Most Recent Reviews
Review of Contemporary Resort (Deluxe Resort)
Reviewed by JennaDeeDooDah Review Date: 10/15/2015
Rating: (8) Recommended
My family and I stayed at Contemporary in October. We were going to be attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and booked Contemporary because of its location. We loved being able to walk to Magic Kingdom. We had a theme park view and it was great to sit out on the balcony in the morning and watch the boats, buses, and monorail go by. We also really enjoyed watching Wishes and Electrical Water Pageant from our balcony. The staff at the resort was very friendly and helpful like we have come to expect from Disney.
The only negatives were the elevators and the theme. As far as Disney resorts go, the theme is is definitely lacking. It felt like a regular hotel, and a nice one at that, but it's nice to stay at a fully themed resort such as Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, or Animal Kingdom Lodge. To be fair, we did know what the theme was going to be like when we booked the hotel. The other problem was the elevators. We stayed on the seventh floor and in the mornings, the down elevators would be so full that we would end up having to get on an elevator that was going up, ride it up, and then stay on it on the way down. Other people complained of having to do this, as well. The stairs are clearly marked that there is no exit until the first floor, but the shops, restaurants, and monorail are not located on the first floor. So, if you were hoping to take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom in the morning, you would leave your room and either take an elevator up to the top and then ride it to the correct level, or you would take the stairs to the first level and then take an escalator up to the proper level.
We would still recommend this hotel to others, but they do need to be aware that the elevators situation is less than stellar.
Pros:
View, ease of getting to parksCons:
elevators, themeReview of Boardwalk Villas (Disney Vacation Club)
Reviewed by jdduncan Review Date: 06/28/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
My family of three stayed at the Boardwalk Villas at for four nights at the end of June, 2013. We have never stayed at the Epcot ring of resorts before, opting for the Polynesian when we can, but we were all pleasantly surprised by this place. The atmosphere is unlike any other resort on Disney property with the boardwalk always having something going on. We loved the Coney Island-style decor, and the rooms were bigger than expected.
The best part of this resort is the boardwalk, which stays busy through the night. You have a large selection of restaurants to choose from, and even their quick service at Boardwalk Bakery was better than many other resorts. You have great views across the lagoon to the Beach and Yacht Club resorts, and a quick ten minute walk gets you into Epcot.
We loved this spot, and will absolutely stay here again. Some of the best photos we've ever taken at Disney are from the boardwalk at night, which is lit up perfectly for great shots.
Some complain that the noise is a problem here, but we did not experience this. That may be because we are odd, though, because we love hearing the Disney sounds during our trip. Either way, the sound did not keep us up. We took naps in the afternoon so that we could stay out late on the boardwalk before calling it a day. I'm ready to go back!
Pros:
Location, Decor, Beautiful BoardwalkCons:
Uh, only that we can't move in!Review of Rainforest Cafe
Reviewed by jdduncan Review Date: 06/28/2013
Rating: (3) Not Recommended
We ate here for dinner on June 23, 2013 around 9:00 pm. We had 9:30 reservations and showing up early paid off, as we were seated within minutes. The animatronic gorillas and elephants were not right at our table, but they did put on a little show every five minutes or so, which our little girl enjoyed. That was the sum total of positives with dinner, unfortunately.
We love the Disney Deluxe Dining plan, and were using it on this trip. Rainforest Cafe seems like they would prefer you didn't though, because they limit both the appetizer selection and desert selection without any association with price. A $16 appetizer, for example, could be shared by two people, but their $18 sampler somehow can only be shared between four people. It isn't as if we wanted to pig out, but I have a real problem with this non-Disney location putting on heirs like they are too good to open their menu up for the dining plans. The food is simply not good enough to stick their noses in the air.
So we had cheese sticks and a dip for appetizers. Meh. I ordered a tempura dish with sticky rice as my entree, but they were out of the sticky rice so I had the option of choosing other rice (not a different dish, of course). Rice was way too dry, and my wife's steak was nothing special. Deserts again were limited, so we got plain old chocolate cake. Food was nowhere near on par with typical Disney-run restaurants.
Wait staff was lacking that Disney cheer, too. Our server seemed put off to have to explain how our meal plan worked, and even more annoyed when we needed refills on our beverages. Whereas Disney cast members at least act like they enjoy their jobs, this girl obviously wanted to be elsewhere. I can take this attitude at home, but when I go to Disney I expect a better experience.
If your kids just have to eat here, just know that you'll be spending the money on decor rather than actual food. We did it once, but won't make the mistake a second time.
Pros:
animals go nuts every few minutesCons:
limited disney dining menu & mediocre foodReview of Biergarten - Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by tcg Review Date: 06/28/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
My husband and I were thrilled to be seated today shortly after noon as walk-ups. The food was as plentiful and delicious as ever, we really enjoyed the asparagus soup (spargle!). The service was perfect, our table mates were delightful and the musical show was fantastic. Prost!
Pros:
Outstanding food , ambience and serviceCons:
—Reviewed by tcg Review Date: 06/28/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
We have been DVC members since 1996 and are huge fans of OKW, for the room size and atmosphere. I admit, I am dazzled by the fact that a one bedroom here at AKL sleeps five and has two full bathrooms. The decor is perfect, the cast members are terrific and the savannah views are (ahem) wildly entertaining. I would happily return to this great location!
Pros:
A savannah view is fantastic!Cons:
Dim lightingReview of All Star Movies Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by MinnieMom Review Date: 10/16/2015
Rating: (6) Recommended
My hubby and I stayed here Friday, October 9 through Monday, October 12 in a preferred room in the Toy Story section on the third floor. It is a very quiet section and we heard no walking noise. The elevators were very efficient and we never had a problem getting one.
The room had two double beds, not queen, and was pretty small but okay for just the two of us. There is not a lot of dresser storage. The bathroom area has only one sink, and is separate from the shower and toilet. It would be very cramped getting ready with more than two adults.
The closet is an open space next to the sink. There is a privacy curtain that separated the sink area from the rest of the room. The room itself was fine since we were just there to sleep. It was pretty clean.
We never ate at the food court, but it had offerings of burgers, chicken strips, fries, build your own salad, dessert bar, standard food court from what I could see. Also includes a mini-market.
The bus stop is right in front of the hotel and we did have to wait many times for buses. More than 20 minutes. Movies is the last stop of the All-Star hotels and the buses are sometimes full when they arrive. Not terrible, just sporadic.
I might stay here again just because of the cost.
Pros:
PriceCons:
BusesReview of Flame Tree Barbecue
Reviewed by tgaudet Review Date: 06/27/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
Visited Animal Kingdom on 5-30-13. Got there at park opening and knew by lunch time we wanted to eat at Flame Tree BBQ from previous visits. They opened at 11AM and we ordered the half chicken and rib combo and subbed the coleslaw for little packs of grapes and carrots, also a side of fries and a hot dog. The food was very tasty. DH, DS8, & DD5 as well as myself all ate and were satisfied and full without having to order individual items for everyone plus it saved us a bundle by sharing as we are not big eaters. The only downside with the whole eat outside thing was the animals. This little duck would not leave us alone. It never went away and I think it's because people feed the birds & critters that hang around the table area. I love animals but I would like to eat without being harassed by the local wildlife life but on the other hand it is "Animal Kingdom" ðŸ˜Å
Pros:
Fast, convient, very tastyCons:
Outdoor dining can be difficult at times with the local wildlifeReviewed by Herdman Review Date: 06/27/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
We had a 9 night stay from 6/14 - 6/22 in Royal Room 9280 in Oak Manor. The room was very nice and clean. We had a towel animal family in the window on arrival that grew some on 2 or 3 occasions. Housekeeping was excellent. The resort grounds are beautiful. We used the food court for lunch one day, and it was very good. We only used the quiet pool outside of our room, and it was very nice and clean. Bus transportation was efficient with no excessively long waits. We did have to wait for a little while on the two occasions we used the water taxi to Downtown Disney. It wasn't unbearable, but a little longer than we expected. Overall, we had a fabulous time and wouldn't hesitate to return here on our next visit.
Pros:
Royal Room, Resort Grounds, Quiet PoolCons:
Minor Water Transportation waitsReview of Disney Dream Overall Experience
Reviewed by GregMV Review Date: 06/27/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Just returned on a great cruise on the Disney Dream. Everything went perfect. I don't understand some of the reviews that degrade the ship and crew. I guess if the world doesn't revolve around them, they aren't happy.
Pros:
AllCons:
NoneReview of Disney's Yacht Club Concierge Level
Reviewed by Hannamom Review Date: 06/26/2013
Rating: (4) Not Recommended
I just got back from a 4 night stay June 19-22 at the club level. I was disappointed with the small selection of food. The breakfast was adequate. The selection included oatmeal, bagels, coissants, cereal, muffins and fruit. The hard boiled eggs had no taste to them. Coffee was served in an urn at breakfast, otherwise it came out of a machine. Afternoon snacks was gummy bears, trail mix, yogurt covered pretzels and cookies. You could ask for bottled water, wine or beer at any time which was nice. The staff was extremely helpful and pleasant, although at times no one was stationed by the food and I had to go looking for someone. A staff member should be on the floor at all times. The hot hordorves from 5-7pm were good. I had the bacon covered water chestnuts. The evening dessert and cordials had 2 selections of a tiny parfait. I was really surprised by the lack of food choices and the quality of the food. I had stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and it was totally the opposite of the Yacht Club. The area to sit was small and sometimes you had to wait for a table. When you walk into the food area, you have to cross thru it to get a plate and then walk back. It is ackward.
We had a good time talking to Daniel. He went out of his way to make us feel welcome.
We stayed in room 5230. It was the smallest room we have ever stayed in on Disney property and I have stayed in 4 other deluxe resorts. The bathroom door just clears the toilet! The view was a rooftop at a lower level..wow
The short walk to Epcot is the easiest and quickest entrance into a park. It barely took 5 minutes and I was in Epcot.
The pools are large, well supervised and clean.
The lack of counter service was another surprise. In the lobby, there is a coffee stand and you could get a counter service meal, which was not a meal. A drink, a fruit and a muffin or bar. It was a waste of a counter service meal, but we were so hungry at that point looking for a breakfast we ate it.
The picture above of the food offered in the club level never looked like this! It don't know how long ago it was taken but that is not what is offered now.
If the cast had not been as friendly and helpful this would have been a bad experience. It is not worth the extra money to stay at the club level.
