For what it's worth, I think a lot of the mansions are pretty far from the main building and POFQ, so you may want to make a more specific request if you don't want a long hike. Here's a link to a map of the building locations:
http://www.portorleans.org/maps-and-directions.php
Glad you got savanna view at AKL! I don't think you can go wrong there!
I have seen that site before, but I have not had time to go all the way through it. I can see what you mean about some of the buildings being far from everything. Not sure how much we will get to use the pool since it will be November. I know the weather is usually nice, but maybe not "swim every day" nice.
Oh my gosh, Alison, that's amazing news! That sounds like a perfect mix of resorts! I can not wait to hear what you think about POR. I keep thinking that we seem to be on such parallel paths, it's crazy.
We have actually just booked our flights for a trip back early next year (I hope it won't be too cold) and are thinking of staying at POR. We are trying to take advantage of FD this time around. We've never stayed at a moderate before, so we kind of wanted to try it out. We're also going for a long time, so not sure we can swing a deluxe or the Dolphin again. we also tossed around the idea of staying a few nights at the Sheraton Vistana because my husband is dying to try it out.
Can't wait to hear all about the plans even more now! Plus, I am in awe of those photos of the Grand Californian. Amazing. I need to stay there one of these days.....
Yay! That's exciting that you booked another trip! I have heard so many good things about POR, but I have never stayed in a Deluxe to have a comparison.

I'm sure that staying in the Dolphin in amazing, and you will be giving up the great location near Epcot and DHS, but if it allows you to stay for a longer trip, it is probaby worth it.
If you need any info about the Sheraton, let me know. We have stayed there probably 5 times and we love it. You can not beat the location. So many restaurants and shops all around it. Probably a 10 minute drive to the Disney property.
See and I'm just thinking you'll score on some cool jewelry there
I would have to do Savannah if I stayed there I think. I can't imagine being in that gorgeous place and looking at....a parking lot.
FDM is the best thing ever. It definitely "created" the May trip for me. And PIN codes rock! I'm a bit sad I've not gotten one for 2011...I think they are on to me. I'm not even getting that survey at the end of a mock booking, what's up with that? Those mansions look SO pretty!
Ooooh, jewelry. It does seem like I always come back from WDW with lots of new necklaces... I agree with you about a parking lot view at AKL. Why pay the money to stay there if you are not going to enjoy every part of your visit? A pool view looks nice too, but we really thought it was worth it to upgrade to see the animals.
Ha, ha. Disney has you on one of their "most wanted" lists. Don't give her the PIN code, no matter how hard she tries! Ha, ha. I hope that isn't the case.
Dylan will definitely like looking at the animals!
Last time we were there, he was really into the birds.

Hopefully he will think the bigger animals are cool this time, because you can see birds just about anywhere at WDW.
I can't take the credit. I think that maybe 2(?) out of the 5 are mine (the Christmas tree one and the stained glass door). Some of these were grabbed off the GCH thread here and I think one from Google Images. At this point all the ones I like have gotten mixed together.
Ok, well I don't feel so bad about my own photography skills now. Every time we are there, I try a million different settings on my camera and I just can't master it. There is so much detail that I can't capture. Love that lobby! It's so comfortable, we could sit there for a whole afternoon.