Most Recent Reviews
Review of Le Cellier Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by Dave s Review Date: 04/19/2016
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
My wife and I had dinner reservation for 430. We were seated fairly quickly to a crowded seating area. I must say before I continue that we have been to every country for lunch and dinner in the Epcot world showcase. In fact, we go every month. We were saving Canada for last thinking and hearing that it was the best place to eat at world showcase. To make it short and sweat. We both had the steak dinners for 52$ and split a bowl of soup. The steak was great. Unfortunately, not much else came with it, the bread was nice but the side items the came with the steak were maybe two mouthfuls. Definitely not worth the 140 for 2 steaks and a bowl of soup and that's with water to drink.
Like I said, been at every single restaurant at world showcase multiple times. Don't waste your money here.
My favorites are still Germany for lunch, Mexico for dinner, rose and crown isn't bad and teppen edo is a safe bet
Pros:
Good steakCons:
Small portions of everything but steakReviewed by MouseDaddy Review Date: 04/23/2016
Rating: (10) Recommended
Our family- myself, DW, DS & DD (15 yo twins) enjoyed a 5 night stay Apr 12-17. We had stayed club level @ BC in 2014 and were very pleasantly surprised by the renovations that had taken place since that last trip. To start, our 1 bedroom suite was furnished with what seemed to be brand new furniture. We had noticed on our last stay that the rooms were starting to look a bit run down. Disney did a great job of completely refurbishing everything...new paint, wood trim etc. The furniture was placed differently which opened up space and made the room feel larger. There isn't quite the level of theming we'd seen in the past, but the room was very well appointed. And honestly, we kind of enjoyed a respite from the constant Mouse reminders. There were subtle touches that reminded us of where we were but it also felt more like the upscale experience you'd expect for the cost. We really liked it.
We were also very happy about the expansion to the Stone Harbor Club room. The new area, which looks great, has to be 3 times the size of the old room, which could get quite crowded. There were many more tables available and much more room to maneuver around the food offerings. I think that was a major concern in the past and nice to see Disney respond by expanding.
We had arrived late and checked in at the front desk as SH was closed (Rachel was super as was Front Desk Mgr Tea). I had set up our ADRs & special events so we didn't require the services of the SH concierge cast members. But they were very friendly each time we visited the club and I saw them working with other guests quite a bit. The food offerings at SH were similar to what we've had in the past. They had a nice selection of breakfast items including bagels, pastries, fresh fruit with yogurt dips etc. Afternoon snacks were adequate, dinner offerings were all very good and it was nice having access to pop, beer & wine. The club cast members were all very friendly and welcoming, eager to help with requests for to-go coffee cups or a beer for dad at the end of the day. They did a great job of keeping the lounge clean and the offerings available & stocked. Everyone was top notch.
Mousekeeper Michelle did a great job and was very flexible working around our schedule. But no towel animals? 🙁
IMHO...no review of the BC can be complete without touching on two aspects...First, the unparalleled awesomeness of Stormalong Bay. It has to be one of the best resort pool areas in the universe. So nice to just spend a lazy day there. It's traditionally where we decompress on our first morning/afternoon. We always enjoy a room service pizza under the gazebo and a treat from Beaches & Cream. Pixie dust heaven.
And can it get any better?! Are you kidding?! It's Disney!! Of course it can!!! We were in room 3501...the very furthest Eastern end of the resort. A good stretch of the legs heading back to SH or the lobby (GPS would be helpful). But, oh my...we walk out a stairway exit door next to our room and we're literally 100 yards from the International Gateway entrance to Epcot...our favorite park. How cool is that?
You're also just across Crescent Lake from the Boardwalk area and all that it offers. And with the Yacht Club, Swan & Dolphin added in, you've got a really nicely varied selection of restaurants to choose from.
Another exceptional experience all the way around. BC is our default resort and we encourage everyone to stay there.
Pros:
Refurbished Rooms, Enlarged Stone Harbor room, Proximity to EpcotCons:
NoneReview of Walt Disney World Swan (Deluxe Resort)
Reviewed by bjtrax Review Date: 04/21/2016
Rating: (9) Recommended
Stayed at the Swan April2-9. Location graet- walked to Studios, Epcot, Boardwalk. Bus service OK. Beautiful, newly renovated room. The 2 sinks are nice to have. Pool areas nice and all of staff friendly and helpful. Would definitely stay at the Swan again!
Pros:
Location, staff, pool areasCons:
—Review of Trattoria al forno - Breakfast
Reviewed by MouseDaddy Review Date: 04/23/2016
Rating: (9) Recommended
Had reservations for 9:30a on 4/13. Tim, Coty & Migdalena welcomed us and we were seated immediately. DS & DD had the pancakes with berry compote which they both devoured. I tried a little and the blueberry/raspberry/cranberry compote was very good...not overly sweet. The whipped cream took care of that.
I had the frittata and was very happy. Really flavorful although a bit too much Romano for my taste (easily solved...I just scraped a little off and it was perfect). Coffee was really good, the orange juice was freshly squeezed and my daughter enjoyed her pink grapefruit juice.
Our server, Amy, was very pleasant and took wonderful care of us. Place wasn't crowded at all and we enjoyed the experience very much.
It is a bit pricey...total for the three of us was $56 + change & tip. That was 3 meals, two juices, a milk & a coffee. But portions were large. DD couldn't finish her pancakes and I took a big breath before the last forkful of frittata (this did not present a problem for DS, however. He's 15 and has a hollow leg. He finished his sister's cakes & bacon). And the quality was exceptional. Everything was very fresh. I feel like I got some value for that dollar amount. This meal fueled our day in the park.
Pros:
Quality of foodCons:
NoneReview of 50's Prime Time Cafe Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by MouseDaddy Review Date: 04/23/2016
Rating: (10) Recommended
What a great experience. Had 6:00pm res but was holding Fastpasses for Toy Story for that same window. I thought we could probably make it, but I didn't want to rush through dinner. We approached the front desk around 5:30. I explained the situation to cast member Jenny and asked if there were any way we could be seated earlier than our res. She advised me there was a 40 min wait but she'd see what she could do. Kids & I took a seat hoping for the best. Pixie dust was falling and not 5 minutes later Phil calls out our name. Beautiful...thank you Jenny!
Phil was a hoot...we joked around while he walked us to our table. Great guy. Our server Carmelo was equally friendly and into character. My DS & DD are 15 and the three of us engaged in some lively banter with Carmelo. Big smiles all around. Kids dug the décor.
Our meal was just incredible. We shared an onion ring appetizer. Great big, thick slices of onion in a sweet beer batter. Horseradish dip was tasty. DD had Grandma's Chicken Pot Pie which she raved about. I had Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken...juicy & crispy...excellent. But we all agreed the Mom's Old Fashioned Pot Roast my son ordered was the best of the 3. I make a pretty mean pot roast...my kids love it. I asked my boy if Mom's was as good as mine. He sheepishly informed me it was better. I completely agreed...tender, juicy & full of flavor. I downloaded the recipe yesterday. Chocolate shakes all around. They were really good and so big we left with to-go cups and finished it while walking to Toy Story.
One of the best moments was when another cast member pranked my son. He was standing at another table with a cat toy...long stick with a feather at the end...and stuck it through the shelving unit directly behind us. Touching the feather to my kid's ear. My boy was kind of freaked out at first, thinking it was a big bug. But once we figured it out, we all had a huge laugh. I mean milk out your nose kind of laughter. I think the cast member's name was Art...he came over and asked my son if he was feeling okay...looked kind of jumpy. My daughter was just eating all this up and everyone was laughing uncontrollably. What a great memory. I love Disney.
We all agree this was the best meal and experience we had all week. Very highly recommended. We easily made that Fastpass, BTW.
Pros:
Great food, entertaining servers, kitschy atmosphereCons:
NoneReviewed by MouseDaddy Review Date: 04/23/2016
Rating: (10) Recommended
Party of 9 of us, 5 adults 4 kids 15 & under, ate here for lunch on 4/16. No reservation...just walked up around 1:15 and were seated immediately.
Our server, Evan, was friendly & attentive. Very knowledgeable about the menu and she checked on us regularly. A few picky eaters in this group and they were flexible about changes to the menu.
We had been strolling around Disney Springs checking out all the changes. We were with friends who now live in the area and their daughter suggested we eat here. Raved about their burgers. I was a little skeptical honestly but she's a very wise young lady. Food was exceptionally good. Our group ordered everything from sushi to salads. Unanimous in the opinion that everything was fresh & tasty. Special mentions for the pulled pork sandwich, the Black Jack and the BBQ chicken salad. I know my bacon cheeseburger was outstanding.
Surprisingly good food experience and we'll definitely eat here again on future trips.
Pros:
Great food, extensive menuCons:
NoneReview of Beaches and Cream
Reviewed by MouseDaddy Review Date: 04/23/2016
Rating: (9) Recommended
Our Family- myself, DW, DD & DS (15 yo twins) ate lunch here on 4/14. We had no res & had to wait about 45 minutes to be seated. We killed some time in the arcade and poolside so not that big of an issue. But still...we've been coming here for years and the small size of this popular restaurant remains an issue. Love to see Disney expand this space.
We were seated at the counter which we all enjoy more than the small tables here. Lots of fun interacting with the cast members behind the bar.
As always, the food was awesome. DW & DD both had the grilled cheese w/tomato bisque. 4 cheese grilled cheese...very tasty. I tried some of my daughter's soup...a tomato basil that was really good. DS had the chicken sandwich and while usually not one for raspberry vinaigrette, he wolfed it down. I had the Reuben which was as good as any I've gotten at the good deli's in Chicago. Tender corned beef...not fatty at all.
I had mentioned to DS how good my sandwich was and our server, Biuma, overheard me. She asked if I enjoyed the sandwich and when I said I did, she informed us the grill man that day was Wendall...his first day on the job. We all complimented him on his skill and wished him luck at Disney. He did an excellent job with our lunch.
We love this place...food is consistently good and the cast members are always friendly & welcoming. Just wish they'd do something about the small size.
Pros:
Tasty Food, ThemingCons:
Small size results in long waitsReview of FastPass+ (Retired)
Reviewed by WDWinMD Review Date: 04/24/2016
Rating: (7) Recommended
This is the second trip I have taken with FastPass+ and found it much easier to use this time with the changes made in April. I still prefer the old paper system even though I generally select my parks ahead of time - it just doesn't leave much flexibility for weather, etc. My biggest frustration was I couldn't see FastPass availability for another attraction once I had 3 selected. Soarin was not available for Fastpasses when I made my initial selections but until I cancelled Test Track I couldn't see Soarin availability. Thanks to All Ears I saw the updated 17 June opening announcement before the FastPasses were gone.
Pros:
Seeing all available times, one Fastpass at a timeCons:
If you try to change attractions you must cancel existingReview of Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
Reviewed by meltort Review Date: 04/25/2016
Rating: (9) Recommended
My 15-year-old daughter and I shared the half chicken and ribs with mashed potatoes and green beans and chocolate cake. It was enough food for us. We didn't even eat it all. I wasn't expecting the green beans to be as tasty as they were but I enjoyed them and I think I'm a green bean snob. I didn't think they would have much taste but they were fresh and this meal was a nice change from fried foods.
Pros:
tasty foodCons:
didn't enjoy the "lounge performance" after a long dayReview of La Cantina de San Angel
Reviewed by meltort Review Date: 04/25/2016
Rating: (10) Recommended
My daughter ordered nachos and at least 2 people could share this as a meal. They were huge and tasty.
I had the fish tacos. There were three of them with black beans and rice. They were delicious and very filling. I was expecting 2 tacos so getting 3 was a nice surprise.
I thought the food pricing was equivalent to the size of the food.
The food tasted very fresh.
