Most Recent Reviews
Review of Liberty Inn -- CLOSED
Reviewed by vickie1016 Review Date: 07/31/2013
Rating: (7) Recommended
Basic quick serve food - burgers, nuggets. Food was ok, nothing to rave about. Service was good quick & friendly.
Desserts were really good - apple pie & s'mores brownie.
Being this is the American Pavilion, there is so much more that could be offered as quick service. Disney should think about the addition of a table service offering foods by the region (SW, NE, Southern...)
Pros:
air conditioningCons:
—Reviewed by vickie1016 Review Date: 07/31/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Family & I had dinner here early July 2013. Previously had diner in 2012. Overall a nice meal with great character interaction.
First had salad with fresh vegies. Dressing was very nice. Also had rolls with maple butter - yummy.
Served family style was turkey with stuffing, beef tenderloin & fresh fish. All were excellent. The childrens meal was a roasted drumstick, vegies & mac & cheese. Everything was wonderful & flavorful. Dessert for DD was an ice cream cone cupcake. DH & I had a warm blueberry cobbler with whip cream.
Character interaction was good. Mickey, Pluto Chip & Dale. Each stopped at the table several times.
Only problem was the waitress was very slow with drinks & clearing the plates. With that being the only negative, we will return again!!
Pros:
characters & foodCons:
waitressReview of Theme Park Photo Pass
Reviewed by bellebookworm9 Review Date: 07/31/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
I originally balked at the thought of paying $150 for Photopass Plus, but it includes 7 attraction photos, all of which we planned to ride. At $14.95 per photo, the CD nearly pays for itself. Plus we were able to get some adorable shots throughout the parks.
The only ride photo that we didn't get was at Splash Mountain, as the photos weren't working at the time we rode (around 11pm on an Extra Magic Hour night). On Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, rows 11 & 12 pictures weren't working, but the photo cast member allowed us to ride again (with no wait!) in a different row! I thought this was above and beyond.
At Buzz Lightyear, there were only two registers open and quite a few people wanting to purchase photos. The lines moved very slowly and I found it a bit frustrating. The same problem was had at Space Mountain, but most other attractions were fine.
We did get a few magic shots: me holding Tinker Bell at MK, Simba at AK, and Stitch popping out of the ground at DHS. They also had props at DHS: a giant picture frame and a director's board.
We did get some adorable photos, I liked adding borders, and I am currently waiting to download my photos-much faster than waiting for the CD to arrive in the mail!
Pros:
Photopass Plus valueCons:
WebsiteReviewed by bellebookworm9 Review Date: 07/31/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
I have been an advocate of Disney transportation for many years. This trip we rented a car, and it was the best decision I ever made. It was easy to find our way around the property, convenient to just leave when we wanted to, and so nice not to be stuffed in a bus with a crazy amount of other people at the end of the night.
However, we did use the transportation options a couple of times while staying at Art of Animation. On a Saturday night, a friend went to Downtown Disney (we dropped her off). She took the bus back around 12:30am and said she only waited about 10 minutes.
On Sunday, we took the monorail from the TTC to MK, as well as from MK to and from the Polynesian. Each time, there was less than a 1 minute wait and it wasn't too crowded, which was wonderful.
We also took the bus from and to MK that same day around 7:15pm and 9:15pm. The wait was 10 minutes or less.
At the end of the night, when Extra Magic Hours were over at 1am, we needed to get back to the TTC to pick up the car. The monorails had stopped running at midnight, and there was no bus; they were forcing everyone to take the ferry boat. While the wait wasn't long, they do make you sit for quite a while before departing, and the trip was filled with mosquitoes and other bugs. I was very disappointed that this was our only option.
Pros:
Easy to useCons:
No bus to TTC from MKReviewed by vickie1016 Review Date: 07/31/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
Family & I had lunch here in early July 2013. We have eaten here on our previous trips as well. Checked in at podium & had no wait at all. Place was half empty upon entering & was like that most of the time we were there (had 1:00 reservation time).
Friendly CM took us to our table & we were greeted by our server. She took our drink order & explained how the characters came to the table. (Again, just like our server at Tusker house we were told the table rotation so we were prepared with cameras & book). Our server was great, never had an empty glass or a dirty dish on the table.
The buffet food was a nice selection, but we have had better in past years. Nothing was wrong with the selection, everything was tasty, but in years past there was more of a variety. We had roasted chicken, pot roast (which was very tasty), roasted pork. There were several fish choices which we did not taste due to allergies. Basic salad choices & soup was tomato something or a spicy corn soup. DD (7) ate off both adult & kids buffets. The kids choices were roasted chicken, sweet meatballs (did not like) or basic kid staples (chicken nuggets, corn, etc.) She really liked the roasted chicken from the adult buffet better than the kids. She did eat some vegies off the kids buffet.
Dessert was great, loads of choices & soft serve ice cream. Also had a chocolate fountain that a CM was dipping fresh fruit.
Now the characters - Jake, Oso, Handy Manny & June. They were all great, took their time, did not feel rushed. DD was dressed like Izzy & got so much attention from Jake - it made her feel special. I also like the dances that the kids get to join in doing. Makes it a fun place.
We will eat here again on our next trip. We are patiently awaiting Sofia's arrival & hoping maybe Doc will join as well.
Pros:
charactersCons:
Sofia not there yetReview of Starring Rolls
Reviewed by vickie1016 Review Date: 07/31/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Had a quick breakfast break here in early July 2013. Ordered a chocolate muffin & cinnamon roll for DH, DD(7) & I to share. YUMMY!! Loved each one. Wish we had time to stop back before leaving HS that day, would have liked to try a cupcake.
Only negative - it was very crowded at that time & there was no proper line formation, just a big crowd of people. Also, no napkins?? Might be because they were busy.
Pros:
foodCons:
flow of line, no napkinsReview of Tusker House Lunch and Dinner Buffet
Reviewed by vickie1016 Review Date: 07/31/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
After eating breakfast here twice before, this year we tried lunch and WAS NOT disappointed. The food was excellent.
Upon checking in, we took our picture with Donald. The picture was brought to our table during lunch. Being we had Photopass + it was included. Friendly CM showed us the buffet area & explained all the different foods before showing us to our table. Our server greeted us & took our drink order. She also explained the rotation of tables the characters appear too. This was very helpful in order to get the camera, the autograph book opened, etc.
Now lunch - the food was excellent. DH & I tried almost everything. From the cold salads to the carved meats, there was nothing we did not like. DD(7) ate from the adult buffet - roasted chicken, carved beef & pork, vegies & fresh fruit. I loved the different breads they offer. I also like that there is fresh fruit offered. Dessert was just as good - brownies, cookies, little cakes, yummy!!
The character interaction is great here - each take their time to meet with you, sign autograph book & take many pictures. Because it was raining very heavy Donald came inside to take some pictures as well. Not sure if that always happens or if it was just because of the rain. (Never happened when we went to breakfast in 09, 10 or 12)
Overall - we loved our meal, CM were super friendly & the character interaction is great. Can't wait to return!!
Pros:
food, Donald & DaisyCons:
nothingReview of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Reviewed by vickie1016 Review Date: 07/31/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Attended a 4:00 show in early July 2013. We were greeted at the door by a friendly CM & then we took our picture with the Photopass Photographer (which we received at dinner at no extra charge as we had Photopass +). To our shock, the place was empty. We paid for Cat 3 seating, as we actually sat on the floor in Cat 2.
All the wait staff were very friendly & quick to refill drinks when needed without being asked. Salad and corn bread were on the table when we were seated. Loved the dressing on the salad. The food was very good, loved the fried chicken & the baked beans were very tasty. The ribs were just ok. Also had corn, mashed potatoes & mac & cheese for DD. When it was time for dessert, DD(7) thought the strawberry shortcake was just for her, kept asking why they only brought out one...lol. Eventually she did share & it was good as well.
Now on to the show - Fantastic, performers were wonderful. Some songs were interactive with the audience. A little different from last time we saw the show in 2010, but still funny.
Overall, we had a great time with good service & tasty food.
Pros:
Show & foodCons:
noneReview of Be Our Guest Dinner
Reviewed by miflag1 Review Date: 07/31/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
We were seated in the West Wing which was beautiful, although a little scary the 3 year old in our party. My only complaint about the seating was that we were told the 10 of us could not be seated together. I understand this - we were told this was a possibility when I made the ADR. However, not 5 minutes after we were seated, a party of 10 was seated RIGHT next to us...kind of disappointing.
The food was amazing. I had the pork rack which was our favorite meal on the table. My husband and children all had steak. They all loved the steak but all agreed that the fries were too salty. If we go again I think I would ask for the fries without the salt. The only food that I would not suggest was the French Onion soup. It was just fair - the broth didn't have a very rich beefy taste. I read that it has more of a vegetarian broth and that may be why I didn't care for it - others may love it because of that! As for deserts, we all tried something different and loved them all. We also had the chance to try the grey stuff (yes it was delicious) because it was my son's birthday. Overall I would absolutely return to BOG - our favorite meal of the trip!
Pros:
food was amazing, wine list, great service, chance to see BeastCons:
wouldn't sit our large party togetherReviewed by Aquila163 Review Date: 07/31/2013
Rating: (6) Recommended
I get what 20 minute average wait means. Sometimes 10 minutes, sometime 30 minutes. I have arthritis and walk with a cane so I also get and appreciate handicap access. I think it's time Disney consider dedicated ECV transportation vehicles. I waited with my wife with my cane 1 1/2 hours while 4, yes FOUR, consecutive buses loaded 2 ECV's each with their families and the buses were then full. One family loaded an ECV and 12 family members. It seems the only qualification to get these things is enough money as it was obvious many users had no experience with them. One woman with about an 8 year old girl sitting on here lap driving the ECV crashed into my wife. When you wait a long time at a big resort like Riverside or Caribbean there may have been several buses filled by EVC's that simply never came around the resort. I understand and appreciate Disney's requirement to provide handicap access for those of us that need it. The explosion of ECV use is costing people a lot of park time and I'm sure that translates into less money spent in parks and I know it makes some people who need handicap access choose not to go again and endure the looks from people waiting for buses.
