5 SHOCKING Disney World TripAdvisor Reviews We Completely Disagree With

Not all Disney World hotels are built the same, that’s for sure.

There are  3 different levels to Disney World hotels — Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Not only do their prices increase as you go up, but so do the amount of amenities you get and the size of the rooms. Thousands of people stay in these hotels every year and have their own opinions on them, and we respect that! …Except we don’t agree with these in any way, shape, or form.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Trader Sam’s is a small, immersive bar experience that requires putting your name on a waitlist, and even then, it’s hard to get in. We personally love this experience, but here’s what one reviewer had to say on TripAdvisor.

Once again, everyone is entitled to their own opinions…however, it’s REALLY important to do your research on different Disney World restaurants and bars, because Trader Sam’s is the furthest thing from a normal bar. The reason the bartenders were confused when this reviewer ordered anything other than the specialities is that Trader Sam’s is KNOWN for those drinks, they’re not really an open bar where they can make anything you’d like.

If this reviewer had done research, they also would have known that introducing the drinks is part of the whole experience EVERY time. If that’s not your thing, then this bar 100% will not be for you.

Pop Century

When it comes to Pop Century, which is a value resort, it’s one of the higher rated of the category. However, this reviewer thought the complete opposite.

Again, if you look at photos of Pop Century on Disney’s website, you’ll see that it is motel style (as are all of the value hotels and some moderate). You’d also see the size of the bathtub and the mini fridge…do you see what we’re saying here?

We often say that value hotels are for those who are spending most of their days in the park and just need somewhere to lay their head at night. Value resorts in general are known for having thin walls, so you need to plan for that by bringing a noise machine or earbuds. Plus, being near the Skyliner is pretty invaluable, so that may make up for some of the less desirable factors that all value resorts have.

All Star Hotels

On that same note, Disney World’s All Star Hotels are notoriously the most hated on. Why? Well, we can start by reading this review.

Again, yes, you’d hope your room would have thick enough walls to keep out noise of other rooms, but this is complaint is something you can find in reviews EVERYWHERE. If you research and know this is something you’ll need to put up with, plan ahead for it.

And for the second complaint, that Disney couldn’t put them closer, we warn you all the time that you can request for upgrades and changes, but Disney is not required to accommodate them. We don’t really know how the reviewer “knew” the hotel wasn’t at capacity (because there really is no way for guests to know that), but regardless if it was or not, Cast Members are not required to upgrade your room just because there’s space. In addition, hotels may have rooms blocked for other reasons — like maintenance or remodeling. They may not just be sitting empty.

Chef Mickey’s

On the complete opposite side of the equation, Chef Mickey’s is located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and while it’s a super cute character meal, we usually don’t have as many glowing things to say about it as this reviewer does.

Chef Mickey’s is a wonderful character experience, but in our visits there, the food has been subpar. There are tons of other character meals we would suggest around Disney World instead, like Topolino’s Terrace and Akershus.

Keep in mind too that Chef Mickey’s is VERY loud, so if you or someone in your family doesn’t do well with noise, it may not be a good fit.

‘Ohana

And last but most certainly not least, we have a scathing review of ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

However, here’s the thing…we’ve read a LOT of reviews like these recently — where families have gone for years and then recently have been very disappointed. So what does that mean for ‘Ohana?

In our experience, we haven’t had a terrible experience at the restaurant, but that doesn’t negate the fact that this spot went from 99% positive reviews a few years ago to now only 60% positive reviews. Especially after the 2020 park closures, people seem to be having more and more issues with this spot, which begs the question: is ‘Ohana losing its quality?

Overall, as we’ve said 14 times already but can’t stress enough, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and has different tastes! You may love something your friend hates, and that’s okay. That’s why it’s important to research ALL sides of the equation, and decide what is and isn’t important to you on your vacation. 

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Do you agree or disagree with these reviews? Tell us in the comments!

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