First WDW trip in 10 years! Need advice POR

[mrsnate]

Hi! We are huge Disney people, but usually it’s Disneyland for us. We haven’t been to WDW in almost 10 years and a lot has changed! We will be traveling with 3 kids, 16, 10 and 2. I’m planning on staying in a 5th sleeper at POR. Do I need to request a 5th sleeper specifically? Is preferred really important? Also, is it better to book a package or room only? I’m hoping to pick up a discount somewhere along the way and want to be able to update it. We are going early January. Thanks so much!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hi! We are huge Disney people, but usually it’s Disneyland for us. We haven’t been to WDW in almost 10 years and a lot has changed! We will be traveling with 3 kids, 16, 10 and 2. I’m planning on staying in a 5th sleeper at POR. Do I need to request a 5th sleeper specifically? Is preferred really important? Also, is it better to book a package or room only? I’m hoping to pick up a discount somewhere along the way and want to be able to update it. We are going early January. Thanks so much!!

The 5th sleeper is a booking category, so you can book it and guarantee it. A preferred location will put you near the food court, but there are other locations that can be close, too. If you book a preferred room you will automatically get the Murphy bed for the 5th sleeper.

A package reservation is a little less flexible than a room only if you plan to make changes. A package has a $200 down, pay in full 30 days out, requirement. A room only has a deposit equal to one day's cost but you don't have to pay until you check in. You would need to purchase tickets separately and you can save some money going with a discount vendor like Undercover Tourist.

 

[mrsnate]

The 5th sleeper is a booking category, so you can book it and guarantee it. A preferred location will put you near the food court, but there are other locations that can be close, too. If you book a preferred room you will automatically get the Murphy bed for the 5th sleeper.

A package reservation is a little less flexible than a room only if you plan to make changes. A package has a $200 down, pay in full 30 days out, requirement. A room only has a deposit equal to one day's cost but you don't have to pay until you check in. You would need to purchase tickets separately and you can save some money going with a discount vendor like Undercover Tourist.

This is very helpful. Thank you! Do you know what happens if a discounted dining package, or something similar comes up, and I have room-only reservations? I know sometimes there are stay/play/dine discounts in January. Thanks again!

 

[a1tinkfans]

With the room only it’s easy to change things as needed. By using aaa or the link to undercover tourist, in the mousesavers monthly email you ll get an even better price point.
We choose preferred location and request bldg 14 or 18 ( no guarantees at Disney but typically get the request) It’s closest to south depot, store and food court, main bldg.
beautiful resort.. be sure to take the boat to Disney springs too... lovely ride.
Enjoy!

 

[lmhall2000]

We loved POR! We had the five room and loved it, we really liked having a first floor room...strollers up and down stairs was no fun...and we liked being close to the pool. If you have the Chase Disney Visa- they offer specific deals on certain months- we booked this month bc they offered free dining in August only. It came out in April/May..so something for Jan should pop up quickly.

 

[kaytieeldr]

We loved POR! We had the five room and loved it, we really liked having a first floor room...strollers up and down stairs was no fun.

Just so the OP is aware: Fifth Sleeper is a specific booking category. You will get a room in the Alligator Bayou section.

First floor is a request only. Fifty percent of these rooms are on the second floor.