News, announcements and information about Disney

Tuesday, January 14, 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. Today, we recognize the Walt Disney World area Hotels and Restaurants. Disneyland Resort area Hotels and Restaurants awards can be found in this column.

Most Popular Walt Disney World area hotels

The Volcano pool at the Polynesian Resort - Photo by Sue Holland

1st Place: Courtyard Lake Buena Vista at Walt Disney World, 1805 Hotel Plaza Blvd., Lake Buena Vista

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 5.0 Planets
• Our readers say: "THIS PLACE IS GREAT .... elegant lobby, great staff --- HUGE HUGE ROOM"

2nd Place: Polynesian Resort , 1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista

• Average Rating (3 Reviews): 4.6 Planets
• Our readers say: "From the moment we arrived to the moment we (grudgingly) left, our stay at the Polynesian was fantastic."

All Star Movies Resort - MP File Photo

Honorable Mention: All Star Movies Resort, 1991 W. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista

• Average Rating (4 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: "My 6 year old loved checking the window sill each afternoon to see what the house keepers had done with his toys."

Honorable Mention: Grand Floridian Resort and Spa , 4401 Grand Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: "I was in heaven while staying at the Grand Floridian."

Honorable Mention: Walt Disney World Dolphin , 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: Our readers say: "Very fun and whimsical resort!"

Most Popular Walt Disney World area Restaurants

The California Grill - Photo by Brian Bennett

1st Place: California Grill , Contemporary Resort

• Average rating (5 reviews): 5 planets
• Our readers say: "All I can say is if you haven't done this, you are missing one of the true treasures of WDW."

2nd Place: Victoria & Albert's, Grand Floridian Resort

• Average Rating (3 Reviews): 5 Planets
• Our readers say: "If I could give it 6 planets, I would."

3rd Place: Fulton's Crab House, Downtown Disney

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 5 Planets
• Our readers say: "The setting is nice and the service was the best we had anywhere in Disney."

4th Place: Flame Tree Barbeque, Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 5 Planets
• Our readers say: "The lush, exotic setting is terrific, as you are surrounded in the seating area by the sights and sounds of Southeast Asia."

5th Place: Tusker House, Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 5 Planets
• Our readers say: "Tusker House is one of the best counter service restaurants in WDW."

6th Place: Liberty Tree Tavern, Magic Kingdom Park

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 5 Planets
• Our readers say: "The food, service, and character interaction were all excellent."

7th Place: Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary, Contemporary Resort

• Average Rating (7 Reviews): 4.8 Planets
• Our readers say: "I believe that this particular breakfast is Disney's magic at its best."

8th Place: Flying Fish Cafe, Boardwalk Inn resort

• Average Rating (5 Reviews): 4.8 Planets
• Our readers say: "I was hesitant to eat here because I don't eat seafood, but this was the best meal of our trip for sure."

9th Place: 1900 Park Fare, Grand Floridian Resort

• Average Rating (3 Reviews): 4.6 Planets
• Our readers say: "A couple or a party of 8 all receive the same superior service and treatment here."

10th Place: Narcoossee's, Grand Floridian Resort

• Average Rating (3 Reviews): 4.6 Planets
• Our readers say: "The dinner here was a true joy."

Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Photo by Sue Holland

Honorable Mention: Boma, Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Average Rating (8 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: "We had never tried African cuisine, and this was the perfect way to do it."

Honorable Mention: Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney-MGM Studios

• Average Rating (4 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: "Quick, attentive, friendly service, wonderfully fresh and tasty food in generous portions. A must-eat-here place."

Honorable Mention: Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop, Downtown Disney

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: "Finding a place to sit is a challenge but the ice cream is worth it!"

Honorable Mention: Crystal Palace, Magic Kingdom Park

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: "The food was wonderful and a huge variety to pick from."

Honorable Mention: Garden Grill at The Land, Epcot - Future World

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: "I highly recommend this restaurant and can't wait until I can personally go back and take my children."

Honorable Mention: Cantina de San Angel, Epcot - World Showcase (Mexico)

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: "Everything we have tasted here has been great, and the portions are huge."

Honorable Mention: Sommerfest, Epcot - World Showcase (Germany)

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: "This stuff is REALLY REALLY good!"

Honorable Mention: ESPN Club, Boardwalk Inn resort

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: "This is a great place to go for a quick, not-too-expensive sit-down meal"

Honorable Mention: Jiko, Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: "The best wine selection anywhere in the world, with a endless selection of unique South African wines that can be tried by the glass."

Honorable Mention: Kona Cafe, Polynesian Resort

• Average Rating (2 Reviews): 4.5 Planets
• Our readers say: "The atmosphere of this whole resort is beautiful and relaxing, and this carried over into the restaurant, which was open and airy"

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.