Disney’s All Star Movies: Lights, Camera, Action!

Traveling down West Buena Vista Drive, past the giant basketball hoops and the larger than life musical instruments, you will find a collection of favorite Disney film icons at the All-Star Movies.  Typical of the other All-Star hotels there are five sets of buildings; 101 Dalmatians, Mighty Ducks, Fantasia, Love Bug and Toy Story.  Each building has 2-story, larger than imaginable, characters that distinguish the theme of the building.   The four 101 Dalmatian and Toy Story buildings are in prime proximity to the main building and the bus stops.

As with all the All-Star hotels, the bus stops are in front of the main building. This tends to be the most common issue with the All-Stars, but I have not had too many delays in getting a bus to our destination.  Anytime the line has seemed impossibly long, along comes another bus.  I know some people will differ with me, but I guess luck has been on my side.

The grounds are a real gem for families with smaller children and those young at heart.  The giant icons from Disney-Pixar’s Woody to Herbie the Love Bug, will take you into the great Disney movies.  This is a great place for letting the smaller ones run and play with a Dalmatian puppy watching TV, hiding behind the Mighty Duck mask that is as high as the building or playing hide-and-go-seek behind Woody’s alphabet blocks.  Around every corner there are surprises for kids of all ages.  There is a playground for the smaller ones to burn off all that excess energy (if there’s any left) and if you really need that run for the day – check with the Concierge in the Melody Hall building for the map showing the 1 mile trail.

Walking in the main front building you will find Donald’s Double-Feature shopping, Reel-Fun Arcade and the World Premier Food Court where you will find omelets, pizza, and some of the best hamburgers around.  Right outside, on the way to the main pool, you will find a very relaxing adult area at the Silver Screen Spirits.  With plenty of stools around the bar we had so much fun talking with the Cast Member on duty and the other guests.  This proves to be a very relaxing place after a long day in the parks.

The rooms have plenty of space for a family of 4-5, especially with younger children. They include (2) double-size beds or (1) king, but do allow room for a small cot or crib if needed  The family suites are not available at this hotel like they are at the All-Star Music.   One of things I have discovered in all my trips, is the time spent in the rooms is minimal.  As long as I have room to sleep and someplace to put my clothes – I’m ok with it.  Don’t get me wrong – I like the larger rooms of the moderate hotels, but I prefer those for longer stays where I can to take the time to enjoy more of the grounds and not as much time in the parks.

The main pool featuring, Sorcerer’s Apprentice is flanked on one side with dancing brooms, along one of the Fantasia buildings, and the Story Book Marching Soldiers and Dancing Ballerina, on the other side.  The kids love the water shooting into the pool from Sorcerer Mickey.  As with most main pools, it tends to be more crowded than the Duck Pond, sitting between the Mighty Duck buildings off to the right ,as you walk past Sorcerer Mickey.  The smaller, quiet pool, located to the right of the grounds and nestled between the two Mighty Ducks buildings, is the Duck Pond hockey rink.   This area is actually located on the right side of the complex and very close to All-Star Music.

I’ve enjoyed the many photo spots around Movies, especially the open TV screen. There’s nothing like being on TV (or rather in it).  You’ll find one of the puppies sitting in front of the TV with Pongo and Perdie, standing guard on each side, cleverly hiding the stairs to the second floor of the 101 Dalmatian buildings.  Disney provides all the props; you just have to use your imagination – Lights, Camera, Action!

Debbie and her husband live in Collegedale, TN where her youngest son is going to college.  She is a huge Disney fan who dreams of someday retiring and working as a tour guide at Walt Disney World. She has enjoyed many trips to WDW with children, grandchildren and sometimes adults only.  It is her ultimate goal to make sure everyone who visits WDW has the same magical time that she enjoys every time she visits.