Most Recent Reviews
Review of Art of Animation Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by jberrong Review Date: 07/16/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
We had a total of 13 people in two Cars Suites on June 16-20, 4 nights and 5 days. 2 adults, 4 kids, and one 2 year old in one room and 3 adults and 3 kids in another. It was roomy and at the same time cramped. I have stayed in almost every resort in WDW and I would rate this at the top of my list!
Everyone loved the theming. From the Cozy Cone table lamps to the auto shop dressers, it was amazing! Being a mom of boys, I loved the 2 separate bathrooms and sleeping areas. From our window, we could face the pool and the “Route 66†road. It was a sidewalk painted to look like a road. All the Cars characters were there spaced out on the side of the road. At night, the Cars' headlights would light up! Too cute! The family of 7 had never been before so they were overwhelmed at how nice and magical it is.
When all the beds were up (the pull out couch and hide-a-way bed/table) it was a good sized living space. No storage in the bathrooms, just a shelf that could fit a small suitcase or bag. I always bring extra hangers for my clothes so I don't have to use the drawers, I save them for everyone else. (And being a newer resort, they had a ton of hangers! Usually there are just a hand full, I didn't need mine!) We seemed to have plenty of drawer space and hang up space. (We did use the bedside tables as storage, too.) But the hang up spaces were in an odd spot, right next to the TV in both rooms. I like clothes tucked away, not out in the open, but I don't know where they would have put a closet. Oh, and there was really no great space to put your shoes or stroller. Usually shoes would go in the closet, but they were all out in the open, and when everyone has at least 2 pairs, it gets crowded. The stroller just stayed in the kitchenette. The kitchenette was really nice. We brought a lot of snacks and had left over pizza we could heat in the microwave later. They had silverware, paper towels, plates, and bowls given to you by the mousekeeping every day.
Then, when it was time to go to bed, all the stuff on the table had to be moved, the chairs had to be pulled out, those took up space, and the 2 huge cushions to the pull out had to be put somewhere. It really wasn't a big deal because I was just happy to be there!
The food at the food court was amazing! It did get a bit crowded, the line to order the food took forever, but the lines to purchase that food was never longer than 2 people. There were plenty refilling stations for your cups, tons of seating, as well as seating outside. I don't know what they did differently with their pizza delivery, but it is amazing! I was hesitant to get the pizza because I had been disappointed before, but it was very good.
We swam at the awesome “The Big Blue†pool. It had the jellyfish/zero entry which the little ones loved and it had a splash park right across from the entry. It was big enough to throw a ball with some kids (my boys made quite a few new friends) and for daddy and mommy to swim alone and still keep an eye on the kids. At 8:00 every night, an inflatable screen would show animated movies at the other end of the pool. You could watch from the pool or on the deck! The only bad thing about the pool was the water. I don't know if it was the chlorine or what, but ALL our suits faded! Faded! Some even started falling apart! I had to throw one out, it had stretched out! Some of these suits were not cheap, Gap, Children's Place, Disney Store, and mine was Lands' End. Another thing about the pool, you have to bring the towels from your room and you had to ask for more towel for your room every time you used them at the pool. I don't remember if that is the norm at all the resorts or if this is a new thing. The Cars' pool was very small. I think it is mainly for adults and is a quieter place to swim! We did not swim at this pool because a family of 13 probably would not have fit!
Pros:
Pool, the room, space, and themesCons:
Bring your own towel to the pool, pool water, no closetReview of Typhoon Lagoon
Reviewed by jdalby Review Date: 07/16/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
OK first and foremost, I have to say that I had a great time the day I went here. We had a private cabana and don't think I would have liked it otherwise. It really is worth it. The refillable mugs, the towels, the food and drinks brought right to us, the cooler of water, the covered area with chairs and the locker right there.
I didn't like that we were NOT allowed to give our attendant, Nancy, a tip. I was so annoyed that I complained to her manager. I mean the Magical Express guy had a tip me sign, the bell hop you can tip, the housekeepers, the good and bad waitresses, etc. BUT the one person who waited on me hand and foot I couldn't tip.... Step up your game TL.
Pros:
Wave Pool, Cabana ServiceCons:
NO TIPPINGReview of Contemporary Resort (Deluxe Resort)
Reviewed by jdalby Review Date: 07/16/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
This resort was great, AMAZING. Our room was completely updated. Workers were very friendly and accommodating. Wish the Contempo Cafe had a bigger selection of food.
One thing I have to mention. We arrived at 10:30 or so and our room wasn't ready yet. We hung around and about 30 minutes later, we were able to got into the room. During those 30 minutes, we were near the pool. After getting situated with our stuff (about a hour) we headed to MK we noticed that there was water coming from the ground under the pavers leading to the pool, like a water main had busted. By 11:30 pm, they had a full crew working on it and by the next morning it was fixed and all put back together. In NY, where I'm from, that would take 6 months to fix. Just Sayin'
Pros:
Updated Room, Convenient, great viewsCons:
still needs some more updatingReview of Chef Mickey's Dinner
Reviewed by megeveland Review Date: 07/16/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Food is very good and well stocked. Very good service. Mickey comes to the table for pictures so no need to wait in line in the park. Also had a good dessert selection. We all ate way too much!
Pros:
Selection, Mickey MouseCons:
noneReview of Crystal Palace Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by megeveland Review Date: 07/16/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Buffet options were good and well stocked. The Salmon was as good as I have had even in a sit down restaurant. Had lost of interesting pasta and noodle salads to try.
Pros:
Selection, the salmon!Cons:
noneReview of Columbia Harbour House
Reviewed by megeveland Review Date: 07/16/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
We all get the fish and chips and they were very tasty. Batter was crisp and fish was flaky. Good prices for what you get and where you are.
Pros:
food, priceCons:
Cast members seem miserableReview of Cinderella's Royal Table Lunch
Reviewed by megeveland Review Date: 07/16/2013
Rating: (7) Recommended
You are clearly paying for the atmosphere here but the menu has slid over the years - bring back Major Domos Pie! Service is very good and the restaurant is beautiful.
Pros:
It's in the castle! PrincessesCons:
price, menu selectionsReviewed by megeveland Review Date: 07/16/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
We have a child with dietary issues and can only eat certain foods which we brought with us. During the night the in room refigerator quit and spoiled her food. We went to the desk to see what could be done and they brought us a new refrigerator and sent someone to an EarthFare to replace the food while we went to the park. Even called us to let us know they had found the food to put our mind at ease. MAGICAL SERVICE for sure!
The resort itself is well-maintained but still dated due to the low ceilings (I think). If you get a room in the back of the resort, you will have a long walk to the main house which is mainly an issue if it rains. plenty of good dining choices at the resort.
Pros:
On the Monorail, serviceCons:
bulidings spread outReview of Crystal Palace Breakfast
Reviewed by cj1996x2 Review Date: 07/16/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
I gave this an 8 because of the feeling of being rushed. Also, when I ordered an omelet, the lady cooking it wasn't very pleasant as if I was bothering her.
The food, all in all, was very good. The fruit and pastries were fresh. My husband loves the breakfast lasagna and I have to say it was really good. Too much food for me as I just don't eat that much for breakfast.
The characters, as always, came to the table for pictures and we took advantage of that. I just felt like the people with the characters made us feel very rushed.
Pros:
Characters and choice of foodCons:
Felt like I was being rushed when characters came byReview of Rainforest Cafe
Reviewed by cj1996x2 Review Date: 07/16/2013
Rating: (7) Recommended
We always eat at the Rainforest Cafe when we are at Disney. This was our 2nd time at the one in the Animal Kingdom. The noise level this particular day was horrible. Not to mention I believe everyone ordered the Volcano dessert which prompts all of the wait staff to yell out "Volcano" at the top of their lungs which wouldn't be bad except that I heard it so often I wanted to scream myself.
