stars
  • Value Season: $133
  • Holiday: $305
• Disney’s Pop Century
  • Value Season: $183
  • Holiday: $392
• Universal’s Endless Summer
  • Value Season: $99
  • Holiday: $273

Disney frequently offers discounts on value rooms, with 20%-30% deals available throughout the year, depending on the time of your visit. Universal offers a Stay More Save More program where per-night rates are discounted up to 30% for stays over four nights.

Have you stayed at the Disney and Universal Value hotels? Which is your favorite? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!