COMIN 2 POR in JANUARY 2004. HELP !

[THE DENTIST]

Hello. first ever entry 2 your community. R U Human ? Only joking.
My wife and I are visiting Mickey for the first time ever. Not having read anything previously I feel perhaps we may have overpaid by bookin flights and accomodation thru Virgin Holidays. In any case, here in the UK I had called Disney direct and the price was better as a package with Virgin.

My question is for u veterans of this place. We have no kids and are in our early thirties. Is there anything special about our accomodation; or great restaurants or events we should not miss and need advance booking ?

I have read the Unofficial Guide, however, having my personality it doesn't help to get over involved with every minor detail so I'd rather be given some do's and don'ts if u could help.

I hope u enjoy reading this as it was typed with a lot of love.

Kuli

 

[Rneighh]

Since you won't have kids up at the crack of dawn -- you may want to take in some on the entertainment and nightlife at Pleasure Island.

Visit www.wdwig.com for a listing of restraurants and look at their menus. This will help you decide where you may want to eat.

We stayed at POR several years ago it is nice. I believe they now offer carriage rides around resort, which may be something to look in to.

Enjoy your trip

Renee

 

[marijeff]

We stayed at POR last May and it was wonderful. Very scenic and believe it or not, quiet. We did have children along, but I hope you enjoy your stay! Welcome to the boards!

 

[kc&dmom]

We too are a couple in our early 30's heading to WDW in January to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. We are leaving our darling little monsters at home and plan on winging the trip. I have heard so much about Pleasure Island and evening activities on the Boardwalk we are keeping our fingers crossed for a great rate at the Swan/Dolphin. We are considering taking a behind the scenes tour as an opportunity to enjoy MK w/out kids and since I am sure it will be a lot warmer in Florida than snowbound WI---maybe a couple rounds of golf--(after all 40 degrees in January is considered a heat wave around here). I don't know your dates but we are traveling during the WDW marathon Jan 10 & 11 so we are looking forward to checking that out too!

 

[THE DENTIST]

Thanx 4 your advice. My wife doesn't know we're staying at the POR. I'm sure she'll like it, given the favourable comments from you folks. We're coming from jan 16 till 31. We have a car booked to be able to get out and about but can u tell me whether i should stick to disney transport or use my car each day?

 

[marijeff]

I would stick to using the WDW transportation system. POR has a boat that takes you to Downtown Disney, but I am not sure if it runs in January. If it does, definitely take the boat or drive because the buses take quite a long time to get there. I think it would be quicker to drive to PI also, but then you have to worry about being able to drive after a night out.

 

[marijeff]

Did you see this post? Hopefully the link will work, but it's about using your own car while in the world.


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=395056

 

[VickiVM]

One of our first visits BK (before kids) was at POR. We fell in love with it. It's a large sprawling resort that feels far removed from all the hoopla, but isn't. It has an Ole South feel to it and is not too cutesy. We always took our time at least one morning to have a lazy breakfast at Boatwright's (the sit-down restaurant there). I can't vouch for lunch or dinner there, but the breakfast menu is great. Even when we've stayed elsewhere in other years, we still made it a point to go to Boatwrights for breakfast.

In my opinion, POR is as close to a deluxe resort without the deluxe pricetag. I think you and your wife will enjoy the laid back atmosphere.

 

[harleyquinn]

Hey Vicki!

Have you ever had to make ps's for Boatwrights? Is there usually a long wait?

Thanks
Sarah

 

[VickiVM]

I don't recall ever making PS's for Boatwrights...Back then we were not savvy enough to do so. I think how quickly you get in depends on the time of year you go. We also did a late breakfast the few times that we went and so I'm sure we didn't wait long (if at all) for a table.

HTH

 

[Dixielady908]

Welcome to the boards. I have stayed at Port Orleans twice and next May will be our thrid time. Love it...the grounds are beautiful. Take the boat to downtown Disney. Very romantic at night. If you request a room, Oak Manor. Close to the main building and food court.
Enjoy your trip.

Denise

 

[copper0426]

We have stayed at POR many many times. Approx. 3 to 4 times a year from 92 to 2001. Had great rates for late 2001 and 2002 so we got to spend those vacations at WL twice and AKL once or else we would have been at POR those time too. As a matter of fact we have reservations for POR the end of August. I can only hope you will love it as much as we do.

The boat ride to DTD is very relaxing and enjoyable.

As far as the car goes, we drive up from south FL and once we park that is it. The car doesn't move again until we are ready to leave. There is just something fun about riding a bus with people from all over who enjoy WDW as much as you do. Some of the bus drivers are funny and tell you funny things that have happened or play trivia with you. It is just another Disney experience.

Flying fish is a great restaraunt to go to. The Illumination cruise is excellent. We have done it three times, Once just my husband and myself, then with my mom and our son and the last time with our family and my husbands. It is a little pricey but well worth it we had the same boat captain all three times, his name is Captain Ron, He was awesome. If you may be interested, We can give you more info.

Boatwrights is great too.

Happy planning.

Diane

 

[Harambe]

You won't want to miss Fantasmic - the fireworks (and so much more!) show at MGM. They have a Fantasmic dining package that allows you a nice meal (since you are kid-free, try for Hollywood Brown Derby) and special seating at the show. I don't know if you can book this ahead, or you may have to make the arrangments when you check into POR.

We will be there for a few of the days you are going! I'll make sure I brush my teeth well, in case I bump into you!

Have a great trip!

 

[THE DENTIST]

I'd like to thank you all for the continued discussions regarding POR. I really appreciate the experienced advice given so please don't stop. Don't tell Mickey but I am hoping to see the 'other people' at the north end of I.Drive so was told a car would be ideal. I don't really want to drive 'in the world' if I can help it but equally I hate long journeys when a direct one will do.
With meals, I have read about Vic and Alb, Wolfgang Puck, Emerils etc. Should I pre-book and if so are there any days to visit particularly. I have 2 weeks there and want to take in as much good food and entertainment but don't want to miss any of the fireworks in all the parks. Is it possible to see it all the way I think? Also interested about Dinner and Fireworks at Disney. Wots best to do?

I hope this isn't too boring 4 u as I'm a Virgo and deatils rule my life and work.

And I will be checking smiles whilst i'm there to see if you have brushed.

Love KULI