Most Recent Reviews
Reviewed by caleal Review Date: 03/26/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
I loved staying at Port Orleans Riverside! I was here in December for a weekend with my husband. We loved the themeing of the whole resort. The attention to detail is really amazing. We were in one of the rooms in Alligator Bayou- everything about it was adorable, including the "wood" floor. With the recent refurbishment, everything still feels very new and clean.
The bus system is great, I know there are a lot of people talking about the sheer size of the resort being a downfall, but I disagree. I never had to wait too long for a bus, and didn't mind driving around the resort to pick up the other guests - it just meant I got to see more of it! It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a traditional hotel, and was never meant to be - it's a large resort with many things to explore and do. The landscaping is wonderful and it's nice just to walk around the winding trails.
It was also fun to be able to take the boat to downtown Disney. We actually saw otters at one point!
Mousekeeping was very considerate, we had left a DND on the door when we left but they still left a bag chock full of towels on the door handle, since the smaller pools don't have towels at them.
One of the best parts was Ye-Haw Bob in the River Roost Lounge - If you get a chance to go to his show, do! He's super funny and talented. However be sure to be early - the space is small and filled up fast. I ended up standing in the hallway just outside of the lounge to catch the show.
One downside was during a stay a lot of the games in the arcade section were not working correctly. I didn't go to Disney for the arcade, so it wasn't a huge deal, but if you plan on spending some time there, it's pretty worn out - maybe hit up Disney Quest instead.
I would stay at Port Orleans Riverside again in a heartbeat!
Pros:
new-feeling, mousekeeping, transportationCons:
worn-out arcadeReviewed by bill_p Review Date: 03/25/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
My family of 4 stayed in a studio for a week, and had a great time. We were in Carousel, close to the buses (and also fairly close to the Paddock pool). The room was a good size for a week's worth of clothes and supplies, and the fold-out bed was very comfortable for our kids (12 and 8). The older daughter is approaching that "teen angst" phase, and probably would have preferred a hotel with a Haunted Mansion theme, but by our 2nd morning there was talking about how much she loved the setting.
The staff was friendly. Service at the Turf Club was wonderful (Rob was our server). Buses were almost always quick to arrive.
Yes, the sections are spread out, so until you learn your way around, it can be a bit of a hike, but overall, we very much enjoyed our stay here and are looking forward to coming back.
Pros:
Quiet, very peaceful settingCons:
Maybe a bit spread outReviewed by caleal Review Date: 03/26/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
I loved attending MVMCP. I plan to return to the park for the holidays and Christmas party as much as I can in the future.
I was a little unsure about only entering the park starting at 4 PM, but there's much fewer people than normal and I still got to do all the rides and attractions that I wanted to. I actually got off the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin only to get right back on with no line- three times in a row. (What can I say, I love that ride.)
The park is absolutely beatiful all done up for Christmas, both during the day and at night with the lights. The cocoa and cookies are a nice touch.
The best part is obviously all the special shows and parades - this year they did a wonderful show projected against the castle, followed by fireworks which were amazing. The parade down Main Street was fun, with all the floats and characters dressed up for the holidays. They even make it "snow" with a type of foam. I can't wait to go back!
Pros:
decorations around the park, special shows, few crowdsCons:
None!Review of Chefs de France - Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by caleal Review Date: 03/26/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
I dined here in December of 2012.
We had ADR for 4:30, and ended up seated pretty much right away. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, and our waiter went out of his way to make sure we got all of our questions about the menu answered.
I had the salmon, and it was actually one of the best salmon dishes I'd ever had - cooked perfectly and full of flavor. The husband had the chicken, which was fine but overshadowed by the sides - the potatoes were delicious.
We also had the cheese plate as an appetizer, and the waiter was sure to stick around and explain every one even though it was clear he was busy. (I know this is what they're supposed to do, but often falls by the wayside when it gets busy at places!)
Most adorable of all was the fact Remy made a special appearence during the course of the meal.
It was very crowded when we were here, and so the noise level was very odd. We were also seated by a window which was weirdly uncomfortable - the windows are set below the sidewalk a bit, so it just felt like people were staring in at us the whole time.
I would definitely return.
Pros:
food, waitstaffCons:
crowded, loudReview of Pop Century Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by mmfan Review Date: 03/27/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
We moved to this resort from the Caribbean Beach when our stay was extended due to a snowstorm in the Midwest. The extra stay was an unexpected and unbudgeted expense so we moved to this value resort. We have stayed at the Pop before, and knew it was the best of the value resorts. The bell staff at CB came exactly at the time requested to move our luggage for us, and it was promptly brought to our room after check in at the PC.
We were in a king bed room as requested, though we were told that the only king beds left were accessible rooms, no tub. But our room had rails for the toilet and a showerhead on a hose, that was the only difference, we had a tub and the room looked the same as any other room. We were in the 900 building, so a far walk to the food court but not that bad to the buses.
Our room was clean and well maintained, though we laughed at the difference in towels and toilet tissue between the moderate and value resorts.. We found the bed very comfortable. At times you could hear noise from other rooms, nothing that kept us from resting. One advantage in being farther away from the food court/check in is that the area is quieter.
As we just needed a room to sleep and shower, a value resort is fine. Bus service was very good, only had a long wait once.
The main problem with the Pop is the food court. We tend to eat most meals in the parks or other resorts, but the one AM we tried to have breakfast was a nightmare. Way too busy, kids running around, confusion about the dining plan all added to the chaos. Food selection is extensive, but our food got cold waiting to pay and finding a table.
We personally do not care for the atmosphere of the Pop, preferring a more "adult" feel but for families or those looking to maximize their dollars, the Pop is great. The convenience of staying on Disney property is undeniable, and staying in the magic is so much fun!
Pros:
value for your dollarCons:
food courtReview of Le Cellier Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by rocksmith Review Date: 03/28/2013
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
$43.00 for an 8 oz filet!! Give me a break. You can buy those in Canada at the local store for $9.00
In the USA at any local store for $8:00
Pros:
NoneCons:
Way over priced!Reviewed by BacksideOfWater1971 Review Date: 03/22/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
It is so nice to not have to worry about finding your way on property, finding a place to park, and finding your car at the end of the day. You simply hop on a Disney bus and it drops you off near the gate of the park you want to go to. Buses run about every 20 minutes so is never to long of a wait.
My only complaints is that there are only a few seats on each bus which becomes a major factor at the end of the day. When the parks close, they cram as many people as they can on the buses to the point that I worry about it being a safety hazard. Also the All Star resorts (where I was staying) share a bus line so those buses can get extra crowded.
Pros:
Let Disney do the drivingCons:
Not enough seatsReview of Ft. Wilderness Cabins (Moderate Resort)
Reviewed by Tiffany62590 Review Date: 03/23/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
My family has stayed at Ft. Wilderness more times than I can count, and plan to go again in a few months (May 2013). It is our #1 favorite place in Disney to stay as there are 5 adults in our family (parents, adult daughter (myself) and two teenage sons). If we stay at any of the other resorts we either need two rooms or somebody ends up sleeping on the sleeper sofa - and even Disney sleeper sofas leave something to be desired.
Here is an overview of the cabins:
The Basics: The cabins are PERFECT for groups of adults - 6 adults could easily and comfortably stay in a single cabin. They are one of the largest accommodation you'll find in Disney at this cost, each with:
-Full Kitchen: a full size fridge, small sink, stove, coffee pot and all the dishes and utensils a group of 6 would need as well as dish soap, paper towels and coffee filters. There is also a table that comfortably seats 6.
-Living area: couch, cupboards, TV with DVD player, footstool/coffee table, small table with two small chairs (to me, this looks like an side table with two children's chairs - two little children could use it to eat at though it's not much use for adults)and a Murphy bed that sleeps two can be pulled down.
-Bedroom: with a queen bed and bunk beds, as well as a vanity. The bedroom is down a little hall and has a door for privacy.
-Bathroom: large and comfortable, stocked with soap and shampoo
-Deck: a private wooden deck on each cabin that has a picnic table and grill for the guest's use. A very pleasant place to have an early morning breakfast before heading to the parks!
-Household supplies: like I said before, the cabins are fully equipped with soap, paper towels, extra blankets and pillows, ironing board, TV and DVD player, etc. All you really need are your clothes, toothpaste/toothbrush and groceries.
Housekeeping and cleanliness: while you're out at the parks, housekeeping will come and clean and do any dishes you have left, leaving a sparkling clean cabin ready for you to make dinner or watch a movie. Our housekeepers have also always left cute towel animals behind, for that extra touch of Disney magic. It's great to be able to come back and have all the dishes done so you can grill dinner right away. The cabins themselves are in very good condition and always very clean. They are up kept very well.
Privacy: This is probably one of the most private places you can stay in Disney World. The cabins are close, yes, but not as close as most of the camping spots and not nearly as close as you'd be to the other guests staying in a regular hotel. There are trees all around which give it a woodsy-secluded feel and though we've stayed there multiple times it never feels busy or crowded around the cabins. Usually you'll see a few people going about their business but it's quite peaceful. We've never heard our neighbors from inside our cabin - in fact, it's so quite at night we often use a white noise maker because we aren't used to it!
The surrounding area: Ft. Wilderness in itself is a great place to stay as there are tons of things to do, plus many great free things families can enjoy such as the walking and bike trails, basketball courts, swimming pools, playgrounds, Movies Under the Stars, a dog park, easy viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach and a campfire sing along with Chip and Dale! Not to mention the arcades, restaurants, two stores (stocked with groceries and other supplies you might need), horse rides and canoe rentals for various fees. My family enjoys going to Ft. Wilderness even if we don't go into a park 🙂
Pros:
Plenty of space, privacy, full kitchen, housekeeping, plenty of fun things to do in Ft WildernessCons:
Navigating the resort can be confusingReview of BabyCakes
Reviewed by BacksideOfWater1971 Review Date: 03/22/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
I was enjoying an evening at Downtown Disney and had heard Babycakes NYC was a great place to get a snack.
I was a little surprised at first. I thought Babycakes was a separate bakery. Instead it's one corner of the Pollo Campero restaurant.
I had the French Toast cupcake and it was melt in your mouth good. It tasted exactly like French Toast. If you didn't know ahead of time it's impossible to tell it's 100% Vegan so don't let that scare you off from this wonderful taste experience.
Pros:
Delicious Vegan snacksCons:
noneReview of Be Our Guest -Counter Service Lunch
Reviewed by PolynesianStitch Review Date: 03/26/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Yes lines were very long to get in and to order but that is to be expected for a new restaurant.
The restaurant is beautiful, the chairs are exceptionally comfortable. We ate in the rose room which was not crowded (looking forward to trying the west wing and the ballroom in the future, both of which look equally enticing). Having the food brought to the table was a huge plus. Being able to sit, sipping are drinks while waiting for it was extremely nice.
We had the turkey and steak sandwiches, both of which were fresh and exceptionally tasty. The crusty baguettes were particularly good. They were also so large that two of us were unable to finish them and the staff were very happy to get to-go boxes for us. We tried both the strawberry and the lemon meringue cupcakes both of which were fresh, delicious, and exceeded expectations.
Looking forward to dining here again. We felt it was a nice step up in quick service dining.
