Most Recent Reviews
Review of Boardwalk Villas (Disney Vacation Club)
Reviewed by Lou28 Review Date: 01/13/2013
Rating: (2) Recommended
BW is one of my favorite resorts. This time I stayed in a standard studio at BWV. My room was very far from elevator and lobby, felt like 1/4 mile. Before going I received a letter saying Luna Pool would be closed. Surprisingly pool was open, but Boardwalk Bakery was closed, which was disappointing. I checked in later in the evening and had an Epcot tour the next morning prior to park opening. I asked concierge if I could enter this early at International Gateway. Her response was that I would have to walk over to EP that evening and ask. She kept telling me she had no way of finding the answer. Huge fail for concierge. The worst part of this stay was how dirty the room was. Every surface was covered in dust and dirt (vents, ceiling fan, lights, bureau, light switches, phone, clock, etc). The carpet had popcorn on the floor; hairdryer had hairs all over it; lightbulb dead over vanity; bathroom door had toothpaste on it; dark red smears on wall, which I hope wasn't dried blood. I complained to manager who told me room would be thoroughly cleaned the next morning at 9 am. Returned at 7:30 pm the next day to find room being cleaned. I was ready to turn in for the night, but headed back out to give them time to clean. Room was still not thoroughly cleaned. A manager did follow up and was very sincere with apology. Despite this terrible room, I am recommending this resort because I love the location, namely being able to walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. I also enjoy the nightly entertainment. The feature pool is nice with a good slide. I hope the next time I stay here my room will be clean(er). I also think it's time for this resort to have room renovations, particularly when compared with the great remodels at many of the less expensive moderate resorts.
Pros:
Walk to HS & EP; BW activitiesCons:
Dirty, dated rooms; Distance of rooms to lobby/boardwalkReviewed by ajrob Review Date: 07/15/2016
Rating: (8) Recommended
Party of 2, we were very excited to try something new at WDW. Upon arrival we were greeted and asked if we were staying at a WDW resort or "off campus", to make sure there would be transportation for us after the event. There is a bus that goes to all resorts to make sure everyone has a ride "home". You are given a booklet about the cruise and a special pin, then you are shown to the holding area and served sparkling cider in a lighted glass and dish, yours to keep after the cruise. You also receive a blinky light necklace!! When the time comes you board the steam boat and set sail around Seven Seas Lagoon while the captain tells you some fun facts about the World and the resorts around the lagoon. There is also a cute game that people can play with flashlights(which are supplied) to find hidden mickeys and solve a quiz. You get transportation playing cards as a gift.
Desserts are out buffet style on both decks, with drinks on both levels as well. Food is just ok, drinks too, and in small supply, I thought. When something was gone it was not replenished. The desserts are featured from the resorts around the lagoon? Should probably go with some standard goodies in addition to the featured desserts. There is also a cast member that brings around mickey ice cream selections.
My daughter was playing the flashlight game and missed out on a lot of desserts, she wound up with 2 small cupcakes and a mickey ice cream bar. The desserts were gone before the fireworks started! Now, we stayed on the bottom deck and I did not venture to the upper, as we met friends there and one had a scooter that could not go on top deck.
I gave this an 8 as we had fun on the boat with our friends and it was nice to see the fireworks from a different view.
As always the Disney staff on board were helpful, friendly and fabulous!
Disney should lower the price.
Pros:
no crowdCons:
priceReview of Boardwalk Villas (Disney Vacation Club)
Reviewed by mv9393 Review Date: 08/04/2016
Rating: (4) Not Recommended
First, the couple reviews that I have posted I like to put some thought into and give a detailed review. This post is strictly a WARNING to anyone contimplating staying here.....DO NOT.
I have stayed at 75% of the current disney resorts both hotels and DVC. This was without a doubt the WORST customer service experience I have EVER encountered at Disney. When have you ever passed a Disney employee in the halls and they ignore you? Well that happens here. How about asking the front desk where the locations are to fill up your refillable mug and being told, when you buy it at store ask them because I do not know. How about the only place to fill your refillable mug after 11 is a bar that the bartender pours your drink into a plastic cup and makes YOU pour it into your mug. How about asking for a couple more washcloths only to be told to go and wash the ones you were supplied. Or how about asking for toilet paper and it not get delivered for over 12 hours.
What an atrosity we experienced here!!!! That's not to mention the fact of being placed in room 4136 which is a .35 mile walk from the lobby.
I am a DVC member but I use the parks, I do not visit to hang at the resort like some. And after expressing that I was told that no other studio was available during my stay.
Why did I give it a 4? Because you cannot argue with the location, even if each day coming and going I had to walk over half a mile to and from the bus.
Never again will I stay at the Boardwalk....
Pros:
LocationCons:
EVERYTHING ELSEReview of Victoria and Albert's
Reviewed by cavandre Review Date: 07/16/2016
Rating: (7) Not Recommended
I expected to be awed...and wasn't!
The ambiance, service and non-food aspects of the evening were all first rate.
I was just disappointed by the food. The chefs take first rate ingredients and then sort of let stand on there own. I was hoping for some bold flavors that I mostly didn't get. Of the seven course, I'd say only 2 were well above average.
When we dined, the price was $189 for 7 courses. I can't honestly say that any course we had was worth $27 in and of itself.
Pros:
the ambiance, the serviceCons:
underwhelmed by the foodReview of Be Our Guest Dinner
Reviewed by Florafan Review Date: 07/20/2016
Rating: (6) Recommended
7-19-16: This was our first experience at BOG. My husband and I had dinner in the Rose Room which was very nice. The atmosphere was wonderful and it wasn't too noisy. We had the strip steak and rack of lamb. While the food was alright, we didn't think it was worth the cost. The steak had a ribbon of tendon that I thought should have been removed in the food prep process. My husband had some potatoes with his dish that were so salty he couldn't eat it. I hope it was just an off night as so many love this restaurant.
Pros:
Very good serviceCons:
Food quality vs. food pricesReview of Garden Grocer
Reviewed by austin95mom Review Date: 07/20/2016
Rating: (10) Recommended
We have used Garden Grocer numerous times and have always been well pleased. Out of about 10 times we have only been missing part of our order once. Orders are delivered to bell services and any items that need refrigeration are placed in cold storage. We notified bell services of our missing item thinking that it was still in their possession. They were unable to locate the item so they notified Garden Grocer and it was replaced quickly. Having food delivered by GG to our WDW resort has saved us money and time that we were able to spend enjoying our vacation. They do have a minimum order of about $45 but we meet that minimum easily. Also there is a delivery fee if the order is under a certain amount (I don't remember the exact charge). Overall it is a great service that my family will continue to use.
Pros:
convenient & reliableCons:
delivery feeReview of IllumiNations Cruises (Now Closed)
Reviewed by Mom of three Review Date: 07/20/2016
Rating: (10) Recommended
I would highly, highly recommend the pontoon boat cruise viewing for fireworks at EPCOT. It was totally relaxing, and a comfortable way to see those fireworks up close.
We were picked up at Yacht club., rode the boat around the lake and then went to the bridge between England and France. We tied up to other boats in the area, but even then, it seemed like they were very far away. We were offered snacks and drinks (non alcoholic) throughout the ride.
The driver was very kind, and talkative when we had questions... I would highly recommend it, but I don't want anyone else to know about it.
We did this as a birthday present for my Dad, and they had a sign on the boat for him. People on other boats, and along the shore were telling him happy birthday throughout the ride. It was really fun! Would do it again in a heartbeat!
Pros:
Relaxing way to cool off during fireworks, up closeCons:
noneReview of All Star Movies Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by zsparkler Review Date: 07/19/2016
Rating: (5) Recommended
I have often stayed at Disney Value Resorts when I go to Disney World, but this time I was placed in the Country Fair building and I found I was disappointed by the quality of the room--it was clearly very old and due for a facelift. There was paint peeling from the walls, the carpet was worn bare, the sink had permanent brown stains, everything was badly dated, the mattress had clearly outlived its lifespan, the safe was not nearly deep enough to store anything of value except jewelry (I made my iPad fit, barely), and then on my second day, the RF Mickey on the front door fell off without my even touching it as I was leaving in the morning. While I understand that I booked a value resort, I have never seen a Disney hotel room that looked this bad. I say this having stayed at all of the All Star resorts, Pop Century, and the Art of Animation before. I found myself purposely avoiding my room. Of course I appreciate all the perks that staying on property afforded me, I simply was unhappy with this room. I suspect the Country Fair building is little used and therefore little cared for.
Pros:
CheapCons:
Dirty, Needed repairsReview of Rose and Crown Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by Florafan Review Date: 07/20/2016
Rating: (9) Recommended
7-17-16: What a wonderful experience. My husband and I desired to share an app and entree. We had a scotch egg and bangers and mash. Hubbie also enjoyed a sticky toffee pudding. We lived in Scotland for a time and boy this meal was authentic British cuisine. The service was beyond wonderful. Loved it from beginning to end.
Pros:
Great FoodCons:
NoneReview of PCH Grill
Reviewed by kazrak Review Date: 07/21/2016
Rating: (9) Recommended
PCH Grill is now a non-character buffet for dinner. We decided to stop in on the night we arrived, walking over from the Grand Californian.
PCH Grill was very quiet - the entire time we were there it was no more than 20% full. It made for a nice change of pace from the hectic crowds everywhere else on a hot July day.
My wife is very lactose-intolerant, which causes issues in many places. Disney has tended to handle this by going to the other extreme, treating her as dairy-allergic and giving her the gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, taste-free substitutes.
Here, the sous chef came over and walked her through the entire buffet. They discussed what she could and what she could not eat. She came back to the table thrilled - among other things, she could eat dessert; there was a berry crisp, and the homemade marshmallows were also clear.
The buffet was as good as or better than most Disney buffets I've been to - highlights included carved-to-order tri-tip, fish tacos, and a tasty mozzarella and tomato salad. For kids, there were cheeseburger sliders, mini hot dogs, pizza, and macaroni and cheese.
The dessert buffet included the aforementioned berry crisp, and the marshmallows were part of a make-your-own-s'more with graham crackers and warmed chocolate sauce. In addition, there were make-your-own strawberry shortcake, some small tarts, and mousse in small ice cream cones.
Service was attentive, although that may have just been because it was so quiet.
Overall, we were very pleased, and will be looking into returning here on our next trip.
