Most Recent Reviews
Review of Garden View Lounge Tea
Reviewed by CinCin Review Date: 11/18/2014
Rating: (6) Recommended
This isn't a place you really go for a gourmet meal, but this is a relaxed respite from the hustle and bustle of park touring and the crowds and lines. I've been twice now and enjoyed my first visit in 2012 so well I made it a must do on my recent trip Nov. 2014. I am quite picky about food and made a couple of substitutions and they happily obliged. I dislike onion and seafood so I had them skip the egg salad and the shrimp sandwiches. I had a nice variety of roasted beet, chicken curry and cucumber watercress. I do like the variety offered. The tea was not quite the same as last time and had no leaves in it. There was no need for the fancy little strainer like it used to and it did not get stronger as it sat so the first cup was the same as the last cup. That was disappointing as this is a tea room. The scones were fine but a bit small and they came with a tiny serving of strawberry jam, lemon curd, and cream and not with the little jars this time. The strawberries were sweet and ripe and topped with a layer of whipped cream. This is a much more filling meal that it appears. I really didn't have room for the strawberries but ate a few anyway as it is my favorite dessert. The setting here was elegant and it was not crowded, very quiet, and the views onto the courtyard/garden area were beautiful. The Grand Floridian resort where this is located is beautiful and elegant and transports you to a Victorian age. The resort is lovely and certainly worth paying a visit to and spending some time at even if you aren't staying there. This was such a relaxing meal and there was the lovely piano music drifting in from the lobby. Overall, this is a bit pricey considering it is just finger sandwiches and a few pastries and fresh strawberries so this experience isn't really about the food so much as the atmosphere. Even though this was a bit different with the tea and the china was plain and not getting the little jars of lemon curd and jam for the pastries, I still enjoyed my visit very much and it still remains on my must do list.
Pros:
relaxing, peaceful, elegant and a great getaway from the parksCons:
pricey for what you getReview of Starring Rolls
Reviewed by CinCin Review Date: 11/17/2014
Rating: (9) Recommended
The turkey sandwiches are delicious! It is made on a artisan bread and then cut into large wedges so they are pre made and you can't make special requests. It had a type of viniagrette dressing on the bottom that had a mix of red and other mild light green peppers and and Italian type flavor to it. I scraped that part off since I am not a fan of peppers but it otherwise added a nice flavor overall to the entree. The turkey was shaved and piled up so it was a hearty portion size and the bread was soft and tasty. This reminded me in a way of a muffaletta with the type bread used and the dressing. It was very very good. I also had the Butterfinger cupcake which was huge. I only ate half because of the size and tossed the rest. It was delicious but I simply didn't want to have to carry it around with me. I had had the cupcake before so I already knew I was going to like it, but the sandwich surprised me as I didn't think of this as a "meal place". The only downside to my experience here was the limited seating. I had to circle a few times to look for a spot that might be opening up but after not finding anything, in frustration and hunger, I finally asked a couple if I they minded if I joined them. They were already finished eating. We ended up having a nice conversation and I made some new friends. Then after they left, and I was seated alone, I saw a couple looking for a spot and I invited them to join my table. So I made more new friends! I would definitely go back and order the same meal. I only wish they would do something about the seating as there was space to add a few more tables. I didn't mind sharing but for a family of 4 my arrangement would not have worked out.
Pros:
Butterfinger cupcake, terrific turkey sandwichesCons:
too little seating, crowdedReview of Earl of Sandwich
Reviewed by moghedan Review Date: 11/17/2014
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
The complete and utter lack of sandwich distribution ability, plus the amazing ability to make me cus in Disney World, combine to make this one of my worst experiences.
Pros:
Food is reasonablly goodCons:
People working there are crapReview of Narcoossee's
Reviewed by lfigment99 Review Date: 11/17/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
I would give this restaurant a ten based on just the Almond Crusted Cheesecake that I took back to the hotel and ate the next day.
Just to be fair I will also review the entrees we had. I ordered the whole Crispy Red Snapper and thought it was sensational and also a ten. The next time I would try to switch to a different side. My wife ordered the shrimp fettuccine and thought it was just ok, but since I am writing the review I will stick with my rating of ten for the restaurant. It was definitely worth the two table services.
Did I mention I liked the Almond Crusted Cheesecake?
Pros:
Entrees and dessertCons:
Didn't care for the side dish Included with the Crispy Red SnapperReview of Brown Derby Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by lfigment99 Review Date: 11/17/2014
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
Had not been to Brown Derby for years, but wanted to have a good salad. Ate lunch there on Nov.15th. We ordered two appetizer Cobb Salads and also shared the Wagu burger with wife. We did not order any drinks other than water and our bill still came to $50 with tip.
I am confident that I could create my own extremely large salad with the very same ingredients at any grocery store salad bar for less than half the cost and it would be every bit as good if not better than the Cobb Salad at Brown Derby. While the hamburger was very good the bottom of the bun was so soggy it would not hold together. The six steak potato wedges were cold and tasteless.
It will be many many years before I return. I cannot imagine any universe where this restaurant would ever be worth two table service meals on the dining plan. There is no comparison between this restaurant and Narcoosee's or Yachtmans Steakhouse.
Gave the restaurant a two rating instead of a one because the service was good.
Pros:
Nice atmosphere, excellent serviceCons:
High priced food that was below mediocreReviewed by CinCin Review Date: 11/15/2014
Rating: (9) Recommended
I loved the party! This was my first ever year and although it was a bit crowded on a sold out night, I still had a wonderful time and plan on doing it again. There was so much going on that I didn't have time to do and see it all. The whole park atmosphere was party ready with the lighting and the music, The castle was lit up in eerie shades of green and purple and there were bats on it. The whole place was themed well. It was fun seeing other guests dressed up and their fun Halloween costumes. These people (guests) plan this thing for months ahead and the costumes are really well thought out and executioned. I met some fun people waiting in line and made some new friends as we waited for the Seven Dwarfs meet and greet/photo shoot. I lined up at 6 pm for a 7 pm meet and the line was already well formed even an hour ahead. The parade was a huge highlight and the headless horseman was the star to be sure. The crowds were thin enough that I had a decent view even without staking out a spot for the parade, but ride lines which I heard were short to none in years past were long and I only rode one, The Haunted Mansion. Carlotta was out entertaining guests in the que at the Haunted Mansion and she is side splitting funny! Definitely a must see for the party. I wish I had attended a second party during my trip as I didn't get to any of the dance parties and didn't get to shop for any event specific merchandise and missed the event cupcakes and candy corn cotton candy too. I did get some trick or treating done and came home with a sack of candy. A nice variety of treats too from yogurt covered craisins and M&M's to Snickers, Butterfingers, candy corn and marshmallow peeps for the peep lovers. It was sold out on the night I attended and the next time I go I am definitely booking 2 parties! I loved it. I was able to see characters that are rarely out and get some great photos. The fireworks were amazing as was the show on the castle beforehand. All in all, I had an amazing time and it was worth what I paid to get in. It is advertised that it starts at 7pm but you can enter with your hard ticket as early as 4 pm through a special que and get your wrist band. The bands are different colors every night so you can't re-use them for another party.
Pros:
character meet and greets, special parade, hallowishes fireworks, Carlotta at the Haunted Mansion, headless horseman!Cons:
crowds, long lines for attractions,Review of Disney Dining Plan
Reviewed by CinCin Review Date: 11/15/2014
Rating: (5) Not Recommended
This is a peace of mind deal only. You won't save any money and you will have a lot of food to eat, but still end up buying more as it does not include a third meal, appetizers or alcoholic beverages. This does not include tips either so you still have to tip your server at the sit down restaurants. I had free dining with my package, but I did pay to upgrade to the regular dining plan. While I enjoyed my meals, some of them were 2 credits and it would have been a better deal to pay for them OOP. (out of pocket). I am not one to order dessert at all when I dine out and rarely eat dessert at home unless it is a holiday or birthday so that part of the plan is a waste. The entrees were always plentiful enough that I didn't even finish them much less have spare room or appetite for a dessert. You also do not get a choice of appetizer or dessert, it's dessert only. On the plus side: I had some fantastic sit down meals that I otherwise might not have tried had I not been on the dining plan, and some great desserts that I definitely wouldn't have tried had they not come with the plan. This does not save any money but it does give you peace of mind and it is a nice option if it works for you. I feel mixed about recommending it, as it is helpful in a way and the POM is all it really offers, but is it worth it? I'm not sure, as I can do my own math and keep track myself of dining expenses. I just don't want to have to on vacation. Now with charge to the room on the magic band, you don't even feel the sting of handing over money. The better choice is to use your room charge/credit card to pay for everything and only pay for what you'll really eat. I put cash down on my room card and then used out of my pre-paid bank. I still had a table service credit remaining when I left and because my flight out was so early I could not use it on departure day. Although it was convenient, I would not pay for the plan again.
Pros:
peace of mind for prepaid mealsCons:
too pricey, limited options, rigid rules on use, comes with dessertReview of Theme Park Photo Pass
Reviewed by Ronniedawg01 Review Date: 11/14/2014
Rating: (4) Not Recommended
Well, I posted a review for Photopass from our December 2013 trip saying I would never again use this service. For our October trip, I went against my judgement and purchased it once more. Three separate times, I have emailed their help center to seek out photos. This is unacceptable. To ask for $150.00 and then lose at least 10 photos, is ridiculous. Today, I am certain . . . I will never use this service.
Pros:
Nice PhotographersCons:
They lose picturesReview of Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
Reviewed by Pearlman88 Review Date: 11/13/2014
Rating: (8) Recommended
Probably the best of the quick service restaurants at which we ate during our stay. Better than average service (a server carried an extra tray to our table). It's very loud, though.
Pros:
Decent foodCons:
Loud, crowdedReview of Kona Cafe Breakfast
Reviewed by disneyjill Review Date: 11/12/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
We ate here on 11/7 and it was PACKED. Busiest I have ever seen. We arrived about 10 minutes late for res because of the bus from Riverside being late, and they sat us within 5 minutes. Service was good even though the table next to us was running our poor server ragged. I got my favorite macadamia pineapple pancakes which were delicious as usual. DH got tonga toast and enjoyed it as always. I got a French press which is totally worth the $8. Best coffee you'll ever have. We love Kona Cafe and make it a point to eat here every trip.
