Most Recent Reviews
Review of Disney Fantasy Overall Experience
Reviewed by Susan Kowalski Review Date: 09/26/2018
Rating: (10) Recommended
What a cruise this was!!! I have been on cruises with Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, but nothing has compared to a Disney Cruise. From the time I arrived at the port (Disney has their own private parking garage and terminal) and boarded the ship (to applause as my family name was announced to everyone in the atrium) until I had my final sit-down breakfast in the main dining room (no waiting in a 'designated area' to exit the ship) this cruise was top-notch!!
The boarding process was so relaxed. Plenty of 'cast members' (Disney's name for their employees) so we only had to wait a few minutes to check in. Once we got our 'Key to the World' card (room key) we were able to relax in the terminal and wait for our letter to be called to board the ship. I'm not sure how many folks they assign to each letter, but it seemed very reasonable - no over crowding at all. While we waited we were able to get pictures with Minnie in her sailing outfit. I think other characters also make an appearance, but as soon as our letter was called, off to the ship we went. As we entered through a Mickey Mouse shaped doorway (very cute) to access the gangplank to the ship there were more pictures to be had - so much fun!!
I don't think I can list all the amazing things we did but here are a few of the highlights:
Upon boarding the ship, we could go directly to brunch or sit out on the deck by the pools. Access to the cabins opened up at 1:30pm, with luggage being delivered by 5:30pm. The pools (3 of them) opened up at 12:30 along with the AquaDuck - the Fantasy's water-coaster that goes above the pool deck and out over the open water. This was my first time to ride it and all I can say is Wow. The only downside is you have to walk up several flights of stairs to get to the entrance, so after 4 rides I called it quits. 🙂
There is a whole section of the pool deck that is only open to those 18 yrs and older. This area is not really 'Disney Themed' so it is a nice place to get away. There is a pool with swim-up bar, hot tub and specialty coffee shop located in this area. Upgraded lounge chairs with extra padding are also located here. You can access the spa and fitness area from here (as well as the internal elevators).
Each evening there are two seatings for dinner, 6:15pm and 8:15pm. We chose the later seating which typically has fewer children, but as this cruise launched soon after school had started for a large portion of the US, we only had about 200 children out of our 3,000 passengers. The Fantasy has three main dining rooms and they have set it up to have dinner rotate between them during your cruise. What this means is you eat at table A in location 1 on the first night then rotate to table A in location 2 on the second night, etc. Your Key to the World card shows which restaurant you are dining in each night. Your waitstaff stays the same and rotates to the different restaurants with you. This way, special request (example Gluten-free) are already known after the first dinner and don't have to be repeated to multiple waitstaff throughout the cruise. This really helped to make us feel special throughout our cruise.
Be aware that most food / drinks (non-alcoholic/non-specialty) are included, but there are some items that you have to pay extra for such as Popcorn, hand dipped Ice Cream/Gelato, smoothies and specialty coffees. Complimentary fountain soda, water, tea and coffee are available 24 hrs a day with juice being available when the dining rooms/buffets are open.
I don't think I will ever cruise on a cruiseline other than Disney every again.
Pros:
It's a Disney Cruise (need I say more?!?!?)Cons:
All Disney cruise are very expensive compared to other cruise lines. I feel it is worth it, but it is still a deterrent for a lot of folks.Review of Sci-Fi Dine-in Theatre Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by Joel0917 Review Date: 09/26/2018
Rating: (10) Recommended
Why did it take me 10 years to come here!!! OMG this place was awesome. The atmosphere is just something you really will not get anywhere else. The service is top notch and the food was really good as well. My two kids 10 and 14 both loved and enjoyed the b movies on the screen. Reservations are a must!
Pros:
the atmosphere!Cons:
can be a long wait.Review of Nomad Lounge
Reviewed by Susan Kowalski Review Date: 09/26/2018
Rating: (10) Recommended
Love the Nomad lounge in Disney's Animal Kingdom park. Great place to sit back and relax while having a refreshing drink and/or small bite. There is seating inside (in the air-conditioning) or on the covered porch. Keep in mind that this is a place to relax - you will not be rushed through, but that also means that seating can be a challenge.
Everything I've tried from the bar menu has been delicious, but I've found that my favorite drink is the Hightower Rocks! Refreshing without being overly sweet. You can also order appetizers from the bar menu or from the Tippens menu, but be aware that you cannot order any of the main courses from the Tippens menu.
I highly recommend Nomads and it will be a permanent stop for me on all future trips.
Pros:
Drinks are delicious. I never felt rushed to leave. Indoor and outdoor seating.Cons:
Drinks are pricey and the appetizer menu is limitedReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 09/26/2018
Rating: (10) Recommended
I took this tour in the summer of 2017 and absolutely LOVED IT! I did go as a solo traveler but didn't mind being with people I didn't know as we all got to know each other on the tour. Everything was GREAT! All the places we went to and places that Walt himself was associated with sometimes brought a tear to my eye. People who love Disney know what I'm talking about. And the surprises they had for us were, quite frankly, such a surprise! They weren't even listed on the tour itineraries. I especially loved the Hollywood aspect. Being with a tour group in Hollywood made me feel safer then being out there alone. Touring the Disney Studio was a once in a lifetime treat. Also there were surprises once we got to Disneyland that I had never expected. I don't want to put out any spoilers for anyone thinking of this adventure...you'll just have to sign up and see for yourself! Our two tour guides were the best. At Disneyland, when I had trouble keeping up with the tour when my arthritis acted up in my feet and legs, per my request, they right away called for an electric scooter to be picked up at the hotel for me for the rest of my stay (my expense of course). But they were always right on top of every need that someone might have and took care of everything. It was pretty much a worry-free vacation.
Pros:
Everything! All the Disney aspects were great, and Hollywood! Standing on the hotel patio and seeing the Hollywood sign!Cons:
The expense. Being a solo traveler, it was quite a bit expensive for me.Review of Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Reviewed by Becky B Review Date: 09/26/2018
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
Been eating here every annual visit to WDW and April 2018 was no different. Had to get an order of fish and chips and a pint to enjoy while we watched the British Revolution perform (who are fabulously fun, BTW). This time, the food was not enjoyable. We waited in line for the fish and chips for a very long time and when we finally paid, the cast member told us they had run out of batter for the fish and that the chefs were making more - so that was why the line was so lengthy. We paid, waited at least ten more minutes for our food to be done. Not sure if the kitchen kerfuffle was the reason but the fish was terrible. 90% soggy, oily breading, almost no actual fish to be found. Really, it wasn't edible. Tossed it and enjoyed the beer instead. Oh, well.
Pros:
Not sure there are any pros, as you can get a beer at the Rose & Crown pub or the outside stand, no reason to go hereCons:
Abysmal fish and chipsReview of Wilderness Lodge (Deluxe Resort)
Reviewed by Joel0917 Review Date: 09/26/2018
Rating: (8) Recommended
My wife and I came here on our anniversary. We loved the northwest feel of this resort. The pool and geyser are awesome. there are some very good food choices here as well. We loved taking the boat to the magic kingdom. We were also fortunate to be here one day when a rocket launched and we saw it leave cape canaveral.
Pros:
The norhtwest feel of it. It really is unique.Cons:
a little isolated.Review of Nine Dragons - China - Epcot
Reviewed by Susan Kowalski Review Date: 09/26/2018
Rating: (10) Recommended
This is my favorite restaurant at Epcot - which is saying something! Every time I have been there the hostess and waitresses have been so friendly. The wait is typically very short - I am usually seated within minutes of checking in. For times that you do have to wait to be seated they have a small lobby with some benches to sit on.
They offer a typical Chinese menu. Everything I have ever tried has been delicious and the servings are generous. My favorite item on their menu is the Kung Pao Chicken. You can order it spicy or extra spicy. I love the extra spicy, but if it is your first time ordering it, I would recommend going with the spicy - as those dried chili peppers can get intense!
The atmosphere is traditional Chinese, including place-mats with the Chinese calendar that lets you figure out which sign you are. There is not really any good viewing outside of the restaurant (example: no fireworks viewing), but it is a great place to take a break to get out of the heat during the day. HIGHLY recommended!
Pros:
Food is delicious; Wait staff is very good; big restaurant with plenty of seating so reservations are usually not required.Cons:
Only have Chinese food available (that I know of).Review of Sprinkles
Reviewed by Susan Kowalski Review Date: 09/26/2018
Rating: (3) Not Recommended
I was at Disney Springs and excited to come here for the first time, but unfortunately I was not impressed once I got there. They have lots of really cool flavors, but other than that, they are just normal cupcakes I could make at home. They are much smaller than I expected and don't have the special decorations or frosting that I would expect for the price.
If you are walking by and are in the mood for an unusually flavored cupcake, stop in. Otherwise, I would recommend getting a Disney themed cupcake at a Disney bakery.
Pros:
Fun flavorsCons:
Very small cupcakes; very priceyReviewed by Joel0917 Review Date: 09/26/2018
Rating: (10) Recommended
This was on my bucket list and it did not disappoint. We stayed here in July as a family. The villa studios sleep 5 with a pulldown bed so its great. The new pool area is a good size, although it rained alot the two days we were there. We had a rental car so easy to park and get around. The monorial is great to get to MK and to the other resorts.
Pros:
Luxurious! You can get spoiled.Cons:
none!Reviewed by Susan Kowalski Review Date: 09/26/2018
Rating: (9) Recommended
I have never actually bowled here, but this is my favorite place to get pizza when I'm visiting Walt Disney World. I absolutely love sitting out on their patio and watching the passing Disney Springs crowds.
The patio is first come, first served or you can go inside to the hostess stand and be seated at an indoor table or at the bar. The menu has everything from nachos to sushi to pizza to fit everyone's mood.
I choose a veggie pizza minus the broccoli, plus pepperoni on traditional crust. All I can say is wow! It was amazing. It is pretty large - probably would feed two adults if you were not starving (or one if you are LOL).
My waitress was very attentive without being overbearing and even offered to make me a drink to go when I was finished with my meal.
I highly recommend Splitsville for a casual lunch/dinner or pizza.
