Most Recent Reviews
Review of Harambe Nights at Animal Kingdom
Reviewed by jnrtwb Review Date: 06/15/2014
Rating: (7) Recommended
When I first heard about Harambe Nights, I thought it sounded very interesting and might make a nice surprise for my wife. I was able to obtain premium seating for 6/14.
Although we had been at AK earlier in the day, we took a break before the big storm moved in. More on smartphone weather apps later…
When we returned around 5:45, there were signs and CMs directing us to the turnstiles to get our wristbands. Different animal wristbands indicate different sections of the theater. Lion is premium. The CM supplying the wristbands instructed us that due to expected rain, we would meet at Pizzafari for the pre show reception at 6:45.
We saw the CM standing outside Pizzafari with a Harambi Nights sign, but we decided to wander around Discovery Island since we had some time to kill. Around 6:20 we noticed guests gathering at the bridge to Africa. We went to Pizzafari to inquire and were instructed that the event had been moved back outside and we should gather near the bridge until admitted.
Once all of the day guests were clear, we were welcomed to Harambe Nights by several CMs and lead across the bridge at 6:40.
Upon crossing the bridge, we were immediately directed to the left toward the theater courtyard. The rest of Africa was closed off. There were several food and beverage stations set up around the courtyard, so no need to stop at the first one you see.
The live band played background music and we were soon welcomed by the DJ. He advised up to eat carefully, as there would be a complete meal after the Lion King show.
The food was tasty, with the Safari cheeseburger roll with tomato curry aioli being the standout for me. I enjoyed everything but the Pickled fennel paneer cheese with tomato. I am one of the 25% of people who find cilantro tastes like soap and there was a strong cilantro flavor. Beverage options included beer (Corona, Bud Light, Tukser, St. P), various wines, “Jungle Juice†fruit juice (with the option of rum added for the adults), and various soft drinks.
Eventually the DJ advised us we would soon be entering the theater. No food could be brought in but we would be able to bring our beverages. The doors we entered through were based on our wristbands. As soon as he made this announcement, the doors opened and people began to stream in. Being caught off guard by the sudden change from “soon†to “NOWâ€, we trashed the rest of our food and headed for the entrance for Lion.
Upon entering the theater, we were greeted and presented with our snack tube of “Lion Chow†(curry flavored “muchie mix†with dried fruit). CMs directed us to our seats on the floor. This was first come, first seated, so if you want to be in front, don’t wait for the DJ’s announcement…eat, drink, and get to the doors to wait.
The show began and was quite enjoyable. My wife and I both grew up performing so we both appreciated the power and emotion of the orchestra and choir. Except for a few individuals who had clearly been brought under duress or were only there for the "open barâ€, most everyone seemed to enjoy the show.
Unfortunately, things took an unexpected turn at this point. When the show finished, the DJ took the stage and advised us that due to rain, we would be relocating, but not to worry, the party would go on. He advised us to sit tight and we would be directed shortly. As soon and he put his mic down, we were ushered out the theater door, handed ponchos, and instructed to head for Pizzafari.
When arriving at Pizzafari, we were offered bottled water or canned soft drinks. The main ordering area had been set up with tables on the three walls away from the order counter. Facing the counter, to the left was “surf and turfâ€, to the right bread and samosas, and on the opposite wall was slow cooked options (pork and chicken). This quickly turned to chaos. Far too many people tried to queue in all directions for food. The food was fine, but the chaos was frustrating. Side note: if you don’t like cilantro, stay away from the Vegetarian Eggplant Tikka Masala Curry and the Coriander Chutney Roasted Potatoes. At one point a CM walked through the dining area yelling something. It turned out he was saying that beer and wine were now available at the order counter. My wife overheard someone talking about dessert, so she wandered around until she found the dessert table in the back room. The desserts were unique and tasty, but I have to wonder how many people missed them.
After some time Pizzafari started to empty out. Most people were heading for the park exit, but my wife wondered “what about the street party?†We headed back to Harambe to find the area full of mostly empty tables with food stations set up serving no one. We saw people heading back to the theater, so we followed. Inside we found more tables and food stations. "Why were we sent all the way to Pizzafari?†I wondered…
We decided to sit in the bleachers to see what else might take place. Soon the band took the stage and played while a few people danced. Timon and Rafikki wandered through the small crowd of guests posing for pictures. Around 10:30, the food and beverage stations disappeared and we took this as our cue to leave.
The lack of direction and communication from Disney management made an otherwise enjoyable evening, rather frustrating. I don’t blame the CMs because most of them didn’t seem to know what was happening either. As we were leaving, one CM told us that the change to the indoor food area was sudden and last minute. He said everything was already set up outside. Again I say to Disney management: my smartphone has a weather app that shows live radar as well as predicted precipitation for the next few hours. Couldn’t you have had ONE person watching that?
If you attend Harambe Nights, I hope the weather is nice and you don’t experience the frustration we did. Overall, it was fun, but I feel like it could have been much better with stronger direction and communication. Is it worth the money? Only if it doesn’t rain...
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Harambe at Night, Lion King ShowCons:
Rain leads to chaosReview of MagicBand
Reviewed by Time2Talk Review Date: 06/15/2014
Rating: (7) Recommended
I recommend wearing the magic band on your left wrist so you can easily put your right index finger to scan when entering a park. It saves some time.
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—Review of FastPass+ (Retired)
Reviewed by Time2Talk Review Date: 06/15/2014
Rating: (7) Recommended
I just returned from WDW. I've been to WDW before and knew what rides I wanted to ride. I can't imagine how overwhelming it must have been to someone who didn't pre-book their major rides.
I liked the convenience of the new system, but just wanted more passes. I wish the system would allow you to schedule fast passes in different parks not just one park at a time. By the time I used my 3 fast passes, it was too late to get more passes on the major rides. They were all gone for the day. You can get more fast passes after the 3 uses, but you need to get it from a kiosk in a Disney Park. Really don't understand why you can book more passes on the disney app or online after you use the first 3. Crazy! It would have been more convenient than finding a kiosk.
I couldn't get fast passes to both Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. Bummer! But, I rode Rockin' Roller Coaster as a single rider with no problem. In fact, I highly recommend riding Rockin' Roller Coaster and Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom) as a single rider. It's much quicker and you can ride them numerous times in a row.
The extra magic hours for resort guests helped with riding the major rides with the exception of the new Snow White mine ride in Magic Kingdom (the wait was as long as 180 minutes). I was never able to get another fast pass because they were gone so quickly. Also, the magic bands really made it quicker for the extra magic hours.
I found that some stand-by lines were shorter in some rides because of the fast passes.
There were a few times that my disney experience online indicated a different time than my disney experience app on my phone. When I showed the disney cast members, they overrode the system and let me in. Also, you will be let in 5 minutes before the start time on the fast pass.
The cell phone app is very convenient and you can view wait times for rides. People were constantly engrossed in their cell phones while waiting for lines. Not a problem until the line wasn't moving because they didn't look up. It really made me want to pass them in line, especially when I waited for over an hour for a few rides. Even though I didn't pass anyone, I really don't think the folks would have even noticed.
The magic bands are waterproof, however I had a black residue on my wrist after wearing it all day.
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Must use 3 fast passes before getting more from a kiosk in a disney parkReviewed by Time2Talk Review Date: 06/15/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
Loved going during Star Wars weekend recently. I had so much fun riding Star Tours with Star Wars fans. Enjoyed seeing all of the characters. Lines to get pictures with characters were long. Ok, I did several selfie type pictures with the characters in the background! Lines for the rides weren't long at all. It was fun watching the parade with so many other fans of Star Wars. I would definitely go again during a Star Wars weekend.
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Seeing characters from movieCons:
None!Review of Le Cellier Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by Time2Talk Review Date: 06/15/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
This is my favorite restaurant in WDW. It's a cozy and relaxing restaurant. The food and service are both excellent.
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Food and serviceCons:
nothing!Review of Disney Dining Plan
Reviewed by Time2Talk Review Date: 06/15/2014
Rating: (7) Recommended
My group had the dining plan with one quick service, one table service, and one snack per day. After reviewing our trip, we decided that we will get a quick service only plan for our next visit. We will pay for two table service meals out of pocket for our next visit. A table service meal each night ended up being way too much food.
The tips for a group of four really add up and you need to take this into consideration. Tips added about $10 for each person for a table service meal.
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TipsReview of Pop Century Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by Time2Talk Review Date: 06/15/2014
Rating: (8) Recommended
My hotel room was neat and clean. The beds were comfortable. The rides to and from the parks were very quick.
I was disappointed that the pools closed at 11 p.m. I wish there was at least one quiet pool that remained open, especially after the parks closed later.
I've stayed at different hotels at Disney World. I find that I'm only in the hotel for sleeping. The price makes the Pop Century very attractive. I would stay at Pop Century again.
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Pricing and location to Magic KingdomCons:
Pool closes at 11 p.m.; no cover over lines for transportation; and no table service diningReview of Tutto Italia Restaurant - Italy
Reviewed by santino Review Date: 06/14/2014
Rating: (0) Recommended
we have eaten at this restaurant every year for the past 6 years and we have never had a bad experience. our service was great food was excellent we actually went hear twice on our last trip.
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—Review of 50's Prime Time Cafe Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by santino Review Date: 06/14/2014
Rating: (9) Recommended
we have dined here in the past and let me just say the staff either makes it an ok diner or an outstanding dinner. We have never had such a fun experience as we did this last trip. our waiter made someone in my party sing I'm a little teapot because she was using her phone while eating it was so funny. my son didn't like his meal choice so the waiter said no problem and brought him something else. great experience can't wait to go back.
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—Review of Tusker House Character Breakfast
Reviewed by santino Review Date: 06/14/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
I love the tusker house the staff was so helpful my kids wanted cookies and they went in the back and got them even though they were not suppose to come out until lunch. The woman who was carving the meats was so pleasant I would go back just to see her. The characters took their time and were good with the kids. overall great experience looking forward to going back next year.
