All this negative talk about POR

[anny_c_99]

has almost made me regret getting reservations for there in June.

Now "I Am Worried", that we will not like it....Do you really have to

request shampoo and soap? I think i will call our travel agent on

Monday and request another resort. Better yet, maybe i'll just

cancel everything and make reservations off site..especially since

EE has been taken away..what could possibly be the perks of

staying on site? I am down and out with all the negative talk and very much discouraged...

Anny:(

[turls401]

I have a post that is just a little earlier than yours and have reservations for May at POR and offsite - will probably decide the week before I leave. I feel the same way. I was so excited until I read these discussion groups. In one way, they "burst the Disney bubble" I've had since I last visited WDW in 1988. However, I'd rather know now than be disappointed later. It seems a lot has changed since WDW was just MK, Epcot, the CR, Poly, FW, and Golf Resort (SOG). My DH has always been skeptical about WDW, having never visited, so I want to make this a special trip for him. However, we know that if we have to spend twice as much as we're paying for POR to stay at a deluxe that will provide us the most basic amenities that we get staying at the cheapest motels, than we'd be disappointed.

I think it was the "no soap in the room" post that really got to me. If this happened to me on my first day at POR, I'd probably check-out and spend the rest of my trip outside of WDW. The "whole package" of visiting WDW is that important to me - not just the rides and attractions. I have many happy memories of WDW as a child and don't want to ruin them. True, you're not staying in the room most of the time, but when you are in the room, it would be nice to have a few creature comforts to get you up and ready for the day ahead.

[Simba's Mom]

Although we haven't stayed at POR since June, 2001 (before the closure), we loved it there. I was booked to stay there in January, 2002, and was very disappointed when they moved me. I just love walking around the resort, feeding the ducks, sitting in the gazebo outside Magnolia Terrace. I must admit, I don't miss Bob the Piano player, or even the boat to DTD! But it's such a beautiful resort. In 5 trips staying there, I've never once had to ask for soap or shampo. I did have to ask for a shower cap once, and housekeeping left me 2! Just my opinion, but I think you'll love it there, and it would be a major mistake to change your ressies.

[Trekker]

We have never had trouble at POR, we love that resort. I think if you search you will find negative about every resort at Disney. People just have differing expectations - and remember there are some folks that are never happy, they only see the negative.

I bet there are as many positive post about POR as there are negative......

[Kteacher]

we've stayed there twice, the last time was last April, and we loved it . We never had to ask for soap, although they did have a combination body wash/shampoo in bottles as well as the bar soap. My kids love this place. The only reason we are staying some place different this year is we wanted a change of pace. We would definitely go back to POR.

[Limmer]

If something as minor as having to request soap would make you check out of a beautiful resort (and keep in mind this was 1 post out of many) I think you will be disappointed no matter what. Maybe you are setting your sights too high? Try to look at the bright side of things and you will have a nice vacation no matter where you stay.

[mmexpress]

Have stayed at POR and POFQ Both are great resorts.
Eventhough the boats are not running it's a great resort.
As for the soap and shampoo it was always there.
No complaints here, and we'll be there again 4/30-5/4

[turls401]

I'm sorry about the comment about the soap - I didn't mean for it to be the one thing
that people pick up on - and this isn't even my post, but Thanks for the reality check..

It's just so easy to get wrapped up in people's posts and worry about their situation happening to you - like the one about the room not being cleaned and housekeeping not coming by with clean towels so they can take a shower. I guess that can happen anywhere, but I was so surprised to read about that happening at a Disney resort.

[cottontail]

We stayed in port orleans riverside, when it was called dixie landings, it was so beautiful we were in awe, the landscaping, the gazebos, the bunnies running around.

I know a few years ago it won awards for the horticulture aspect of the resort, maybe they have still won awards I'm not sure, I have not been following that anymore.

I still have a bag of mickey soap, that I collected during our stay there. They were never skimpy. If I was missing soap or anything else, I would call housekeeping. If it happened twice I would go and speak to a manager about it.

Who knows why this happened, maybe it is a one time thing.

Also when our next stay was at the poly, we came back to the foodcourt at port orleans, cause it too, is nice and reasonabley priced, with things my kids would eat.

Have you looked at the sites with pics of the resort?

Deb.

[turls401]

The pictures of the resort are great - I've done nothing but research and web surf since we decided to go three weeks ago. As I mentioned earlier - I was so excited
about visiting POR - it was my first choice for the moderates - until I read the negative posts - all from people who just got back during this month and February. Granted there were some positive posts. I guess I'll keep monitoring the posts until 5 days before I arrive, and
then decide which reservation to keep.

[SeaSpray]

I have never stayed at POR, but my son has and he said it was VERY nice, he was in a Mansions room.

I have to say, a year ago I was planning my family's first BIG trip to WDW. My husband and I had decided to stay at CBR because we both liked the tropical theming. Then I came here and read a MILLION negative posts about CBR. But there were those few people who kept saying that CBR WAS a nice resort. Well I did so much research on CBR, as well as other resorts, and kept reading these boards, that at one time I thought we had made a mistake too. But then I realized that CBR appealed to us so much (just by the pictures we'd seen), that I knew we'd enjoy it and make the best of it. No other resort has had so much negativity attached to it as CBR has in the past, and my family and I experienced absolutely NO negatives on our vacation. If I had let all of those negative CBR posts make me change my reservations, we would've missed out on staying at our favorite resort, all for nothing.

I also think that the poster (Limmer) who said that if you look for things to be wrong, you'll definitely find something you can complain about, was right. My opinion is, if you really, really like the theme of POR, like the pictures you've seen, know the layout of the resort so you can choose the right area to stay that will suit you and your family, then you can't go wrong. So what if there's no soap in the room? Make a phone call. Still no soap? Make another phone call, and this time be firm, and ask to speak to a manager. Something like that would not upset or bother me. These things happen, and they can and do happen anywhere. Just knowing ahead of time what could happen, and knowing ahead of time how you would handle them, should put your mind to rest. :) The CMs at Disney World really are there to make your stay as special as possible. No one there is out to ruin anyone's vacation. Keep a good attitude and I bet you will love POR! :)

[CTPacky]

I got back from POR yesterday. I have stayed there many times, and found the amenities and service to be equal to any previous trip. We had soap, shampoo, and towels. The room was clean. Housekeeping did up the room every day, guessing around lunchtime. We got washcloth animals. We requested an iron and board in the evening, went to dinner, and they were there upon our return. The DD boats were not running, and Bob was not playing the piano. There were however water mice in the marina. (They weren't offered when the ferries were running, probably a space in the canal issue.) The resort was at 90% capacity with all buildings open, and everyone working there seemed happy.
What else ya wanna know? :cool:

[turls401]

Thanks SeaSpray and CTPacky for your advice and positive posts! CTPacky,
how did you find transportation to the parks? Did you eat breakfast in the food court?
If so, how early does it open? How's the sit-down restaurant? Did you stay in the
mansions or bayou?

[anny_c_99]

Maybe this helps a little bit, with all of your comments.

And no, I am not a negative person, i usually have a positive

outlook on everything, and look for the postive and good in

everyone,but i truly want this to be a special

vacation. Its our first trip to Disney, and yes, my "expectations

are high", after all, "its Walt Disney World", a magical place,

a magical place, a magical place. Maybe i'll just keep repeating

that.

Anny:)

[sneetch]

I made reservations for POR for 5/29-6/03. I too was skeptical about POR. I looked at the pictures of the resort, and decided that I didn't like the way it looked, plus I was very disapointed to find out that they got rid of the boat. So I ended up calling CRO last night and changing my reservation to CS. I think think that I will be a lot happier at CS, but that's just me, everyone has different tastes.

[CTPacky]

We had a rental car. However my daughter uses the transportation for her souvenir hunting. She managed to leave CBR after dinner on the bus, go to DD, transfer to Grand Floridian, hit every resort on the monorail for a towel, back to DD, and then back to POR in the time it took me to have a couple of beers at CBR and drive back to POR in the car. The 2 resorts are about a mile apart. I'd have to say it works pretty well!! We didn't eat at the sit down restaurant, although the menu looked good. We were in the Bayou section bldg. 15. 14, 15 and 18 are the closest to the main bldg. if that's what you are looking for, 27 is good too.

[skyhog]

POR is also one of my favorites and a delight in many different ways. I am aware that things can and do go wrong, though I have never found so much willingness to help a guest have a good time as I do at WDW... for me it is a sure thing, even if not always perfect.

I think there will be a 'problem' of omissions and shortcomings as new people are trained in the wake of cutbacks which left veterans looking elsewhere for work after 9/11. This has been a NATIONAL tragedy in many ways, and a vast number of great people had to move on when visitors deserted WDW and other destinations in fear. I think the greatest threat to a wonderful vacation is another attack and the resultant uncertainty... certainly not soap or shampoo. We are not immune or invulnerable to the ills of the world, and the price of this awareness has been heavy and has left us all longing for NORMALCY... it will come if we work together. Those that do the grunt work at WDW need our support as much as we need theirs.

A point to remember and something I have picked up on in the boards, is the practice of leaving notes in the room for requests. Make sure you call Housekeeping- ALWAYS- many of our most willing and enthusiastic workers in Florida are immigrants with a limited speaking ability in English, and NO ability in writing/reading english.

Not everything is the same, but everything is good at WDW... actually, GREAT if you take into account the happennings since 9/11... I have ressies at POR for 6/6,7,8,9 and AKL for 5/2,3,4,5... and stayed Christmas 12/22,23,24,25,26,27... my money is where my mouth is.

If you decide there are no perks for staying onsite, so be it. But do yourself a favor and don't visit any of the WDW resorts, at least not with your family... REGRET is a word that comes to mind...

Whatever your choices , I WISH you and yours a wonderful vacation, and hope you excuse the soapbox style of my response... it addresses a large number of concerns not entirely espoused by you but endemic since 9/11.

Magic is not only where you find it, it is also where you make it...

[SeaSpray]

skyhog:

I agree with you 100%:

"Magic is not only where you find it, it is also where you make it..."

:) :) :)

[DMRick]

I actually had started the post about POR...wondering if I had made a mistake..and because of everyone's POSITIVE attitude about POR, I'm excited all over again. I wish it had more theming, but a new experience will be fun.
I never gave the lack of soap in a room a second thought..I would have just figured it was overlooked...unless it was missing everyday LOL!
My grands have seen all the pics, and they are very excited..and that's what's important to me right now. We are also five, so that limits our choices. Even that tiny little trundle bed has my grandson all excited.
I can't complain about the price..we are going in May, and I paid $94 plus tax, and an extra $15 a nite for the third adult. We even got free mini golf for all of us because we had the Disney Card.

[OzFan]

Where do I begin, first I LOVE PO. When my family stayed there last April, we had a GREAT time. I think for me was the quiet relaxing walks my husband and I took around the grounds at night. When we all got up for EE it was so peaceful walking over the little bridges hearing the ducks. As for the theming, I'm from the south and since have moved up north, it brings me back to what I feel the south is all about. The food court I feel is one of the BEST Disney has to offer. I hope you won't let negative reports bother you. Disney is a MAGICAL place. Once you get there you become part of that magic no matter where you stay. Hope this helps! I can't wait only 43 more days!! We are staying there again.
:earsgirl:

[Ricola]

We stayed at POR at the end of Jan/beginning of Feb. If anything, the place was cleaner, friendlier, and more enjoyable than on any of our 4 or 5 prior visits. The bus service was faster, the landscaping was perfect, the CMs took that little bit of extra time to chat with us, a maintenance issue (slow running drain on one of the vanities) was fixed within an hour. Plenty of soap and extra towels when asked for, the bunnies were there and the ducks were hungry. :)

Yes, we missed the boats (which I'm sure will be back), and we'd probably have missed Bob if we'd had time to spend an evening in the lounge, but with all of the other stuff to do at WDW, these were small things to miss.

The magic is still there at POR, and it'll take more than a missing bar of soap to change my opinion on that! We bought DVC at VWL to accomodate our growing family, but just the same, I'm sure we'll be back to POR.

[mickey7861]

POR is our favorite WDW moderate and we've spent time at them all. The mansion section is wonderful. We love Magnolia Terrace, quiet pool by the building, a short hop over the bridge to the main pool and the food court. The walk along the canal is beautiful. The Alligator Bayou section is nice too, we just prefer the mansions. We've never had a lack of housekeeping during our stays there, plenty of soap and shampoo (although I always bring our own). It is a very relaxing resort. I like CBR too, CS is nice but due to the convention traffic there I won't return. Our last trip there we couldn't get a table at Pepper Market because of the huge amount of conventioneers. It's nice resort but I like the family feel. POR is beautiful, I doubt you'll be dissappointed.

[dreamflight99]

I cherish the memories we have of our summer days at the Old "Dixie Landings" Oak Manor (mansions) resort! It's a fabulous place to stay, with so much to do and see. The restaurants are top-rate, especially boatwrights with the Prime Rib, roasted or cajun blackened chicken and the premium Buffalo Hot wings! The young kids can fish for the first time in the old fishing hole, (catch and release area) and the staff will take a polaroid of them holding their catch, place it inside a POR card, for a treasured keepsake! The pool is beautifully designed with a fun waterslide and great staff of lifeguards. The arcade is where many of the older kids spend some free time, and the gift shop is the most endearing on property (like an old country store in Vermont). The food court is one of the best on WDW property as well, with a tremendous variety of delectible freshly prepared dishes. The pizza, delivered to your room by the little pizza-golf carts is amazingly hot and delicious! The boat ride on the sassagoula (sp?) express to the Marketplace is so relaxing and enjoyable. You can stop at the other "sister" resort on the way (once known as Port Orleans) and take a spin on the giant monster dragon slide and enjoy the pool. The evenings were so fun, like living in the traditional south, as we stolled along the river and viewed the mansions alight with familes enjoying their summer sojourns. Made us feel connected in a special way. We could see the Fireworks in the sky from the Magic Kingdom from the balcony in front of our room. We played frisbee on the lawns with other familes, and loved doing the laundry while enjoying the pool just outside. We took bike rides, and paddle boat excursions on the river. We loved coming into the East Depot late at night, and walking hand in hand to our corner room on the second floor. The accomodations are remarkable for a "value" resort, and very comfy. The staff always arranged our DD's new Disney Plush acquisitions in a special way, making each return to the room a special surprise in itself! We savor the days we were all nestled together in POR...and hope you will as well. Like Trekker stated...you will always find some persons who did not enjoy their time at a resort for one reason or another. Please, take the time to try it for yourself. It is spelndid. Having stayed at every WDW resort property w/exception of AKL.We rate the POR in the TOP 5! ;) (* As a family, we have "normal" expectations while visiting WDW, and therefore are "always" pleasantly surprised! We "Bring the Magic with us", inside of our hearts and minds. Disney can not "make you happy", you must be Happy to begin with..and then Disney can "enhance" your sense of Happiness!)

[SuzyQue]

CS is nice but due to the convention traffic there I won't return. Our last trip there we couldn't get a table at Pepper Market because of the huge amount of conventioneers.
sneetch..... after reading this "opinion" are you now having second thoughts about changing your reservation?? See how easily someone's opinion can change things? Our first trip to WDW we stayed at my MIL's. Our second we stayed off site in Orlando because there was no way I was gonna pay what Disney wanted. But when my DH said we could go back for a third trip (and quite a bit of reading on these boards) I decided I really wanted to see what all the hub bub was about with staying on site, so I decided we'd like to try a Moderate and started my research. After much reading I decided on POR and made my ressie in March 2001 for Feb. 2002. After 9-11 everything started changing & there we soooo many negative posts on POFQ & POR. But with all the things they took away, we still LOVED it, we never experienced the Boat or Bob so we didn't miss them. And now we think it will be hard to move on to another resort because we were sooo happy with POR. ~:)~

[DMRick]

. We could see the Fireworks in the sky from the Magic Kingdom from the balcony in front of our room

Dream, can you remember what building and room it was that you cojuld see the fireworks from? Was it a non smoking room?

Also, is there a cost for the fishing? I'm betting there is, since it's Disney <g>

[ScottOKW2K]

I read a post some months back that said it best - "Dixie Landings (POR) is a deluxe resort at a moderate price." I thought it was very true then and still do now. I know that some have posted poor experiences in the past , and I do regret any problems that they had, but I can say thay our experiences have been uniformly positive. So much so that between our first and second trip to WDW we purchased a contract at OKW, sight unseen, simply based on the reports on this board and our satisfaction with DxL.

By now you know about all the plusses the resort offers: surrey bikes, beautiful landscaping, an excellent food area with that amazing water-wheel cotton press (fully functional !), comfortable rooms, pleasant staff, relaxed atmosphere, etc. etc. etc... What I do remember most is as soon as I arrive I get this stupid happy grin on my face that won't go away and I relaxxxxxx........

We've had three trips to WDW in the last 9 months - 5 nights in a Wilderness Lodge 2-bedroom (very nice !), six nights in an OKW Grand Villa over new years with family (fantastic) and we just returned from 5 nights at the Hilton at Downtown Disney (highly forgettable :( ). The only time on that last trip that we truly felt at home was when we were in the parks, or when we drove over to Riverside or OKW. Enough so that our next trip 3 months from now is this : Riverside / BWV / Riverside / OKW.

We've done Disney and tried off-site. Off-site -- Never Again !
Disney is where the Magic is.

[BadgerBruce]

We stayed at POR in late October, just before POFQ was closed. We hadn't stayed at POR since '97, having been lucky enough to be able to stay at the Epcot area resorts. Having stayed at BC, BWV, Dolphin & Swan, all of which we really enjoyed, returning to POR felt like going home. We love to just walk around & between the resorts. When returning from the parks at night we usually got off the bus at POFQ, bought some chocolate chip cookies (no nuts at POFQ, nuts at POR), and strolled the streets of New Orleans & the beautiful walkway back to POR. Very romantic, as is the boat ride to DD at night. When we stay at the other resorts we always visit POR to eat at the food court & take the boat to DD. POR's food court has a great selection & housekeeping has always been very good during our stays. POR is a wonderful resort, have a great trip!

[TeresaNJ]

POFQ is the only moderate I ever stayed at, as we always needed a deluxe because of the size of my family, but in April 1999, my sister, DH and I decided to take a quick 3 day trip after visiting my aunt in Port Orange. We didn't want to spend alot of money, and got a good rate with an AP discount. I chose PO, site unseen, because another aunt, who lived in North Carolina until she was in her twenties, always stayed at PO and loved it. Her and her family couldn't say enough good things about it. I figured if a true southern loved it, then the theming had to be great.

Unfortunately, because of the short length of our trip, and trying to cram everything in as far as visiting the parks, as my DH and sister had never seen AK, and DH hadn't been to WDW in years, we barely spent time at PO. Imagine my disappointment when on our last morning there, I finally decide to go check out the landscaping and the river. It was so beautiful I was in awe, and so angry at myself for not taking the time to properly enjoy it, especially since I usually always spend time enjoying the resorts I stay at.

My southern aunt could well afford to stay at any resort she wanted to, but Port Orleans is always her choice. :)

[DCinNs]

We stayed at POR from Feb 3 throught 12th and enjoyed it very much. (AB #15). I brought home a dozen soaps & shampoos...they were added every day. Anything we asked for, ie extra towels, glases etc. were always provided in duplicate. There were towel creations every day that our daughter enjoyed very much. The room & resort was very clean & the CM's very helpful & friendly. I would recommend this resort very highly.

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by DMRick


Dream, can you remember what building and room it was that you cojuld see the fireworks from? Was it a non smoking room?

Also, is there a cost for the fishing? I'm betting there is, since it's Disney <g>


Hi Rick! Yes, I remember the building. It was Oak Manor, and if you are facing the building from the River side--it is on the left side (wing) which faces north I believe. We could see the river and the bridge going over to old man island and the pool. It was a non-smoking room.

The cost for the fishing is so minimal, something like $5-7for your child, this includes the pole, bait, weighing the fish, and time on the pond until you catch something. Our DD ALWAYS caught something, as did all the kids standing with her. The photos are SO adorable, (I cherish them), and say the weight of the fish...PLUS--the supposed (made-up) weight of "the one that got away"!! It's funny, and DD has the BEST memories of these times. Hope this helps you. Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!:)

[DMRick]

It was Oak Manor, and if you are facing the building from the River side--it is on the left side (wing) which faces north

Thanks..we have to stay at AB because there are 5 of us, and it sounds like Oak Manor is one of the manors. Does anyone know if any of the buildings in AB can see the fireworks from their room?

[skyhog]

anny_c_99, Thanks very much for your questions and concerns regarding POR... in the absence of positive comments, the negatives can take on a distorted life of their own... I'm glad to hear your excitement is again 'on track' for this wonderful resort... you will enjoy it!!!!!

[jaret]

We stayed at POR feb3-17th and yes I did post about problems,which were related to staffing issues.It seems that the resort is staying open now as reservations are up so I would not worry about anything.The resort is beautiful and I would stay there again if I could(we would need another family with us to take one of our kids into their room or need two rooms for our family)Nothing was more relaxing than getting up 1st and making the run to the food court.The walking paths are so beautiful and there are birds singing and bunnies hopping.Plus the ducks swimming in the main pool every morning were quite the site!It was a great start to the day.(The food court starts serving at 7am,but the coffee is ready by 6-6:30)We did eat at Boatwrights and the service was quick and the food was good.The food court has plenty of variety and the staff is very friendly.Enjoy your stay and let the disney magic take over.(I too have thought maybe next time we should stay off sight with EE gone but seeing the line-up off cars to get into the parks and knowing there would be no mid -day breaks has me wondering if it would be a wise decision.Plus security was always visible on this last trip,and I felt safe,I don't know how safe I would have felt somewhere else)

[anny_c_99]

For all of the "POSITIVE" comments....You have restored my family

and I's confidence in choosing this resort for our vacation.

At the time of the "original" post, it had started off a very bad

day, someone close had just passed away, and then after reading

the post about the shampoo and soap, not to mention all of the

other nagative posts, well, even "I" can have a bad day.

Thank you again, I know we are going to have a good time, we

are after all, going to be together as a family.

This resort sounds absolutely beautiful, and we can't wait.

Excited once again,

Anny



:) :)

[jaguar9748]

A few additions...

Riverside is too far from any of the parks to see or hear fireworks.

Riverside is a wonderful, magical place. It is a place where all cares and concerns melt away. Yes, the boats are gone, but the buses work well. Yes, Bob is not there, but folks will still have a good time. Heck, you're on vacation and any day on vacation is better than any day at work! ;)

As to why to stay on-site...I found this out this weekend. The traffic in the Disney area is a nightmare! It can take a long time to drive from your hotel - depending on where your hotel is. Crowded, crazy drivers, just a real headache. I prefer to spend more dollars to have the peace and quiet of a magical Disney resort and to leave the driving to Disney! :D

[SuzyQue]

We were at POR 3 weeks ago sitting at the pool one night and very clearly "heard" fireworks (and I know the resort wasn't setting them off!). ~:) ~

[Ricola]

I know we've seen/heard fireworks from PI at POR.

I can certainly believe that you could see MK fireworks given the right location and weather.

[Bellina]

I'll be staying with my husband and it's our first trip to Disney since we're adults.

What negative talk are you referring to? I didn't notice much. Your post has me scared. I really want my husband to love it so we can go back with my nephew.

[yesdisneyfool]

quote: dreamflight99

"As a family, we have "normal" expectations while visiting WDW, and therefore are "always" pleasantly surprised! We "Bring the Magic with us", inside of our hearts and minds. Disney can not "make you happy", you must be Happy to begin with..and then Disney can "enhance" your sense of Happiness!)"

Amen, this is why we still go to the most Magical Place on Earth. It truly enhances what is already in our hearts.

Just got back 2/2002 and going back 5/2/2002 & 10/11/2002.

[SuzyQue]

I see this was your first post :p . You have a very good question, maybe anny_c_99 could let us know what "negative posts" she has read. ~:)~

[Bellina]

Thank, Suzy, for the welcome.

It looks like the person who started the thread is worried because she read you have to ask for soap and shampoo. Not a worry for me since I bring my own. I am very picky about what goes on my body.

I am wondering if she's seen anything else reported that I should know about.

[DisneyMim]

This is just my little ole opinion and maybe this has been said too many times, but...

We've been going to WDW since the 1970's and have stayed in almost all of their resorts. Everyone has their own experience and opinions of the different resorts. Each vacation is totally different. Everything depends on weather, your health, the crowds, who's in the room next to you, who just vacated your room, what maid you have on any given day, etc. etc. etc. We've been in deluxe resorts at Disney and didn't get any soap or shampoo, or towels for that matter. With sooooo many rooms, it's a wonder Disney does as well as they do. All you have to do is call and most times mousekeeping is there in a matter of minutes. It's not that they purposely decided to not put towels or whatever in your room, it' just a mistake, and a mistake that is very easily fixed. In regards to PO, we stayed there when it was Dixie Landings and I thought the resort was beautiful. We travel a lot and stay in many different resorts, but Disney is something special. I don't think anything is wrong with offsite, but how I look at it I can stay at a Hyatt, or whatever anywhere in the world, whcih we do, but when I'm at Disney I want Disney 24/7. For me that's part of the magic. That being said, there is a lot of great rates offsite and I always encourage friends and relatives to do research and consider ALL resorts, onsite and offsite. Bad experiences happen everywhere. Another thing, we go often and I have even found myself second-guessing things because of some reports I have read. And I know better. It must be very hard for first-timers and infrequent visitors. Sure it is wonderful to read other people's opinions, but try to take everything with a grain of salt (even my opinion! LOL!!). You will make your own magic, believe me, wherever you stay.

Have a Wonderful Magically Vacation!!!

[*Flower*]

Anny-

We stayed at POR when it was Dixie Landings, and my DH loved it!
We did the refillable mug thing (they're on top of my kitchen cabinets as I write), and enjoyed the food court as well as Boatwright's.
We lucked into it as an overflow booking from SoG, and would do so again if we could.

Have fun!!

[dreamflight99]

God Bless your heart...and I wish you and your family a truly "MAGICAL" time!

*NOTE...BTW Jaguar9748----A FEW ADDITIONS to your additions...YES, YOU CAN BOTH "SEE" AND "HEAR" THE MK PARK FANTASY IN THE SKY FIREWORKS ON MOST EVES, ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER! As many others reported, this is the case! Perhaps you have never stayed at POR, or seen the "MAGIC" of this deluxe resort (at a moderate price) firsthand. Give it a try, SEEING is BELIEVING!:D

[jaguar9748]

Dreamflight - thanks for the comment on hearing and seeing the fireworks. I've stayed at Riverside more than 6 times and have never seen or heard the fireworks. :rolleyes:

[dreamflight99]

Jaguar9748 (kelli?)...We've stayed there more than 20 times, mostly in the mansions in the Old Dixie Landings. I'm sorry you never heard or saw the fireworks. If you are in the room, with television on, etc.--you may miss it. We heard it booming from inside the room, (on our first visit) and ran out to the porch (w/many others) to watch the beauty of the explosions high in the clear dark summer sky looking West over the main food court area. Our DD was absolutely enamored by this sight, and still recalls it vividly. We saw it almost every time we were there, and every night we were @ the resort at the time of the FW show @ MK. I even called the desk to ask about it, and was told it was the MK. She said they can not advertise it, or talk about it at the desk--as it is not "guaranteed". But most nights, it's visible! Good luck on your next trip. Try to time it...and hopefully you too will witness the "magic" of this little treasured property!

BTW...you have my Clip Art!!! :D (LOL)