Hiya, Heather!
Welcome Home, and welcome to planDisney! How exciting that you are planning a family adventure this summer. With two wonderful Resort options, I can see how hard it is to choose. But not to worry, as I can share with you some information from my experiences visiting both Resorts that will hopefully help you.
Heather, let's first chat about the location of each Resort.
Disney's All-Star Music Resort is near the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and closest to Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Disney Springs. Whereas Disney's Fort Wilderness is closer to Disney's Magic Kingdom Park.
To get to any of the theme parks from All-Star Music, you would take Disney's
complimentary bus transportation, whereas from Disney's Fort Wilderness, you would have the option of
bus to most parks and boat to Magic Kingdom Park. From a logistical perspective, I would say that within Fort Wilderness, you may need to hop on an additional shuttle within the campground to get to where your cabin is located or you can drive or rent a golf cart (for use within the campground only.) But I think it is important to point out this additional transportation within the campground grounds.
Now, let's talk about accommodations. While I haven't yet stayed overnight at one of the
DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness, I did meet up with some planDisney pals at their cabin in November. For me, the full-sized kitchen - complete with gadgets and gizmos a plenty, including a full-size refrigerator, range, and dishwasher - and the patio deck really gives this accommodation that home away from home feeling. To have the option to make family meals for breakfast (or to be able to sit back, relax, and let the dining table present my dinner) and to enjoy the great outdoors breathing in that natural air is a really nice contrast to the busy days at the parks and a great way to enjoy family time. One thing to note, though, is that there is only one bathroom in the DVC cabins. But, there are plenty of cozy sleeping options for dreaming of your magical days at the parks.
At the family suite at All-Star Music, you do have some kitchen amenities, such as a kitchenette, microwave, and refrigerator. However, it does not have the full-sized kitchen that you will find at the DVC Cabins. And, I should note there are two bathrooms with a family suite as well, which is a nice plus for six people. You would, however, have easy access to bus transportation, the Piano Pool and the Calypso Pool, the quick-service dining, and the lobby.
If you are looking for a bit more space, quiet, and a feeling of the outdoors - and don't mind the additional transportation within the campground - I would recommend the DVC Cabins. It is almost a vacation within a vacation because the campground is a destination unto itself. However, if you like a little busier location, easy access to the pool, shop, and dining area, and only want to take one bus to and from your destinations, then the All-Star Resort is the way to go.
I hope this helps you, Heather! If you have any more Disney planning questions, soar back here to see me and I'll be so happy to help you. Have fun making magical memories!
Magically Yours,
Keri