Our All-Star Retirement

By: Becky MullinaxAugust 8, 2017In 2016, My husband retired from his work of 40 years- so we did what any normal couple would do, and planned a trip to Walt Disney World!I chose for us to stay at Disney’s All Star Movies Resort in a preferred room; a new experience for me, as I had always stayed on Disney property in either a moderate or deluxe resort. Of course, all Disney’s resorts are great no matter where you stay, but I wanted to experience one of the All Star’s. I had heard some bad reviews about the All Star resorts: small, noisy rooms and long bus waits do not a good vacation make.When we arrived, however, we were met with a red carpet and a welcoming smile. As I entered in the lobby the smell was heavenly! Each time I entered the lobby that week the smell was different, changing from popcorn to candy and beyond. The front desk Cast Members went out of their way to make sure our check in went smoothly. As I had already completed the online check in, I was able to skip the lines at the front desk, and go straight into the food court.I received a text that our room was ready in the 101 Dalmatian section. I immediately felt very welcomed and cozy as we entered our room! The room décor was all 101 Dalmatian’s and very clean and fresh.The room location was perfect because we were close to the pools, food court, lobby and the bus transportation. Each time we entered the lobby we were welcomed with our red carpet and movie star atmosphere. My favorite little aspect of the resort was the movie set up where you could take pictures with props and a background!At nighttime, the main building welcomes you back to the resort with “ALL STAR RESORT” illuminated in front of the building.The World Premiere Food Court looked like a movie theater, and had a variety of things to choose from for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. We chose the quick service dining plan and always found something delicious to eat. It’s always nice to enjoy a good meal after a long day in the parks!I absolutely loved the Fantasia themed main pool. There’s also a duck pond themed “quiet” pool that is always heated and pleasant. To me, the pools are always my favorite parts of the resort.My husband in particular enjoyed all the movie memorabilia at the resort located in Cinema Hall. It’s gift shop had plenty of souvenirs, snacks, etc. to choose from. We decided there to get my one year old a small Stitch plush and he loved it!The All-Star resorts certainly have no shortage of activities. Each night there was “Movies Under the Stars” at The Reel Spot, where people would gather and watch a different movie each night. There was also a jogging trail that provided guests with a good place to run. For kids, there was also a playground located near the Fantasia section. We even played arcade games at the Reel Fun Arcade in Cinema Hall- from air hockey to pinball, there’s definitely something there for everyone to enjoy.The most charming aspect about All Star resorts are the clever themes and architecture. The sections were themed after Disney movies Fantasia, Mighty Ducks, Toy Story, Love Bug and 101 Dalmatians. With all of this in mind, we thoroughly enjoyed our retirement vacation at Disney’s All Star Movies and will return there again.