June 19-23 - POFQ

[dpmfloyd]

Good morning! My wife and I are back from our first stay at POFQ. We booked this trip last minute, due to a decent room price and great airfare. We are starting to feel like old pro's with 5 trips, in under two years, under our belt.

Lot's of Good...Not really much bad...and we sure saw some ugly:

Day 1:
We got a ride to the airport from a co-worker of mine that lives nearby...at 5am. We bribed her with wine and the promise of chocolate dipped rice krispie treats on our return. She arrived exactly at 5am, and we were off to Boston's Logan Airport. Since there is no traffic that early in the morning, we got there in 15 minutes. We printed our boarding passes and made way for our first line of the trip - security. It did not take long, and we were through in under 10 minutes. From door through security in under 30 minutes, I'd call that a win!

We sauntered over to our gate, only to learn the flight was delayed... 20 minutes. Not terrible, especially since it was for crew rest. I'd happily take a rested crew versus a non-rested crew for a 7am flight anyday. We grabbed some breakfast and waited to board.

We boarded very quickly and seemed to leave only 5 minutes later than our initial departure time. The flight was smooth sailing all the way to Orlando. I should also mention I did cough up the extra money to sit in Delta's priority seating - being in the 5th row and boarding early has its perks. I love the peace of mind knowing our rollers will get first dibs in overhead space. I also love boarding before the lineup. Who doesn't/wouldn't?

We made good time getting over to the monorail/shuttle, and we made even better time getting to the magical express area. After the very quick check-in, we waited in line roughly 5 minutes before boarding the bus. The bus filled over the next 15 minutes, before we finally left the airport. Our driver informed us we'd be making 3 stops. POFQ would be the final stop.

It took roughly 90 minutes for us to go from our seats on the plane, to check in. Not terrible, the longest time it's taken us to date -- which is nothing to complain about.

POFQ is undergoing some renovations to its check-in area, so they had a temporary set up in the scat cat club. I felt bad for the check-in staff because the computer terminals were right up on top of each other. Very little space for anyone to have any sort of elbow room back there.

We checked in online prior to arriving so everything was nice and easy. The only request we made online was for a room close to the transportation. We were put in Building 4, Room 4101 - a ground floor/corner room. I was thrilled because we FINALLY got a king bed on property -- granted i booked a king bed room, but this was a special treat. The added bonus was getting a corner room with windows on two walls. We are Pop Century people. We stayed at the Beach Club for our short honeymoon stay, but pop was always 'fine' to us. Needless to say, never again. In the years to come, when we go again, we will not go below the moderate level. The room was very cozy, and having a king bed gave us that much more space.

This was our 'no plans' trip. We did not pre-plan our days. We did things on a, "Well what should we do (now, later, tonight, etc)" basis. So, immediately after checking in. We grabbed lunch and headed for the pool.

We were out there for a good chunk of the afternoon, when some nasty looking clouds covered us. We only felt a few drops of rain when we decided to clean up and rinse off back at the room. We decided we'd head over to AK for dinner and a few rides - giving us a fair amount of time to relax afterwards after such a long day.

After a quick siesta, we boarded the bus for AK. Neither of us were hungry, so we decided we'd do a quick trip around on the Safari. There was no wait, and we saw nearly twice as many animals as we've seen in the past. After that, we were hungry -- we went to flame tree bbq for dinner. we both got the chicken salad, which was very good. I've had it before, and it continues to impress.

We walked around after dinner, giving ourselves time to adjust before riding Everest, followed by Dinosaur. By then, it was already 8pm and the park was closing. A small stream of people headed for the exit and we had a short wait for our bus back to POFQ. Once I sat on the bus, exhaustion set in.

Once back at the hotel, we got some adult libations and slowly made our way back to the room. I tried to stay up to watch the Bruin's game, but I didn't last very long. I did wake up with the TV still on and learned they lost, ah well - not an entirely perfect day, but I will still one happy camper.

next up...
Day 2: Blizzard Beach and a rainy walk through Epcot and downtown disney...

 

[dpmfloyd]

Day 2:
We woke up, had a quick breakfast in our room and headed for typhoon lagoon. We were at the bus depot just after 8. We were picked up just before 8:30. Our bus went directly over to the POR side of the resort -- and this is where we learned just how big the entire Port Orleans resort was. We stopped at every depot - loading up passengers. By the time we got to the last stop, but bus was full and there were MANY displeased looking guests standing there when not a single one could get on.

We finally made it to TL, around 8:45. We rented a locker and waited with roughly 60 other people. At 9:00am sharp, they let us in to grab some seats. after we put our towels and flip flops down - then went straight for some water slides before things got too backed up. we started on the left side with the family slide and worked our way to the right, where we'd ride the crush'n'gusher last. everything was very fun, and i was surprised how much i enjoyed the crush'n'gusher. very, very fun.

after that we jumped in and did a lap around the lazy river, followed by some relaxing in the sun and some swimming in the wave pool. we ate, then relaxed some more. followed by a quick dip in the shark tank for some snorkeling - which i liked and the wife did not as she had never worn a snorkel before.

we didnt spend too much more time there. it started to fill up and the skies started to look a little nasty, so we packed up and returned to POFQ to shower and take a short nap.

it didnt take too long after we returned for the weather to take a turn south. a steady shower moved in, followed by intermittent thunder and lightning. after some thought, we grabbed our umbrellas and headed for epcot. we thought the weather was clearing up and we might be able to ride on the new test track without much of a wait. sadly, the weather didnt cooperate and the ride was shutdown until further notice.

we walked to japan in world showcase for some dinner. just as we walked passed Morocco, the skies emptied all around us. one of the heaviest downpours i've ever been stuck in. luckily our umbrella's did a better than expected job of keeping us dry. we got to japan and enjoyed a quick dinner. we decided to walk over to the beach club and take a bus to downtown disney for some browsing, and to be topped off with our staple - drinks at paradiso 37.

the walk to BC was an easy one. we loved staying there on our honeymoon. that lobby has one of the best smells to ever grace my nostrils. after a quick moment romanticizing and using the bathroom, we headed for the bus depot.

we waited alone, a bus came rather quickly and we were on our way to DTD. as the bus pulled off, the thunder and lightning came back with a vengeance. it was pouring absolute buckets every where. we could hear the top of the bus get lit up with it. the windshield wipers couldnt keep up on the bus. just another summer day in florida, or so i've been told.

when we got to DTD, people were huddled in every possible doorway. just waiting for a break so they could run to the bus depot. it was a great time to dip from store to store, except in goofy's - where there must have been at least 100 people crammed in there. we hopped around from place to place - looking for something new for our collection. eventually finding our ways to paradiso 37. we got one of the specialty drinks in one of the large souvenir bowls. it was buy one - get a 2nd (and 3rd and 4th) 1/2 off. which is essentially buy 2 get 1 free. not a fantastic deal, but tasty no less.

we left, happily buzzed and ready to sit in our nice dry room.

up next:
Day 3 - MK, more pool time and return to DTD

 

[dpmfloyd]

Day 3
We woke up and enjoyed another breakfast in our room. It should help to mention I had pre-ordered a delivery through garden grocer which really helped a great deal on our out of pocket expenses. Water/bagels and cream cheese/bananas/granola bars -- all came in very handy on this trip (not to mention the refrigerator in the room )

we headed for the bus stop just after 8 and we were through the turnstiles around 8:45. this was the first "summer" crowd i got to see at rope drop. there were MANY many people waiting for the pre-show. Having only gone in the quieter times, I knew i wouldnt be able to walk from ride to ride without much wait and not having to use the fast pass system. When we were finally let it, we went right for big thunder... which was not operating just yet. so we grabbed some FP's, turned around and went right for space mountain. only to have to fight our way through the crowd waiting for splash mountain to open. i've never liked the area directly around big thunder and splash - it's a tidal pool of people just lingering. there's really no straight way to get through there easily. ever.

space mountain had a 20 minute wait, which was accurate. after a quick spin, we hit buzz, then made our way to the teacups. then over to little mermaid, and haunted mansion. and finally back to big thunder...but first splash mountain fp's - which were for 20 minutes from that very moment. (the wait was 40 minutes in line or fp for 20 minutes from then...seemed like a no brainer).

we rode big thunder then experienced the driest ride through splash mountain. the only time we got wet was around that first bend as a log was coming down the flume, beyond that - dry as a bone. it was nice to see the ride working what appeared to be 100%. we've never ridden it before since they fixed everything. it looked great.

we had an early lunch, then hit POtC. after pirates, we decided to get ourselves frappacino's from starbucks and then putz around in the shops.

we went back to the resort and enjoyed some pool time, yet again - to have the afternoon spoiled by torrential rain. back at the room, we decided "hey - lets go see the new superman movie downtown" -- we got ourselves put together and headed for the bus. it was here at this moment, I nearly found myself yelling at other guests. we waited for roughly 40 minutes for a bus. the depot was packed end to end with people. an epcot bus pulled up, a few people got off - no one got on. then shortly after the animal kingdom bus pulled up - just as the doors opened and people started to get off...finally a DTD bus rolled up. everyone towards the rear of the depot that hadn't been waiting as long as everyone else - jumped on the bus. which i'd consider it to be an "oh well, what can you do" moment. the bus filled very, very quickly when the large family (a few older siblings and their respective kids) got explosive.

one of the wives decided to step onto the DTD bus and yell at everyone from the doorway - "how dare you, we've been waiting out here for over 30 mins and you JUST got here - so enjoy, a**holes! you're all selfish pieces of sh*t!" then she decided to point her frustration at the bus driver. "why did you open the doors back here? clearly everyone OVER THERE has been waiting longer, why couldnt you just wait for this bus to move before letting people on?" - the bus driver asked the woman to get on or step off - very nicely and patiently i might add. she did, but not without swearing a few times. when another woman from the same party jumped into the roadway as the bus pulled forward. she stood there and DEMANDED he unload the bus, otherwise she wouldn't move. after a few moments, someone in the family finally pushed her out of the road and onto the sidewalk. the bus pulled away, and everyone just stood there awkwardly while the two women in that family blew up.

they stormed over to the main entry way and started yelling at the first cast member they saw. after a few minutes, she walked back to her family and said disney had called them a private shuttle to take them to DTD immediately. while they all walked over to the pick up/drop off area of the resort. a DTD bus rolled up. empty. everyone that was waiting was able to get on, EXCEPT for the family that was waiting for their shuttle.

as the bus pulled away, i could overhear some people talking about how nuts "those people" were. pick your battles folks. sure, it stinks and it sucks but yelling like that is only going to do one thing. and that's make you look like an a**hole.

we got to DTD, and once we got to the theatre clearly everyone else nearby had the exact same idea. we weren't able to get tickets for a movie. so we walked from shop to shop, then stopped into DStreet where the beauty and the beast vinylmations were put on sale just that morning. we randomly picked one box, each and just as quick - someone ran up to us, frantically saying, "if you get Belle, i'll trade you two of mine for her - please..." so i just said, oh sure we'll let you know. after the purchase, we ran outside to see what we got...Maurice and the Beast. no Belle, AWWW. we're not vinylmation nuts, but my wife loves beauty and the beast so i know she'll enjoy what we had.

we headed back to the resort just as the rain came to an end. we went for a nice night swim. then went back for some well deserved sleep.

up next:
Day 4 - ropedrop at DHS extra magic hours, more pool time and wrap up the night at MK.

 

[dpmfloyd]

Day 4
DHS is the only park you have to RD in my opinion. In my past experiences, the AM EMH has worked great. I've normally been right up front at a turnstile when they let people in. not this time. i got there at 7:15 and the line was backed up to the ticket booths. in retrospect, it was nice because at least we could be in the shade.

gates open, and the run to TSM begins. we get a fast pass return for 9:30 -- perfect. we jump in line and we're able to do a quick round within 10 minutes. we then go to RnRc, and ToT - where my wife finally agrees to ride it. after panicking and refusing in the past - this time she rides. and she liked it. i call that a win.

we went back and rode TSM, then walked over to Star Tours and then muppets. we ate lunch at the Commissary and decided to head back to the hotel for more sun and pool time.

this time we wanted to explore POR. so we got off the bus near the alligator depot. previously i said it was a massive resort, but its also very calming walking through this wooded area. i was having flashbacks to my summer as a camp counselor back in 2000. the smells, nature - wow. my wife hated it, and swore she'd never stay there. we walked to the main pool on the island -- loved the bar, again made me feel like i was at camp. we then walked over to the main building. again wow. that's a lobby. amazing for a moderate. the sheer size of the check-in 'room' was jaw dropping. i was not expecting that. we walked back to POFQ, passing by a few people out on carriage rides as well as stumbling upon the campfire marshmallow roast on the far corner of POFQ.

After a very relaxing time, we went to one of the quick service locations at the Grand Floridian. I had a very tasty burger - the great gasby. we relaxed in the lobby shortly after where we stumbled upon the teddy bear lady. i googled her on my phone. and we felt really sad for her. not sure if anyone else has seen her or even talked to her? i didnt know if we should approach her, so i smiled at her and tipped my head. no reaction. she looked lost on a hole. very sad.

we went to MK and did some of the less popular attractions. the swiss family robinson tree house, tiki room, etc. we didnt stick around for the parade or fireworks. we made it out just before main street became impossibly congested.

we took a bus back to POFQ, where we started the sad task of packing -- while watching the bruins play, and lose. what a depressing night.

Next Up:
Day 5 - Epcot, MK, the journey home and some final thoughts

 

[dpmfloyd]

Day 5

We woke up just after 7 and packed up the remainder of the room. we dropped our bags off with bell services then made way for the epcot bus. we didnt have to wait long for epcot to open, and we marched directly to test track. we grabbed our fast passes and walked right in. this was our first time on the reimagined test track -- WOW. they did a fantastic job with the pre-ride queue. we loved what they did. we really enjoyed designing our own car then seeing how it compared with other peoples creations during and after the ride. the ride is great - they did a wonderful job of updating it. the post-ride area is nice. being able to design a commercial, then test driving your car on a track -- these simple touches are amazing. best of all is adding your vehicle to the days leader boards.

we don't really like soarin' - i mean, like it. but i just wish they'd update the film to digital. as an HD enthusiast, i feel like the old reels just dont do the ride justice. we walked around and poked into the shops, waiting for our fast pass time to hit. we went into club cool. i had never been in before the floors get gross and sticky - so that was a nice surprise. after a few drinks, we were able to head back to test track for one final ride.

after TT, we jumped on the monorail to get back to MK to do some quick shopping on Main Street. We took the ferry, it was just pulling up and no one was waiting - the express and resort monorails had insanely long lines (thanks to easywdw.com for that simple suggestion who knew being observant could pay off - cheers josh).

not many people were on the ferry, which made for a nice near empty ride across the lake. we ate lunch at casey's then poked around in the shops. to wrap up the trip, we decided to take a train ride around MK before heading back to POFQ for the sad bus. It was nice, until we got to storybook circus when a family of people that clearly did not believe in hygiene sat next to us. the train pulled into main street station, we sadly exited and made way towards the ramp down -- only to have a mother run her child over the railing so he could vomit over the side and partially on the people below.

and that's how our time ended at MK with a kid puking. wonderful.

we headed for the bus, where a woman and young daughter sat across from us asking -- "does this go to downtown disney?" as nicely as possible i told her it did not, but quickly stated she is in luck - because POFQ has a very nice boat ride that goes directly to DTD after a quick stop at POR. she looked confused, so i explained to her in greater detail what she can do to get to DTD -- wait for a bus, or take a very enjoyable boat ride. ...she took the bus. sigh.

the sad bus came, we left. airport security was a nightmare. we made it to the terminal with enough time to spare to enjoy the last fast food options available to us -- burger king.

To Conclude:

this trip had many ups and a few downs. i tried not to go to into the downs, but i'll briefly mention them here. First, the new turnstiles that have been installed suck with the KTTK cards. you hold them against the big round mickey shaped thing - then put your finger down on the scanner. if it works - it turns green. if it doesnt it turns blue. it worked 1/4th of the time. when the wristbands become the common factor for guests, i think that might help? but who knows. in the rush of getting into DHS for toy story. i got in no problem. my wife - not so much. the attendant made her try over and over and over again. 6 times to be exact. finally he asked her to check in with one of the supervisors (rudely) that had an ipad with a scanner. i asked the supervisor what we could do to simplify our entrance in the future - and suggest maybe getting new cards. she then told me, its not the card but how the finger is put down on the biometric scanner. so staff is now trained to indirectly blame the guest? after 5 visits in 2 years, i'm pretty sure we know how to put our finger on a scanner. that left a slightly bad taste in my mouth. it didnt derail our trip, it was a daily inconvenience. but - what can ya do?

most of the staff at POFQ were great. the bar tender outside the scat cat club was very friendly. however the bar tender outside the pool bar seemed to get defensive when my wife was trying to decipher the flavors of her drinks. "what is there a problem" - with some very heavy tone. we were having fun trying to decipher some of the flavors because it was a very good drink and when we told her this - she got moody.

i wish the POFQ had a quiet pool. but being so small, there's not much of a point. the kids activities really kept the kids active and entertained but the few adults that really just wanted some peace and quiet had to seek it elsewhere.

overall this was a B+ trip. we had fun, we were happy to get away, and it'll probably be the last time we go until long after the mine train has opened.

thanks for reading

 

[wiigirl]

Great TR!

 

[dpmfloyd]

Great TR!

thanks for reading!

 

[NaniKate]

Great report!! We just returned from a 7 day trip to Riverside and it was wonderful- we stayed in the mansions and I loved it. I completely understand what you mean about the quiet pools. That's why we stay over at Riverside. The games and music are great for the kids but if you're trying to read or relax it's a little much. Glad to hear you had a good time.

 

[dpmfloyd]

Great report!! We just returned from a 7 day trip to Riverside and it was wonderful- we stayed in the mansions and I loved it. I completely understand what you mean about the quiet pools. That's why we stay over at Riverside. The games and music are great for the kids but if you're trying to read or relax it's a little much. Glad to hear you had a good time.

The mansions looked very nice. Riverside looks like a great resort -- what did you think about the bus service? I'd love to try it out when we go back down in the future.

 

[NaniKate]

The mansions looked very nice. Riverside looks like a great resort -- what did you think about the bus service? I'd love to try it out when we go back down in the future.

The bus service had it's ups and downs. The first morning we were going to the Magic Kingdom and were at the Bust Stop at 8:15 it was not an early opening and the line wrapped all the way down to the gift shop. It took three buses for us to get on. After that it wasn't so bad. We did take taxi's a couple of times when we were very tired or our grandson was close to melting down and that was well worth the $10 it cost at the time - all in all we do love that resort. When we can we stay at the Dolphin. I think you the the deluxe treatment, nice rooms, walk to Epcot, boat to Studios, beautiful pools, etc for the moderate price. Will stay there on next visit...no I'm lying, one after...next one is Poly in October Yay!!

 

[mamamary]

Enjoyed reading your trip report

 

[luckylady]

Lady at the bus stop ya I kinda get where she was coming from but she shouldn't have talked like that to anyone, more so with kids around. Kid puking ewwww! Finger scan I found out have a problem readin if you have lotian on your hand. If DW did that may have been the problem. Great low down trip. Love the easy pace and the TR. Agree once you have gone mod why go back to value. POFQ is a great place to stay.

 

[dpmfloyd]

Lady at the bus stop ya I kinda get where she was coming from but she shouldn't have talked like that to anyone, more so with kids around. Kid puking ewwww! Finger scan I found out have a problem readin if you have lotian on your hand. If DW did that may have been the problem. Great low down trip. Love the easy pace and the TR. Agree once you have gone mod why go back to value. POFQ is a great place to stay.

i agree, i understand the frustration but dont see the point of the display. to each their own! ...you make a great point with the finger scan - i dont know how that didnt dawn on me given the amount of sunblock we were applying! Thanks!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Thanks for sharing.