asaj
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2005
- Messages
- 420
We just got back from 7 nights at POR. We (self, DW, 6yr old DD) went with
my parents, my brother, and my DW's mother. Also there at the same time
were our neighbors.
Overall, we had a good time. It was hot and muggy (typical), and also
seemed very busy. We did get to do everything we wanted, but it was busier
than we had anticipated. I am sure this was due to the free dining, as
everyone seemed to have it.
We will probably go back in a year or two, but here is what we will do
differently:
1. We won't take the entire family. This was fun, but really slowed us
down. Our moms always seemed to be 50 yards back, and we were by no means
hurrying. Was nice having them there, but it really made it tough to plan
things out with so many people. I doubt they will want to go back in the
near future anyways, they have had their fill for a while.
2. We will fly. With the Magical Express, I think it will be worth a few
bus hassles to not have to drive all the way there and back. We made the
Ohio to Florida trip 3 times this Summer, and this last trek was just
getting to be too much. Will probably be cheaper with gas the way it is as
well.
3. We will arrive on a Sunday, depart on the next Saturday. This time we
did Sunday to Sunday, but that last Saturday was jam packed. 90% of the
cars coming in were FL residents, so I'd just as well skip the big local
day, and head out that day.
4. We will NOT do the dining plan, unless it is offered free again. Don't
get me wrong, it was a great deal, but it also lead to a lot of planning to
make sure we got in to all of our restaurants, used our credits, etc, etc.
Last time we went, we played it by ear more, and it worked out better for
us. We don't necissarily want, or need a 2 hour dinner each day, but
that's what ended up happening more often than not. I don't want to start
a MWD debate, because it did save us a ton of money, I just think the WE
enjoy the flexibility of winging it. So, if we had a choice (and I know we
don't), I would prefer a room discount to free MWD for our next trip.
5. We will try to go at a different time of year, maybe early November.
October was really crowded this time, and still a bit hot for my liking.
Maybe early November would be less crowded, and a bit cooler.
6. We will stay at a deluxe, maybe Wilderness Lodge or Yacht/Beach Club.
We really liked POR, but the walk to the food court started to get old. We
were relatively close to everything, but it you just wanted to run and fill
up your mug, it was a bit far for that. I found that we didn't take
advantage of our mugs as much at POR as we did when we were at AKL, for
example. Overall though, no complaints about POR, definitely liked the
boat ride to DTD.
I think that's it. These aren't meant to be gripes, just things we will do
differently for our next trip when we go back. Right now, I'd say we'll
take a year off before going back, of course, that is subject to change.
Let me know if any questions.
Andy
my parents, my brother, and my DW's mother. Also there at the same time
were our neighbors.
Overall, we had a good time. It was hot and muggy (typical), and also
seemed very busy. We did get to do everything we wanted, but it was busier
than we had anticipated. I am sure this was due to the free dining, as
everyone seemed to have it.
We will probably go back in a year or two, but here is what we will do
differently:
1. We won't take the entire family. This was fun, but really slowed us
down. Our moms always seemed to be 50 yards back, and we were by no means
hurrying. Was nice having them there, but it really made it tough to plan
things out with so many people. I doubt they will want to go back in the
near future anyways, they have had their fill for a while.
2. We will fly. With the Magical Express, I think it will be worth a few
bus hassles to not have to drive all the way there and back. We made the
Ohio to Florida trip 3 times this Summer, and this last trek was just
getting to be too much. Will probably be cheaper with gas the way it is as
well.
3. We will arrive on a Sunday, depart on the next Saturday. This time we
did Sunday to Sunday, but that last Saturday was jam packed. 90% of the
cars coming in were FL residents, so I'd just as well skip the big local
day, and head out that day.
4. We will NOT do the dining plan, unless it is offered free again. Don't
get me wrong, it was a great deal, but it also lead to a lot of planning to
make sure we got in to all of our restaurants, used our credits, etc, etc.
Last time we went, we played it by ear more, and it worked out better for
us. We don't necissarily want, or need a 2 hour dinner each day, but
that's what ended up happening more often than not. I don't want to start
a MWD debate, because it did save us a ton of money, I just think the WE
enjoy the flexibility of winging it. So, if we had a choice (and I know we
don't), I would prefer a room discount to free MWD for our next trip.
5. We will try to go at a different time of year, maybe early November.
October was really crowded this time, and still a bit hot for my liking.
Maybe early November would be less crowded, and a bit cooler.
6. We will stay at a deluxe, maybe Wilderness Lodge or Yacht/Beach Club.
We really liked POR, but the walk to the food court started to get old. We
were relatively close to everything, but it you just wanted to run and fill
up your mug, it was a bit far for that. I found that we didn't take
advantage of our mugs as much at POR as we did when we were at AKL, for
example. Overall though, no complaints about POR, definitely liked the
boat ride to DTD.
I think that's it. These aren't meant to be gripes, just things we will do
differently for our next trip when we go back. Right now, I'd say we'll
take a year off before going back, of course, that is subject to change.
Let me know if any questions.
Andy