Just back from POR, any questions?

[G's mommy]

Just back from a 5 day stay at POR, 7/29 - 8/2. We were in the AB section, building 39. This was a good location, short walk to main pool and food court and very convenient to the North depot. Had an excellent CM at check-in, gave my DS a birthday button and later had a signed card sent to the room for him. Our room was ready when we checked in at 9:00 on Sunday morning, first time ever I think I've gotten into my room that early! We had no issues with the bus service at all, I was nervous as I had heard the bus service was bad. The only issue is the location of the resort itself, can be a long trip to some parks, especially AK with the stop at Blizzard Beach. The food court is fine, not that many selections but nice atmosphere and ample seating. The River Roost lounge was fun, Wed - Saturday nights there is live entertainment until midnight. We enjoyed our stay very much despite the heat and constant rain the whole week. We only used the pool once, but it was fun. Not as nice as CSR, but fun. Happy to answer any questions.

 

[vacationlover1]

How long was the bus ride to the other parks? We are staying there for the first time the last week in august and curious about the layout and overall feel of resort. Last year we stayed at Beach club villas and prior to that we were at the Institute(now closed).
Thanks,
for any information

 

[momtotwinglesx4]

Thanks for your report! I will be taking my 4 kids there, checking in on 9/2 for 2wks. DH can't go (not enough vacation time, poor guy!) so it's just me and the kiddies, wheee!

So do they have a frozen coke or slushie type machine at the food court that you can use with your refillable mugs? They had one at Pop last year that we slurped down an awful lot of!

Do you know if they still have the s'mores campfire storytelling thing in the evening?

Do the fridges have a freezer compartment?

Thanks!

Sue

 

[G's mommy]

How long was the bus ride to the other parks? We are staying there for the first time the last week in august and curious about the layout and overall feel of resort. Last year we stayed at Beach club villas and prior to that we were at the Institute(now closed).
Thanks,
for any information

The ride to AK was the longest, about 30 minutes. It includes a stop at Blizzard Beach going and coming. The ride to Epcot was probably the shortest, about 15 minutes and maybe 20 to MGM and MK. It also depends on which depot you board the bus. If you board at the South depot by the main building, the bus will make 3 more stops within the resort before leaving for the parks. The resort is quiet, really laid back. The AB section is heavily shaded, really feels like you are in the South with all the trees and spanish moss. The river runs right through the middle of the resort and you can take the boat that goes to POFQ and Downtown Disney.

 

[G's mommy]

Thanks for your report! I will be taking my 4 kids there, checking in on 9/2 for 2wks. DH can't go (not enough vacation time, poor guy!) so it's just me and the kiddies, wheee!

So do they have a frozen coke or slushie type machine at the food court that you can use with your refillable mugs? They had one at Pop last year that we slurped down an awful lot of!

Do you know if they still have the s'mores campfire storytelling thing in the evening?

Do the fridges have a freezer compartment?

Thanks!

Sue

No, I did not see the frozen drink machines, only soda, coffee and hot chocolate. Don't know about the campfire thing, didn't see it. I don't think there are freezer compartments, I didn't notice really. Only used the fridge for water. We've stayed at CSR a couple of times and I don't remember there being a freezer compartment there either.

 

[Momtoredheads]

Thanks for the info. Were you able to request a certain building in advance? Any advice for me--going in October (I haven't been since '85 and DH has never been). It will be me, DH, my mother, DD4(on the trip) and DD1 (actually 20 mo.)
I am a bit nervous about the transportation situation since we are bringing a stroller (& renting one in the park). Two of our ADRs are at 8:05---CRT and Crystal Palace. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!

 

[PrincessPaczki]

Thanks for the trip report. We also stayed in building 39 last year and loved it. Isn't it nice being so close to a quiet pool? Glad you had a great trip.

 

[Cindy B]

Couple of questions about the busses:

How long did you wait for busses? (speaking of Riverside stops only)

Were the busses crowded -- full of POFQ guests before Riverside guests got to board?

Were there any problems exiting the park--large crowds for Riverside/FQ bus lines?

Was there any specific bus depot that was "better" in terms of service versus others?

 

[Magalex]

Also like to know about bus services at POR. Thinking about this resort for next trip

 

[G's mommy]

Thanks for the info. Were you able to request a certain building in advance? Any advice for me--going in October (I haven't been since '85 and DH has never been). It will be me, DH, my mother, DD4(on the trip) and DD1 (actually 20 mo.)
I am a bit nervous about the transportation situation since we are bringing a stroller (& renting one in the park). Two of our ADRs are at 8:05---CRT and Crystal Palace. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!

I requested AB section, did not request a certain building. I thought the room style would appeal more to my 11 year old than the Mansions style. The AB rooms have been refurbished and our room was in excellent condition. Bedding was nice and had the cushy matresses. The only downside to the rooms is the window a/c unit. The newer resorts have central a/c. The room was plenty cool, the unit is just a little noisy.

 

[G's mommy]

Couple of questions about the busses:

How long did you wait for busses? (speaking of Riverside stops only)

Were the busses crowded -- full of POFQ guests before Riverside guests got to board?

Were there any problems exiting the park--large crowds for Riverside/FQ bus lines?

Was there any specific bus depot that was "better" in terms of service versus others?

We did not wait long for a bus at any of the stops. Longest was probably 10 minutes, much better than I expected.

We only had to stand once I think, it really just depends on time of day. Busses are full first thing in the morning and in the evenings and if it starts to rain.

We did not experience any HUGE lines exiting parks. At MK, POFQ has it's own line and seperate bus. There will always be lines at closing time, but the busses came quickly and we still never waited more than 10 minutes or so.

All bus stops are about the same, if you board at the main building, you will ride around the resort to the other 3 stops before leaving for the park.

 

[mrsnj91]

 

[kroddy]

We will be leaving soon.. Is the playground still under construction at the POR?

 

[pirates4]

I was told by a CM that the playgropund will be under constuction untill the middle of september.

 

[mrsnj91]

For real? No playground at all at the resort? Why don't they tell you that when you book? Is there just one playground?

 

[dadog]

Just back from a 5 day stay at POR, 7/29 - 8/2. We were in the AB section, building 39. This was a good location, short walk to main pool and food court and very convenient to the North depot. Had an excellent CM at check-in, gave my DS a birthday button and later had a signed card sent to the room for him. Our room was ready when we checked in at 9:00 on Sunday morning, first time ever I think I've gotten into my room that early! We had no issues with the bus service at all, I was nervous as I had heard the bus service was bad. The only issue is the location of the resort itself, can be a long trip to some parks, especially AK with the stop at Blizzard Beach. The food court is fine, not that many selections but nice atmosphere and ample seating. The River Roost lounge was fun, Wed - Saturday nights there is live entertainment until midnight. We enjoyed our stay very much despite the heat and constant rain the whole week. We only used the pool once, but it was fun. Not as nice as CSR, but fun. Happy to answer any questions.

You were there the same time as we were. We got there on July 31 and the rain the first few days was not good. We still went to parks though (as did everyone else). The one surprise to me was the fact that no matter how much or how hard it rained, lots of people were still going about as though it was not raining (the parks were still crowded with downpours).

 

[pirates4]

I beleive there is only one playground. You should be happy its not the pool like one of the other resorts.

 

[G's mommy]

I beleive there is only one playground. You should be happy its not the pool like one of the other resorts.

The playground at POR is closed for refurbishment, there was a wall up where you would normally walk to it.

 

[G's mommy]

You were there the same time as we were. We got there on July 31 and the rain the first few days was not good. We still went to parks though (as did everyone else). The one surprise to me was the fact that no matter how much or how hard it rained, lots of people were still going about as though it was not raining (the parks were still crowded with downpours).

I know! The only really slow day we experienced was on Thursday, 8/2/07 when it rained most of the day, we went to AK and there were no waits for anything except EE and it was only about 30 mins in the stand-by line. I guess people have only so many park days in their vacation and they proceed rain or shine.

 

[Gladguy]

We're heading out tomorrow, scheduled to arrive at POR around 11 am.

I'm concerned about this rain business. My daughter hates the rain. When you say "constant rain" how bad was it really?

As for POR, did you request AB or were you just assigned it? I think we'd rather stay there than the mansions, and I requested it when I booked. Did you ask for many extras (towels in particular always seem to be in short supply for me!) from mousekeeping and were they accomodating?

Thanks!