Just Back from POR :-) and BCV :-(

[schwaa]

Hey everyone,

I just got back from a week stay at Port Orleans Riverside and two nights at the Beach Club Villas.

Port Orleans Riverside was wonderful. It was just as great as it was two years ago. The room was beautiful, housekeeping was great, the food court was good, everyone was so nice and friendly and the grounds were beautiful. We are definitely staying there every time we go.

After the week at POR, we transferred to the Beach Club Villas. It was pretty driving up to (but annoying passing the ugly Dolphin.) First it was hard to find the check-in desk, around the corner from where you enter. Then we had the most unhappy person checking us in. She didn't know any answers to our questions, she was very unfriendly. She relunctantly told us "welcome home", (we rented points from someone). We thought that maybe we just got unlucky, but when she asked everyone else the answers to our questions, they were all just as unfriendly (and these were just simple questions, like "do any of the studions have two beds in them", which by the way the first two answers I got were YES). It was very weird. Not what I expected at a DELUXE resort.

I definitely prefer Port Orleans Riverside. If I every do a deluxe again, it would have to be a Magic Kingdom resort or AKL. I didn't like the whole Epcot area. WHy do none of the Epcot hotels have a really good arcade?

OK, I think I'm done ranting and raving. If anyone has any questions, let me know. I will try to answer them. I took tons of pictures at POR, I'm going to try and get them up on a web page, but it's back to the grind tomorrow, so I'm not sure how much time I will have.

Schwaa

 

[cjsmom5]

Can you tell me about Ole Man Island swimming area. I've heard it has been rennovated. Was curious what was there, etc. They said they put in squirty things from the ground in place, etc. I can't figure out how to describe it but thought I would ask.

 

[schwaa]

I didn't really go into the area, so I'm not sure, but here's a pic that I took.

Well, I can't figure out how to post it. If you want me to send it by email, send me your email address.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You need to remember that the BCV are only a small part of the BC and have only been around since last July (only a year). Many of the CMs have been involved with BC rooms and not BCV units, so you may not get those Welcome Homes like you do at OKW, which is soley DVC. And with all the different configurations at BC and BCV, they may not know all the correct answers to the questions. From what I understand it may even be worse at VWL and WL and they have been around a lot longer than BCV.

I usually get my Welcome Home when I check in, but I'm wearing my OKW or BCV hat with a DVC t-shirt. So it's a little easier for the CM to remember.

So you had problems at the front desk. How was the rest of your stay at BCV? I've stayed there twice and had a wonderful time.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Tell me about your room at BCV. Was it a studio? What was the view like? Could you see Epcot? Illuminations?

 

[schwaa]

It was studio. we were on the first floor. you could see Illuminations behind the trees (so really you couldn't see illuminations), I got upset looking at the people on the balconies watching Illuminations, so I went back inside. You couldn't really see Epcot. You could higher up from our section though.

It was annoying knowing that the park was right on the other side of the trees and not being able to see it.

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Originally posted by schwaa

After the week at POR, we transferred to the Beach Club Villas. It was pretty driving up to (but annoying passing the ugly Dolphin.)

I love people's take on this hotel In the end, I pay at least 1/2 or MORE to get the same location and the same quality rooms (nice and brand new renovated).

Long live the Swan and Dolphin

 

[halfway there]

Glad to know POR is still satisfying it's loyal patrons. We're going there next month and I've been concerned with the fact that it is 'next up' for renovation. I imagine all kinds of terrible things especially with what you read on these boards sometimes. We have never set foot on this property so I know nothing except what I've been reading recently. I don't know what to expect.

What section did you stay in and would you say this place is ready for the renovation or still going strong??

Looking forward to seeing your pics when you get them up!

 

[schwaa]

We stayed in the Mansion section, Magnolia Terrace building. It was just a beautiful as 2 years ago. I don't really care for the alligator bayou, but it looked very well kept when we walked through, though I didn't see the insides of the rooms.

It's such a wonderful place, go and you'll have a great time.

 

[magicmouse2]

Exteriors need no renovating. Interiors could do with new bedspreads and carpets, they are worn but extremely clean