News, announcements and information about Disney

Tuesday, January 7, 2003

by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

When we introduced our new Restaurant and Hotel Review System last year, we asked members of our MousePad message board to help us test the system. The review system has been a hit, with our readers submitting over 530 reviews of hotels and restaurants in and near Disney resorts around the world.

With over six months worth of reviews, our readers clearly have their favorites – those hotels and restaurants that really stand above the rest. Based on these reviews, we are pleased to announce the 2002 MousePlanet Reader’s Choice Awards.

Reviewers were asked to provide a rating between one to five “planets,” and submit a detailed review of their experience with each hotel or restaurant. To qualify for a Reader’s Choice Award, a property must have received at least two reviews, with an average score of 4.6 “planets” or better. Honorable Mention awards go to establishments with at least two reviews and an average rating of 4.5 planets. In the event of a tie, the establishment with the most reviews receives the higher ranking. These awards are based entirely on the reviews submitted by MousePlanet readers and staff.

The award winners in each category are listed below, along with their average score and a notable quote from one of the reviewers. Disneyland Resort-Area Hotels and Restaurants are recognized today, and we will announce Walt Disney World-area Hotels and Restaurants next week.

Most Popular Disneyland-Area Hotels

The Neverland Pool at the Disneyland Hotel.

1st Place: Disneyland Hotel, 1150 Magic Way

• Average rating (8 reviews): 4.8 planets
• Our readers say: “I wouldn’t think of staying in another on-site hotel.”

2nd Place: Westcoast Anaheim Hotel, 1855 S. Harbor Blvd.

• Average rating (6 reviews): 4.6 planets
• Our readers say: “For a total Disney experience, request an upper-level room with a view of the Disneyland resort!”

Honorable Mention: Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, 1380 S. Harbor Blvd

• Average rating (2 reviews): 4.5 planets
• Our readers say: “You will not find more beautiful grounds for a hotel in Anaheim.”

Most Popular Disneyland-Area Restaurants

The ESPN Zone at Downtown Disney.

1st Place: ESPN Zone, Downtown Disney

• Average rating (5 reviews): 5 planets
• Our readers say: “Service was excellent, the atmosphere was great, and the price was reasonable.”

2nd Place (tie): The Vineyard Room, Disney’s California Adventure

• Average rating (2 reviews): 5 planets
• Our readers say: “I can honestly say this was the finest, most enjoyable dining experience I have ever had at a Disney-operated restaurant.”

2nd Place (tie): Paradise Pier Hotel - Practically Perfect Tea, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

• Average rating (2 reviews): 5 planets
• Our readers say: “Even as a guy this is one of the best things they have at the park.”

[Editor’s note: The Practically Perfect Tea was discontinued in September 2002.]

4th Place: Mimi’s Cafe, 2905 East Miraloma Ave.

• Average rating (3 reviews): 4.6 planets
• Our readers say: “It was nice to see a restaurant near the park that didn’t jack up the prices to shocking levels.”

5th Place: Carnation Café, Disneyland Park

• Average rating (3 reviews): 4.6 planets
• Our readers say: “We love this little place! Outdoor covered seating and very nice staff.”

Honorable Mention: Bur-r-r-Bank Ice Cream, DCA

• Average rating (2 reviews): 4.5 planets
• Our readers say: “Best ice cream in the Disneyland Resort. The sundaes here are fabulous.”

Bur-r-r-Bank Ice Cream at Disney’s California Adventure.

Honorable Mention: French Market Restaurant, Disneyland Park

• Average rating (2 reviews): 4.5 planets
• Our readers say: “The atmosphere is wonderful and the service was great.”

Honorable Mention: Whitewater Snacks, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel

• Average rating (2 reviews): 4.5 planets
• Our readers say: “I think this is the best-kept secret in the Disneyland Resort!”

Let your opinion count!

You can help us to determine the 2003 MousePlanet Reader’s Choice Awards. When you visit a hotel or restaurant, be sure to share your experience with other MousePlanet readers by submitting a review through our MousePlanet Restaurant and Hotel Review System.

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MousePlanet® is not associated in any official way with the Walt Disney Company, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates. The official Disney site is available at www.disney.com. This MousePlanet Web site provides independent news articles, commentary, editorials, reviews, and guides primarily about the theme park resorts of the Walt Disney Co. All information on this site is subject to change. Please call destinations in advance to confirm the most up-to-date information.