Most Recent Reviews
Review of Columbia Harbour House
Reviewed by CinCin Review Date: 01/21/2015
Rating: (8) Recommended
I dined here 3 times on my last WDW visit November 2014. The first two visits they were out of fish and so all I could order was the chicken. I was disappointed but planned to return another day which I did, which is why 3 visits. I had to have my Colombia Harbor House fish, it's my MK tradition. Sooo, finally I got my fish and chicken platter on the third visit. It was as good as I remembered and worth the visit. The fish was fresh and hot and crispy and they had malt vinegar available. The platter was large and could have been shared with another person unless you are a big eater. I only ate half of mine. This came with 2 pieces of fish and I think there were 7 chicken nuggets, a lot of french fries, cole slaw, and then I had peach cobbler for dessert too. The cobbler was really good and served warm. It was like a cake with peaches in it more than the pie type cobbler. Even though I was little disappointed in not getting the fish the first two meals, the chicken was still great and I had no complaints. They have some unique offerings like the lobster roll, a hummus sandwich, and a broccoli peppercorn salad too. I didn't try those though as I go for the fish. I love the seating upstairs and there are several tables next to windows allowing a lovely view of the park from above. This is a great to stop and grab a bite and do go upstairs and grab a seat by the window. I love this place and it remains a must do every time I am in the Magic Kingdom. Fish or no fish.
Pros:
Fish! great seating upstairs, great food, best counter service in Magic KingdomCons:
fried food, fried fish, fried chicken, fried potatoes, they ran out of fish!Review of FastPass+ (Retired)
Reviewed by lstehle Review Date: 01/21/2015
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
We had been Disney regulars a while back. We mastered the old FastPass experience by timing our location and hitting all the rides and using the FastPass to do it efficiently. This new way is terrible. Like the other reviewers, you have to have planned out your trip weeks in advance to get any great times. I was 28 days out to plan a trip to Magic Kingdom and all the times for the roller coasters were in the late afternoon or midnight. We are annual pass holders and like to hit the parks in the morning and leave by afternoon. I liked my FastPass printed out, not having to take a picture. You spend more time trying to select times, make adjustments later. I liked walking past the select rides that had the FastPass before, saw the time from a distance of when the FastPass ticket would be and then make my decision whether I wanted to do it or wait in line. We are just so disappointed with this.
Pros:
I guess less time waiting in a lineCons:
Restrictive, not an efficient way to see the parkReviewed by CinCin Review Date: 01/21/2015
Rating: (9) Recommended
This is a must do for me every trip. I first dined here in 2010, again in 2012, and my most recent visit was November 2014. It remains a favorite and holds a special place in my heart too. On my first visit to Boma, this was where my husband and I celebrated our 10th anniversary dinner and it was his first trip to WDW. So the place itself holds a fondness in my heart. The foodie in me loves the food. I loved the different flavors and dishes that were unfamiliar to me. I enjoyed the experience of trying new dishes such as watermelon rind salad and bobotie. This is a wonderful buffet and they have the stations set up with bread service at one, another is salads, soups, fruits, side dishes such as pap and fufu, and the carved meats station, and of course desserts. I did fill up on my favorites which are the black olive hummus, red pepper hummus, salad with mango vinagrette, avocado grapefruit and papaya salad, butternut squash soup, chicken corn chowder, coconut chicken curry soup, bobotie, durban spiced chicken, and pork loin. I love the sauces that accompany the meats and the variety of flavors. There is a lot of cinnamon and chile so be prepared. There is a large variety of food and so many different choices and I was sooo stuffed I only had a coffee tart and skipped the zebra domes and other desserts. The food is really good here and it's worth the trip over for just getting some new flavors and something different and then the hotel is a living museum and savannah complete with wild animals. The hotel is filled with authentic African art and furniture and decor. The place is a true museum and worth the visit. The animals are easy to view and there are numerous outlooks and viewing areas available. The Boma restaurant has a story to tell too and all the decor has meaning like the little wooden fences and the individual food stations and the way it is designed. This remains on my list of must dos and although it does take some time to get to and it isn't on the monorail making a quick hop over and back impossible, it is worth the visit out for the food and the rest is icing. Do take time to visit the resort and tour while you are there. Take time to sit by the firepit and relax after dinner. This is an experience more than just the food.
Pros:
ethnic food, large variety of dishes on the buffet, great atmosphere, all you can eatCons:
a little pricey, all the way out to Animal Kingdom LodgeReview of Caribbean Beach Resort (Moderate Resort)
Reviewed by Jenn C Review Date: 01/21/2015
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
Stayed at CB from Dec 12 to Dec 21 2014 In Martinique. We paid for a preferred room and requested building 25 in Martinique with a water view. We were assigned a room in building 24 in Martinique with a view of the parking lot. When we requested a room in building 25, the check in cast member started sighing and rolling his eyes. He made it VERY clear that requests are not guaranteed. We told him we were aware of that and politely asked if he could check if a room with even one of our requests might be available. After much coaxing from my husband and explaining that it was our anniversary, and a lot of attitude from the cast member, he called and we were assigned a room in Martinique building 25 with a beautiful view of the Bay. We were disappointed at the cast members behavior but thrilled with the location of the room. That is until we opened the door!
The room was filthy!!! I had to wipe the dust off of the shelves under the vanity area in order to put personal items there. The fire sprinkler was caked in dust as were the little pineapples on the top of the bed posts. There were cobwebs running from on top of the pictures on the walls up to the ceiling fan. When we turned the ceiling fan on it blew dust all over the room. The full length mirror had a big lipstick lip mark where someone had kissed it that wasn't cleaned properly. The room smelled musty and the heat and AC could not be controlled by the thermostat on the wall. We had to manually turn the heating and AC on and off ourselves via the actual window unit. It was a challenge keeping the room one constant comfortable temperature. We had one day where Mousekeeping missed our room entirely and one day where popcorn we spilled on the floor the night before was still there after Mousekeeping had cleaned the room the next day. When we first arrived in the room there was a pen and note pad for use, we lost the pen and note pad and when we requested new ones, we were told you only get one of each when you first arrive in the room!
We reported all of the issues to the Mousekeeping manager who actually came to our room to see the issues and speak to us. She laughed most of the issues off and excused the uncleanliness in the room by stating our Mousekeeper was new and that the room was scheduled for refurbishment in the near future. We were made to feel like we were complaining about nothing. The mirror was eventually cleaned, the room was vacuumed properly and the shelves were dusted, but the dust and cobwebs caked on the sprinkler, pineapples, pictures and fan remained there for our entire stay, even after a calling everyday requesting the dust be cleaned. The heating and AC issue was not resolved during our stay either. We were continuously told someone would eventually fix the issues and that they were on the "list" to be dealt with. We were given a $50 credit but never an apology for the issues. We would have preferred that the room get a proper cleaning rather than the credit.
This was our first time staying at a moderate resort and we were completely disappointed by the room and cast members. We have stayed at Pop Century and all of the All Star Resorts on numerous occasions and the rooms and cast members have been wonderful there. Time to go back to the Value Resorts where Disney feels and looks like Disney!
Pros:
Quiet roomCons:
MousekeeoingReview of La Hacienda de San Angel
Reviewed by JoanneS Review Date: 01/21/2015
Rating: (8) Recommended
We ate here on a Tuesday night, January 13. We had an reservation for 7:45 and arrived at 7:30pm. We were sent inside to wait and about 10 minutes later we were seated. Our server, Jesus, was very pleasant and attentive. He made some recommendations and went off to get our drinks. My husband had the short ribs and I had the tilapia. My portion was very large. I didn't really care for the creamed corn and cactus leaves that came with the meal, but Jesus brought out chips and salsa, tortillas, and beans to go along with our meals, so I had plenty to eat.
It really annoyed me that they don't take the Tables in Wonderland card. With so many restaurants to choose from, I don't think I will be returning here until they get on board.
Pros:
Food, ServiceCons:
Doesn't take Tables in WonderlandReview of Restaurant Marrakesh - Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by JoanneS Review Date: 01/21/2015
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
We gave Marrakesh a try on January 10. We were seated right away. The tables are very close and the restaurant looks like it needs a little refurbishment. The belly dancer was good and I enjoyed the live music. I ordered the chicken kebabs and my table neighbors ordered the lamb. We were so close together, we might has well been sharing a table. About a minute later our food arrived. Obviously, the dishes are prepared in advance and are waiting under some kind of heat source. The chicken was dry and tasteless. It was also a little tough and just luke warm. The neighbor's lamb looked like a large hunk of meat on a dish; totally unappealing. My husband ordered some kind of combination appetizer that we shared. Everything was cold and tasted the same. The spice palette was completely unpleasant to me. If it wasn't for the music and the pleasant service, I'd be looking to give this restaurant a negative number for a rating.
Pros:
Service, musicCons:
FoodReview of Nine Dragons - China - Epcot
Reviewed by JoanneS Review Date: 01/21/2015
Rating: (10) Recommended
I was skeptical about dining here. But we ate here the afternoon of January 10th and had a wonderful meal. I had the five spice fish which was freshly prepared, so there was a bit of a wait. The portion was a good size and came with steamed rice. I Loved it! The Jasmine Iced Tea was delicious. The service was attentive and professional. Can't wait to go back.
Pros:
Fresh Food, Excellent ServiceCons:
can't think of anyReview of Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
Reviewed by JoanneS Review Date: 01/21/2015
Rating: (10) Recommended
We had a lunch reservation on January 13 and were seated within minutes of arriving. Our server was Venturro and he was very attentive and friendly. We decided to split an appetizer of calmari and then each order our own pizza. I had the iced tea, which seems to be a tropical version of some kind, and is delicious. They were quick to refill my drink when it became low. The calamari was fresh, lightly breaded, and hot. The sauce provided had just the right amount of spice. We waited a while for the pizza, but it arrived piping hot and perfectly cooked. As I looked around, it seemed that all the servers were in constant motion; cleaning, checking on guests, etc. I didn't have room for dessert, but the desserts looked wonderful. We really enjoyed ourselves here and will return
Pros:
Service, Food, AtmosphereCons:
NoneReview of Sanaa Lunch/Dinner - Kidani Village
Reviewed by CinCin Review Date: 01/21/2015
Rating: (9) Recommended
I dined here on a day I was visiting the Animal Kingdom park so it was a quick trip over for a meal and a relaxing break from the park touring. The bus ride was only a few short minutes. When I arrived at check in I was given a pager and I went outside to the viewing area to watch the animals. There were several zebras out grazing and some ankole cattle, ostriches and crowned cranes wandering about. The animals are surprisingly close and viewing is easy. I only had a few minutes of viewing though before my pager went off to let me know my table is ready. The restaurant is beautiful and decorate with real African artwork and textiles and all the chairs and tables were different. I was seated 1 row in from the windows and had a wonderful view of the savannah for lunch. Even with others seated at the tables next to the windows, I still had a good view although somewhat obstructed in places. The food here was very good and very spicy as well. I love spice but this was moderate sweat. It was well above mild or medium, but not super hot and sweat inducing. I started with the Indian style bread service and chose Onion Kulcha, Garlic Ginger naan, and spiced naan. This came with my choice of 3 dips so I picked Coriander chutney, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Tamarind Chutney. I loved all the dips but was not fond of the onion kulcha. I expected it to be like an onion roll which has onion sprinkled on top, but this was two thin sheets of bread with heavy onions spread between the middle. It was good, but too oniony for me so I wouldn't order it again. I would choose all 9 dips next time just to taste them all. For my entree I chose the "slow cooked in gravy, simple and well seasoned" Butter Chicken and Chicken Vindaloo which was served with basmati rice. When they say well seasoned, they mean it. it came with a small bowl of rice and I wish there had been double the rice. I happen to love basmati rice, but more than that, it took the edge off the heat from the spice. I don't like dark meat chicken, so the chef prepared me a dish with all white meat which was really superior Disney service. It turned out wonderful but I think the full meat version is probably much more tender as it had the benefit of slow cooking all day. For dessert I chose the Tanzanian Chocolate Mousse with Kenya Coffee and Caramel. It was a delicious and not too heavy end to a wonderful meal. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here and I would not hesitate to return. This may not be a great place for everyone with the ethic choices and spices used, but it was a delightful change from theme park food and worth the trip over. The food was fantastic, the service was great, the atmosphere of the restaurant and the hotel itself is worth a visit just to see, and then you have the wild animals roaming the savannah. Yes, please.
Pros:
unique dishes, spicy food, incredible views of animals close up, beautiful restaurantCons:
must travel to Kidani to dine, time consuming unless you are coming from Animal KindomReview of FastPass+ (Retired)
Reviewed by promopete Review Date: 01/22/2015
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
The bottom line is this system was designed to make you stay at Disney longer to get in all the main attractions - and just like a casino, the longer you stay at Disney, the more $$$ you give back to Disney.
Look at it this way...I'm an able bodied person, and if not me, the kids in my family are, or someone in our party is. In the old system, someone could collect everyone's tickets, run across the park and FP everyone at once at a popular attraction, and return to the group. We did this all day. 1 day at each park was enough, because we could FP almost everything and rarely had to wait in a line - so we were operating all day at optimal efficiency.
FP Plus is a Disney Trojan Horse. It is a business plan wrapped in a shiny wrapper. On the surface it looks great - you seemingly have control of your trip in the palm of your hands. Make FP plans, Dining Reservations, all with the app and magic band.
But it strips you of so many things. The tiered FP system means your are no longer as efficient as you could be. Want to make a change just on a whim, or due to weather, or just because? Well, those FP times are gone, along with all the others because people started booking those months ago.
Disney has crossed the line from the thrill and fun of planning a trip with your family, to now micro-managing your trip down to the minute. It's just no longer enjoyable. Gone are the days of getting everything in at 1 park on 1 day, and I guess that is the point.
