Most Recent Reviews
Review of Limited Time Magic - 2013 Celebration
Reviewed by momof3inMadisonAL Review Date: 09/24/2013
Rating: (1) Recommended
Attended Unleash the Villains on Sept 13. I was excited for this event when I first heard of it last year - like so many other people. We usually go to WDW in Sept, so it fit in with our vacation plans. As I read other Disney websites, I started to wonder if we should go to another park that day and avoid LTM all togheter. (We got stuck in the mess that was Leap Day 2012.) But, in the end decided to just go to HS that morning and see what happened.
The crowds started to build that afternoon. i saw people lined up outside a store and asked what they were doing. I hadn't been able to find any merchandise earlier at other stores. Evidently, it was only at one store.
We had dinner at Brown Derby so at least we had that covered. Heard of people having to wait over an hour at CS restaurants. But by the time we got out of dinner, there was no "dance party". It was just a mob of people surrounding the hat. My husband tried to see where the villains were doing meet and greets and found the lines to be 4-5 across with little direction from CMs.
It really wasn't a family friendly event. There were villain fans and there were 20 somethings that were just there to "party". Not a place for my 4 young kids.
We had FPs to RR and ToT but could barely make it down Sunset Blvd. We decided to just cut our loses and get out of there. Didn't realize until later that people had been on buses for hours trying to get to HS that night. Disney clearly underestimated the popularity of this event. I don't know why I just don't learn my lesson and stay away from these events that don't have separate hard tickets....sigh.
Pros:
good ideaCons:
poor executionReview of Yak and Yeti Restaurant
Reviewed by momof3inMadisonAL Review Date: 09/24/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Usually eat CS at AK because we love Flame Tree and Pizzafari, but decided to try Yak&Yeti. So glad we had a break from the heat. The air conditioning and ability to be served during the day was a much needed break. Although I love the food at Flame Tree, having to wait in line and then search for a shaded table really takes a toll. We were pleased with the lunch options. I liked the sweet & sour and DH liked the beef & broccoli. Kids were happy too. Definitely a place we will go back to now that our kids have outgrown the character meal at Tusker House.
Pros:
air conditioning, something differentCons:
didn't take TiW cardReview of Brown Derby Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by momof3inMadisonAL Review Date: 09/24/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
ADR for 6pm on 9/13 (LTM Utnleash the Villains). They were completely booked so our table wasn't ready right away. By the time we got our table, and food (which seemed to take a very long time), our 2 year old was in meltdown. So although the food was fantastic! we really didn't enjoy it because my husband and I were taking turns taking a 2 year old out of the restaurant.
That being said, we had a great server. In many trips to WDW, had never tried Brown Derby because I imagined it was overpriced and stuffy. We ordered the steak and it was wonderful. Not that much more expensive than meals elsewhere on property, if not using dining plan. We had 4 kids (ages 9 and under) and no one ever made us feel like they shouldn't be there. Will definitely try it again. Grapefruite cake was yummy - although I was the only one that appreciated it.
Pros:
FOODCons:
slow serviceReview of Art of Animation Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by momof3inMadisonAL Review Date: 09/24/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
We have APs and usually stay at the All Stars, but have tried 3 moderates. This was by far our favorite Disney Resort! Will not be staying anywhere else from now on.
Loved the theming. The suite layout worked well for our family of 6. My husband and I got a queen bed. So quiet in the back bedroom. Didn't have any hall noise - although we were close to the elevators. did hear some noise at night from pool but our room was looking over it directly. Don't know that I would recommend this type of room for a family with more than 2 adults. I definitely wouldn't want to be the one sleeping on the murphy or the sofa bed. But they were perfect for our kids. Theming was fantastic! A step above the other values and really, even the other moderates where we have stayed in the last 5 years.
Only down side was that we drive and Nemo suites were not close to parking. Next time will pick Cars or Lion King.
Pros:
new, theme, layout of suitesCons:
parking not near Nemo buildingReview of Main Street Bakery Serving Starbucks
Reviewed by parksutton Review Date: 09/23/2013
Rating: (5) Not Recommended
The lines were long, the prices high and it didn't feel like Disney and I am normally a very positive and pro Disney person.
It was overpriced and slow. Liked the old one better.
Pros:
Nothing muchCons:
Price, lines, price,Reviewed by parksutton Review Date: 09/23/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Attended on Sept 17th. Had a wonderful time. Rode a ton of rides, saw a bunch of characters. The lines for characters were long though. The candy lines were long but moved quickly. They gave more and more candy towards the end of the night. The fireworks were awesome, the parade good but joint new from previous years, the castle show was awesome.
I know I'm different in this area but I didn't care for the Jack character and some of the "dark" things that didn't seem much like Disney to me. However you can also easily avoid that if you wish.
All in all it was a blast.
Pros:
Short lines for rides, characters.Cons:
Some weird thingsReview of Columbia Harbour House
Reviewed by parksutton Review Date: 09/23/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
Good selection of some healthier choices for adults. The kids choices were lacking but that's Disney. The lines were long and they made you line up based on how many people were in your party. We had five people and so they moved us to a long line that moved incredibly slow. The seating was good and the ad ice cold.
Pros:
Variety for adults, great air conditioning.Cons:
Long lines.Review of Pinocchio Village Haus
Reviewed by StacyLovesDisney Review Date: 09/23/2013
Rating: (3) Not Recommended
The kid's menu says "kid's cheese pizza" as an option. Unfortunately it was the same pizza flatbread we had a year ago. It is a flat, crunchy crust like a big cracker. There is no tomato sauce, just a granular cheese mixture with melted cheese on top.
Pros:
pretty and overlooks It's A Small World boat dockCons:
food, noisyReviewed by StacyLovesDisney Review Date: 09/23/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
We really enjoyed this experience. The kids are invited to come to the front of the restaurant to dance and sing with their favorite Disney Jr. friends. Each friend visits the table. Our Handy Manny was very friendly. My son wore his tool belt and H.M. took his hammer and wrench to "use." My son loved that! The food is yummy. Try the bread pudding with vanilla sauce.
Pros:
breakfast foods, interactive experience for younger setCons:
NoneReview of Art of Animation Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by eric731 Review Date: 09/23/2013
Rating: (4) Recommended
Pros= Size of suites. Cast members were very friendly and helped out when needed. Bus service was fantastic and never had to wait a long period of time for a new one to get there.
Con= Atmosphere over all was very average at best. Outside of buildings looked like army barracks then Disney characters slapped on. I also felt the furniture in the rooms was very average at best.
The worst part of the resort had to be the food court. It was horrible. Thank god we only had one meal there. I could not believe the time spent in lines waiting for stuff and then getting back to the table and everything was cold. They need to really think about the way they do things and the food that they serve. It was below average. Even a late night burger and fries where not that good.
We will never stay at this resort again. For the amount of money that we paid for a suite, it should of been a lot better.
