Booked POR with Ap rate, did I do the right thing???

[CatOne]

I got so excited about the AP rates I booked the POR and gave up ASmo. I was not in a preferred builiding at ASmo and I was really disappointed when they told me that they do not do discounts in that building. So, I went with POR. It is our first trip just the two of us, myself and my five year old dd. Did I blow it? I want her to have a good time and here are my concerns....transportation to the parks, the look of the rooms, clean, friendly, etc. Help me out..PLEASE!! She LOVED the GF when we stayed there a couple of years ago so I am hoping I didn't do a dumb thing.


CatOne

 

[Luv2Dream]

Personally I think you'll love it. The boat to DTD, the big arcade, the cane pole fishing, the beautiful grounds. We've stayed there and I would go back in a minute. I hope your stay is as nice as ours was.

 

[Obsessed w/Disney in OH]

We love POR!! I think you will too. We stayed last year when they closed down part of POFQ and I was so worried about how the place might be. But our second stay was as great as the first when it was peak season and the entire resort was open.

Unfortunately, we grew out of POR--family of 5--just couldn't fit into the rooms and the trundle like we used to when they were smaller!

The transportation was terrific--never waited long at all. The rooms are warm and welcoming, and we had terrific staff interactions. The grounds are nice-peaceful and pretty.

Stop worrying and have a great time!

 

[firstmickey]

Just back from POR Aug 18th. We loved it there!

The grounds are beautiful and DD will love the main pool at Old Man Island. There is also a fishing pond and bike rentals available.

We thought the buses were great. Never a problem, other than the usual returning from the park at closing (which you have with all of them). (get the bus at a bus stop other than the main south depot in the AM: that one was always last picked up before going to the parks and always the most crowded)

Food courts had a large selection and we really enjoyed Boatwrights also.

The boat to DTD is a very enjoyable ride.

We preferred the mansions. Parterre Place would be closest to food court, marina, but we enjoyed the short walk from Acadian House where we stayed.

I think you will both really enjoy this resort.

I would be happy to answer any other questions.

Donna

 

[palmtreegirl]

We usually stay at deluxes but stayed at the POR last November for a surprise quick trip and really enjoyed ourselves!

It's a really beautiful resort with the best food court on property, IMO. We stayed in the Mansions section-so pretty! I think the Magnolia Terrace section was the best location, just across from the main pool over a bridge from the food court. we were in Parterre Place which we enjoyed but it was a little farther out from the Main building.

The boat to DTD is awesome! I've always thought the the busses to DTD at most resorts were a sore spot so having the boat transportation is great! It's a lovely ride and very peaceful.

They also have boat rentals available and surrey bikes, which were a lot of fun.

The bus transporation was also very good, most times we only waited 10 minutes.

There's also a full service restaurant, great pool bar and lounge with a really funny singer. Plus the lounge just went to non smoking which is a plus if you want to bring your DD down to see the show.

I hope this helped! Have a great trip!

 

[btmyank]

What rate did you get for POR? That will determine whether or not it was a good move.

 

[Tjkane28]

Good move. POR is a nice resort. Excellent food court, recreation, boat to DTD, timely transportation to all parks, and friendly staff.

Some of the rooms may need updating soon, but the staff is ready to fix any problemn that will arise.

I am staying from 12/19-12/24 and got an AP rate of $79 plus tax for a 5 night saty of $440. One can hardly stay at a motel 6 for $79.

NO worries!

 

[CatOne]

I got a six night stay, Dec. 19th and leaving the 25th, for 529.00. That is less than we got for ASmo. I was also told ASmo would not have any special AP rates because it is so popular and they rarely discount when they are filling up so easily. SO, I actually saved money. Here is the other thing, I am not paying for the park tickets, my dd's dad has graciously given them to us as Christmas presents. I told him this would actually increase the ticket price but save a little on the room BUT it allowed us to upgrade and he was all for that. When he paid for the whole trip we stayed at the GF. I just can't do that being a single parent but I don't want to give up WDW all together either!! So, this seemed perfect for me. I was worried my dd would not like the resort but I am hearing great things about PO so far. One question, do they have a children's pool? I am getting really excited!!

CatOne

 

[firstmickey]

Cat One,
they have a large wading pool that is about 1-2 feet deep. It has chairs and lounges around it and is sort of separate from the main pool.

You can also get life jackets at the marina that you can use for free length of stay.(they will take your room number and charge you $45 only if you don't bring it back).
My 6 year old son used this and was able to use the slide and swim all over (i stayed with him though).

 

[belle3]

can you tell me what the abbreviations stand for? How did you getthe great rate for the Christmas time? I am an annual passholder and am trying to find the specials on WDW hotels, can you give me some advice?
Thanks!

 

[firstmickey]

abbreviations
http://www.wdwinfo.com/abbreviations.htm

they take a while to figure out on your own! But you get used to them.

As for the discounts, an Annual Pass rate (AP) was just released for Oct-Dec with some blackout dates.
Try calling CRO at 407-934-7639 and asking for the AP rate or
code: AMI

from mousesavers:
WDW Annual Passholders can ask for Code AMI and get special discounted rates at select Walt Disney World resorts for check-ins 10/2/03-11/24/03 and 11/28/03-12/26/03. Discounts range from approximately 30-45% off regular rack rates. Availability seems to be very limited, particularly for October -- you may need to be flexible about dates and/or resorts to take advantage of these rates. Note that these dates include Value, Regular and Holiday seasons, so rates for the same hotel will vary widely. Some reported rates:

All Stars - $49 standard (Value and Holiday season), $69 standard (Regular season)
Moderates - $79 standard (Value season), $89 king (Value season), $99 standard (Regular season), $109 king (Regular season), $140 Coronado junior suite (Regular season)
Animal Kingdom Lodge - $109 standard (Value and Holiday season), $129 standard (Regular season), $149 pool view (Value season), $165 pool view (Regular season), $154 savannah view (Value and Holiday season), $179 savannah view (Regular season), $209 deluxe savannah view (Value season), $249 concierge (Value season)
Wilderness Lodge - $109 standard (Value season), $125 woods view (Value and Holiday season), $140 courtyard view (Value and Holiday season), $165 courtyard view (Regular season), $219 concierge (Value season), $259 honeymoon room (Regular season)
Ft. Wilderness Cabin - $134 (Value season)
Contemporary - $229 tower (Value season), $249 tower (Regular season)
Boardwalk/Beach Club/Yacht Club - $174 standard (Value season), $209 water view (Value season), $294 concierge (Regular season)
Polynesian - $170 garden view (Value season), $204 garden view (Regular season), $235 garden view concierge (Value season), $285 lagoon view concierge (Value season)
Grand Floridian - $199 garden view (Value season), $239 lagoon view (Value season)
Other resorts, room types and views are available at varying prices

Or you could contact a Dreams Unlimited travel agent. They will book a room only reservation for you and look for best rates.
I am working with Sue Ellen and she is wonderful! She worked realy hard to get me an AP rate at CBR.
Visit the site for the Dreams Unlimited Travel under Book a Vacation on the main page.

Again, Welcome to the DIS!

 

[jaguar9748]

An excellent decision and choice - you will have a great time at POR. I've also stayed at ASMO which is a good choice too. Go and have a great time - everything said about POR is true. It is our favorite resort - relax and have fun!

P.S. I am so jealous about your GF stay - that is my goal one day!

 

[CatOne]

Thank you for all the positive responses!! I worked all weekend waitressing and since I live in Va. Beach I had a good weekend so I have paid a lot more than I expected and already started putting away money! I am really excited about POR now. We requested Magnolia building, but I know these are requests and not gurantees. Thanks again!! By the way, does anyone have any pictures of POR? Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!



CatOne

 

[annie5379]

I was in the same dilemma as you....After staying at the CBR the past 6 trips, we could only get the AP discount at POR Riverside. After all the help I received on here, and all of the research, I am really looking forward to it!!
Here is the site I liked the best for photos.... I hope it helps!!!
Annie

www.wdwig.com/g_dxl.htm