Most Recent Reviews
Review of Theme Park Photo Pass
Reviewed by Gingy160 Review Date: 12/06/2017
Rating: (9) Recommended
We have had Memory Maker twice now -- the service that allows you to download all of your PhotoPass photos/videos, and the license to use them as you wish. The first time, we were disappointed because we had zero Magic added to almost 500 photos. I had to call and ask for some to be added after the trip, which they did for me. We learned our lesson though, and this time asked every photographer if they could add Magic. Most of them did and we were delighted. However, trying to get a MagicShot with Sven in Norway became a comical running joke. We tried numerous times and didn't get him even once. I again called after the trip and they were happy to add Sven to the one photo where he'd fit. We did have one set of photos that was missing when we got home. We had the companion set though (ie. had Tiana, but not Rapunzel) , so I called PhotoPass with the time and date of the photos we received and they were able to find the missing ones very quickly. The ease of using the PhotoPass service is great -- if you can find a photographer! I think they need to wear a more noticeable uniform ... And, as more people have become aware of them, finding one without a long line can be a challenge. Yes, there can be some challenges with it, but we will always use PhotoPass/Memory Maker. If you use it properly and to its fullest, the results are worth every penny.
Pros:
Easy, funCons:
Finding photographer, getting Magic can be trickyReview of Behind the Seeds - Epcot
Reviewed by Gingy160 Review Date: 12/06/2017
Rating: (9) Recommended
We love Living with the Land, so we were eager to take the Behind the Seeds tour. It did not disappoint. We had a pleasant and informative tour guide who clearly loves her job. I would not recommend this tour on a hot day since you're inside the greenhouses, but if you have even a passing interest in gardening this is a must do.
Pros:
Lots of InfoCons:
Lots of StandingReview of Contemporary Resort (Deluxe Resort)
Reviewed by Gingy160 Review Date: 12/06/2017
Rating: (9) Recommended
I have stayed in the park three times (out of 28 visits) -- and all three were at the Contemporary. It is the quintessential Disney resort, not because of elaborate Disney theming like other resorts, but because it is the original Disney resort and you can't find anything like it anywhere else. True, it is very light on Disney decorating, and lower floors can be a mite noisy with the monorail, shops, and Chef Mickey's. And on our recent trip, we just could not get a character wake-up call! But, you can't beat the location and the ease of getting to the MK or EP. We have had the opportunity to visit several other hotels all over the Disney property where other members of our traveling party were staying. Each time, we all look at each other and agree they're nice, but the Contemporary is the only hotel for us. Besides that, according to my 8 year old son, you can't beat that "the monorail goes right through the building!" We have always been treated well and have been very satisfied staying there.
Pros:
Location, Location, LocationCons:
—Review of Walt Disney World's Magical Express
Reviewed by Gingy160 Review Date: 12/06/2017
Rating: (8) Recommended
When we go to WDW we go only to WDW, so the Magical Express is fantastic -- easy, convenient. However, the recent change to picking guests up FOUR HOURS before their flight home is uncool for those of us with TSA PreCheck. It's bad enough that we have to leave WDW, but to sit in the airport for over three hours doing nothing is just adding insult to injury. I'm hoping Disney adds the option of taking a later bus if you have PreCheck ...
Pros:
EasyCons:
Pick up is too earlyReview of Walt Disney World's Magical Express
Reviewed by rowansam Review Date: 12/06/2017
Rating: (6) Recommended
I have used Disney's Magical Express since it began years ago. I love how it's accessible and free to all guests staying on site. They recently changed their pick-up procedure from 3 hours to 4 hours ahead of your scheduled departure time. My flight was due to take off at 6:45 AM and I was picked up at 2:35 AM. Not only did I arrive at MCO at 3 AM I also arrived 45 minutes before TSA opened! Since you cannot proceed to your gate till you go through security I was forced to sit for 45 minutes. Once I was through security at 3:05 AM I still had 2.5 hours till my flight even boarded! I think getting people to the airport early is GREAT! But for a 6:45 AM flight I do not think that I needed to be there prior to TSA enjoying their breakfast. Just be aware of when your flight takes off in the morning you might be better off taking an Uber.
Pros:
Free, Comfortable and AccessibleCons:
4 Hour Pick up TimeReview of Disney's DELUXE Dining Plan
Reviewed by Gingy160 Review Date: 12/08/2017
Rating: (10) Recommended
We always get the Deluxe Dining plan for one simple reason: peace of mind. Yes it's expensive up front, yes it's a LOT of food. But in 2017 it cost us $91/person per day -- for three meals and two snacks each every day. We never went hungry, we never looked at the prices on the menu. We like Table Service meals for breakfast because we can meet characters, and we like Table Service meals for dinner because we need the downtime at the end of the day. The Deluxe plan makes it easy and we don't go home with a ton of extra debt from expensive meals. Short trips or long trips, the Deluxe plan is awesome.
Pros:
Freedom, peace of mindCons:
PriceReview of Yak and Yeti Restaurant
Reviewed by Lanmon Review Date: 12/10/2017
Rating: (10) Recommended
This place has become a favorite restaurant to relax and have great food. We came twice during our last visit and thoroughly the firecracker shrimp as an appetizer prior to a Kobe burger and Korean beef. The appetizer is sufficient for one person. The Kobe was served a bit too rare and Stacey, the waiter, was able to send the burger back. I received a perfect burger and another load of hot fries. The mango tea is delicious!
We had dinner reservations but were easily able to be accommodated for lunch. Mark was our waiter who made sure everything was served hot. There was not a rush to leave as other restaurants. We will return to the Yak and Yeti again...and again...and again.
Pros:
Service and fabulous selection of food itemsCons:
—Review of Chefs de France - Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by Lanmon Review Date: 12/10/2017
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
We arrived early and were quickly taken to our table to be greeted by our friendly waiter. After drinks we all selected the prix fixe menu...French Onion soup, beef and dessert. We asked twice for more bread that came in a bag as it was not enough for our party of four. The soup was hot but a bit salty. The beef was very fatty and cold. The chocolate ice cream for dessert was very soft. Other members in my party did enjoy their apple tart, crème brulee, and chocolate cake. I would not recommend this restaurant.
Pros:
ServiceCons:
Fatty Beef Bourguignon and cold foodReview of Trail's End Restaurant
Reviewed by Lanmon Review Date: 12/10/2017
Rating: (7) Recommended
It is a tradition to come here for dinner but this time we decided breakfast. The service was great...friendly and attentive. The food was just basic and just okay...fruit, cereal, scrambled eggs, quiche, cheesy grits, and pastry. Nothing spectacular as the dinner selections. Our waitress has very attentive to our needs. We tried the "moonshine" which was made of guava juice, passion fruit juice and orange juice. I did not care for it. Gad we tried it...but will be returning for dinner here.
Pros:
ServiceCons:
Not as good as dinner menu selectionsReview of Sunshine Seasons
Reviewed by Lanmon Review Date: 12/10/2017
Rating: (8) Recommended
We always have breakfast here while visiting EPCOT. The Adult Breakfast Platter had changed as there are no longer biscuits, instead it is a cinnamon roll and a choice of sausage or bacon. The bacon needed to be cooked more. The cinnamon roll was baked in a pan mushy and not very good. it was not the individual cinnamon roll. A disappointment overall.
