Most Recent Reviews
Review of FastPass+ (Retired)
Reviewed by SarahL78 Review Date: 11/02/2014
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
I've been a frequent WdW visitor for years and I'm quite a planner, but this system truly marks the death of any spontaneity in the parks. I am not a robot. I am on vacation. I don't want to choose exactly which park and which particular day and every ride-time a month in advance! If something changes, or there is an unforeseen circumstance, I'm screwed. I resent being glued to my phone. The system was fine. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I am far less likely to park hop for the reasons stated in the reviews above. I echo all the criticisms in the reviews on this site. I like a bit of flexibility at wdw - maybe I want to change plans and go over to Epcot one day and try for a fast pass for test track. Ha! Impossible now. The tiered system is a rip off. I'm taking every opportunity at guest services to tell Disney that this is trip-planning overkill. For first time visitors, this must be truly overwhelming. Walt would've hated this. I'm rethinking my decisions as to when and how often to go to WDW, and Will spend more time at Disneyland, where my day is flexible, I call the shots, and I don't have to deal with this truly anal retentive nonsense.
Pros:
NoneCons:
Lack of flexibility, unable to access as many attractions as before, spontaneity is gone, and everything else about this productReviewed by clane79 Review Date: 11/01/2014
Rating: (3) Not Recommended
We went on Tues 10/21 and it was just too crowded to enjoy anything. Rides lines were long, the character lines were long, even the candy lines were long. Parade route was crowded, fireworks were crowded. If you wanted to do anything you had to stand in line or spend your time staking out a spot. This was not worth the price in my opinion. The few things we wanted to do we didn't get to do, it ended up being a very frustrating night with disappointed kids. To top it off the monorail was down at the end of the night and it was chaos getting on the ferry.
Pros:
Good parade and fireworksCons:
TOO CROWDEDReview of Caribbean Beach Resort (Moderate Resort)
Reviewed by pkmuns Review Date: 10/30/2014
Rating: (8) Recommended
My adult daughter and I stayed October 15-18, 2014.
We asked for a room in the newly refurbished Jamaica area, but were put into room 5131 in Aruba, right next to Jamaica. Our room in Aruba has also been refurbished. Although we don't need and didn't request an accessible room, that is what we were given.
The room was lovely, with new queen size beds, and a fold-down bed suitable for someone less than 5 feet tall, allowing 5 people to sleep in the room.
The disadvantage of having the fold-down bed is that it takes away valuable storage space. The only drawers were under that bed, right above the floor, making them inconvenient to use.
The hanging storage is limited by the fact that the mini-fridge is located in the wardrobe, leaving about 4-6 inches of full length hanging space. Blouses can't hang straight above the fridge.
The bathroom is huge, due to being in an accessible room. It has rails near toilet and tub, and two sinks. There is a sliding door separating bathroom from the rest of the room.
It is a pleasant walk to Center Town from this building, as the bridge is right behind it.
The food court is very nice, and has many options, including gluten free items.
Bus stops are a 5-7 minute walk in either direction, the Aruba or Jamaica stops.
Pros:
Beatiful resort, courteous, helpful employeesCons:
The front desk is quite a distance from rooms, lack of storage spaceReviewed 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.
