Most Recent Reviews
Reviewed by jess98ac Review Date: 05/13/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
This was our second dinner at Akershus, and the experience wasn't quite as good as the last time (2 years ago). We waited a bit in the check in line and then to meet Belle, which was not a big deal. However, once we were seated, all 4 princesses came to our table within about 10 minutes, before we even had a chance to order dinner, so we were rushing around trying to get settled, look at the menu, and take pictures. I also don't think they spent the same amount of time interacting as they did the last time. During the princess parade, my husband went to take a picture of our DD, and was told that they would come to our area, so he could sit down...but they didn't, so we missed out on that photo op. It was her birthday, so she got to be the leader. Once we ordered and got our food, everything was delicious, and we also enjoyed the cold buffet while we were waiting. My DD got a cupcake for dessert with a candle in it, and a card signed by all the princesses, so that was a nice touch. Our server was nice, but once he cleared the dinner dishes, it took a LONG time to get dessert, all of the other tables around us ate their, paid, and were gone before we got ours. This is still a nice alternative to Cinderella's Royal Table, but we may try breakfast next time.
Pros:
food, atmosphere, princessesCons:
felt rushed and then took a long time for dessertReview of Crystal Palace Breakfast
Reviewed by jess98ac Review Date: 05/13/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
This was our second breakfast at Crystal Palace, and it was awesome! The food was hot and fresh and plentiful (LOVE the puffed French toast!), and the characters were great. My younger DD was a little unsure so they just waved to her, and gave big hugs to my older DD. We were celebrating my older DD's birthday, and our server brought her a cupcake with a candle, and a card signed by all the characters, so that was a great touch!
Pros:
food, location, early ADRCons:
—Review of Bay Lake Tower (Disney Vacation Club)
Reviewed by magicmonette Review Date: 05/13/2013
Rating: (5) Recommended
Our stay was May 11-14. Used points for a Lake View Studio and was given a #**37 room facing BLT OTHER wing. If I sit at end of balcony and lean, I can see the lake. It was NOT worth the extra points!
My room was not ready when arrived, which was ok. Checked back little after 3:00 and was told don't know when will be ready. "Could hang out for another hour." All very rudely, as if I was bothering them. It was about to rain, so I picked up my bag from bell services. Kind girl encouraged me to ask again. I did and they had room.
The room was very disappointing. First, I got off elevator to vomit all over the floor and a WATCH YOUR STEP SIGN. Yuck! The view was not what I paid for, the furnishings were tattered, the carpet was quite stained, the sleeper hadn't been put back neatly (could see the bedding), table wobbly...overall just not up to standards of AKVs and other resorts at Disney.
The grounds are lackluster, and a friend I texted pictures (with no negative description) said tell those people to get a broom and sweep. After I reviewed the picture, I realized there was quite a bit of debris on the ground.
I had preordered some groceries to be delivered by the DVC staff and after 24 hours, I called. As with EVERYTHING at BLT, I was told to GO tithe Contemporary and talk to them. I went to Fantasia Market and after many minutes of research, Iris discovered BLT staff delivered it to wrong room, even though it clearly said all of my info on the ticket. She took time to reverse charges and apologized profusely.
The CMs at BLT also could not figure out my dining test reservation (that THEY gave me) and told me to go over to MK City Hall. Poor guy there said they were not even on that system and couldn't help me, and was quite befuddled as to why they sent me there. That was never resolved. I gave up. There are other examples of bad service, but will stop now.
I would ONLY recommend someone stay here for the location, but only if other monorail or WL resorts are full. This would be last resort, and mostly because the staff is the worst (with exception of Bell services and the greeters outside) that I have EVER experienced in my 40+ visited staying on property. Also, It is not beautiful or upscale, and you pay prices to receive deluxe accommodations. But the location to MK is perfect.
Pros:
Location to Magic Kingdom, monorail, and water transportCons:
Rude, lazy and generally unhelpful staff (cast members), cheap tattered furnishings, lackluster themingReview of Tusker House Lunch and Dinner Buffet
Reviewed by buntingd Review Date: 05/12/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
We had lunch here on May 4th. Our granddaughter was all excited about seeing Donald and Daisy. We checked in and were handed a pager and sat for about 10 minutes. We were then called to go in. We got our group picture in front of the mask. We sat in a nice quiet alcove. I love the food at Boma and Sanna and was not disappointed here either. The beef was some of the best I have eaten anywhere. Even the picky little one found lots to eat She enjoyed her visits with the characters and we were abet to get lots of pictures. Our service was wonderful of course. We have never had bad service at any sit down Disney restaurant. We don't visit AK as much as Epcot or MK but Tusker House will be the go to place if I can't get a Boma reservation.
Pros:
a great variety of great foodCons:
—Review of Bay Lake Tower (Disney Vacation Club)
Reviewed by buntingd Review Date: 05/12/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Arrived at 9:30 on May 4th, greeted by a cast member outside who escorted us to the check in desk. Room was not ready but was able to get key card so we could go to AK. They did send a text to tell us our room but I only got half the text, n problem we went to the desk when we got back.
I was worried after reading some past posts about the rooms being run down but that was not the case. We were in room 7527 with a nice view of the lake and pool. Only issue we had was the TV in the bedroom was not working. My husband called and within 5 minutes a cast member was there to fix it. The plug had been loosened.
Our granddaughter loved going out on the balcony. The bed and the pullout chair in the living room were comfortable. Spent Sunday afternoon at the pool. Granddaughter loved all the pol activities and the water slide. I like the fact that the pool is only open to Bay Tower guests. There was even a cast member that came around one time checking on key cards and giving us a wristband.
I loved the easy of walking over to hop on the monorail. Next time our granddaughter wants to walk to MK.
The door to the Contemporary was always open so we never had to use our key card. We loved being able to stand on the walkway and watch the fireworks in MK which was great for the little one's sensitive ears.
We will be back soon.
Pros:
friendly, helpful staffCons:
noneReview of Pop Century Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by bellebookworm9 Review Date: 05/12/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
I booked a standard room at Pop Century for a 3 night stay 5/7-10. I used online check in and requested a room on the highest floor near transportation.
Upon arrival at 9:30am, I was greeted at the red carpet and ushered right to the online check in line. They took care of me right away and my room was ready, much to my surprise! I was given room 9415, in the 80s section. It was on the top floor and a short walk across the parking lot to the bus stop, so both of my requests were met.
The room was clean and functional for my needs. I did find the lighting to be on the dim side, but the beds and pillows were extremely comfortable-more so than at Wilderness Lodge! My room was very quiet as well. The bathroom was extremely small, but that was my only minor complaint.
The food court was never too busy and seating was adequate. The gift shop was very well stocked and had a wide variety of items. Transportation was excellent, some of the best I've experienced out of the nine resorts I've stayed at. Cast members were always friendly.
I spent one morning just walking around the resort taking pictures and couldn't stop smiling at all the icons and placards. I did spend a bit of time in the computer pool which was right near my room. They have lifeguards at the quiet pools now, which I think is something new.
The Wi-Fi has finally been upgraded at the resorts, which was definitely needed. I was able to get a strong, steady signal throughout my stay.
This resort is one of the best I've stayed at. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a cheaper, non-extravagant place to stay. The only condition is that the rooms are best meant for 1-2 adults; anymore than that and I could see it quickly becoming uncomfortably crowded!
Pros:
Great theme, friendly cast members, transportation, clean rooms, excellent gift shopCons:
Tiny bathroomReview of Rainforest Cafe
Reviewed by Ldk72 Review Date: 05/12/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
Having the Landry's card allowed us almost immediate seating both times we ate here. Very good service and our servers always accommodated changes to the menu. The awesome appetizer is not only good, but literally it becomes an entree instead of an appetizer for up to two people. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very fun and vibrant in color. Its become a tradition to eat here every time we are @ Disney.
Pros:
quick seatingCons:
—Review of Grand Floridian Cafe Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by ayehartewe Review Date: 05/12/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
We made an 8:40 pm reservation for May the 1st of 2013. Although we were half an hour early, we were seated in less than a minute. The restaurant is beautifully decorated. Our server seemed as though she was flagging a bit in energy, but that wasn't a big surprise as it was near the restaurant's closing and probably near the end of her shift. She was still very sweet and courteous. My significant other and I had the chicken and steak entrees and split them both. The potatoes that come with the steak are heavenly. I found the Boston Creme Pie dessert to be perfectly sized for its richness and a delightful accompaniment to my cappuccino. I will definitely be back.
Pros:
Food, AtmosphereCons:
NoneReviewed by Ldk72 Review Date: 05/12/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
I ordered the pork egg rolls and chicken fried rice while my daughter had the basket of fries. We both liked what we ordered. We ate our meal on the patio next door. HaHa, watch those ducks. Be aware, their watching your plate just as close as your watching them.
Pros:
good foodCons:
—Review of Mama Melrose's Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by Ldk72 Review Date: 05/12/2013
Rating: (6) Recommended
I ordered the Fresh Mozzarella and Chicken Parmigiana while my daughter ordered the Spaghetti. Instead of marinara on my Parmigiana I ordered the four cheese sauce. Very good. For dessert I ordered the Cheesecake and my daughter had Vanilla Gelato. No complaints about this restaurant except we never saw our waiter. Service was very very slow and it seemed we were there forever.
