Just back from POR - very disappointed

[dizkidz2]

I have stayed at WL, AK, Poly, CR, CB, CSR and now POR. And I have to say that we were disappointed in this resort.
It started at check-in. We checked in last monday (3/28) around 9 pm. Dropped our luggage off in front and went inside.
There were more cast members working in Guest Services with no guest, then there were checking in. The cast member that checked us in was not very personable.
We had requested the mansions, mangolia terrace, corner room. Not expecting to get all three requests, but maybe 1? We were put in the AB section. No corner room, no mangolia terrace not even a mansion.
Next we went out front to bell service, there was only 1 person checking in luggage and another in the little building. We were told to go to our room, and call for the luggage. Now mind you we have never stayed at this resort and did not know which way to go. I asked the guy in bell service and he said "that way" and just pointed. It also took almost an hour to get the luggage then to our room.
Once we found our way to the room, we called housekeeping for more pillows, "sorry we're all out" is what they said. Left tips for housekeeping with simple notes for extra towels, guess what no towels. Had to also ask for shampoo, coffee packets and cups.
The food court was a nightmare every morning. You have to stand in line to get your food, then stand in long lines to check out, and do it all over again if someone in your party forgets they want potatoes or something. (Give me the Pepper Market at CSR anytime!)
In the evening they were closing down the hamburger station before 10 p.m. to "avoid the rush".
Also at check-in asked for a late check-out. We were told to call the night before. I called two nights before and they told me "no" because they were "sold out" (we had 3 rooms on our floor empty). Called the night before and again "no" this time because they didn't show any late check-out available, but "call back in the morning", called back in the morning and no problem! "What time are you needing?"
It was one thing after another, hassel after hassel.
So DH said "never again!" and nothing ever bothers him.

 

[swilphil]

A few things to keep in mind:

You were there during one of the busiest weeks of the year. That would explain why they were out of pillows and why things were so busy with the bellmen, at the food court, etc. When you check in at 9 p.m. during a busy time of year, it is harder to get room requests. There are members of the housekeeping staff who don't read English. I found that if I leave a very generous tip, I will get extra towels without even asking. The situation at the food court sounds like what happens at a food court.

I'm actually surprised that you received late check out at all and don't really understand what you are complaining about. They told you to call the night before and when you did, they told you to call again in the morning. They have no way of knowing when people who are scheduled to check out will actually leave. If everyone leaves at 11 a.m., then they can't get rooms clean for the guests that are scheduled to come that day. It sounds like several people left early in the morning so they were able to allow you to check out late.

 

[epcotfan]

Ditto to what Swilphil said. They simply can't guarantee room location requests - especially at one of the busiest times of the year when many people are already occupying the rooms you desire.
If you want to talk about long lines at the food court try getting something to eat during a Hurricane. The line to the Pepper Market at CSR was to the Lobby during Charley! The resort was at capacity so it was no surprise it would be extremely busy.
I think all Disney food courts regardless of the resort would be packed at breakfast during March Break and Easter Holidays.

 

[mrsswat]

Food court at WL was also extremely "busy" several times that week!! Lines out the door. Just a busy time.

 

[nanatink]

I for one think that during busy times requesting a late check out should not be allowed. Put yourself in the person's position who are eagerly waiting for there vacation to begin and the room you were in the maid has passed it by and now she forgets about cleaning that room you occupied. The eager family checks in at 11am so the family goes and eats lunch, shops, and call back numerous times and that night they have tickets to MNSSHP and it"s 5pm and still the room is not ready. They send you to another room and you paid preferred. This room is not and will not accomadate(sp) 4 people because there's only a king bed. and not only that the room is already occupied by another family that is not there at that time. So you see the problem all you late check out people cause. Sorry to rant but please keep in mind when busy times occur you knew what the check out time was so keep the magic going by being curtious to other guest.

 

[crushonmickey]

Sounds like you visited at a very busy time. I hope your room was clean and bus service was satisfactory. I, for one, love POR and would stay there again in a heartbeat. The grounds are just beautiful. I love the atmosphere and I think it is a terrific moderate resort. (However, I never visit WDW during peak season.)

 

[NCombs]

I see you checked in fairly late. I think people coming in this late during a busy time are not going to get their room preferences. They have already been given to others who got there earlier.

We experienced this last year on Memorial Weekend at the BC when we didn't get there until 7:30. The room was the completely opposite of our requests but it's all that was left. I suspected this would probably happen because of our arrival time. Not Disney's fault.

This was remedied immediately at check-in by finding us the perfect room for the next day and the rest of our stay.

So, if this happens to you again, try and get moved the next day if it's a real problem. Our main issue was we were in a smoking room and that just wasn't going to work for 5 nights.

 

[nygrl]

i would love to know how your room was?? besides the bad service was your room clean and comfortable?

 

[smjj]

I aggree with all the other posters. If you go at a very busy time, you need to allow for this. We stayed at POR AB bldg. 14. We requested this and got it but we also went during a slow time. I think POR is one of the best resorts Disney has and AB is one of the prettiest parts of it. As for the food court, we ate there twice then found out a little secret. If you eat at Boatwrights, the growds are less. It cost more BUT the serving sizes are so large, my wife and I would split our breakfast and still be full and I would finish hers..smjj

 

[goofy4tink]

We love POR but have learned several things thru the years. When it comes to using the food courts, at any resort, go during the off hours!!! Just being at the food court at 7 am makes life so much easier. We didn't know any better and arrived at 7:30...what a zoo!!! So, we tend to eat at off times.
And check-in late in the day/evening almost guarentees a non-choice of rooms. Basically it's first come, first served. So, if at all possible, try to get to your resort by mid-afternoon. Visiting WDW during a busy time can be trying, on many levels. I do have to say that some of the least personnable CMs we have run into have been at POR but I'm not there for their sparkling personalities. Believe it or not, some of the best service we have gotten has been at AllStarMusic. Followed by the Contemporary. But, although I don't expect big huge grins and great wit in a CM who is checking me in, I do expect pleasantness and civility.
If you need anything from Mousekeeping and you don't get satisfaction from you mousekeeper after leaving a note, give Mousekeeping a call. It really is sometimes a language barrier. Although, you would think that if a mousekeeper didn't speak English she/he would go get someone who did in order to translate the needs of the customer!!!
So, sorry your visit wasn't all you had hoped it would be. Just goes to show, there is someplace for every taste. Hope the next visit is better for you.

 

[Nolcrest]

Sorry you didn't enjoy your stay at POR. I'm sure it was all very frustrating for you. They could have spent more time explaining to you how to get to your room. Usually they thoroughly go over the map highlighting your room and common areas of the resort. If you're new to POR I can understand being lost there, especially in the evening without direction.

I feel bad that your family didn't feel the magic there that many of us do.

 

[WDWBetsy]

We checked in last monday (3/28) around 9 pm. Dropped our luggage off in front and went inside. There were more cast members working in Guest Services with no guest, then there were checking in. The cast member that checked us in was not very personable.

I probably wouldn't be so chipper at 9PM after working all day either. Granted, the CMs should try to put on a happy face and make a good first impression.

We had requested the mansions, mangolia terrace, corner room. Not expecting to get all three requests, but maybe 1? We were put in the AB section. No corner room, no mangolia terrace not even a mansion.

Again, during a busy season such as spring break, I would not expect any requests to be granted if you check in that late. I can only imagine how many other people requested similar rooms.

Next we went out front to bell service, there was only 1 person checking in luggage and another in the little building. We were told to go to our room, and call for the luggage. Now mind you we have never stayed at this resort and did not know which way to go. I asked the guy in bell service and he said "that way" and just pointed. It also took almost an hour to get the luggage then to our room.

First of all, you should have been given a map when checking in that shows the whole property. That CM who just pointed did not help the situation - and POR is large and you can get lost when not familiar with it. I would have gone back inside (or looked for another CM) who could take the time to help me. As for the 1 hour luggage wait: I might be wrong, but when we dropped off our luggage, we were told that it might be an hour before we'd get our luggage. And we went during a slow season. During spring break, I would expect a wait especially if there are only a few people working at that hour.

Once we found our way to the room, we called housekeeping for more pillows, "sorry we're all out" is what they said. Left tips for housekeeping with simple notes for extra towels, guess what no towels. Had to also ask for shampoo, coffee packets and cups.

Again, spring break crowds will limit the supplies available, especially if those who checked in prior to you also requested large quantities. I don't think you should have to ask for shampoo, coffee packets and cups though - these should be part of the normal amenities replenished each day.

The food court was a nightmare every morning. You have to stand in line to get your food, then stand in long lines to check out, and do it all over again if someone in your party forgets they want potatoes or something. (Give me the Pepper Market at CSR anytime!) In the evening they were closing down the hamburger station before 10 p.m. to "avoid the rush".

Again, spring break crowds will do this.

Also at check-in asked for a late check-out. We were told to call the night before. I called two nights before and they told me "no" because they were "sold out" (we had 3 rooms on our floor empty). Called the night before and again "no" this time because they didn't show any late check-out available, but "call back in the morning", called back in the morning and no problem! "What time are you needing?"

Why did you call two nights before checking out when they told you to call the night before? That was another disappointment that could have been avoided. Plus, you have no idea if those 3 rooms on your floor were out of service because of a maintenance problem or something. There could have been a leak or something. The resort will not assign people to rooms like that if there a problems.

As others have mentioned, a late check-out during spring break is asking a lot. It's great you were granted one though.

It was one thing after another, hassel after hassel.

I think the bad first impression by a not-so-personable CM at check-in didn't help. I'm sorry that you were disappointed in POR, but I think there is a lot to be said about preconceived expectations - especially how everything should go during a busy time such as spring break. I've also felt that it's best to go with the flow during hectic situations and try to make the best out of everything.

Anyway - hope your next trip is better.

 

[Christine]

A few things to keep in mind:

You were there during one of the busiest weeks of the year. That would explain why they were out of pillows and why things were so busy with the bellmen, at the food court, etc.

I was thinking the same thing as I read your report. Not to "poo-poo" your bad experience but over the past few days, as I've been reading reports, I've noticed a tremendous increase in negative comments. Most of these comments are coming from those who stayed the weeks before and after Easter. This is one of those times that the parks and the hotels are at full capacity. I know you paid a lot of money to go and, really, Disney should staff better at these times, but I guess they can't.

As much as I wanted to go to Disney over Easter break because my kids were stuck in the house bored to tears, I knew it would be a mess.

 

[PamNC]

This sounds horrible. I'm with you - I wouldn't stay there again. We've never stayed at POR, for some reason it just doesn't appeal to me. As moderates go, we like CSR. Never one bad experience there.

PamNC

 

[wilderness01]

I'm sorry you had a bad experience. CM's should be more helpful, even if they have worked a long day. I'm sure my employer could care less if I am tired at the end of my shift. She expects me to put on a happy face and do my job. I do agree that unfortunately "those are the breaks" if you arrive late and do not get your room of choice because they have to give away what they have left. I know it would be a hassle but maybe the next time stay at the hotel at the airport and then come to the grounds early the next am. I never ever think that service from the maid should be associated with how big a tip is left. If they don't have extra pillows then fine, but extra towels? Finally, I do realize that sometimes things are not as smooth at busier times of the year but I for one will never expect mediocore service from WDW. Yes I have gone over Thanksgiving and every month in the summer as well as December, January and February. So I have experienced light crowds, medium crowds and very heavy crowds. If they put premiums on the rooms because it is a "holiday" for the kids then I expect premium service. Do I give people slack if things don't go "perfectly", yes, but bad service or a bad attitude, no, that is unacceptable. Hope your next trip goes well.

 

[Huey Dewey&LouiesMom]

We had the same experience at CSR during Easter week. I requested a Cabana section to be close to the food court. I wasn't given what I requested and stuck in the back of the resort in the Ranchos section, even though I got there at 9:00 am. I asked about it and the CM just told me that she was sorry I didn't get my request but they were completely booked. The food court was INSANE! We waited 45 minutes to and hour for buses because the buses were filled up so we had to wait for the second bus a lot of times. But that's what happens when you go during Easter week. I expected it to be like that before I even left the house, so I was not at all suprised. That was the first time I stayed on site during that week. Last time we went during that time, we stayed off site (actually at my Grandma's ). We knew the parks and hotels would be busy but we wanted to go anyway cause that was the only week we could. We had a good time and great weather dispite waiting extra long for everything (parks and hotels). I bet if you visited the same resort during a different time of year, you might have loved it.

JMO.....

 

[Buzz2001]

I requested a Cabana section to be close to the food court. I wasn't given what I requested and stuck in the back of the resort in the Ranchos section, even though I got there at 9:00 am.

Just curious, did you pay for a waterview and get ranchos or did you pay for a standard?

 

[kjs1976]

This is one of the reasons why we try to avoid going during Spring Break weeks. Been there, done that, going to avoid it at all costs. People should just be prepared for things to be not so perfect during busy times. I believe too that it might be a better experience if you go a different time of year.

 

[DisneyGirl2005]

Just curious, did you pay for a waterview and get ranchos or did you pay for a standard?

I hope this question gets answered. We will be at CSR in June. We paid for water view and I am hoping the water view is not of a quiet pool in Ranchos. My Mom who walks with a cane will be with us, so we have made certain requests. I just don't want her to be miserable with the long walks from Ranchos.

 

[fanofdisney]

I also think a lot of people recently back have been disappointed, no matter where they stay. It's just that busy time of year for Disney. We stayed at PORS (formerly Dixie Landings) in October one year, and it was wonderful. We loved the atmosphere, and had a great time. So I think it very much depends on when you go.