Most Recent Reviews
Reviewed by robalzas Review Date: 08/29/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
Our family visited Disney World July 27-August 3.The first 4 days were at Kidani Village and the last 3 days at the Villas of Grand Floridian. Original plans were for a full week at the Villas at the Grand Floridian during the second week of June. But because of the horrible weather we got in PA, extra days were added to the end of the school year so we had to push back our vacation and we lost the full week at this resort. This was a celebration for my son's graduation.
The grounds at the Villa's are so beautiful, the resort itself is stunning, the lobby and rooms just gorgeous. The rooms were spotless and everything worked as they should. My favourite was the bubble tub in the master bathroom. You really can't call it a Jacuzzi as there are no jets, this tub has little holes in the bottom. Letting loose a multitude of bubbles and it was fantastic. I love the tub! I requested a high floor, close to the elevator. Got the Fifth floor and close enough to the lift. Did not get a full water view, had the standard view which was a partial view of the parking lot, partial view of the Polynesian and Bay lake.
My husband and I had got a special Disney magic one morning as we sat outside near the lobby doors when we heard some clip-clops. Stood up to see the glass Cinderella carriage with the miniature horses pulling it. The Photography studio is just next door. Some lucky bride getting her dream come true!
The Gasparilla grill was a bit of a hike to get to. There is a bar next to the pool and has cup filling station when the bar is open. We swam at the pool closest to the Villas and watched the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the water. Could also see flotilla from that location.
All in all, our stay was wonderful. All our expectations were met and exceeded It is such a gorgeous place to stay. The staff is so friendly. My new favourite place to stay!
Pros:
Everything! The beauty of the grounds and the Villas.Cons:
The quick service restaurant is a bit of a walk to get to.Review of Wolfgang Puck Express Marketplace
Reviewed by bellebookworm9 Review Date: 08/29/2014
Rating: (9) Recommended
I braved a visit to Downtown Disney on 8/17 around 1:30pm. Decided to give the macaroni and cheese a try, and also ordered the vanilla bean cheesecake.
I found a table inside without too much trouble. The macaroni and cheese was delicious! I can't believe I'd never ordered it before, since it's one of my favorite things to eat. The bread crumbs on top were a perfect addition. In fact, I have to say, the mac and cheese outshone the cheesecake. I always try to stop here at least once per trip and this will be my new go to meal!
Pros:
Macaroni and cheeseCons:
—Reviewed by robalzas Review Date: 08/29/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
MY family and I stayed at Disney from July 27- August 3. This trip we split the visit. First 4 days at Kidani Village last 3 days at the Villas at the Grand Floridian. The villa was spotless and we had no issues with anything. We had a 2 bedroom villa, love the HUGE master bathroom and the Jacuzzi tub. Having the extra bathroom was very helpful, most 2 bedroom villas have only 2, Kidani has 3. The balcony was great and very spacious the entire length of our villa. We saw the most amount of different animals this vacation.
This vacation the kids play water area was being painted but the pool was not overly crowded had plenty of empty chairs. LOVE LOVE LOVE the underground parking. We drive into Disney from PA and really appreciate climbing into a cool car, not a HOT car that has been baking in the Florida sun.
Overall we had a great stay at KIdani Village, it is our home resort and we still love it.
Pros:
The great views, all the different animals! Underground parking!Cons:
The long distance from Kidani to other parks, lack of quick service restaurant.Reviewed by mhw Review Date: 08/28/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
This resort is my family's favorite resort. We have also stayed at the Contemporary, Beach Club and Art of Animation Lion King Suite resorts. However, when we stay at PO Riverside, it is like coming home again. The theme at this resort is by far the best of the other resorts we have stayed at and the staff and Mousekeeping (thank you Desrenee) are wonderful. We can't wait to come back.
Pros:
Beautiful, well-themed resort.Cons:
NoneReview of 'Ohana Best Friends Character Breakfast
Reviewed by PrincessDaisyDuck Review Date: 08/28/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
My DS is a huge Stitch fan and this meal did not disappoint. The characters were great, Lilo, Stitch, Pluto and Mickey. We met each of them and DS participated in the parade around the restaurant. Mickey even stopped by a second time to play with DD's ponytail.
The food was really good, the fruit was so fresh and the juice was great. I also really liked the biscuits.
We definitely want to return here again.
Pros:
Food, Characters, AmbianceCons:
NoneReview of Boulangerie Patisserie les Halles
Reviewed by Mayflowers2 Review Date: 08/28/2014
Rating: (3) Recommended
The Napoleon I tried on my last visit back to 2010 was top of the world, I came to Disney last week and couldn't wait to taste the yamm dessert. But what a shock, although the new place is much roomy, but the best Napoleon was disappeared! This one has No taste at all! Not even as good as the one from the suppermarket near my home in Toronto! I even talked to the manager and she admitted that the chef and recipe all had been changed! So disappointing!
Pros:
Spacious, no linesCons:
The old tasty food was gone!Reviewed by PrincessDaisyDuck Review Date: 08/27/2014
Rating: (8) Recommended
We ate lunch as a party of 7 on August 19th. Our reservation time was 12:15 so the restaurant was packed. It was a little overwhelming because it was so loud and crowded. There was a line for the ladies' room that stretched down the hallway.
The characters were great, we met Doc McStuffins, Jake, Handy Manny and Sofia. We were really happy to see Manny as he is DS's favorite. We liked how the server explained the character rotation so we knew when to expect the characters. They were also well spaced out. The dance parties with the kids were great too.
The food was really good and it had a great variety. There were also good dessert options. Everything was fresh and tasty.
Our server sat us, brought us drinks and never came back, never refilled our drinks or took away plates. We were long done and looking for her when she finally came with the bill. It was probably an hour between when she dropped our drinks off and when she reappeared, we never saw her in between. She then went on and on about the tip - since we were a party over 6 there is a mandatory tip of 18%. I think this is unfair for a buffet, especially with poor service, but we knew that going in and had the cash ready. She kept asking us how we were going to pay it, we told her we had cash and she kept asking if it was cash for the whole table or were my parents paying separately - she just kept asking if we were sure the tip was being paid, it was really uncomfortable.
When we left it was about 2:00 and it was really quiet, so I think in the future a slower time of day would be less chaotic.
I would recommend this place because the food and characters were good.
Pros:
Characters, FoodCons:
Noise, ServiceReviewed by mv9393 Review Date: 08/27/2014
Rating: (8) Recommended
Myself, wife and 2 children stayed at Poly from July 23-30.
From the negative criticisms below I’d like to make people aware that we were not AT ALL affected by any construction and I have NOTHING negative to say about our stay.
Did the pool close out last 3 days? Yeah, but we are there on vacation to go to the parks, not do something we can do at home. Also to note as I have written the site multiple times however the tip has not been posted, while the main pool is under construction, you are not only able to head to Blizzard Beach but you are also allowed to use the pool at either Grand Floridian or Contemporary.
The Captain Cooks pop up worked great for us…
We were nestled in the Rarotonga building on the 3rd floor which we requested before arriving. Room was ready when we arrived via Magical Express at 1030am.
We could view the fireworks from our deck but we preferred taking the short walk to the beach.
We splurged this trip as we were celebrating so the steep price we paid (even with 30% discount) was tough to swallow. But there is certainly something to be said for staying at a monorail resort. While I prefer our trip 3 years ago at Bay Lake, this place was very convenient and as I have stated prior, I have nothing negative to say about Poly.
Pros:
Location, Monorail, LocationCons:
NONEReview of Captain's Grille Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by GinaDD Review Date: 08/27/2014
Rating: (9) Recommended
We enjoyed lunch here. We had a large group but the meal was still prompt. I had the lobster sandwich . It was good, but a little rich. DH and DS each ordered a Manhattan clam chowder special that was delicious . It will ruin me for any other clam chowder. We had a late lunch so the room was not overcrowded and service attentive.
Pros:
Interesting menuCons:
—Review of Spice Road Table
Reviewed by GinaDD Review Date: 08/27/2014
Rating: (9) Recommended
My husband and I loved the small plates concept. We chose 3 different plates and shared. Before our food came we were kindly accommodated when we asked to move closer to water's edge when a table was available. Here we enjoyed tasting Mediterranean foods while watching illuminations. Wonderful . The flavors were interesting. We mostly enjoyed the vegetable preparations. Would definitely return.
