by Maureen Austin, Guest Contributor and PassPorter Message Board Guide
Back in the early nineties, Disney
was finding increasing success in keeping guests on property by expanding resort
options. However, Mickey and crew had yet to really attract more budget
conscious travelers and saw those folks seeking accommodations elsewhere off
Disney property. The answer? Disney's own brand of value, economical lodging. In
1994, All Star Sports opened its doors, offering guests looking for big points
on value while at the same time, staying in the "magic."
All Disney resorts built prior to Sports had an
array of amenities including dining, pools and recreation as well as theming
that was uniquely Disney. All Star Sports fits that mold just as well, and
throughout the sprawling 1900-plus room resort there is no shortage of food,
fun and first rate Disney theming.
Nestled in the Animal
Kingdom resort area, All Star Sports boasts larger than life sports icons and
specific sports themes within the resort. At the heart of the resort is Stadium
Hall. You'll begin your sports adventure here when you check in for your stay.
Also located in Stadium Hall is Sport Goofy Gifts and Sundries- to pick up
merchandise, snacks and those things you forgot to bring. While the resort does
not offer a full service restaurant, everyone is sure to find something to
appease the appetite at the End Zone Food Court. You'll find offerings for
breakfast, lunch and dinner, as the food court is open from early mornings to
late nights. Pizza can also be ordered from room service should you wish to
order in. Transportation via motor coach to all Disney parks and other areas
originates at the bus stop located outside Stadium Hall. Bus service can be
slower or faster, depending on the time of year or even the time of day. Make
sure you allow a sufficient amount of time to get to your destination-
especially if you are trying to reach another resort from All Star Sports.
Rooms at All Star Sports
are organized into two categories. A Preferred room booking provides you close
access to main areas - rooms are located in the Surfs Up! section, near Stadium
Hall and the main pool. The rooms are identical to "standard" rooms in other
buildings. This does tend
to be a noisier part of the resort due to, among other things, its proximity to
the main pool area. Guests looking for action on the quieter side might do
better in other sections.
Standard rooms will be found in
all other sections of the resort, with views overlooking courtyards, other
buildings or parking lots.
Football fans will find themselves at home in the Touchdown section, with huge
footballs and goalposts in the courtyard. Home Run Hotel will have the baseball fans right at
"home" and tennis enthusiasts will "love" the Center Court
section. Basketball
fans aren't left out either by way of the Hoops Hotel section. All of these
areas have amazing icons bigger than the sport (well, almost!) itself!
Room size is about 260
square feet, which is the smallest room plan of all Disney resorts. Rooms
feature 2 doubles or a king bed. Disabled guests can be accommodated in the king
beds as most of these rooms have facilities such as roll in showers. Storage
space is limited, to maximize floor space. Bring along over the door shoe organizers or
organizers that can be placed on hangers. Other features of the room include
clock radio, TV, small dresser and a small table and chairs. A fridge is
available for a nominal fee.
Ready for a swim? Not to
disappoint, look no further than Surfboard, located near Surfs Up! or
try out the Grand Slam pool near Home Run Hotel. Pool hours vary by season and
towels are usually not provided, so remember to bring some from your room.
2008 rates range from $82 up to $151, excluding tax. Be sure to inquire about any possible discounts or special package
offers for the time of your stay.
About the Author:
Maureen is the Co-Owner of
Ears To You Travel
as well as a PassPorter Message Board Guide.
Subscribe to our free e-mail newsletter, PassPorter News, published for more than 58,000 opt-in subscribers worldwide.
As an added bonus for subscribing, you will receive a 20% discount coupon for the PassPorter Store -- no catch!
We respect your privacy and never sell or rent our subscriber list. Subscribing will not result
in more spam! We guarantee it.
Copyright 1999-2015 by PassPorter Travel Press, an imprint of MediaMarx, Inc.
