Most Recent Reviews
Review of FastPass+ (Retired)
Reviewed by BacksideOfWater1971 Review Date: 01/26/2014
Rating: (3) Not Recommended
This is area of the new system I had issues with. I like to plan certain aspects of my trip but there is a fine line between planning and micromanaging. Most of the time I don't even know what ride I want to go on 5 minutes prior let alone 2 months.
It seems to be a hassle to have to pull out a smartphone or tablet or run to a crowded kiosk ever time you want to change plans.
The system feels restricting. For example I was at the Magic Kingdom and I came across the piano player outside on Casey's Corner. I wanted to stop and listen for a while but couldn't because I had to be at Space Mountain in X amount of minutes.
Also Epcot and Hollywood Studios are testing a grouping system where you can pick one thing from group A and 2 things from group B to get Fastpasses for. The problem is everything that you need a Fastpass for is in group A and group B is filled with things that you don't need a Fastpass for. I love Journey Into Imagination With Figment and ride it on every visit to Epcot but come on. When have you EVER needed a Fastpass for it?
Do away with the grouping and I might be on board granted I'll still most likely miss many FP appointments opting to slow down and enjoy the little details like simply talking to a cast member on making sure I can get on Space Mountain at a certain time.
Pros:
no more running to the fastpass machines at the attractionsCons:
now you run to the FP + kiosks, Grouping system, seems restrictingReview of MagicBand
Reviewed by BacksideOfWater1971 Review Date: 01/26/2014
Rating: (9) Recommended
I enjoyed useing the new Magic Band system. It was fun customising the band online and I love The Incredible box it came in.
To enter your room, use a dining plan credit. use photopass, and enter the parks all you do is tap the band.
I only had two issues with the band itself. One was when i first checked in they didn't have me set up a pin so when I tried to get my refillable mug there was a slight issue but it was easily fixed. Then at Test Track the first time I rode my band deleted my car after the ride not allowing me to do the fun post-show things with it. The second time i rode it saved my car so I did get to do all that.
Is the My magic + system perfect? no. That's why it is still in testing. Everyone should keep that in mind.
Pros:
don't have to keep digging the card outCons:
A few bugs still in the systemReviewed by BacksideOfWater1971 Review Date: 01/26/2014
Rating: (8) Recommended
I always use Disney Transportation and love it. Especially zipping high above everything in the Monorail (I love the Monorail so much I have "Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas." as my text message ringtone on my phone)
Buses can get very crowded if you are on a line that shares them but this time I was staying at pop century. The buses were not all that crowded and only one was I not able to sit. Even that time I voluntarily gave up my seat.
The only issue I had was getting from resort to resort. It is a bit of a hassle taking a bus to Downtown Disney then to the resort you want to go to or back to your resort
The Disney transportation isn't perfect, but it is free. That counts for something.
Pros:
FreeCons:
Buses can get crowded, no resort to resort buses.Review of Walt Disney World's Magical Express
Reviewed by BacksideOfWater1971 Review Date: 01/26/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
I love the DME! Use it every time I'm at Disney. It's free and saves you the hassle of baggage claim.
Once you land at the airport you can take it easy. Provided you tag your luggage with the tags they send, you can skip baggage claim and go right to the DME on B side level 1 (they send you a map and there is plenty of signage and people to help you).
Be sure to bring the booklet they send or that you are wearing your Magic Band because you'll need one of those two to board the bus.
When you get to the DME desk you are sorted into lines depending on what resort you are going to.
After that you board the bus and you are off. A welcome video plays but the volume was turned so low I couldn't hear it. As you reach the gates to Disney Property the driver has everyone give a cheer.
One issue is the time factor. The bus stops at more than one resort so if you are unlucky enough to be last in line it will delay you about an hour.
Also if you partake in the baggage delivery don't expect your suitcase in your room before you. It will take around 4 hours after your plane lands to get there.
The day before your trip ends you will have a packet either on your resort door or left on your bed with the time to meet the bus the next day. Plan on 3 hours prior to your flight.
You can check in for your flight at your resort so checked bags are not an issue. If you have some park time and don't want to lug your carry on around you can leave it with bell services.
Heading home you hand the driver the letter they give you with your time to meet the bus and hop on board. Again multiple stops are made but even if you are the first on you will get to the airport with time to spare.
A video plays wishing you a safe trip, information on the Orlando International Airport, and about other Disney destination but again the volume was so low i couldn't hear it.
The DME will save you a lot of money and is one of the best perks of staying at a Disney Resort.
Pros:
Free, Air Conditioned Bus, Luggage DeliveryCons:
Multiple stops, Luggage takes around 4 hours to get to your room, Couldn't hear videoReview of Theme Park Photo Pass
Reviewed by BacksideOfWater1971 Review Date: 01/26/2014
Rating: (9) Recommended
I love Photopass. I have had luck with cameras at Disney. I lost 3 of them (only getting 1 back) and had one memory card break. I do all my character photos with Photopass now so I don't use anything irreplaceable.
Photpass photographers are everywhere at Disney. Simply walk up to one, pose with the character, icon, of whatever, they take the picture, scan your magic band or card and you see the pictures online later.
With Photopass everyone can be in the picture and you can add cool borders later on.
The downside is to get your pictures you have to buy the CD. Also you used to get something special in some photos like Tinker bell in your hand or Stitch popping out of the ground but in all the years I've been going to Disney and using Photopass I've only had one "Magic Shot" Maybe it's something you have to request. If so kinda takes the fun out of seeing if anything random was added.
Pros:
Everyone can be in the pictures, easy to replaceCons:
Lack of Magic ShotsReview of Disney Dining Plan
Reviewed by BacksideOfWater1971 Review Date: 01/26/2014
Rating: (7) Recommended
My recent trip I was given a free quick service dining plan so I paid a small up-charge to get the standard dining plan.
The standard plan allows you 1 Table Service meal, 1 Counter Service meal, and 1 snack per night of your stay as well as a refillable mug you can use at any resort during your stay.
After 5 sit down meals, 5 counter service meal, and 5 snacks I never felt so full in my life.
All the food (with one notable exception. See my Chef Mickey's review for that) was very good but it got to be to much. I had to force myself to use all my counter service meals and snacks to keep them from going to waste and ended up bringing a lot of food home with me.
The refillable mug is nice if you spend a lot of time at the resort, but I don't and you can't fill it at the parks. Also when you come home what are you gonna do with it? I have 4 of them just sitting around now.
Also keep in mind appetizers and tips are NOT included and reservations are required for the table service meals so plan ahead.
The dining plan is not for everyone, but something nice if you eat a lot.
Pros:
Prepaid MealsCons:
Almost to much food, no appitizers, tip not includedReview of Pop Century Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by BacksideOfWater1971 Review Date: 01/26/2014
Rating: (9) Recommended
I recently returned from a 6 day, 5 night stay at Pop Century resort.
The resort is themed to Pop Culture from the 1950s-1990s with the 50s wing having massive statues of Lady the dog, Tramp the dog, and a jukebox in front of the buildings and bowling pins as stairwells. The 50's wing is also home to a bowling pin shaped pool that is quieter than the main pool.
The 60's wing has Baloo and Moguli from The Jungle Book and a jar of Play-Doh in front and various color Yo-Yos as stairwells. This is also where the resort's main pool and kiddie pool are located, both shaped like flowers. Various activities take place here during the day and a poolside movie under the stars at night. It can be a bit noisy so if you are ;looking for peace and quiet in the middle of the day, request a different wing. Near the pool is also the poolside bar but I didn't partake in anything there.
I was staying in the 70's wing which had a giant Big Wheel and Vintage Mickey Mouse telephone in front, 8-Trac tapes as stairwells, and a giant Foosball set between the buildings as well as 2 small areas with Twister mats painted on the ground. Between the 60s and 70s wing was a small water play area featuring Goofy holding a surfboard.
The 80's wing had Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head nearby with a giant Walkman and Roger Rabbit out front and Rubik's Cubes in various states of being solved as stairwells.
The 90s wing building had a laptop out front and cell phones as stairwells.
Between the 80s buildings and in front of the 90s on was the computer shaped pool, also a quiet pool.
Around the resort were sings telling about major events that happened during that particular decade.
Nestled behind the Big Wheel 70s building was a small play area for children. Near all 3 pools was guest laundry facilities.
Classic Hall was the resort's main building being the home of the main lobby with memorabilia from the years lining the walls as well as a kid's area with games and TV, the Fast Forward arcade (that I didn't visit this trip) and the Everything Pop Gift Shop and Food Court.
The gift shop had a lot of the same merchandise you could find anywhere on property but also sold things you may need like sunscreen, moleskin pads, pain reliever, magazines, etc.
The food court had a wide variety of options between 5 stations. I personally only had 2 meals there. 1 breakfast and 1 dinner. For breakfast I opted for biscuits and gravy. Being from the south that was a no brainier. The biscuit was light, fluffy, and flavorful and gravy was no to thick, not to thin and tasted wonderful. For dinner I had Pepperoni Pizza bread which was delicious and some of the Tye-dye cheesecake which I didn't think much of, but then again I am VERY particular when it comes to cheesecake. Also at the food court you can buy the mugs that can be refilled unlimited times during your stay. I read many people complaining about issues with the new RFID system. I personally had no issues. Set your mug on the tray, fill it up, remove mug. You have to wait 2 minutes between refills to minimize sharing.
Pop Century is the only resort on it's bus line which was a major factor in why I opted to stay there other the lesser priced All star resorts which share a bus between the 3 resorts. Buses came regularly and I was never made to wait long nor where they ever super crowded like the All Star buses. Only once was I not able to sit during the trip.
The room itself was very clean and was kept that way daily by Mousekeeping. In the room was 2 full beds, a nightstand with a phone and alarm clock, a small table with 2 chairs, a dresser with 3 drawers with a large flat screen TV on top and a mini fridge, a small area with a sink and mirror outside of the bathroom, and a small bathroom with a tub and toilet. Personally while at Disney all I need a room for is a bed and a shower so this fit my needs perfectly although I do see where it could be a bit cramped for a family.
The only complaint I had was I requested a lake view so I could see the Art Of Animation resort across the hourglass lake but got a room on the opposite side of the building but since I was hardly ever in the room, that was a minor issue.
If you want a resort with a ton of things to do outside the parks and a sit down restaurant Pop Century is not for you, but if you are a nostalgia buff like me you will love it here. Especially where they hold dance parties in the food court like when I was invited by Cast Members to do The Twist. Either it is more strenuous then it looks, or I am VERY out of shape.
Pros:
No Shared Buses, close to Epcot and DHS, Wonderful ThemingCons:
NoneReview of Plaza Restaurant
Reviewed by BacksideOfWater1971 Review Date: 01/26/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
I was spending a week in Walt Disney World and it was a very easy decision to make to dine here.
The Plaza is located in the Magic Kingdom park at the end of Main Street on a lightly traffic path between Main Street and The Tommorowland Terrace making it a hidden gem. It's location at the end of Main Street gives it a wonderful view of Cinderella Castle.
The seating area is very small and only hold around 100 guests. The menu is almost exclusively sandwiches, but don't let that make you think it isn't an amazing place to eat.
Before I even made the reservation, I knew exactly what I wanted to eat, having been here once before.
I started with the Tomato Bisque soup which was very rich and creamy and topped with croutons that added to the flavor and was an amazing start to the meal.
For the main course I went with the grilled Reuben which I had been craving for a year and a half. It did NOT disappoint. The sandwich consisted of perfectly cooked corned beef and sauerkraut between two slices of expertly toasted marble rye. I don't know know why it is so hard to find a good Reuben anywhere. This wasn't a good Reuben, it was a GREAT Reuben. Along with the sandwich came big, thick cut steak fries that complimented the Reuben perfectly.
For dessert I had what got me to come here for the first time way back when. The New York Style Cheesecake with Strawberries.
I am VERY particular about cheesecake. A Cheesecake Snob if you will. This is the best cheesecake I have ever had. Anyone who loves cheesecake needs to come here for the New York Style Cheesecake alone.
Also see if you can get a reservation around the Firework for an amazing view.
Pros:
Awesome view of the castle Wonderful foodCons:
very small dining area, no place to wait indoorsReview of Gaston's Tavern
Reviewed by BacksideOfWater1971 Review Date: 01/26/2014
Rating: (9) Recommended
While traveling through New Fantasyland I decided to stop in Gaston's Tavern on 2 separate occasions. The first time I stopped in for the famous LeFou's Brew in a souvenir stein with Gaston on one side and the Beast on the other. The LeFou's Brew is sugar free frozen apple juice, a hint of toasted marshmallow, and topped with a mango-passion fruit foam (it tastes better than it sounds). Once the foam mixes with the drink it is amazing! Everyone needs to try it at least once.
The second visit was for a warm cinnamon roll. I was told they are big but this was HUGE. Literally half the size of my head. It was very tasty and topped with a maple drizzle that was a perfect touch.
The LeFou's Brew (not in a souvenir stein or goblet) and cinnamon roll are both snack credits on the dining plan to save you a few dollars.
Indoor seating is VERY limited. Both times I went there was no line to speak on to order so I was in and out quickly.
It is themed perfectly to the tavern in the Beauty And The Beast movie with Gaston using antlers in all of his decorating and a fountain of Gaston and LeFou out front.
Pros:
Cinnamon Rolls, LeFou's BrewCons:
Very little indoor seatingReview of 50's Prime Time Cafe Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by BacksideOfWater1971 Review Date: 01/26/2014
Rating: (10) Recommended
#1 thing to remember when you dine at the 50's Prime Time Cafe is to have a sense of humor and have fun with it.
When your table is ready, someone will come and call out to the kids that dinner (or lunch) is ready.
You are sat at what is basically a card table and there are old fashioned TV's all over showing clips form classic 50's black and white sit coms to add to the themeing.
My server was Uncle Tim who reminded me to wash my hands and set the table and demanded to know why I never wrote or called.
The food is comfort food for everyone. I had the beer battered onion rings which were very good, the meatloaf which was excellent, and a Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake which was flat out amazing! It tasted exactly like a PB & J!
Make sure to remove your hat, keep your elbows off the table, and clean your plate to keep mom happy or Uncle Tim will find you and "remind" you about it.
Very fun atmosphere if you play along. very good food. Definitely a must do dining experience.
I was on the dining plan so I'm not sure about what the value is if you pay out of pocket.
