Most Recent Reviews
Review of Caribbean Beach Resort (Moderate Resort)
Reviewed by mcmouse Review Date: 03/20/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
This year we visited earlier than usual, at the beginning of March. We were prepared for cold weather which we experienced the first few days, but things warmed up quickly.
Caribbean Beach Resort was amazing as usual. The warm atmosphere helped ease the cool weather. We arrived off the Magical Express bus before noon, and our room was ready! This was wonderful, letting us freshen up a bit before hitting the parks. We grabbed some lunch a Old Port Royale and got going.
Our room in bldg. 33 was clean and just what we wanted. We like the 2nd floor for the quiet with no one above us. Our room faced the bus stop, which was quite convenient. We heard the bus noise occasionally from our room, but nothing bothersome. The mousekeeping staff happened to be just down the corridor when we got to the room so they came and introduced themselves, and showed us how to use the new tap system for the room keys. We had no problems with these new keys at all during our whole stay. They really are quite neat. They can be used for your dining plan if you're participating in it.
The staff at the Banana Cabana is top notch and that's one reason we return year after year. They, along with all the other staff at the resort make you feel comfortable and right at home.
The pools were busy every day, even on cooler days, as they are heated. We used the hot tubs a lot. We would suggest more lounge chairs or tables and chairs at the tub that is closest to bldg 31.
Other than that small issue, we have none. Everyone complains how large and spread out this resort is, but we usually pay a little more to stay in a preferred room to be closer to the food court area. Its well worth it. We like the covered bus stop areas, as the last time we stayed at a value resort, the stops were out in the open exposed to the hot sun and the rain. We don't mind the fact that there are several stops because if there were only 1 or 2, there would be waaaaaay too many people, kids and strollers, and scooters to board at once. Caribbean Beach is also centrally located which makes for short bus rides. I did notice this trip that on several days there was a staff member at a couple of bus stops keeping track of times between bus arrivals. Great to know they're keeping on top of this.
Can't wait to go back to CB on our next trip.
Pros:
our favorite resortCons:
—Review of Monsieur Paul France - Dinner
Reviewed by alfy Review Date: 03/20/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
We were greeted at the downstairs door and quickly shown to our table by a hostess. There seemed to be a small army of helpful waitstaff on hand. Very professional, France-like service. The waitress explained a couple of menu items for us, discussed the wine list and even tolerated my fractured French. Items were served quickly and were very attractively prepared. An amuse-bouche was served alongside excellent French bread before the meal. The duck was an unusual presentation, and very good, cooked exactly right. There is a deluxe prix fixe menu for $89 pp which we did not try.
Dress code mentioned during the reservation process was "business casual." Apparently T-shirts and flip-flops qualify here as business casual, but I suppose it's WDW policy to not turn away any diner. Also, the use of paper place mats instead of cloths seems a little incongruous given the atmosphere. There were a few well-behaved children during our visit, and the noise level, while not quiet, was better than at most WDW restaurants.
Cost for two people -- two appetizers, two entrees, dessert and a bottle of wine, about $225. Thanks, WDW, for Tables in Wonderland!
Pros:
Service, foodCons:
Confused ambianceReview of Backstage Safari - Animal Kingdom
Reviewed by mcmouse Review Date: 03/20/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Hubby and I took the early tour (8:30AM). We enjoyed all the fun facts our tour guide provided. We were lucky because when we visited the white rhino buildings, there were several rhinos in the pens, usually I guess there's only 1 or 2. Also, as we peeked into the elephant buildings, we were invited in and got to see 2 adults and 1 young one up close and personal. This isn't usually part of the tour, as our guide told us that was the 1st time this happened on one of her tours. They even got one of the larger ones to "trumpet" for us. Neat! We had granola bars for a snack and received a plastic mug as a souvenier. The private safari is a nice touch as you go a little slower than the normal one. We had giraffe right up close to our safari vehicle.This was a nice tour and I would reccomend it to animal lovers. It is short enough not to take up your entire day with just enough time to get the idea of conservation.
Pros:
lots of inside infoCons:
—Review of Columbia Harbour House
Reviewed by mmfan Review Date: 03/20/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
We had not eaten here for several years, although we visit the World at least yearly - guess we kind of overlooked it even though we had eaten there before. We were so glad we returned, our experience was great.
We ate lunch here during our first day 02/21/13 right after we entered the park. We were hungry and tired after the arrival and checking in process. MK was very busy, so we went to where we thought would be a restful spot -- and we were right.
We were a little nervous when we saw the refurbishing scrims up, but no need to worry, once inside the experience was as usual. The lines moved very quickly, and there were cast members waiting to assist and answer questions. We ordered the chicken salads and drinks, and headed up the stairs to find a table.
The best place to eat and people watch is to snag a table on the bridge over the walkway to Fantasyland. It was quiet, restful, and people watching was great! Our salads were very good with lots of chicken. We planned the rest of our day, relaxed and just enjoyed being HERE - at the MK, our favorite place. Be sure to head upstairs for the most enjoyable experience. The menu had changed somewhat from our previous visits - for the better, and all the meals we saw looked plentiful and good. The dining areas were kept clean and there were lots of cast members chatting with folks to answer any questions and
offer suggestions.
We will put this counter service spot back on our must do list.
Pros:
upstairs bridge great place to relax, good foodCons:
—Reviewed by the7dwarfsandme Review Date: 03/21/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Port Orleans Riverside has been our home away from home for quite some time now, but the rooms had been looking a little rundown from the countless guests that have been through them. However, on our most recent trip, we got to see the redone rooms. First, we had no idea how to enter the room...luckily there was a maid cleaning a room two doors down, who showed us that we had to hold our room key against the lock to open it. (I really love this new technology. We found you didn't even need to remove the card from your wallet. The door could read the card through the leather. So cool!) We always stay in the mansions, and I love the new decor there. It feels very classic with hidden Mickeys sprinkled in. My favorite new feature is the thermostat. In past trips, we either froze or had heatstroke in our room. With this new thermostat, it is easy to program the room to your perfect temperature! Strolling aaround this resort and taking in its beauty never gets old. I can't wait to go back next year!
Pros:
Tranquility, theme, amenities, staffCons:
—Review of Disney Dining Plan
Reviewed by DisneyDad61 Review Date: 03/21/2013
Rating: (6) Recommended
When the dining plan was first introduced in 2005, we were huge fans! At that time, our family of 4 included an 8 year old and a 2 year old. My wife and I paid about $35 each per day and we paid about $10 a day for our 8 year old. Our 2 year old was free. With taxes included, we paid about $80 a day. It allowed us 1 table service (TS), 1 counter service(CS), and a snack each day. We were thrilled that we could dine at restaurants that we would not normally dine at because of the prices. We saved hundreds of dollars. Disney has obviously discovered they were not charging enough for the plan. 8 years later, the plan now costs about $58 a day. Now that both of our children are over 10, we all have to pay the adult price (interesting since you have to be at least 14 to be admitted to the parks as an adult). The Dining plan would now cost us about $230 a day bringing the total dining cost for a 6 night stay to about $1370. The $1370 cost is not your final total on the dining plan-don’t forget it does not include tips which could easily total $150. You do each get a refillable mug, but when you already get drinks included with the your 2 meals a day, then they really expect you to drink a lot! It is also important to note that just because you purchase the dining plan, don’t be misled to think that you will have no more food costs. There are a few more incidental snack and breakfast costs to consider. It is very likely that a 6 night stay would cost us around $1600 for food only. It is also important to note that each CS and TS meal comes with a dessert. Our family rarely orders a dessert with our meal.
The DDP is a fixed cost for convenience. It is for those who want to pay a premium and is also nice for less frequent visitors who are not familiar with all the restaurants and prices to know what they like and how much it will cost. When visiting the parks, you are captive, so Disney knows that it is inconvenient for you to dine off site.
We are planning a trip to WDW in June and have made only a couple of dining reservations and will dine at some of the CS restaurants. We will have the option of sharing meals and and not be “forced†to order a dessert at any restaurant. We plan to take breaks from the parks during lunch and go back to our room for sandwiches or something simple. We have calculated our dining costs to be around $600 to $700 which is still expensive for a week of vacation, but far less than $1600. I cannot see paying another $900 to $1000 for convenience.
The best advice I can give is look at the menus on this website to estimate your costs for each meal and then compare it to what you would actually pay if you were not on the plan. It is almost a sure bet that you will dine at different places if you are not on the DDP however, if you plan on dining at expensive TS meals anyway, the DDP may fit your needs.
Pros:
ConvenienceCons:
PriceReview of Pop Century Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by mgilmore Review Date: 03/21/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
I have stayed at POP 5 times, and really love the theming here. I also love the fact that they have their own dedicated buses that serve this resort alone, and don't share with the All Stars.
I recently spent a week at WDW from March 6-12 2013, for my birthday.
My only complaint is as others have said...the beds are a bit hard. I prefer a softer mattress.
Honestly, I spend all day at the parks, morning till night. All I do in my room is sleep and shower. It was a little too cool during this trip to swim.
Mousekeeping this trip was the best ever! She left me messages every day along with a towel animal or she did amazing designs with the towels near the sink area. I was very pleased.
Pros:
Love the decorCons:
Hard bedsReview of Flying Fish Cafe
Reviewed by mgilmore Review Date: 03/21/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
I dined here during my recent 7 day trip on March 6th. I was really looking forward to trying FF for the first time and it did NOT disappoint.
Since I was a single diner, I requested to sit at the long table in front of the open stage kitchen. My request was honored.
Service was impeccable here. My server was a very experienced gentleman. From start to finish, I was treated very well. I was presented with a personalized menu (I was celebrating my birthday).
He took the time to go through the entire menu, and make recommendations. My server was very good at his job. I was very pleased. A bread service was presented while I waited for my appetizer.
I chose the signature appetizer of Jonah crabcake and Ceasar salad. Delicious. For my entree I chose the Duo Filet & Potato wrapped Snapper. Everything was cooked to perfection, and the flavors were fantastic. I ordered a pear Martini to go with my entree. It was good albeit a bit strong for my tastes.
The chefs cooking, often struck up conversations, and were happy to answer questions. I was surprised when the Chef de Cuisine stopped over to wish me a Happy Birthday.
For dessert I had the Carmelized Banana Napoleon.
I was happy with my choice, it was delicious.
The pacing of my meal was good, it was not rushed at all.
I was overall very happy with my meal and service.
Pros:
Watching & Conversing with Chefs in the open kitchen.Cons:
None that I experienced.Review of My Disney Experience
Reviewed by mgilmore Review Date: 03/21/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
I had the opportunity during my 7 day trip to use the RFID on my KTTW card this month from March 6-12, 2013.
I stayed on Property at Pop Century.
At check-in they had me choose a passcode for my card, and taught me how to use the card.
What was really nice was my resort room had the RFID feature too! When going to unlock my resort room door, all I had to do was hold my KTTW card up to the RFID on the door and it unlocked instantly! Very nice!
I also had the opportunity to use the RFID gates at ALL of the parks, and it made entry so quick and easy! You hold your card up to the RFID, then put your finger on the machine and it turns green and you are in.
I like the new system.
I also had the chance to use it in Epcot when I made a couple of purchases to charge back to my room. You hold your card up to the reader then enter your passcode. It was so easy.
Pros:
Easy to useCons:
None that I experienced.Review of Kona Cafe Breakfast
Reviewed by mgilmore Review Date: 03/21/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
I had the opportunity to eat at Kona for the first time during my March 2013 trip. I had a late breakfast at 10am. The restaurant was not crowded. Since it was my first time here, I had to have the Tonga Toast with bacon & Press Pot coffee.
My server Eric was so nice! He took my order and went to prepare my Press pot of coffee. I was a little disappointed when my breakfast was delivered only 2 mins later by another server, and I hadn't even gotten my coffee yet. It was as if they had the food already made & ready to deliver to a customer...it was that fast.
My server was a bit upset about it when he delivered my Press pot of coffee. He apologized even though it wasn't his fault.
Nevertheless, the food was very good as was the coffee. If you are a coffee lover, definitely get the Press Pot of Kona coffee. You won't be disappointed.
The tonga toast came with a strawberry compote (tasted exactly like the 1900 park fare strawberry soup) and regular syrup. It was a big portion and I couldn't finish it all, but it was really good.
My server Eric was a great server, and made my breakfast enjoyable.
