Most Recent Reviews
Reviewed by jayro Review Date: 10/30/2014
Rating: (5) Not Recommended
Husband and I visited from 10/26-10/28. We have stayed here many times over the years, but were disappointed at the extent of the construction (about which WDW was far from full disclosure, IMO); it was not only disruptive, but very unsightly despite all of the screening. Most of the lobby (Great Ceremonial House) was closed off due to remodeling--as were the water features at the front entrance. The entire area around Volcano Pool also was closed off, which meant you couldn't walk along the beach from the concierge building to the launch, had to walk through a couple of other buildings (or go way around) to get from the concierge building to the lobby, etc. As for the accommodations...the remodeled bathrooms are great, but the beds and bedding (comfort) are a step down, and the food offerings in the lounge (early evening service, especially) have really gone downhill (mini corn dogs? two nights in a row?! REALLY??!?), as have the quick service offerings at Captain Cooks compared to years past (although this seems to be the case for the quick service venues in other resorts, as well, based on this and a previous trip this year). We still love the resort and will return--but not until the construction is completed.
Pros:
beautiful theming, convenient location, staffCons:
extensive construction, food quality in loungeReviewed by tcg Review Date: 10/29/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
My first WDW trip was in 1974, I am a DVC member since 1996 and I have been to WDW more times than I could ever count. I now live close enough to hear fireworks every night! Last night, I went to MNSSHP for the first time. I am in awe of the amazing cast members and creativity! Go, go now, go again and love it all over again. The Headless Horseman is stellar, the parade is fantastic and the cast goes over the top to ensure a good time. Go, now.
Pros:
Don't miss this parade!Cons:
—Review of House of Blues Restaurant and Bar
Reviewed by kwimberly1 Review Date: 10/29/2014
Rating: (7) Recommended
Had lunch. Food was amazing other than cold fries. Waitress forgot us. Food was fast, but we did not get drink refills until someone finally came back. Long time in between wait staff visits. But, again food was very good and extremely large portions. Would eat there again. I had fish sandwich and my husband had bacon wrapped meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes. Very good food. Love the decor.
Pros:
food was greatCons:
serviceReview of Be Our Guest -Counter Service Lunch
Reviewed by kwimberly1 Review Date: 10/29/2014
Rating: (4) Not Recommended
Walking in was confusing, cast members did not seem to know where we should go. We placed our order ahead of time but at time of check in our order was missing. Very crowded and hard to find seat. We thought the reservation would have made seating easier to acquire. You had to find the correct angle to read what drink you were getting. One ice machine was broke. There are drink dispensers in each dining area, but since it was so dark we did not notice at first. I had the worst Vegetable Quiche ever made. It had no flavor, which the salad dressing made up for fifty times over. It had too much flavor and that was not a good thing. My husband got cold fries and a sandwich with meat to bread ratio was not good. Do yourself a favor go for the cupcake and leek soup, or skip the food and do a tour prior to 10.
Pros:
Decorations and ThemeCons:
food, and serviceReviewed by dano010 Review Date: 10/28/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
My family and I stayed at POFQ from Oct 13th to the 23rd. The room was ready when we arrived. Souzana kept our room very clean and always brought extra towels. We were in building 6 with a nice view of the Sassagoula river and the boats plying it. The resort is centrally located making trips to the parks easier. The boats to downtown Disney are great except during busy times where the wait can get a bit long. We enjoyed a carriage ride and walks along the river path to PORS. The pool is fun for adults and kids. The slide is fun and I saw kids and adults using it (including us). They have movies every night in one of the courtyards. My wife stopped to watch the end of Cinderella on our way back to our room from getting hot chocolate. The jazz playing in the background enhances the laid back relaxed atmosphere of the resort. The food court is serviceable and the table outside add a cafe feel to the experience. For value and quality this has become our favorite resort.
Pros:
Intimate, cast member service, ambiance, poolCons:
no table service restaurantReviewed by dvcgirl Review Date: 10/28/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
I surprised my husband for his birthday with a trip last week to the Grand Floridian - Royal Palm Club. It was wonderful! I had read in other reviews that their concierge employees could be more reserved but we did not find that to be the case at all. Everyone was very friendly and helpful - especially Hunter - who checked us in and sought us out during our stay to make sure things were going well.
We had a turret room on the 5th floor which was what I had requested. The room itself was huge and surrounded by windows that extended to the ceiling - we had panoramic views from anywhere in the room. It was beautiful. The only negative was that the bathroom was a little dark, but that was a very small negative.
The texting service was very nice. Whenever we had an issue or question, I just texted concierge and they got right back to me. It was great to not even have to stop to make a phone call to them - especially when we realized by husband had left his sunglasses in the room when we were headed back to the airport. Within a few minutes I received a text back that they were found and confirming our home address so they could ship them back to us.
The service all around was what you would expect from Disney - just bumped up another notch. There were too many sprinkles of pixie dust to be able to list them all but we sure were made to feel special.
We also found the food offerings to be plentiful. We ate breakfast each morning in the lounge and felt the daytime/evening snacks were great for holding us over until our next planned meal. I am still craving the house made potato chips with tzatziki and the cranberry scones 🙂
And this one is an intangible but there is something magical about staying in the main building of the Grand Floridian. There just is.
I planned and dreamed of this trip for over a year and in no way did it disappoint. I cannot recommend a stay at the Royal Palm club enough! If I could do it all over again, I would not change a thing!
Pros:
service, location, roomCons:
the bathroom was a little darkReview of 1900 Park Fare Character Breakfast
Reviewed by njdc5 Review Date: 10/28/2014
Rating: (7) Recommended
This is a great breakfast buffet. The characters are not so common, especially Alice, the Mad Hatter, and Mary Poppins, and they are also so fun to interact with. The food is above average as well, with lobster eggs benedict, a chef's hash that rotates regularly, and some other fresh selections that are delicious as well.
Pros:
The food, the charactersCons:
Pricey, crowdedReview of Chef Mickey's Dinner
Reviewed by njdc5 Review Date: 10/28/2014
Rating: (8) Recommended
Chef Mickey is always a must-do for our family. We have eaten here on our last 3 trips, and we never leave disappointed. The food is consistently above average, a good selection of salads, and entrees. The best courses on this trip were the short ribs, and the halibut over a quinoa salad; both were served in individual metal bowls, and they were both excellent, especially the halibut! The characters are fun, and my daughter really loved the "Frozen" cake for dessert. The only issue here is that the elevator and stroller situation in this hotel is out of control. We had to wait longer for an elevator going down from the 4th floor than we had to wait for some rides during our week of vacation!
Pros:
The food, the charactersCons:
The elevatorsReview of Tusker House Lunch and Dinner Buffet
Reviewed by njdc5 Review Date: 10/28/2014
Rating: (8) Recommended
We have previously only eaten here for breakfast, but this time, we went for lunch. We were slightly disappointed that Donald did not meet us outside for a picture, but he was inside, along with the other characters. The food here was very good, many different interesting salads to choose from, lots of buffet items, and a carving station as well. The theming is very well done, and the food is always good. A little pricey, but worth it to us.
Pros:
The food, the charactersCons:
The confusing check-inReview of Akershus Royal Banquet Hall - Breakfast
Reviewed by njdc5 Review Date: 10/28/2014
Rating: (8) Recommended
This is such an overpriced meal, but it is a favorite of little princesses-to-be everywhere! The food is fine, the buffet has some fruit, pastries, and Nordic meats and fish, and the hot foods brought to the table were okay - potatoes, eggs, sausage, and bacon. The face time with the princesses and the princess parade are what makes this meal so special.
