Most Recent Reviews
Review of Brown Derby Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by allec999 Review Date: 10/01/2015
Rating: (9) Recommended
Ate lunch here on Sept 16 as part of the Fantasmic! lunch package. Food was excellent, service impeccable. My first time trying this upscale restaurant, and it did not disappoint. For lunch, it was quite expensive, but the Fantasmic seating process - being allowed to arrive within a 20-minute window of time rather than waiting for 45 minutes or more - was worth it. May not be back for awhile, but if you're looking for upscale, give it a try.
Pros:
Food, Fantasmic seatingCons:
priceReviewed by Beth Review Date: 10/03/2015
Rating: (3) Not Recommended
I was very excited to take our preschooler to eat lunch and meet princesses. Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing.
1 - Wait time. Even though we had reservations, we had to wait about 15 mins outside in the sun.
2 - Crowded restaurant. Our table was squeezed against the wall, near the kitchen and the appetizer buffet. That meant that when we weren't surrounded by guests waiting for their appetizers, we were surrounded by servers rushing past with plates of food. I would have asked for another table but the place was packed.
3 - Poorly designed appetizer buffet line. Lines started at the right and left, then collided in the middle over the cold cuts, cheese, and vegetable salads. Why do that? It was hard to dodge the opposing traffic, and being crowded in with tables didn't make it easier. The buffet itself was sloppy with dripped food and the items didn't seem to be as cold as they should be. (The gjetost--brown cheese--was sweating, for example.)
4 - We had barely sat down with appetizers when our entrees arrived. Servers plunked the new dishes on the table and left them cooling while we hastily shoveled down our salads.
5 - Food was mediocre. Portions were fine, but the food was fatty and just sort of meh. Someone at my table ordered a turkey sandwich and the bread was so flimsy it the item had to be eaten with knife and fork. None of us finished our entrees. Desserts were about the same quality as you'd get at any grocery store, e.g. rice pudding from a tub, frozen apple pie, etc.
6 - Servers were very friendly and fast with drink refills.
7 - Kids under 2 eat free!
8 - Princesses! They were also very friendly. We posed for pictures with Belle on the way in, then had visits from Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Cinderella. (No Elsa or Anna, alas.) The "princess processional" that all the little girls joined was adorable. Watching everyone else's little princess is almost as much fun as watching your own. 🙂 We didn't bring a tiara for our little one, but we wish we had. Many little girls were decked out in full princess swag.
I think this experience would have been far better if Disney would take some tables out of the restaurant. It's not like they are meeting the demand now--you still need to make special arrangements far in advance to see the princesses. The crowded atmosphere, plus the hurried pace, really bothered us, particularly given how long ago we had to reserve a table and how much the meal cost. I'd probably have been more happy if they had charged $5 more a plate but crammed in one less row of tables. As it was, I felt ripped off.
Pros:
friendly servers, princessesCons:
uneven service, mediocre food, high priceReviewed by Edrod1000 Review Date: 10/03/2015
Rating: (10) Recommended
We just got back recently from our Disney vacation. And this is our second time staying at AKL. We can't ask for the best service. Also at Boma's for breakfast and having Albert as our server. He goes out of his way to make your breakfast the best way to start off your day. We had the savannah view all I can say outstanding seeing the animals from your balcony. Can't wait to go back again.
Pros:
An amazing place to stayCons:
NoneReview of California Grill
Reviewed by allec999 Review Date: 10/01/2015
Rating: (10) Recommended
Had dinner here Sept 14. CG never disappoints, Food was outstanding and service was as well. The whole fireworks aspect just makes it a must-do every trip. And I want to point out that this time, there were a couple tables nearby with small children who were actually very well behaved! (I've read complaints about loud children at such a nice restaurant, and I've had that complaint myself, so I figured it's only fair to point out the good as well as the bad.)
Pros:
Food, service, atmosphereCons:
noneReview of Mickey's Halloween Party
Reviewed by bellebookworm9 Review Date: 10/04/2015
Rating: (5) Not Recommended
I really wanted to have a good experience at this party, but I think part of the problem is that there is so little thorough information available about it. Our party was Monday, 9/28, and one of the few that has not sold out. We arrived in the park to do a couple of rides and have dinner at Cafe Orleans. Service there was very slow, so we got out around 6pm, when party was starting. I first got in the single rider line for Splash Mountain (no wait); the only ride I wanted to do. Was off of that by 6:20pm.
Pooh Bear was consistently meeting throughout the evening alone; also in his queue were Rabbit (alone and with Tigger) and Eeyore (alone) at different points. I waited about 20 minutes to meet them, as meeting Rabbit was a high priority.
We stopped at three treat trails in Critter Country/New Orleans Square and got our picture taken with the Haunted Mansion 60th backdrop before continuing to "Pirate Wharf" at the Frontierland dock shortly before 7pm. There was no mention of "Piratepalooza" featuring classic characters in pirate attire, happening near Rancho del Zocalo. When we got in line, Captain Hook & Mr. Smee were meeting; by the time we arrived at the front of the line 30 minutes later, they had switched out with Wendy & Peter Pan.
I then attempted to meet Minnie & Mickey. Their line looked long, but moved slower than it should have, even for the length. I waited 60 minutes, got 2/3 of the way through, and when they took their second cheese break, I gave up. During this time, my mom went and got some candy at Big Thunder Ranch, strolled through Frontierland, and went to get Dole Whips (the only time there was never a line at the Tiki Juice Bar!).
We watched Paint the Night (AMAZING!) from the handicapped viewing area by Town Square, right next to where it exits. Hardly anyone in that area (in contrast to the next evening, where there was no personal space at all). We moved into the street for Halloween Screams, which was also great. Main Street was not at all crowded. I met the Queen of Hearts before the parade as she was strolling around Town Square (as was the Tremaine Family). Did the candy trail through Town Square, where there were four stations, and candy amount was still skimpy.
After parade and fireworks, my mom went to look in some shops, while I sat with the scooter and watched the hordes of people stream out of the park. At 10:15, I attempted to join the line to meet Hades, Jafar, and Governor Ratcliffe (they rotated throughout the evening with Evil Queen, Maleficent, and Cruella de Vil), but the line was already cut. At that point we left, rather than bother with more long character lines. CMs were giving out candy at the exit but still weren't being generous with the amounts.
Unfortunately, I don't think this party was worth the money. I had a much better experience 4 years ago at WDW's MNSSHP. I did like that the park wasn't crowded (but can't make a comparison to a sell out night). We loved the amount of people that were dressed up-that did seem more abundant than at WDW. I wouldn't do the party again and would be hard pressed to recommend it to others.
Pros:
Not crowded, fireworks displays, rare characters, lots of costumesCons:
Character lines, amount of candyReview of Disneyland Hotel
Reviewed by bellebookworm9 Review Date: 10/04/2015
Rating: (9) Recommended
We arrived at the Disneyland Hotel for a 4 night stay on 9/27, around 1:30pm. First stay at this hotel. Was taken care of at check in desk right away. Charly checked me in efficiently, and said they had a premium view king bed room for us. I think that would have been an upgrade, as I paid for deluxe view, but as I was traveling with my mom, we really preferred queen beds. Charly went to look into moving us around, and while it was possible, the room was not ready until 2:50pm. She was also able to print my park tickets, which I had purchased from a reputable travel agency, and her manager went to Bell Services to retrieve the scooter we had reserved for my mom.
We stored our luggage with Bell Services and went to lunch. When we came back, we browsed in the store and met Goofy in the lobby! What a nice touch! Our assigned room was 2420, on the 6th floor of the Fantasy Tower. It was literally next to the elevator bank, which concerned me at first, but we never heard people in the hall and only occasional rumblings of the elevators themselves.
Our room was very spacious and had a great view of the pools (deluxe view, as paid for). Windows were filthy though, which detracted from the view. Also, our fridge was not cleaned out. Previous guest had left a partial bottle of water and half eaten cheese plate, which we just tossed ourselves, rather than calling to complain.
There is a nice counter area outside the bathroom to allow someone to get ready in the morning, as long as no sink is needed. There was only one sink in the bathroom area, not two, as we are accustomed to at WDW deluxe resorts. Bathrobes are now the scratchy cotton found at the Grand Floridian, rather than the nice terry cloth ones that used to be there. Beds and pillows were outstandingly comfortable, and the "magical" headboard was a nice addition.
Used the pools one afternoon. They were not overly crowded at all. The monorail slides were quite fun. Wish we would have had time to take advantage of the *free* tours offered at this hotel and Grand Californian.
Enjoyed a breakfast at Tangaroa Terrace, brunch at Goofy's Kitchen (actually, we felt, our best meal of the trip), and I had a drink at Trader Sam's one afternoon.
We love the location of the hotel. Nice stroll through Downtown Disney in the morning and evening. Disappointed in the monorail (not the hotel's fault) as it doesn't operate when it's very hot out because there's no A/C, nor does it serve as transportation to/from Downtown Disney & the hotels before or after park closing. I'm definitely WDW biased in that way.
Bell services was great about helping with bags in a timely manner. Big shoutout to Kenny who assisted us taking our luggage to the shuttle pickup on our last night, and chatted with us for about 10 minutes about our visit and hometown.
The hotel was completely sold out (all three were, actually) as there was a convention at DLH for our entire stay. Despite this, I never felt the resort was crowded, and the parks were downright empty for most of the days we were there.
I would stay here again, but the price was a bit to stomach. Would definitely make sure a discount was available before booking next time.
Pros:
Beautiful room, great view and location, restaurants, cast membersCons:
Fridge not cleaned out on arrival, room keys deactivate at check outReview of Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar
Reviewed by WebFx Review Date: 10/04/2015
Rating: (7) Recommended
Went on a Wednesday night and the place was very busy, but it is self seating so we found a table that had come open and just needed to be cleared off which the wait staff did quickly. Our order was taken promptly and the drinks came out soon after. The food ordered included the sliders, mini tacos and
pretzels. Nothing was really hot and it did not look like it was prepared fresh and it almost seems like they are trying to hard to be upscale and overly complicated with what really should be simple bar food/appetizers. The appetizers were not tasty and after a bite of each we gave up. On the upside the place has awesome theming, tons of stuff to look at. Go for the beer and cocktails and decor and maybe they'll figure out how to offer more appealing appetizers.
Pros:
Fantastic theming. Good drinks.Cons:
The foodReview of All Star Movies Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by mommom Review Date: 10/06/2015
Rating: (10) Recommended
Just came back from a 2 night stay at the Movies. We had 4 rooms , 2 rooms were connecting. They were ready when we checked in at 11:00. Check in was easy and the gentleman was very kind. The room was clean and everything worked in my room. They was 11 of us and our rooms were next to one another. Had requested 1st floor, which we got. Enjoyed the food court and the prices weren't bad.
Went to the gift shop. Cast members were helpful. Was able to use my Disney Visa discount.
Was shopping for my 18 year old grandson. Had no idea what to get him. A cast member came up with an idea and it was perfect. My grandson was thrill with it.
I really enjoyed the resort. Thanks cast members for a job well done.
Pros:
fun for the familyCons:
long way from parking lotReview of Turf Club Bar and Grill
Reviewed by WebFx Review Date: 10/04/2015
Rating: (9) Recommended
We went on a weekday night with an ADR for 7:45pm and were seated promptly. We really appreciated that as a party of two they sat us in a location away from a couple of very large groups. Our server was fantastic, made good suggestions and returned to check on us frequently. We had the steak with the lobster fondue and the prime rib for entrees and the tomato bisque soup and artichoke bruschetta for appetizers. Everything was presented well, prepared to order and delicious! By the time we left we were surprised at how even more crowded the restaurant had become. First time we had eaten here after going to Disney for more than 20 years and it was a great choice!
Pros:
Food! Service.Cons:
NoneReview of Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
Reviewed by dmh2418 Review Date: 10/07/2015
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
I waited for an hour to get in and was one of the first people there so I was able to get a seat. There were 3 of us and we each ordered a drink and one appetizer to share. It took about 20 minutes to get our drinks and it seemed like they made only one type of drink at a time. The drinks had so much ice in them that the taste was watered down. The pork tacos were dry and had no flavor to them. The atmosphere was nothing really special, I've seen better special effects in Rainforest Cafe or T-Rex. Some of the staff acted up but our waiter just kept yelling at people to stop taking flash photography, which there were no signs not to do so. We had much better service on the patio.
