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All About the Extras
In terms of service and staff friendliness, Disney's All-Star Music Resort delivers the experience you'd expect to find at a deluxe resort -- at a bargain price. Cast members are exceedingly helpful, whether they're delivering bedrails to your room at midnight or aiding your kids in the painstaking task of selecting the perfect take-home prize at the arcade. If you're celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, "Celebration" buttons are provided (with advance notice), and in the Registration area, there's a mini kids theatre with stadium seating.
Overnight guests enjoy a number of special perks, like early entry and late stay theme park privileges (Extra Magic Hours), free onsite transportation, free parking and the opportunity to participate in a Disney Dining Plan with a Magic Your Way Package. Additional family-friendly privileges include online room check-in (up to 10 days in advance), resort airline check-in (a big help for families) and airport transportation service via Disney's Magical Express.
Onsite Transportation
Free transportation to and from all Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney is provided by bus. A bus stop is located just outside Melody Hall. The stop isn't covered, so be prepared to brave the elements. Ponchos and sunscreen are a World traveler's friends and for kids, activities such as bubbles will help to ease the wait. For those traveling with children under 3, a stroller is a must.
Fitness Trail
A paved jogging trail (approximately one mile) runs along West Buena Vista Drive, from Disney's All-Star Sports Resort to Disney's All-Star Movies Resort.
In-Room Babysitting
Kids Nite Out, an independent agency, provides in-room resort childcare. A four-hour minimum and a caregiver transportation fee are required.
Refillable Mugs
For around $14 (price subject to change) you can purchase a refillable mug, good for free unlimited refills on hot and cold drinks at All-Star Resort Food Court beverage islands.
The Art of Smart Timing
When traveling to Walt Disney World Resort, it's best to avoid peak travel periods. Generally, these times include holidays and the summer months -- in other words, any time schools are out of session. If you do opt to visit in summertime, pack sunscreen, hydrate frequently and, unless you want to squander your souvenir money on ponchos at the parks, don't forget your raingear.
Fortunately, for travelers on a budget, the least expensive times to visit Walt Disney World theme parks (Value Season) tend to coordinate with dates when crowds are the lightest. If your kids aren't in school yet, September is a great time to visit. Another prime time -- early December -- can be hit or miss at the Value Resorts, due to a typically heavy influx of traveling youth groups.
Getting There
From Orlando International Airport (MCO), free roundtrip airport transportation via motor coach is available to guests (advance reservation required; limited hours) via Disney's Magical Express.
By car, take the South Exit Road from Orlando International Airport to SR 417 Toll Road (GreeneWay) West and follow signs to Walt Disney World/All-Star Music Resort.
For Mom and Dad
At night, the Calypso Pool takes on a magical aura, with backlit palm trees, music and movie screenings. Grab a frozen drink and soak it up in a lounge chair while the kids swim, or else celebrate the moment by signing up for a contest like, "Name that Singer" or "Disney Trivia," and show off your pop culture knowledge.
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