Most Recent Reviews
Review of Art of Animation Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by Lyrid_M Review Date: 02/13/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
DGF and I went to the AoA a little while back, and the resort really was everything I wanted it to be. All the CMs were very friendly and attentive, the buses ran smoothly (Even after MNSSHP, the line for the bus really moved), and I loved the Big Blue Pool (Something about hearing the music underwater really caught my attention).
I love how they have the Food Court laid out. Never waited in line to order food longer than 5 minutes, and not to mention the food was actually better than most CS places around the world! I read some people upset over the dinnerware options, but I for one like the environmental approach. Honestly, is it all that to throw your silverware in a bin, toss plates in another, and toss the trash out, all in one spot? Panera Bread has been doing this for years.
Also, the LM rooms were nice for us. Just enough space to fit our stuff for the week, and never felt cluttered. Bathrooms feel roomier than at the other value resorts, too. And as a side note, the walk from the LM wing, Bldg. 9, to Animation hall is less than a 5 minute walk. Tedious at night for a refill, but we were usually thirsty long after the machines had been turned off for the night, anyway.
Summary of this long winded review is this: We loved it here. We'll probably be coming here for years to come, and I'm okay with this. As a matter of fact, we've already planned out next vacation there for the beginning of 2014. Let the countdown commence!
Pros:
Food Court, Pools, Atmosphere, CMs, Buses, Rooms (LM wing)Cons:
Wi-Fi, Cell service (Room only)Review of Landscape of Flavors - Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by Lyrid_M Review Date: 02/13/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Easily the best CS option in WDW. They something for everyone, and I think that matters most. Doesn't matter if you're a picky eater or vegetarian, you can find something, and it actually tastes great. I can't recommend the meatball sammich there enough.
Pizza is typical Disney pizza. I know what good pizza is, and I know what theme park pizza is. Big difference lol
Cheesecake bites were yummy, along with the cream filled rice-crispy treats. I plan on eating there more next time around that I was able to this time.
Pros:
Variety and OptionsCons:
NothingReview of Whispering Canyon Cafe Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by momof3inMadisonAL Review Date: 02/15/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
Now that our kids are growing out of the character meals, we wanted to try something different. Had never been to Wilderness Lodge so it was fun to walk around and see geyser erupt on the 1/2 hour. Kids had fun playing with Lincoln logs before we were seated.
The atmosphere was fun. Loved asking for ketchup. But not the place to go if you are more serious or want a quiet meal. Kids had fun with pony rides.
Having never eaten here before, I didn't Know what they used to offer. I will agree that it was pretty limiting. We were on ddp and I don't like that they got rid of appetizer. We paid oop for one.
We had cornbread and app to start. Same yummy cornbread as Hoop De Do. They offered to bring all 6 meats, although the menu said they'd bring 3. We didn't try the chicken or sausage though. DD8 liked fish, pork was just ok, and ribs were dry. We all loved steak best. Mashed potatoes were good too. I loved the buckle. No other dessert offered. But barely had room for it. Left VERY full.
We are party of 5 and baby. This is first time a server hasn't charged us auto gratuity for being 6. And guess what, we gave him MORE!
Pros:
Something different, fun atmosphereCons:
RowdyReview of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Reviewed by momof3inMadisonAL Review Date: 02/15/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
The only thing I don't like about Hoop de Do is having to park car and take bus inside Ft Wilderness. Loved everything about food and show.
There were 6 of us. Cat 3 seating which was a long table on side of balcony. Kind of awkward with children but we could see everything well. maybe felt like we didn't get to be as much a part of the show as main floor. DDs8, DS6 liked it too. And baby stayed entertained.
Fried chicken and cornbread were fantastic! Ribs were so-so and could have done without. Strawberry shortcake dessert was delicious.
Pros:
Great food, fun showCons:
LocationReviewed by Dreamer Review Date: 02/14/2013
Rating: (5) Not Recommended
The best aspect of Polynesian club is the location. The lounge has a fabulous view of water and the castle. We enjoyed watching the MK fireworks from the comfort of the lounge. Unfortunately the staff was not that friendly and seemed annoyed by questions/requests. The food was ok--very standard breakfast choices and snacks. Some evening food options were pretty good. Desserts weren't that exciting. The rooms in the club building need some desperate remodeling and aren't as nice as rooms in some of the other buildings.
Pros:
Beautiful viewCons:
Staff, food selectionReview of Captain Cook's
Reviewed by Gadawggirl Review Date: 02/17/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Was told that they had the Pineapple Dole Whip here and they do! Ice cream only, not the float, but it was still good! You are given a cup when you pay and then you self serve yourself. 🙂 So I did and got as much as I could in that cup, then enjoyed every bite! Had some fries with it and I was a happy girl.
Pros:
Dole WhipCons:
—Review of 'Ohana Dinner
Reviewed by momof3inMadisonAL Review Date: 02/15/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Tried 'Ohana after hearing so much about it. Loved the salad, bread, and wings. It was hard to save room for entree. Server brought pork, chicken, shrimp & steak. Steak was by far the favorite. We forgot about the dip on the table. Noodles were yummy too. Loved the bread pudding for dessert but barely had room for it.
Our server noticed DS6 not eating and offered him several options. We were grateful. We don't like having to fight food battle away from home but also don't want to limit where we eat to appease DS6.
Kids did coconut races, hula and got a lei. They enjoyed the entertainment. Nice change from character meals.
Pros:
Great food, coconut race, hula & lei, alternate kid mealsCons:
SO MUCH foodReviewed by hashdown Review Date: 02/15/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
We have a wonderful friend who loves Disney as much as I do. As a vacation club member he gave us 6 days at Kidani. Talk about a wonderful gift. Anyway, I do know Disney. I have stayed at Deluxe, Moderate & Value but never at a Villa.
Overall for normal people this is a 10! It has aspects that are not to my taste but overall it is an incredible resort.
Everyone mentions the lack of counter service restaurant & I agree. Jambo is a fair hike & room service is over priced & not to my taste. However service provided is lovely ... tablecloth, napkins etc. I just didn't care for the food but service was notable.
People mention the darkness of the suite which I also found troublesome; coming in at night & you cannot finding anything. I laugh because I have been to Africa & light at night is a problem. Many power failures & use of flashlights to find your way around your room is not uncommon. This is realism!!
The suite was clean. The bathroom was over the top. It was a one bedroom suite for the two of us & we had more room than we needed. The decor is splendid.
We did not have Savannah view & if you are at the parks all day .. I recommend this as a cost saver.
The pool area was wonderful with games for kids which at 61 I enjoyed. Once a grandmother always a grandmother!. My husband found it a bit loud & was not that pleased.
I would love to stay here again but honestly if I am paying $400 to $500 a night I would not come back. I am a frugal Scot who really just enjoys the Disney experience rather than luxury.
Pros:
ComfortCons:
Absolutely noneReview of Walt Disney World's Magical Express
Reviewed by sgefowler Review Date: 02/16/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
I have used the Magic Express at least 4 times now. We have only used the express from the airport to the resort and not the return trip so I cannot comment on that. First of all, I have to say that my kids love the yellow resort tags and attaching them to the luggage is our first taste of Disney. It gets the excitement started. The kids love the greeters with the Mickey hands and I find that all the cast members are very good at engaging the kids. The kids love watching the Disney "movie" on the ride and always try to get the front seat. This has never been a problem as the magic express has never been full when we have used it. We normally stay at a moderate resort (one of the Port Orleans resorts) and found that the bus to the value resort to be slightly more crowded but just marginally. Although the bus stops at multiple resorts and slows down the trip, it does give you an opportunity to see the other resorts - or at least the front of the resort. We have found that the Magic Express takes 30-45 minutes but the time passes quickly and the kids don't mind. With regards to luggage, we normally arrive in Orlando at lunch time, get the Magic Express to our resort (Port Orleans) and then the boat to Downtown DIsney for a little shopping and an early dinner. The luggage has always been at the room when we return. Great to change into our swim clothes for a refreshing dip in the pool after a long day travelling. To sum it up, I should say that the Magic Express is definitely a deciding factor in our staying at Disney. It's just one of those little extras included in the Disney package that brings the Magic from the onset of the vacation. We are leaving in 60 days for our next trip and I can't wait to board the Magic Express!
Pros:
Courteous, informative, efficientCons:
Stops at multiple resortsReview of Be Our Guest Dinner
Reviewed by momof3inMadisonAL Review Date: 02/16/2013
Rating: (6) Recommended
Wanted to try BOG and waited on phone over an hour to get ADRs. Ate there for dinner 2/8. Server started out great but then disappeared after we got our food. DH and I both had steak. Thought it was odd to be served with fries. Especially when the server told me they are trying to offer healthier options for kids. My two DDs got steak and liked it, but there was nothing my DS6 would eat, apart from fruit appetizer (not included in ddp anymore). Fortunately, I knew the kids menu was going to be a problem for him and made sure he got a good lunch.
The steak was a little hard to cut and had some gristle. It was very thin as well. Not really juicy. I thought the desserts were disappointing, and had hoped for more than cupcakes and cream puffs.
It was a great setting and we enjoyed meeting the beast after dinner. However, we probably won't go back for a few trips.
