Most Recent Reviews
Review of Art of Animation Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by disneyhorsefan Review Date: 01/26/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
I stayed with my sister in a Little Mermaid room. We had requested a top floor room during online check in and received that. Our room faced the parking lot, but we didn't care since we weren't in there very often and it was nice and quiet.
I loved the decorations in the room, and while the room was small, it was not a problem for 2 adults. The separate sink/shower areas and the privacy curtain separating the sink area from the room made it easy for us both to get ready at once, or in the more common case, me to get ready while my sister was still sleeping!
The beds were comfortable, although the top quilts were heavy and still a very stiff, most likely from being new-I ended up just removing it from the bed before going to sleep every night.
Our only complaint about the room was there was only 3 drawers in the dresser. That, combined with the large closet area, was enough for the 2 of us but would have been a problem with 3 or 4 people. I can appreciate that drawer space was removed to make room for the refrigerator, but since all we stored in there was a few spare drinks, we would have preferred more drawers.
The outside of the resort was amazing-I truly felt like I was immersed in 4 of my favorite Disney movies-the cars section is especially well done. I didn't swim, but my sister said the music underwater in the nemo pool was very cool.
The poolside activities and late night movies looked fun although we didn't stop to participate.
The bus service was busy but fine. We never waited more than a few minutes for a bus, and while the buses were packed, I'd rather ride a packed bus then wait for another one! The only time we had a problem was leaving MK after Wishes, there was an estimated 1.5 hour line to catch a bus. We were DUMBFOUNDED...we had never even seen that many people at the resort! However, they seemed to be doing their best to get buses back and forth quickly.
The food court was fine-quick and convenient, sometimes busy but the employees were efficient. We were impressed by the variety in the gift shop, we bought several souvenirs there.
The only 2 negative things:
1. The resort was HUGE. The Little Mermaid rooms are a LOOOOONG walk from the food court/busses/main building. My sister and I are both young, very active, and athletic-when people said it was a long walk, I didn't really think it would be that bad. It is very far-a five minute walk if you are walking briskly.
While it would not stop me from staying here again, it is definitely something to consider if you are less mobile or have small children.
2. As others have mentioned, cell service is very spotty...I had no service at all in the room and in some parts of the lobby. However, this happened in other parts of WDW so I don't know how much can be held against the resort. I had no problems connecting to wifi with my iphone or my laptop.
Overall, I enjoyed the resort. I would stay here again, although I would consider it equal to pop century (both have their different pros and cons).
Pros:
Theming, comfortable room, great food courtCons:
long walk from room to anywhere, no cell serviceReviewed by anita173 Review Date: 01/26/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
We stayed in a 1-bedroom Sunset Savannah from 12/9-12/15. I liked the fact that the room had 2 full baths and the African and animal theming is carried into the rooms. We also liked that the parking is under the building and our rooms were close to the elevators to the garage. Normally I would give this resort a 10 rating, but we had two issues during this stay.
Someone had left some clothes in the bathroom during a previous stay and it took 2 calls (over 2 days)to housekeeping for the clothes to be removed.
My other major complaint was the bus transportation. We had several days where we waited between 30-40 minutes for the buses. Since this resort is one of the furthest from the Magic Kingdom, I expected to have to wait for that bus. At times, the two buses would arrive at the same time for the Magic Kingdom. But the worst was waiting 40 minutes for the Animal Kingdom bus. We finally gave up and my brother went and got the car. Since the Animal Kingdom park is only about 3 miles from this resort, we could have walked to the park faster. Because of this issue, I would recommend this resort only if you have a car and are planning to drive to the parks.
The Sunset Savannah (giraffes, wildebeest, zebra and waterbuck) is closed in the mornings until approximately 9:30am, when the animals return to the savannah. If you plan to depart for the parks before this time, you may want to save the money or points and get a standard view room.
Pros:
animals, parking, resort themingCons:
bus transportation was terribleReviewed by slapps Review Date: 01/25/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
My family and great friends from up-state New York, spent the holidays once again at our most fav and magical place on Earth (Disney World). We make visiting the Osborne Lights a priority while we are at Disney. We love the music and lights show. It was a little crowded but, it was the holiday busy season. It is a must do at while at Disney. We love it.
Pros:
Just so fun to walk through and it is so beautiful.Cons:
Little crowded.Review of San Angel Inn Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by slapps Review Date: 01/25/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
While on our annual holiday Christmas trip from New York, we decided to dine at the San Angel Inn for lunch.We did not have an ADR and this was on January 3rd, so we were pretty impressed that we found seating. The dips were very good as was the food. Our server was attentive and very nice. My DD had the soup Azteca and she thought this was very good. My DS and DW ordered off the menu as did I. Our server informed us that we could order chicken or cheese Quesadilla's. These were very good and I do recommend this eatery.
Pros:
Good food and decorCons:
A little bit priceyReview of Bay Lake Tower (Disney Vacation Club)
Reviewed by tmbcole Review Date: 01/25/2013
Rating: (7) Recommended
We stayed at Bay Lake from 1/20/13 - 1/24/13 in room 7206. After reading some of the other reviews, we weren't expecting much. However, the resort was beautiful, the room was clean, it's a great location, and we watched the Ravens playoff game at the Top of the World Lounge. We also loved watching Wishes from the Lounge. It's quite an experience. It was a great week and we loved the resort.
Some of the cons. I'm quite disappointed with Bay Lake/Contemporary because a cast member was caught opening our luggage and when we spoke to management, we were told they would look into it. So far, I'm not aware that anything has been done because management has not made further contact with us. It was an invasion of privacy and management should have taken immediate action.
Another strange issue we had was using the stairwell. Instead of waiting for the elevator, we used the stairs. Unfortunately, the door on the first floor was locked on several occasions. When we spoke to a cast member about this, she said was locked for fire hazard reasons. It forces you to use the emergency exit. However, that didn't explain why some days it was unlocked and some days it was locked. It made no sense.
Lastly, we went to the Contemporary Grounds at 6:45 one morning and they were closed. A coffee house that is closed early in the morning. Go figure.
I gave this resort a 7 only because of the issue with our luggage. Had there not been an issue, I would have rated this resort a 10.
Pros:
Location to Magic KingdomCons:
A fewReviewed by goofygirl74 Review Date: 01/24/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
DH, DS12 and I ate here for lunch the last week of November, 2012. We had been here in 2010, and we enjoyed the pizza, so we thought we'd try other items this trip.
DH and DS both had the meatball sub, which they enjoyed very much. Very fresh and the meatballs had good texture and flavor.
I had the new antipasto salad. I thought it was very fresh, and the amount of meat/cheese they pile on is amazing! The dressing, which comes already tossed in the salad, was pretty much drenching the salad, and combined with the salami, made the salad very salty. Now, I am a HUGE salty fan, but this was even a bit much for me. It was tasty, but could have done with less dressing.
The cappucino cupcake was to DIE FOR! Easily the best part of the meal.
DS was very disappointed in the games, however. There were a lot of games, but they were very expensive. For $5, he only got to play 3 games!
We will return for sure.
Pros:
Food, CMsCons:
Long wait for food, gamesReview of Biergarten - Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by slapps Review Date: 01/24/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
On December 28th, 2012 I was gazing across the lake at the Biergarten in Epcot, thinking to myself is it to early for a great German beer (11:30AM)? My wife and son must have noticed my glazed over stare and surprised me by asking if I wanted them to treat me for lunch as an early birthday present, (New Years Baby 52 years ago). I said oh yes.We did not have ADRS so I thought it would be a long wait but, we were seated within 15 minutes. Of course this was my chance to order the liter size Schofferhofer Weizen, (only my most favorite beer of all time). I must point out I lived in Germany for about 6 years so dining here is so much fun for me. I love all the food like the cucumber salad and pickled beets. The show was the Christmas show and I just love it. The band gets the kids involved and it is fun to watch. I like to eat here every chance I have when we visit, I highly recommend this eatery.
Pros:
Great food very authentic, beer, band and everything else.Cons:
Can't think of anything.Review of Starring Rolls
Reviewed by goofygirl74 Review Date: 01/24/2013
Rating: (8) Recommended
DH, DS12 and I dined here for breakfast on two separate occasions on our late November, 2012 vacation. The set-up of this place made me crazy! Two weird, chaotic lines, CMs who acted like they were SOOO put out to get you some hot water for tea, and a completely insane set-up to get things like cream and sugar for your coffee.
There was ONE, count 'em, ONE cream/sugar station set up outside. Everyone was fighting for the ONE canister of creamer. By the time you stood in line to fix your coffee, it was stone cold.
On the upside, the pastries (cinnamon roll, Napoleon, eclair) were absolutley delicious! Fresh and yummy. We will definitely return, in hopes of a smoother experience next time!
Pros:
Delicious pastriesCons:
Disorganized, disinterested CMs, crazy set upReview of Sci-Fi Dine-in Theatre Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by goofygirl74 Review Date: 01/24/2013
Rating: (7) Recommended
DH, DS12 and I ate at Sci-Fi for a dinner ADR in late November. The atmosphere was really, really fun! The old movie clips were wonderful and the whole "Drive-In" concept was so cool. We had a car to ourselves, with our son in the "Driver's Seat".
The service was over-the-top good! Our "Car-Hop" waitress was very helpful and friendly. She gave our son a "Driver's License" at the end of the meal that he really enjoyed.
The food was just okay. Nothing stellar. The milkshakes were awesome, but the burgers were just your standard QS fare. DH had the chicken pasta, which he thought was delicious.
Overall, I would definitely do this place at least once, just for the ambiance and service, but not the food 🙂
Pros:
Atmosphere, milkshakesCons:
Food just OK.Review of 'Ohana Dinner
Reviewed by slapps Review Date: 01/24/2013
Rating: (5) Not Recommended
I can't describe how disappointed I was with our meal. We had an ADR for 5:15 pm on New years Day. I picked this restaurant because it was my birthday and the last time we dined here it was great,(two years ago). We were seated right away and our waitress was wonderful. The appetizers were great as was the dessert, or my rating would be lower. The biggest disappointment was the meat. My wife ordered the steak medium and it was all so rare even I would not eat it. The steak was also very fatty. The pork had a funny taste as did the white meat. I love grilled meat but, this was not good. I usually like most Disney food but, this time I was so disappointed. I had read other posts where it had been mentioned that the quality of the meat had declined. As much as I love the eatery I must totally agree. I don't think we will dine here again.
