Most Recent Reviews
Review of Disneyland Hotel
Reviewed by belle12877 Review Date: 09/03/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
My husband and I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel for the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (I ran the new 10K race on Saturday morning). I thought the resort was fantastic. Check-in on Friday afternoon was a bit chaotic due to the Expo that was happening at the resort (cars, people, cast members everywhere!) We were upgraded from a standard room view to a pool view, which was so nice. The rooms are VERY spacious and the location is PERFECT - right next to Downtown Disney and just a little further walk to the Parks. The only negative experience we had all weekend was that we had requested Express breakfast room service for Sunday morning before we left for the airport. I don't know what happened, but the food never arrived during our time slot. I called and even though the order was taken from our door - the woman at room service didn't receive it. She offered to rush us breakfast or buy us a breakfast (which was very nice) but we didn't have time at that point. I will be staying here again in January when I run in the TinkerBell Half Marathon and I can't wait. Next time my husband and I will be traveling with our twin four-year-olds and we just know they are going to LOVE it! (especially the musical/lit headboards! 🙂
Pros:
Great location, fun weekend stay!Cons:
—Review of Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruises
Reviewed by D1sneyg1rl Review Date: 09/03/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
Our family of 4 (including two boys, ages 2 and 5) did the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage on 8/23/13. This was our first experience doing a special tour / cruise with Disney. We loved it!
The boys were greeted by friendly staff who gave us pirate bandanas and offered to take our picture with several pirate statues!
TIP: Arrive early...they have coloring and sticker stations set up outside the ballroom at the Contemporary. The kids can take part in these activities before the actual event begins.
At the starting time, you are ushered into a ballroom where you can eat (all you want) from a selection of desserts, coffee, juice, and other snacks (popcorn, cotton candy, chocolate coins). You can enjoy treats before or after meeting Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. Both were friendly and posed for pics. This part was a little rushed for us....you only get about 30 mins in the ballroom total and the line is long to wait (depending on where you are -- we were toward the back). We waited to meet the characters first and then only had a few minutes to eat. Our little ones couldn't even finish a Mickey ice cream / popsicle in that time, let alone try anything else. We didn't feel like we were able to fully enjoy ourselves at this portion because we were rushed. Also there are no sit down tables....only chairs along the edges of the room. With a 2 and 5 year old, balancing their plates and drinks was a challenge. I think next time we would eat and let the line go down, then pop up to meet Captain Hook / Mr. Smee at the end. Still, we didn't let this overshadow our experience!
Afterward, you get instructions from your pirate crew on how / where to board the fireworks cruise.
The cruise itself is excellent. You are able to see the Electrical Water Pageant up close before the fireworks begin. The crew is very funny and they engage everyone on board in singing, jokes, dancing, and recognition of birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Our oldest is afraid of fireworks and loved watching them from a distance without hearing the big booms! It is great that they pipe in the music....very magical! It was a wonderful way to really enjoy how the fireworks are organized and displayed around the castle and with the music.
When we left the ship, our boys were each given a sword.
And the very end of the cruise, well, I won't spoil it but that is the most magical part of all!!!!!!
Pros:
Unique experience, fun for kids, meeting Peter Pan!Cons:
Pre-party felt a little rushedReview of Trail's End Restaurant
Reviewed by D1sneyg1rl Review Date: 09/03/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Our family of 4 (husband, son 5, son 2) ate here on 8/26. The staff was incredibly friendly and so nice to the kids! The atmosphere is very casual -- you need not dress up. We loved the price of this buffet (as compared to some of the others) since we were not on the DDP this time. The food was piping hot, plentiful (buffet style), and the selection is typical American fare. My kids ate the best at this meal (green beans, corn, mashed and baked potatoes, mac and cheese, watermelon, chicken, etc.). I loved the baked potato bar and the carved beef with the different sauces (chutney, homemade honey mustard). Everyone's favorite was the warm cornbread with the honey butter. My son has allergies and the chef came out prior to the meal to discuss everything (as they usually do), but also prepared a special gummy bear sundae just for him! After dinner, we took the internal resort shuttle to Chip and Dale's Campfire Sing a long. P.S. It takes a little while to get to Trail's End, and to get around this resort, so leave enough time!!
Pros:
Good price, great food, casual atmosphere for kidsCons:
A little out of the wayReview of Art of Animation Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by D1sneyg1rl Review Date: 09/03/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Stayed 8/21 - 8/27 with my husband and two little boys (2 and 5). We've stayed previously at Pop, as well as other Moderate resorts (POFQ, CBR, and POR). We decided to take a second trip to Disney this year and chose AOA to save some money. It was a good decision. The theming at Art of Animation is outstanding -- outside and inside, which made it feel a lot less like a Value resort. We spent the entire first afternoon / evening checking out all areas of the resort, taking pictures with the characters, and playing in the different play areas.
Our check-in was fast and very friendly. The staff there was nice throughout our stay.
We stayed the first two nights in a Mermaid Room and the remaining nights in a Cars suite (a complimentary upgrade! We were shocked and thrilled!!!).
Little Mermaid Room: We were in Bldg 7, third floor. LOVE the elevators at this value resort, especially with a double stroller! We had a lake view, which we did not request, but I would recommend. It is very peaceful. Our room was adorable and I was surprised that even our boys loved it...there were ooh's and aah's I didn't expect! The details on the table (like the lyrics of Under the Sea) and the headboards, which have lights embedded in them, are just a few of the details that make the room really magical! To combat the lack of storage space (half of the dresser is a facade that stores a mini-fridge), we requested an extra luggage rack/stand from Mousekeeping (there is already one in the room). This let us leave 2 suitcases on racks, and empty the third one (shared by our boys) into the dresser. The beds are double (vs. queen like at a Moderate resort). This was fine for our family, but something you may wish to consider. We don't tend to spend too much time in our room, except for naps and sleeping at night so we found this room to be more than adequate for a family of four. We did have a pack and play in the room for our 2 year old and it fit between the bed and the bathroom wall (out of the way). As far as the walk to the Little Mermaid area, it isn't too bad (even in the August heat). If you have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside or the Caribbean Beach Resort, the walk will not phase you! Plus, there is so much to look at on the way! Finally, Mousekeeping in this area did a fantastic job...(I'm the Mom who brings Lysol along and cleans the entire room when we get there since little kids touch everything). I was extremely pleased with the cleanliness of the room --the bathtub, corners, floor, A/C vent -- it was really well cleaned prior to our arrival.
Cars suite: We stayed on the fourth floor in Bldg 4 (Mater's building). For a family of four, the suite offered more than enough space to spread out. Once again, the details were impressive. The postcards from Radiator Springs sitting (permanently) on all the dressers and nightstands look so real and the cone lamps were adorable. We loved having two bathrooms, a larger place to eat breakfast (the table seats 4), and a couch / living area for the kids to play. The room is stocked with paper plates, paper bowls, cups, plastic silverware, etc. (which Mousekeeping replenishes). Since we eat our breakfasts in the room (cereal / yogurt) this was great. The pull down Murphy Bed was a breeze to use and my oldest son loved sleeping there, especially with Mater sleeping on the headboard and his own adjustable "night light." We did not need to use the pullout sofa. The master bathroom has a nice walk-in shower and the second bath has a tub shower. Again, more than enough space for a family of four here. We generally bring Mom / Dad and I will say we would have had room for them too, but it would have been less convenient to have to make / unmake the sofa bed each day....if you can afford the suite, go for it. Our boys are still talking about their Cars room!! If not, the Little Mermaid rooms make for a standard, but still very magical, stay.
We spent time at each of the three pools. Based on another review, we brought our own beach towels. However, I learned part way through the trip that you can request pool towels from the front desk (they look the same as the bath towels). For a family with two small children, the advantages of the Big Blue Pool were the zero-entry area and the separate splash area. I loved being able to sit in a sun chair and watch them run in the splash area (it was nice not having to hold someone and be in the pool the entire time!). TIP: There is a mug refill station at the Big Blue Pool Bar (so you don't have to go inside Landscape of Flavors). The Cozy Cone pool is definitely the most quiet / tranquil. You can't beat the atmosphere and our boys loved swimming with the Wheel Well Motel in the background. We loved how the music played at each of the pools fit the theme (i.e. at the Cozy Cone pool, all of the songs are about cars, driving, the road, etc.). If you aren't going to the parks everyday (and even if you are), I recommend pool hopping! It really gives you a chance to enjoy all of AOA.
Also - based on another review re: swimsuits fading....we experienced the same thing, but only with one Gap swimsuit. It was not your standard spandex / lycra, but more of a cotton swim short. Despite rinsing it in cold water after every swim (hoping to avoid what I had read) my son's suit is now a very light orange and blue plaid (previously fluorescent!).
We didn't have any problems with the buses while we were there. The single transportation stop is laid out well, with separate queues for each park / Dwtn Disney. Yes, they are crowded on the way home if you leave when the parks close, but that is true with any resort. One night, when we left the Magic Kingdom, there was a significant line and they sent two buses simultaneously.
Lastly, I will discuss the Landscape of Flavors food court. The theming inside is cute -- with sections of tables matching each of the different areas of AOA (Lion King, Cars, etc.). I was pleased with the selection of food, but disappointed in the wait times. Even though it wasn't crowded, the service was VERY slow. Having been to Disney a number of times, my husband and I always split up and order from two lines to avoid going from one to the next and having our meals ready at pretty much the same time. Even doing this, the first two days we found we were eating in shifts / pieces as meals from one line were ready well before meals from another line. Later, we decided the whole family would order from one line to avoid some meals being cold. TIP: There is a microwave in Ariel's Grotto (the portion of the food court that resembles being Under the Sea!). We reheated our meals a couple of times. We also microwaved our popcorn there for Movies Under The Stars!
This is now our favorite Value resort! The theming and landscaping are perfect for children....and adults too! We had a very magical vacation and can't wait to return!
Pros:
Theming, details, staff, pools, good value for priceCons:
slow food court, faded swimsuit!Review of Raglan Road
Reviewed by DeanMoriarity Review Date: 09/02/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Ate here on 8/29/13 and I was seated right at my reservation time. My waitress Naomi was great. I was quickly attended to and she never seemed to be too far away. She took my order for drinks and appetizers in a timely manner and did a very good job answering my questions about the items on the menu.
The menu is really outstanding. The chef that put this together managed to present some traditional Irish dishes with a contemporary twist. I had the scallop forest for an appetizer. It was good, and it comes with two dipping sauces. For an entree, my wife had one of the most traditional of Irish dishes, the shepherds pie. I've had this dish many times in other restaurants but Raglan Road has their own unique, and tasty, version. Well worth the 18 dollars it cost. I had the Braised Beef and I got a large portion of moist & meaty beef along with all the vegetables. Also a very good choice. The portions are large and we were very full when asked about desserts. Now this was at the end of my WDW vacation, and I can tell you the Raglan Road had the best dessert menu I'd seen all week. Inspired by this, I decided to try the strawberry/apple crumble. This was excellent and I would not hesitate to order this again.
As one would expect in an Irish Pub, there is entertainment. Though I wasn't fortunate enough to sit near the main stage, I could see the dancers from my seat and the house band was very good.
For those who are trying to decide where to eat at Downtown Disney, I highly recommend this place. Good food, great service and a lively atmosphere makes for a memorable night out.
Pros:
Irish Theme/FoodCons:
noneReview of 50's Prime Time Cafe Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by DeanMoriarity Review Date: 09/02/2013
Rating: (6) Recommended
My dinner on 8/26/13 was my 3rd trip to the 50"s Prime Time, and it will probably be my last. I first ate here back in the early 90's when it was a new restaurant and it was an exciting and dynamic environment to dine. The wait staff all embraced their roles and the food was excellent. But now the decor is starting to show its age. It looks like a face-lift is in order otherwise guests will start to think that the fixtures really are from the 50's. I also notice that the wait staff doesn't get into the role playing that made this place special as they did in the early days.
Being the place didn't look too busy, I checked in 30 minutes early. I was told there were no tables available and that I would be seated at my reservation time. Eventually, I was seated at 5:27 for a 5:30 reservation so I didn't complain. However, I did notice a lot of empty tables throughout the restaurant as I was seated. Were they short staffed that day? Judging by the amount of tables that continued to remain empty throughout my dinner, I suspect so. It took a while for my waitress to acknowledge my presence. Looking around, I noticed other diners were in the same predicament. After sitting for 8 minutes, my waitress finally came to my table and from then on the service was good.
On to the food. It was good. But nothing more than that. I had the all-natural lemonade for my beverage. Now I make my own fresh squeezed natural lemonade all the time. And I question just how "natural" this lemonade is. Particularly I question what is used as a sweetener. If you add in what the ingredients for the "wildberry foam" could be then you may be forced to cease calling this an "all natural" lemonade. For an appetizer, I chose the crab cake. It's a frozen crab cake garnished with vegetables and a sauce that just doesn't work. Not terrible, but not worth the 10 bucks they charge. The pot roast dish is good and fits the bill as a comfort food that would be served in a 50's home. But I question those who get on their soap box and pontificate that the fried chicken is the best ever. My wife ordered this, and they did serve a very generous portion, a breast, wing, leg, and thigh. So I had the opportunity to sample this myself. It is good. But it's no more than that. A good dish. Hardly something I would call the best ever. It may be a decent dish for $17 but not something I would go out of my way for.
Two drinks, one appetizer, two entrees, and one Heineken plus tip cost me $81. A bit high for a place that's a bit run down, short on staff and has declining food quality. I would recommend this to someone who's never been to WDW but this was most likely my last time here.
Pros:
Cool 50's ThemeCons:
Restaurant showing it's age/Inadequate StaffingReview of Riverside Mill Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by DeanMoriarity Review Date: 09/02/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
My opinion is that this is the best food court in any WDW hotel. I ate 2 lunches and 2 dinners here the week of 8/25-8/30. The decor is charming and very family friendly. The seating area is large and can accommodate many people. Yet the design quadrants off diners in 5 different sections so no single area has too many people and makes the restaurant feel smaller than it is. Many seats provide a great view of the riverside and the noise level was never overwhelming no matter how crowded it got. Whether I came here for a meal, snack, or just to fill my mug, I never once had a problem finding a seat.
The food choices are plenty and the quality is good for the prices you pay. The sandwich stations have a good variety of choices and there should be something there to satisfy everybody. I had both the pulled pork and the carved turkey during my stay and they were excellent choices. Good sandwiches for reasonable prices. The make your own pasta station was very popular and you will get a very large portion. Portions were so large that my wife opted to get the kids meal just to get less food. It was fun to watch the pasta chef make my meal as he was working 4 different pans for 4 different customers at the same time. He put on quite a show preparing these meals at a very busy time of the day. Get the refillable mug and take advantage of the drink station. It's open 18 hours a day and there are plenty of drink choices. Over my 6 days at Riverside i never once got a soda. There's something there for everyone.
When it comes to variety, quality, and value the food court at the Riverside is about as good as it gets at a WDW hotel.
Pros:
Good Value/ Variety of choicesCons:
noneReview of Remy - Specialty French Dining
Reviewed by boudrek Review Date: 09/02/2013
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
Dining at Royal Palace, Enchanted Garden & Animators Palate was a shock. DCL is the 6th line I've cruised on, and their standard fare was below par for the industry. The real disappointment was how they dealt with DW's food allergy. We've been spoiled at WDW... the chefs always have a "I'll create something great you can eat" attitude, and WDW is our favorite destination partly for that reason.
On the Dream, we never saw a chef (except at Remy, which was fantastic) and our server was constantly struggling with the kitchen to prepare something DW might enjoy. It isn't so much that the kitchen tried and came up short... its that they didn't try at all. Given many years of stellar dining at WDW, this outcome was a real shock. I can't imagine how management can permit this total repudiation of Disney standards, but it is what it is. And the servers admitted they were helpless to get the kitchen to deliver decent food in these cases. (Its a gluten allergy, not some rare tropical disease we're talking about). Conclusion is if you're looking for a Disney-level fine dining experience, eat only in Remy or Palo.
Pros:
Remy was OUTSTANDINGCons:
Main Dining Rooms offered substandard fareReview of Narcoossee's
Reviewed by BermudaJen Review Date: 09/01/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
We ate at Narcoossee's in August 2013. The location was convenient as we stayed at Grand Floridian. We had a late dinner (7:30 pm) so were having dessert when then fireworks started at 9. We went out on the veranda to watch and listen to the narration and music which was great. The food was good and would go back. I think that Citrico's was better but getting to see the fireworks was definitely a plus. There were no real "cons" - although my husband was less than impressed with the chilled red wine which was a bit odd. I'm not sure if it was intentionally chilled or if it was due to air conditioning.
Pros:
Food, locationCons:
Nothing specificReview of Riverside Mill Breakfast
Reviewed by DeanMoriarity Review Date: 09/02/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
This may be the best food court in any WDW hotel. You get a good selection and the prices are reasonable. I like the theme of this restaurant and the decor is very family friendly. The dining area has 5 sections that have enough separation to allow a lot of people dining without it having that cafeteria feel. It is very clean and some sections provide good views of the river. A full Breakfast isn't served until 7am, and this is the only negative comment I have. A 6am opening would better suit those who want to take advantage of the days parks open early.
The breakfast choices here are your standard bacon, eggs, pancakes, waffles fare. The food quality isn't what you'd get from a 5 star restaurant, but for 8 bucks, the bounty platter is a good meal for a good price. I had 4 breakfasts here the week of 8/25 to 8/30 and have no complaints. I am a picky eater and I try to avoid "junk" foods. As finicky as I am, I had no problem finding healthy choices each meal. I never had a problem finding a seat and the drink station has a lot of good choices that allowed me to really take advantage using my refillable mug. This food court is a big reason to choose Port Orleans Riverside when selecting a WDW resort.
