Most Recent Reviews
Review of Tusker House Character Breakfast
Reviewed by ang2575 Review Date: 09/08/2013
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
We were excited to try this brunch for the first time after all the great reviews I had read. Sadly, it turned out to be the worst dining experience I had ever had at Disney. We had a 10:30 reservation for breakfast and by the time we waited a bit and took a photo with Donald we were seated at 10:45. The characters came almost immediately so we took photos and the kids enjoyed their time with them. I have to say compared to other character meals, only seeing 3 characters (4 if you count seeing Donald beforehand) is pretty disappointing. Every other character meal we did had 5. So we headed up to the buffet and very disappointed to see that all breakfast had been removed. As we wandered through the stations, everyone at the buffet was asking each other were the breakfast was. My husband approached a chef and asked him were breakfast was and he was told that one section was all that was left of breakfast. It consisted of a fruit bowl that had a 5 pieces of fruit left and some pastries and yogurt. It was a joke. To make matters worse, the food that was on the buffet was all pretty exotic. Things like hummus, tabouli, couscous, stews. I myself will eat those things, but not first thing in the morning and not when what I really wanted was eggs. My kids and my husband, however, would never eat anything that was available. They were all starving and filled their plates with bread and dessert items. We asked our server where breakfast was and she told us that breakfast gets switched over to lunch at 10:45. She told us she always comes early to eat so she can have breakfast. No attempts to make our experience better. Again my husband asked the Chef and he told us the same thing: breakfast gets switched out at 10:45. We all ate practically nothing and our bill came to $190. My husband and I are both restaurant managers, and we couldn't believe that our server and the chef were so non-chalant about our questions. And like I said, everyone in the buffet line we talked to was wondering why the food had been switched over. On out way out, I tried one last time to get someone to give us an explanation. I asked a cast member at the host stand and was given the same answer, "breakfast switches to lunch at 10:45" At this point I was pretty angry and I told her, I had a breakfast reservation. We paid for breakfast but there was no breakfast and we were all still starving. She really could have cared less. I have never, ever complained at Disney in 15 trips. But after leaving the restaurant I actually went to guest services and told them our experience. Immediately, she was so apologetic. She called the restaurant where they verified that breakfast gets removed at 10:45 and she looked up my reservation to see I indeed had a breakfast reservation. She was so sweet and she refunded 50% of our meal and gave me 5 fast passes for any ride in any park. It was so nice. I will never, ever go back to Tusker House and I really can't believe I had to go to 4 cast members before any cared at all that we were extremely unhappy.
Pros:
CharactersCons:
Everything elseReview of Boulangerie Patisserie les Halles
Reviewed by D Mercer Review Date: 09/07/2013
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
The world famous Boulangerie Patisserie in the French pavilion at Epcot is gone! In the last 20 years of coming to Disney World my family always stopped here to get some of the best French pastries. Our visit on Sept. 2, 2013 found that it has been changed to an ice cream shop. What a tremendous disappointment! We were so shocked we just kept walking thru. We also noticed the indoor dining area in the French shop at the end of Reflections of France was also closed. Not that having ice cream here is so bad, we were expecting great French pastries! Besides, isn't ice cream supposed to be more Italian?
MODERATOR'S NOTE: Boulangerie Patisserie re-opened in a new location in the France Pavilion earlier in the year.
Pros:
The Boulangerie Patisserie was greatCons:
But the Boulangerie Patisserie is gone!Review of 'Ohana Dinner
Reviewed by cmacallister Review Date: 09/06/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
We went to 'Ohana for the first time in August of 2013 and I must say we really liked it. The only problem we had, was that our waitress forgot our drink orders several time, I guess she had a bad day.
The cocktails (Mai Tai) were some of the best we have ever had! The bread, chicken wings and dumplings were excellent. Our favourite meat was the beef and the shrimp, but the chicken and pork was also good. We felt the noodles were a bit too sweet for our taste, the veggies were nice and fresh.
There was a lot of food, so by the time dessert came, we really had to struggle to eat some of it. It was very tasty, although we are not bread pudding fans. My daughter doesn't eat bread pudding at all, so they gave her ice cream with sprinkles and she was very happy.
From all the Family style dinners at Disney, this one is on top of our list. We will return!
Pros:
foodCons:
service a bit slowReview of Pop Century Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by rehmiami Review Date: 09/06/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
As a first time visitor to Pop Century, I was very pleased with our overall experience. The room was larger than I expected, more than enough space for my wife, 8 year-old daughter, and all of our belongings. The room was kept exceptionally clean by the Mouse keepers, and they left extra bath products for us on a daily basis. I was worried that the beds would not be comfortable after reading other reviews of the resort, however my family and I slept very soundly. The Pillows were comfortable, as well. In terms of noise, we did experience some sounds from the activities at the pool area, although it was not that big of a deal. It is Disney World, after all.
The one problem with the room is that there is no coffee maker. However, we purchased a basic one from Target prior to our trip for less than $10, and it worked great when combined with our French Press and coffee from home.
In terms of the resort staff, they were professional, polite, and very helpful. We had an issue with a working refrigerator not being available in our room upon check-in, and they resolved it immediately. We had also asked for room in the sixties section, which we received. The location was very convenient in terms of parking, and being close to the main building, pool, etc.
I would highly recommend this resort in terms of the value that it provides. Especially, when you factor in the benefit of being immersed in the Disney experience, extra magic hours, free parking, and great shuttle service, etc.
I would definitely stay there again with my family.
Pros:
Location, Cleanliness, Theming, Resort StaffCons:
NoneReview of Tusker House Character Breakfast
Reviewed by rehmiami Review Date: 09/06/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
I was very pleased with the overall ambience and experience of the restaurant. The food was quite good. I especially enjoyed the Tamarind Seafood Stew, as well as the Warm Banana-Cinnamon Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. And, for someone who does not eat salads very often, I had two servings of the Endive, Apple and Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing. I do wish that there was more of a selection in terms of food for my eight year-old daughter. However, the mac and cheese, corn dog nuggets, and Spiced Rubbed Rotisserie Chicken were all well received by her.
As far as the wait time is concerned, I would highly recommend that you arrive at the front desk 15 minutes prior to your reservation time, otherwise you might be beginning your meal later than expected.
In terms of the wait service, it was decent. Our waiter (David) was both professional and polite, however I did have to ask for our drinks to be refilled. Additionally, our used plates and utensils were not cleared from our table in an expeditious manner. It was quite busy, so I gave him a pass, and tipped him around 18%. To his credit, he responded quickly to my requests.
The character interaction at Tusker House is exceptional. The Disney Characters (Mickey, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy) all visited our table, and posed patiently for our pictures. My daughter absolutely loved it. For me, this most definitely justified the price of this buffet.
I would highly recommend the Tusker House in terms of its overall value related to the quality and quantity of food provided, character interaction, and the atmosphere of the restaurant. I will definitely make this a family ritual when visiting Animal Kingdom in the future.
Pros:
Delicious Food, Excellent Character InteractionCons:
Wait Time, Slow Service, Variety of Food for KidsReview of Plaza Inn Minnie and Friends Breakfast
Reviewed by bheadkf Review Date: 09/05/2013
Rating: (3) Not Recommended
We had priority seating 30 days in advance. Did not have a table ready for us. We had 4 adults and 4 children. We asked to sit inside and the person seating us told us it would take too long to fix a table. We were seated on the outside patio away from everyone else. Had no table service at all. We had to move our trays to another table if we wanted to go back for refills. Had to ask for the characters to visit our table and in fact eventually moved to another section before leaving breakfast so that the children could meet some characters. Would not ever go back!
Pros:
food was goodCons:
very poor serviceReview of Be Our Guest -Counter Service Lunch
Reviewed by myredstapler Review Date: 09/04/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
My family and I dined here in August 2013 on the free dining plan. Hands down, this was the best counter service meal we had during our trip. My husband and I both had the tuna salad and our daughter had the steak sandwich. For dessert, I had the chocolate cupcake and my husband and our daughter had the lemon cupcake. Everything was delicious.
Tips: Get there early to line up and be prepared to wait. Also, if you want to customize your meal, go to the cashier. You can't ask to leave off dressings if you order via the self-service.
Pros:
Food / ThemingCons:
Long line to get into restaurant /Crowded fountain drink station /Review of Everything POP! Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by myredstapler Review Date: 09/04/2013
Rating: (4) Not Recommended
My family and I dined here in August 2013. We came down a day early before our free dining package kicked in. We spent more than $40 for a tuna fish sandwich, two burgers, and three fountain drinks. The sandwich was decent, but definitely overpriced at $10.99. The burgers were dry and overcooked. We wouldn't eat here if the meal was free.
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Food varietyCons:
Expensive, poor qualityReview of Maya Grill - Dinner
Reviewed by brian222202 Review Date: 09/04/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Just a fantastic meal, and one that was a completely unexpected HIDDEN GEM.
My wife and I had the FAJITAS for two, with chicken, steak and shrimp. Just fantastic, more food than we could take care of ourselves. Kids enjoyed their meals also.
Waiter SAL was excellent, in helping us decide, in knowing the menu, and in taking time to get to know us that evening. No, the restaurant was not packed on AUGUST 14, 2013 but all the better for us.
Dessert was FRIED ICE CREAM, the only place I know on property to get it. Awesome.
Just totally impressed with this meal. I would make a special trip to CSR to eat here, that good.
Pros:
Menu, authentic dishes, service, chips salsaCons:
NONEReviewed by brian222202 Review Date: 09/04/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
Stayed AUG 10-17, 2013: Second time at CORONADO SPRINGS, first was at a youth convention. First time for pleasure. Loved being across the street from BLIZZARD BEACH, 2 minute car ride. We were close to each park, even MK only took 10 minutes or so.
Asked for and received room in 9A, Room 9141, and an excellent location. Near to bus, main building, main pool and quiet pool right outside the door. Fantastic room--well decorated and sufficient for 2 adults and 2 kids. Two sinks would have been nice.
Pool is awesome: very large, nice slide, activities all the time, nice pool-side bar, and the Mayan temple with steps & flowing water is a nice touch.
MAYA GRILL is EXCELLENT, a real hidden gem. Not crowded on our evening, we had great service from SAL, and the food was plentiful and fantastic. Quiet, and could be very romantic if w/o kids. Just a real surprise and one we would make a special trip to.
Pepper Market is quick service but sit-down with wait service, who you have to tip. Confusing from the start, so we turned around and did not eat there.
The buses were good and we 80% of the time hit it just right. Building 9A is equally as close to STOP 4 & 1. But when we missed, we often in the morning waited a good 25 minutes. Never a problem coming back.
The thing with this hotel is the CONVENTION status. Big convention there the first 3 days, awkward to see people in ties and dresses. But it really just affected the VIBE of the whole hotel, just seemed to not have quite the whole MAGIC we expect from DISNEY. CASE IN POINT: after a few days, my kids had not received any towel animals. I just asked at the desk if they do that here, front desk person said yes, and she would put the request in with housekeeping. So at 10:45pm we got a knock on the door from housekeeping, "you ordered something?" she said. I said "No". She said, "towel animals!". Perplexed, I said thank you, and I was appreciative. HOWEVER, I would have preferred the magic of finding them in the room next day after a long day in the parks. Again, nothing wrong, but just not the MAGIC we expect.
And it just had a strange little VIBE not used to at WDW. Nothing inherently wrong with the resort, really liked it, and would stay again, BUT you must be prepared for a different sort of vibe with the whole staff.
Enjoyed the stay, and thanks to ALL EARS for pics beforehand and help in choosing a building number.
