Just back from 5 days at Park Vue, some pros/cons:
Pros:
*Location, location, location. Can't be overstated; They couldn't be closer to the Park. At the end of a long day and the "dogs are barkin'" - the short walk is great.
*Service: Outstanding. 15 mins after checking in, rec'd a phone call to ensure everything was to our satisfaction and whether or not we needed anything. We've stayed at GC and DH and Desert Inn and Hojo's - still waiting for that phone call. Also, asked for add'l towels on 4 separate occasions - never longer than 10 mins. 1 time it was less than 5 mins.
*Rooms were very clean. I've seen the carpets called into question in other reviews - we had no issues there. The kids' stuffed animals were always lined up on their pillows when we came back nightly. Nice touch.
*Breakfast: It's complimentary. Served from no later than 7:00am to 9:30am. Not great, but good enough. Enough choices - eggs, sausage, toast, bagels, cereal, oatmeal, fruit, freshly made waffles (by you) that it will definitely get you to lunch time. Huge savings over 5 days for our family of 4.
There is also a "light" dinner option here - but the timing never worked out so we could experience it.
*Free WiFi - Nice perk if you need it...
*Free Parking! - Becoming harder and harder to find...
Cons:
*Rooms are on the smaller side. Adjusted fine - no real issues here - but more space is always nice.
*When first entering the room, you're definitely hit with the scent of Pine Sol. But, there are worse smells as my wife was quick to remind me.
We'll definitely be back here.
Goofy's - First questionable experience we've ever had here. First one in 7 visits. We were seated for a full hour and NO character visits. To their credit -we advised our server who had the "Director of Character Relations" come by our table who assured us he'd address it. That did cause a quick flurry of characters by the table for a brief picture. But it was rushed and little time for anything but a photo.
Carnation Cafe - First dinner experience here...no secret - very limited menu - and unless you're a big fan of one particular dish - not worth it, imho. Breakfast has been a much better experience for us.
Miscellaneous:
Dole Whips - I've mentioned this before, but if you see a ridiculously long line to get a Dole Whip - and you will - Just use your "Dole Whip Fast Pass" - by entering the Tiki Room waiting area and order from that side. Will save you 15-25 mins of waiting time. Plus, there are benches there where you can sit and enjoy your treat. Lastly, the turnstile rotates both ways - allowing an easy exit if you're not in the mood to enjoy the Tiki experience just then;
Pin Trading - if you have never done it - try it. Especially with kids. Adds a whole other dimension to touring as the kids are always on the lookout for Cast Members with pins. Great time to fine tune some basic social skills and manners, too. We had the chance to stop and chat with some very nice CM's who seemed to truly enjoy their job. I recommend buying them on Ebay ahead of time....great savings and the kids come armed and ready on Day 1.
RideMax. Definitely like this service. I'd suggest you take time to get comfortable with the software before using it and customize it to suit your needs. I don't follow it verbatim - but it's definitely a good idea (for us, at least) to come to the Park with a plan - even if you don't follow it to the letter - you're never in a position to have to choose which long line to stand in.
Finally, Saw someone wearing a Mr. Potato Head shirt where the Spud had one eye in and the other one missing - with the caption "Piece Out". Nice.
Pros:
*Location, location, location. Can't be overstated; They couldn't be closer to the Park. At the end of a long day and the "dogs are barkin'" - the short walk is great.
*Service: Outstanding. 15 mins after checking in, rec'd a phone call to ensure everything was to our satisfaction and whether or not we needed anything. We've stayed at GC and DH and Desert Inn and Hojo's - still waiting for that phone call. Also, asked for add'l towels on 4 separate occasions - never longer than 10 mins. 1 time it was less than 5 mins.
*Rooms were very clean. I've seen the carpets called into question in other reviews - we had no issues there. The kids' stuffed animals were always lined up on their pillows when we came back nightly. Nice touch.
*Breakfast: It's complimentary. Served from no later than 7:00am to 9:30am. Not great, but good enough. Enough choices - eggs, sausage, toast, bagels, cereal, oatmeal, fruit, freshly made waffles (by you) that it will definitely get you to lunch time. Huge savings over 5 days for our family of 4.
There is also a "light" dinner option here - but the timing never worked out so we could experience it.
*Free WiFi - Nice perk if you need it...
*Free Parking! - Becoming harder and harder to find...
Cons:
*Rooms are on the smaller side. Adjusted fine - no real issues here - but more space is always nice.
*When first entering the room, you're definitely hit with the scent of Pine Sol. But, there are worse smells as my wife was quick to remind me.
We'll definitely be back here.
Goofy's - First questionable experience we've ever had here. First one in 7 visits. We were seated for a full hour and NO character visits. To their credit -we advised our server who had the "Director of Character Relations" come by our table who assured us he'd address it. That did cause a quick flurry of characters by the table for a brief picture. But it was rushed and little time for anything but a photo.
Carnation Cafe - First dinner experience here...no secret - very limited menu - and unless you're a big fan of one particular dish - not worth it, imho. Breakfast has been a much better experience for us.
Miscellaneous:
Dole Whips - I've mentioned this before, but if you see a ridiculously long line to get a Dole Whip - and you will - Just use your "Dole Whip Fast Pass" - by entering the Tiki Room waiting area and order from that side. Will save you 15-25 mins of waiting time. Plus, there are benches there where you can sit and enjoy your treat. Lastly, the turnstile rotates both ways - allowing an easy exit if you're not in the mood to enjoy the Tiki experience just then;
Pin Trading - if you have never done it - try it. Especially with kids. Adds a whole other dimension to touring as the kids are always on the lookout for Cast Members with pins. Great time to fine tune some basic social skills and manners, too. We had the chance to stop and chat with some very nice CM's who seemed to truly enjoy their job. I recommend buying them on Ebay ahead of time....great savings and the kids come armed and ready on Day 1.
RideMax. Definitely like this service. I'd suggest you take time to get comfortable with the software before using it and customize it to suit your needs. I don't follow it verbatim - but it's definitely a good idea (for us, at least) to come to the Park with a plan - even if you don't follow it to the letter - you're never in a position to have to choose which long line to stand in.
Finally, Saw someone wearing a Mr. Potato Head shirt where the Spud had one eye in and the other one missing - with the caption "Piece Out". Nice.
