Help me choose a new resort

[disneylove16]

Hi everyone, I am currently booked at CSR Aug 19-28. It's DH and I, no kids. Due to the upcoming construction, we decided to change resorts. DH has only ever stayed at CSR, and is very fond of it. He likes how relaxing it feels, the bus service, and that it doesn't feel as "kiddish". I am open to any of the resorts. I think we are down to POR, POFQ, or POP. I was thinking POP, just to save the money, but realize it's the complete opposite of what DH likes about CSR. I've been reading about POR and POFQ differences, and although I think I like the theming better at POR, I think the bus service pushes me towards POFQ. I also am heavily considering AKL, but just trying to justify the $1400 price difference

Can anyone give me some advice, and maybe comparisons? If we do go with POR, is the bus service really as bad as I'm reading? Thank you!

 

[Disneylover99]

I'd choose POFQ for the bus service, theming and the small size.

But if you like the theming better at POR, you might want to stay there. I actually found bus service at POR to be a bit better then CSR.

 

[maryj11]

I would choose AKL but if that is to much I would go with POR. There is a really good discount with a travel agency for AKL but the rules for disboard will not let me post the name of the company.

 

[Babsy]

WE absolutely LOVE POR! It is a very relaxing resort. It isn't as "non-kiddish" as CSR, but it's not too bad. It is a bit larger and if the budget allows, I usually suggest that people book preferred rooms at POR. These are in the AB section and are very conveniently located near the themed pool and the food court/shops. The Royal Rooms are gorgeous, but DH may not be thrilled with the Disney touches. You might want to look at some pics online to see the different thematic styles of rooms at POR. The standard mansions are in Magnolia Bend and are fairly well located. If you book standard rooms, I would request Magnolia Terrace and request a room near the bridge to the pool. Acadian House is nice as well, but a little bit of a further walk.
We have never found the buses to be difficult at POR. But then we aren't rope drop people. I suppose that you could always walk to POFQ and use their bus stop. we took the POFQ bus back 'home' one night and stopped off for beignets on our way. It's about a 10 minute walk, IIRC.

POFQ is small so standard rooms are fine. The problems that we have with POFQ are basically the kiddie style pool area (great for young children) and the lack of amenities at the resort. There is a food court only for dining and that is about it. You can walk to POR and use the amenities there, but we prefer to stay where the amenities that we use are located. The single bus stop is nice, though - just not that important to us.

Both POR and POFQ have a boat ride to DS, which is very nice and adds to the dining options/shopping when staying at either of these two resorts.


AKL is a great alternative to a moderate. If you are able to get a good RO discount, you may find that the difference in cost is not too high. The discount percentage is higher for deluxe resorts than moderates. If you plan on free dining, then a moderate resort is a better deal, IMO.

Standard or pool view rooms are the best deal at AKL. Savanna view is awesome, but you can watch the animals from many viewing areas around the resort. WE really enjoy our pool view rooms.

 

[AllieBoo]

I would go with POFQ. We liked that it was a smaller resort and we found the bus service much less aggravating than POR (too many stops!). We also like the food court at POFQ better

 

[Canooknic]

If buses are your only issue with POR use the West stop (if it's getting a seat that is the issue) or South (if you don't want to drive around the rest of the resort, but you will probably have to stand depending on the time of day)

 

[Anthony Suter]

Hi everyone, I am currently booked at CSR Aug 19-28. It's DH and I, no kids. Due to the upcoming construction, we decided to change resorts. DH has only ever stayed at CSR, and is very fond of it. He likes how relaxing it feels, the bus service, and that it doesn't feel as "kiddish". I am open to any of the resorts. I think we are down to POR, POFQ, or POP. I was thinking POP, just to save the money, but realize it's the complete opposite of what DH likes about CSR. I've been reading about POR and POFQ differences, and although I think I like the theming better at POR, I think the bus service pushes me towards POFQ. I also am heavily considering AKL, but just trying to justify the $1400 price difference

Can anyone give me some advice, and maybe comparisons? If we do go with POR, is the bus service really as bad as I'm reading? Thank you!

My wife and I were huge fans of POR when we stayed there. The bus waits were not as bad as I expected them to be and the ferry to Disney Springs was amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there and loved the dining hall. The create your own pasta thing they have is such an awesome thing when you're exhausted and starving after a long day in the parks. So far, it is our favorite.

 

[blbrodger1]

We are in the same situation for August 6-12. I'm considering POR, too, but am so disappointed about all of the construction at the moderates.

 

[LSLS]

I love both Port Orleans. Last trip to Pop was our last one. It was just too crowded and there were too many people that could care less about rules. I will (and am next trip) stay off property before staying at the values again. It's the same price and much nicer.

As for which Port Orleans, I think part of it depends on how much hotel time you will have. Riverside has carriage rides, a bigger pool (or at least felt bigger), the bar area, etc. FQ doesn't have quite as much stuff, but is a lot less of a trip with the busses/boats. Honestly love them both. I usually just take the cheaper one to be honest with you.

 

[Sydney2977]

If it's just you and DH I wouldn't do POP if you can afford a little more for POR or POFQ. Even our 16yo DS enjoyed and appreciated the peacefulness of POFQ on our last trip, and really they're so close you can easily go between them for the food and other amenities. We've stayed at CSR twice and it's one of our family's favorites as well. Some people say POR is too spread out so the like the small size of POFQ- it really is very compact. If you can get a river view it's worth it, but really there's no "bad" locations. Even the standard views facing towards the parking lots have beautiful landscaping. We've visited POR to look around and to eat on several occasions and I would definitely stay there in the future. We absolutely loved AKL, but the difference between that and a moderate was $600 for the week long trip we did older DS's senior year in high school so we splurged. We also got pixie dust and were upgraded from standard to savannah view, which now I would say I'd pay extra for when we stay there again someday. I don't know if I could consider $1400 more for just DH and I at this point. If y'all plan to spend any time at DS the boats are nice too.

 

[disneylove16]

Thank you so much everyone for your help! I changed our reservation last night to POR! You all have made me feel so ,uch better about the switch so thank you!

I showed DH some videos and he likes POR theming. He said he's worried about bus service, but after reading him the comments here, he feels better about it. I'm going to take @Canooknic suggestion and request a room near the west bus stop (in alligator bayou).

I think we also want to hold off on AKL because I really want to do the savannah view, and that $1400 jump in price is just for a standard view. We were planning on splurging for our 10 year anniversary(2019) by staying at Poly or AKL with savannah view, so we'll save the splurge for then. @Sydney2977 that's amazing that you got an upgrade! What a great surprise!

Thank you everyone!!!