Just Back - and I think we hold the record

[DisneyMomx7]

Just back and I think we hold the record for the shortest hotel stay. We checked into the POR at 6:30 AM. They didn't have any sections in AB that I wanted so we took at mansion room with a rollaway bed. Now we had only stayed in deluxes before so this was to be a new experience and we went with an open mind. First let me say that I thought the POR grounds were beautiful and well kept, better than some deluxes. However the rooms seemed much smaller than I thought with minimal storage space. However since we got such a good AP rate and this trip was unexpected I figured we could make do. We caught the first bus for extra magic hour and it was standing room only, not easy with 3 kids under 7 and a double and a single stroller. When we got off the bus we looked over at the ferry dock and the GF and we both got a pit in our stomach. DH (who ironically was not involved in the planning and whose favorite line was "how much is this all costing?") said I think we made a mistake. I said well nothing we can do now. He said I'm going to GF and see if we can switch rooms. I was nervously excited but not sure if they would still be able to give us an AP rate. Well, we hit the jackpot, got the AP rate and even got our favorite building Sago Cay and the room was ready at 9:00 AM! POR lovers please don't flame me. I thought it was a beautiful resort but we just missed the convenient transportation of GF. Well we learned our lesson. We just love GF and won't try anywhere else again (at least for a long time!)

 

[RachelTori]

I'm curious, if you don't mind sharing. What was the AP rate you paid for GF? My DD who is now 10 has wanted to stay there for about half her life! Rack rate has always been too expensive. Thanks! Oh, and I'm so glad you lucked out and were able to get the room you wanted.

Laura

 

[DisneyMomx7]

The AP rate was $254 plus tax. The POR rate was only $99 plus tax which is why we decided to try it. We found out for us the convenience of transportation and having a larger room with more bureau and closet space was worth the money.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

I'm glad that you were able to get an AP rate at the GF. I'm sure it made it easier with 3 little ones. Is Sago Cay near the boat launch? We stayed in Boca Chica in May and just loved it.

Lori

 

[mostyn17]

We are the same way.....we love the GF and won't stay anywhere else either.....I'm glad you had a good time..

Travis

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We always ask for a room at Sago Cay facing the marina. It's right near Gasparilla's so it's convenient for refilling your mugs, getting a snack and watching the fireworks at night. Next year we've booked a lagoon view, but I think Sago has one of the nicest garden views facing the marina. I guess it's true that once you stay at GF you can't get it out of your system. There's just a certain feeling there, although I guess that everyone who has a favorite resort feels that way about that resort.

 

[liznboys]

LOL! That IS a short stay! That's great you were able to get what you wanted at GF! Atleast you gave the less expensive version a shot!