Help! Did I Make the Right Choice?

[vicky33006]

So...with the Disney Visa discount that came out this morning, I had some decisions to make. We didn't qualify for the Stay Play Dine offer that had come out earlier because of our dates. Anyway I was happily surprised to find out we qualified for this discount.

Unfortunately, we were staying at AoA in the LM rooms which were the only rooms not eligible for the discount. So...if I wanted the savings I had to switch. I thought we should just switch to POP since it's the most comparable, but the CM looked at mods for us and it turns out we were able to switch to a mod and still save $50. So...this seemed like the best decision, but I'm still unsure.

I ended up booking a standard room at POR. I don't know if that was the best mod for us though. I really hadn't looked into mods and felt like I had to make the decision quickly. The trip is me, DS (6), and my sister. It is DS's first trip. Was this the best mod for us? Should I look into the other ones? I know I need to make a decision quickly.

Or, should I have just gone with POP instead? The savings would have been just over $300. POP seems more kid friendly, but I thought it would be nice to try a mod. I am worried that POR is big, and we might be far from the food court. I'm also worried about the food court because we are a picky family and we tent to like all of the offerings at food courts like POP. Can anyone help? I'm open to any suggestions! Thanks!

 

[aaarcher86]

I think it depends what is more important to you.

If you're going to do a mod, I think POR is a great choice though. I personally am going there for the first time as well, BUT, that's only because we have 5 people and it was the best price. If I could justify it, or if it was less I'd go back to the values!

We don't spend time in the room but to shower and sleep, so having a $300 savings for us would be far more worth it than going to a mod where we don't use the additional amenities and the room is essentially the same.

If you've been wanting to try a mod, and you can do so for the price of a value I say go for it. If you'd rather pocket more money to spend elsewhere, change it back. But you'll still have a food court with lots of options like at the values at POR so I wouldn't let that sway your decision.

 

[focusondisney]

So...with the Disney Visa discount that came out this morning, I had some decisions to make. We didn't qualify for the Stay Play Dine offer that had come out earlier because of our dates. Anyway I was happily surprised to find out we qualified for this discount.

Unfortunately, we were staying at AoA in the LM rooms which were the only rooms not eligible for the discount. So...if I wanted the savings I had to switch. I thought we should just switch to POP since it's the most comparable, but the CM looked at mods for us and it turns out we were able to switch to a mod and still save $50. So...this seemed like the best decision, but I'm still unsure.

I ended up booking a standard room at POR. I don't know if that was the best mod for us though. I really hadn't looked into mods and felt like I had to make the decision quickly. The trip is me, DS (6), and my sister. It is DS's first trip. Was this the best mod for us? Should I look into the other ones? I know I need to make a decision quickly.

Or, should I have just gone with POP instead? The savings would have been just over $300. POP seems more kid friendly, but I thought it would be nice to try a mod. I am worried that POR is big, and we might be far from the food court. I'm also worried about the food court because we are a picky family and we tent to like all of the offerings at food courts like POP. Can anyone help? I'm open to any suggestions! Thanks!

We love POR, but I have never traveled with a 6 yo boy! The resort is big, but there are convenient paths & after a short time, you'll find your best & quickest routes. The main pool is lots of fun with a slide & there are 6 quiet pools spread between the buildings. Plus you can use the Dragon slide pool at POFQ too.

The food court is wonderful. We were last there in 2010, but I think they still have the same set up. You can get made to order salads & pasta dishes: they have several ingredients & sauces & you tell the CM what you'd like & they make it up right there for you. Everything we tried was delicious & huge portions.

You can take the boat to Downtown Disney; I bet a 6 yo would like that too. I don't know about AoA resort, but I really think your little guy will be happy at POR. And the other thing is, of course he'll like it; he won't know any different!

 

[Mom24Princesses]

I think it depends what is more important to you.

If you're going to do a mod, I think POR is a great choice though. I personally am going there for the first time as well, BUT, that's only because we have 5 people and it was the best price. If I could justify it, or if it was less I'd go back to the values!

We don't spend time in the room but to shower and sleep, so having a $300 savings for us would be far more worth it than going to a mod where we don't use the additional amenities and the room is essentially the same.

If you've been wanting to try a mod, and you can do so for the price of a value I say go for it. If you'd rather pocket more money to spend elsewhere, change it back. But you'll still have a food court with lots of options like at the values at POR so I wouldn't let that sway your decision.

We did POR for the 5 people option and did not like it. Small space for so many. We've done 2 connecting rooms ever since. Long walk to pool and common space. IMHO

 

[aaarcher86]

We did POR for the 5 people option and did not like it. Small space for so many. We've done 2 connecting rooms ever since. Long walk to pool and common space. IMHO

We were 5 last trip in a value (one under 2 yrs). We know it'll be a bit cramped, but we just aren't there enough to justify the cost of another room. I'm sure it won't be ideal, but we'll manage

 

[Sue M]

POR is our fav moderate . It's a beautiful resort and very kid friendly. They have a fishing hole your son may find fun, evening movies, bob Jackson puts on a great show at night in the River Roost, appeals to both kids and adults. Boat to DTD. Horse & Carriage rides. Great pool and hot tub too. IMO has a lot more to offer then a value. And you'll have queen beds, 2 sinks, coffee maker and more space. Rooms have recently been refurbed and they are very nice.

Food court is great. Our fav is the Make Your Own Pasta Bar. Portions are huge, enough for 2 to share. Even when we don't stay here we've gone over just for the Pasta Bar!

We request the mansion section, either Magnolia Terrace or Acadian House location close to Old Man Island bridge. Good location close to bus stop behind building, and a short walk over the bridge to both pool and main buildings.
With a standard view you may be in the back of the building (closer to bus) but still own the same side of building to bridge. We had this location in Magnolia Terrace near parking lot, but just walked along walkway to main path and was right at the bridge.

AB section can have convoluted paths which tend to confuse people, but the mansion section is much easier to navigate. And we prefer the rooms here.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Well opinions everyone's got one.. LOL

I would said traveling with kids in that range, you could save money, get the preferred room at Pop and walk over to AoA to have a look around whenever you wanted!

Good luck with whatever you decide in the end.

 

[kkbutterfly]

Personally as an adult I'd do POR (probably because I thought there were fewer kids around), but I know kids love AofA and Pop. There are more kids around to play and the pools I think are much more kid friendly. The food courts are great at any, but at Pop you can walk to AofA which had a great food court. I personally would pick Pop with a 6 yo and spend the extra savings on some fun gifts or experiences with him!

 

[JimGA]

So...with the Disney Visa discount that came out this morning, I had some decisions to make. We didn't qualify for the Stay Play Dine offer that had come out earlier because of our dates. Anyway I was happily surprised to find out we qualified for this discount.

Unfortunately, we were staying at AoA in the LM rooms which were the only rooms not eligible for the discount. So...if I wanted the savings I had to switch. I thought we should just switch to POP since it's the most comparable, but the CM looked at mods for us and it turns out we were able to switch to a mod and still save $50. So...this seemed like the best decision, but I'm still unsure.

I ended up booking a standard room at POR. I don't know if that was the best mod for us though. I really hadn't looked into mods and felt like I had to make the decision quickly. The trip is me, DS (6), and my sister. It is DS's first trip. Was this the best mod for us? Should I look into the other ones? I know I need to make a decision quickly.

Or, should I have just gone with POP instead? The savings would have been just over $300. POP seems more kid friendly, but I thought it would be nice to try a mod. I am worried that POR is big, and we might be far from the food court. I'm also worried about the food court because we are a picky family and we tent to like all of the offerings at food courts like POP. Can anyone help? I'm open to any suggestions! Thanks!

We have stayed at POR and loved it, the pool is awesome and has a great waterslide that your DS will love.

Check out hti sunofficial web site; http://www.portorleans.org

It is full of great up to date information, you can also fax in a request to the hotel front desk for a preferred building location or room location a few days before your visit, they sometimes will honor it, we did that last year at POFQ and got the preferred buildign and room location. All that information is on the unofficial web site link.

If the money doe snot matter definately stay at POR, it is such a wonderful resort and does not scream motel.

 

[buzznina]

We were 5 last trip in a value (one under 2 yrs). We know it'll be a bit cramped, but we just aren't there enough to justify the cost of another room. I'm sure it won't be ideal, but we'll manage

We did the same thing, myself, DW, DD(1), sister and her DD(16) at POP and we had a great time. We actually made a game out of who would use the bathroom first. My sister still talks about how I tried to jump over the bed to beat her. Lets just say I did not completely make it
POR is a great resort, I think at your DS age he will like AOA and ASMO the best of the values, our DD did not get most of the themeing at POP, more geared towards DW and I. Our DD's like the value themes better, but Mom and Dad are not big fans of full size beds I think your DS will like the dragon pool at POFQ because of the fun themeing.

 

[ScrampShopper]

I haven't stayed at POR, but have walked around there when we stayed at POFQ. I think your walk to the food court/busses will not be any longer that the trek from LM at AOA. I spent 1 night in a LM room this Sept, and they are pretty far from the main building and the big pool. The best part of either PO resort is the boat to DTD.

 

[aaarcher86]

We did the same thing, myself, DW, DD(1), sister and her DD(16) at POP and we had a great time. We actually made a game out of who would use the bathroom first. My sister still talks about how I tried to jump over the bed to beat her. Lets just say I did not completely make it
POR is a great resort, I think at your DS age he will like AOA and ASMO the best of the values, our DD did not get most of the themeing at POP, more geared towards DW and I. Our DD's like the value themes better, but Mom and Dad are not big fans of full size beds I think your DS will like the dragon pool at POFQ because of the fun themeing.

Ha!

I've advised DH that he'll be showering the night before and the kids will get their baths the night before as well. That just leaves me and mum!

I also agree that AoA and ASMo are the most kid themed resorts.

Our value stay was actually at ASMo and the kids loved it! If I did anything other than 1 room at POR I'd be in a family suite at AoA for sure!