Most Recent Reviews
Review of Art of Animation Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by mtakac Review Date: 04/01/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
This was our first value resort. Our family is comprised of 2 adults and 2 children (5 & 3). We wanted the extra space, 2 bathrooms and kitchenette/eating area. We chose the Lion King section, primarily, because we liked that there was NOT a pool area. Hoping that our 3 year old would take his afternoon nap, we thought it would be quieter than the Cars or Nemo sections. It was very quiet, however, he only napped once during the trip. None the less, the Lion King section was great.
We were in Lion King building #6. Our room was immediately to the left of the main entrance across from the ice/vending machines. My first thought was, oh no! This is going to be so noisy. I was so pleasantly surprised that it was not. Even in the evening when they were showing movies in the courtyard, it did not prevent the kids from going to bed. The suite felt much more spacious than I expected, even with 2 sets of bed rails and a large, double stroller. We never used the buses as we had a rental car. Parking was convenient - less than 5 minutes to the lot. We usually cut through Lion King building #10 to get to the lot. The main building was also a short walk from our room. It wasn't a big deal at all to run over to refill mugs or grab a snack.
With two small kids, we expected to have to do laundry, which I did twice. I used the laundry room at the Nemo pool area. It was always immaculate, and I never had to wait for a washer or dryer.
The themeing was really fun - great for kids. Since this was our first non-deluxe/moderate, the quick service dining took some getting use to. However, I thought that they had a varied menu and some unexpected choices for a quick service restaurant.
We would definitely stay again. The only reason that I didn't give a score of 10 was, because we never used the buses. I didn't think it was fair.
Pros:
size of the resort; menu choices at quick service; size of roomsCons:
quick service can get very crowdedReview of Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
Reviewed by daphnee08 Review Date: 03/31/2013
Rating: (7) Not Recommended
Had a 8:20pm reservation which seems like it was one of the last. Before we were done eating, the ovens were off,(leads me to believe it's just gas, and not wood)cleaning started, stations closed down. Service was just good, above ok. DW's eggplant parm was big portion, my veal parm was small and very,very,very thin. The food tasted good, portions didn't make you feel like you had too much. Tiramisu was excellent. Would like to go back and try pizza, but a little wary of "authenticity" of it. Would prob not go back for dinner tho.
Pros:
atmosphere, foodCons:
dinner timeReview of Be Our Guest -Counter Service Lunch
Reviewed by elefew Review Date: 03/31/2013
Rating: (7) Recommended
We got in line at about 10:30 on Tuesday, 3/26. The line was about halfway across the bridge. It took us about 20 minutes to get to the ordering screens. There was a castmember there to help with the process. I could see where it could slow the process down if there wasn't someone there to help. It took several swipes of the credit card and switching to another before the order was processed.
We took our "rose" and found a table in the Library. It is smaller than the ballroom and about the same size as the West Wing. I enjoyed the scenery in this room the best. It was quiet and relaxing.
We only waited a few minutes for our lunches to arrive - 2 Croque Monsieur sandwiches and 1 Grilled Steak Sandwich. We all enjoyed our sandwiches. But, the best part of the meal was the Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcake! DD and I shared the Strawberry and Triple Chocolate cupcakes and we both thought the Strawberry cupcake took the cake! Absolutely delicious!
Overall, it was a pleasant experience. I would return, but only if we got there early again. I would like to try dinner there.
Pros:
Lots of seating, interesting sceneryCons:
Long line, still working out kinksReview of Kona Cafe Breakfast
Reviewed by daphnee08 Review Date: 03/31/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Yes, it's that good. The DW was so excited to try the Tonga Toast and is still talking about it. It's banana stuffed sourdough bread, rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with Strawberry Compote, and it's HUGE!!! My Macadamia pineapple pancakes were almost as good, and very filling also. The coffee is a really good way to start the day. The atmosphere is really cool since you're still almost in the atrium of the resort. The seating is really cool too. You can hop off the monorail so it's easy to get to. Will definitely go back many times next time.
Pros:
TONGA Toast, Macadamia pancakes, atmosphere, locationCons:
—Review of Crystal Palace Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by pkf4bucs Review Date: 03/31/2013
Rating: (7) Recommended
This was our first TS of a 5 day trip with 10 total in our party. We were seated a little earlier then our reservation time. The buffet is a typical buffet. Nothing fancy. I felt the steak was very tasty but other then that I can get the same food at a typical buffet. The characters were great and spent plenty of time at our table.
Pros:
CharactersCons:
Food selectionsReview of Kona Cafe Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by elefew Review Date: 03/31/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
We love the Kona Cafe, and no trip to WDW is complete without a visit! We use it as a way to take a break from the MK for a little while. We secure an early ADR (5-5:30) and leave a little early to enjoy the atmosphere in the Poly.
We were there on Tuesday, 3/26 for dinner. I requested a table toward the rear of the restaurant because it can get loud in the front. Our server was very nice (sorry, I have forgotten her name) and was always near-by. We ordered quickly and waited for the bread and macadamia nut butter - YUMMY!! Our dinners came out soon thereafter.
I ordered my favorite - Pan Asian Noodles with Chicken - and it didn't disappoint! DH had the Teriyaki Steak - he ordered it Medium, and it came out a bit more done than medium, but he enjoyed it just the same. DD had the Kona Salad, which she enjoyed. We didn't have room for dessert this trip. As always, a great experience!
Pros:
Close to MKCons:
Can get loudReview of 'Ohana Dinner
Reviewed by pkf4bucs Review Date: 03/31/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Party of 10 ate here 3/27/2013 and were seated promptly. When they say all you can eat they mean it. Our cousin was Gary W and he was wonderful. He was very attentative to all of our needs. The food was wonderful although I could have done without the pork. It was a little dry IMO. This was my first time here and will be back again and again.
Pros:
everythingCons:
nothingReview of Chef Mickey's Breakfast
Reviewed by pkf4bucs Review Date: 03/31/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Party of 10 ate here 3/26/2013. I was somewhat worried with all the negatives about the food. I was VERY pleased with the food. Everything tasted great. An update to the decor is needed though and the only reason I gave a 9.
Pros:
Characters, foodCons:
decorReview of Whispering Canyon Cafe Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by pkf4bucs Review Date: 03/31/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
We have eaten here a few times but not since the menu change. That was a little disappointing. The food was good. We had a non meat eater in our party of 10 and they brought a pasta dish that they say was good. The desserts were ok. Our server was Jeffrey (from Miami) and he played the part very well.They still do the ketchup routine but unless you have kids its not needed. All in all I could skip this in the next few trips.
Pros:
Party/wait staff interactionCons:
limited menuReview of Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
Reviewed by pkf4bucs Review Date: 03/31/2013
Rating: (7) Recommended
Party of 10 ate here on 3/28/2013 and it was just an ok experience. Some in our party was very happy with their food while others were disappointed. The wait between dinner and dessert was far to long. The dinner was a two hour process and thats unacceptable IMO. I dont think I would return here.
