Just Back: September 24 to 29

[Lesverts]

I've wanted to do this for my last two trips, but just never got around to it or didn't feel I had anything worthwhile to say.

Just some background. Solo trip, late 20's. AP holder.

Food and Wine

I was greatly disappointed by the festival. I found it extremely over-priced and the food very lacking. Pretty much everything I tried was 'buffet food' and the Disney buffets do food better. I was really looking forward to the festival and was greatly let-down. I went back and watched the shows of Food and Wine over the last couple of years and even Pete and the gang's attitudes and enthusiasm to the festival seems to have waned. I will say that the lamb chop (though grossly overpriced) and the tipsy laird were good. I definitely won't be making it a point to go to Food and Wine again. I did a beverage seminar and enjoyed it, but probably would have enjoyed it more at $10 instead of $15.

Epcot

This park needs love, and lots of it. I still enjoy my time at the park but boy does Disney need to upgrade, refurbish and replace. One of my favourite activities at Epcot is also completely lame. I love going into the Norwegian store and talking to the Cast Members. I'm Canadian, we are known for being nice. We don't hold a candle to them. And there face lights-up when you actually know anything about Norway. I can just think how that pavilion has helped make the DCL Norwegian fjord cruises so popular. I did notice some unappealing drunken behaviour, including a guest freely admit they smuggled alcohol into the park. So it wasn't all sunshine and lollipops.

DHS

6 day trip, I went twice. I love DHS, no matter the state. I enjoy the park, the shopping but weirdly have never eaten there. I have an AP so it isn't a complete waste for me. I love being able to go in that park and get 6 to 8 rides in of the big 3 and leave for lunch. Anyone that is thinking of skipping DHS needs to think again. Because the shows make it worthwhile for the young'ns and the thrill rides make it worth it for everyone else. I am nearly 30 and a guy who loves the Frozen sing-along.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Best thing I have ever experienced at Disney. It was absolutely fantastic. I was at the sold-out party on Sunday. I wasn't too thrilled about that, but I went to Haunted Mansion and rode it. Followed up with some trick-or-treating. By the end of the first candy lines I was hooked on the parties. My fellow park guests were great, the Cast Members were fantastic and I meet Gaston and Belle together. I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed the party. Worth every penny. My favourite part of the night was when I was watching Hallowishes it was nearing the end. I thought to myself, this isn't so different from regular Wishes. Then the fireworks went off surrounding the Park. Jaw drop....

1900 Park Fare

Cinderella is my favourite of the Classics. I have booked and cancelled this reservation on every trip because I was nervous about going and being thought of as 'creepy'. I finally decided to just go for it and get an ADR. I managed to get one at a good time on my last night. I go up to the podium and check-in. I get the, 'oh, party of 1' comment. But the next moment I was being brought to my table by Devan. And she is by far the best Cast Member I have ever come across. She was so sweet and kind. Making jokes and making me feel comfortable. I watched her interact with other guests and she was just this ball of happy energy. I made it a point to speak to a manager about her and how wonderful I thought she was. Absolutely loved the meal. The sisters were amazing. Food was decent enough but Drizella and Anastasia were worth the price of admission.

 

[ntmec]

I like your objective review! Some are so "Disney can do no wrong! Everything was pixie perfect!" and some are so "It sucks! We didn't get the room requested! We weren't family of the day! We had to wait in line!"
Your review was balanced and I appreciate that- it was better to read and much more informative than many. Thanks!

 

[Pesky]

Great reviews, thank you!

 

[buteraa]

Glad you had a great time and finally went to 1900 Park Fare!

 

[focusondisney]

Gotta say we weren't that impressed with Food & Wine either. This was our first time we were there for it- we were there at lunch on opening day. My DH & I spent over $60 on hardly anything. Never having been before, we should have checked out portion sizes before we ordered. We each had a ravioli & could probably have split that, especially since it wasn't that good. I loved the lamb chop too, but $7.50 per meat selection really can add up. We aren't drinkers, I can't imagine what we would have spent if we were!

 

[jdeblas]

Love this & agree about DHS. Good to know about 1900 Park Fare. I've always been tempted but have never done it. Now I'm thinking maybe.....

 

[Lesverts]

So this got moved to Trip Reports. Sorry about misunderstanding the just back guidelines. But since it is here, I might as well add more.

Homecoming Florida Kitchen

Disappointed, certainly made the gang's review understandable. I had the famous fried chicken. I've had better from Popeyes. The week before on the Universal show Craig made a pointed comment about Disney Spring and City Walk prices. This restaurant is going to struggle against the likes of Morimoto Asia, the BOATHOUSE, Raglan Road and a couple others if my experience is anything to go by.

Disney Springs

Second time I've been to the new and improved Downtown Disney. I really enjoy my time here. A good amount of the stores do not interest me. I did enjoy Uniqlo, but boy are there sizes interesting. I ended up only finding things for niece. I never version into the West Side, so cannot comment about that. Overall I really like the new editions, especially Tommy Bahama, Columbia, Under Armour and enjoy the Disney stores.

Blaze Pizza

Not good. I did not enjoy the pizza. Not enough toppings, and just not a good sauce. If someone asked me to pick between Blaze Pizza or Via Napoli. I'd say spend the extra dollar per person and sit down at Via Napoli. Despite the not so great service reputation of the Epcot eatery.