We've just returned from our first stay in the Alligator Bayou at POR. On prior trips, we stayed at the All Stars.
The bayou section was very beautiful, with winding paths. The concrete paths were stamped to resemble aged cedar planks and were interspersed with little footbridges over little ponds. All was lushly landscaped and gave the feeling of being transported to another place. It was a little confusing to find your way around, but that was half the fun! Because the emphasis is placed firmly on atmoshere and not conveninence, it was a bit of a pain to get to the parking lot and unload and reload the car.
The only negative aspect on service was that the porters refused to take our luggage. We arrived at 7 am to check in and they obviously didn't want to start work. You are supposed to be able to store your stuff even if your room is not ready, whcih I hardly expected at 7 am. They told us to keep it in the car. After we got our room assignment, transporting our stuff was a huge inconveninece and I had to listen to DH whine about how much better the All Stars was. (THe place grew on him during our week there.)
We requested building 14 at time of booking, based on recommendations found on this board. We didn't get it. The cast member gave a look that, loosly interpreted, meant "in a snowball's chance in hell." Instead we were in room 1712, on the first floor of building 17. It was not conveninet to the food court or the main swimming area, but as a consolation was right next to the quiet pool and laundry. Since I did laundry twice on this trip, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It also gave me a chance to get a quiet dip some mornings either by myself or with my 7 year old son or late in the evenning. And I enjoyed the longer walk. It gave me more time to enjoy the surroundings.
The quiet pool loosly resebled Mickey Mouse's head. By the way, there were no towels provided here, so bring one from your room. We did not face the pool, which was also good because it often wasn't very quiet. I have 3 children ages 3, 5, and 7, so being on the first floor was a great convenience. I wouldn't want to haul two sleeping children and a stroller up the steps. The lodges were two stories, but no elevators.
The room was a nice size, definitely larger than the All Stars. It had 2 double beds, with a small trundle for my 7yr old. There was a small table with two chairs and an armoire-style cabinet with 3 big drawers and one small one. There was also a nice bench to the left of the tv. Nice to stack stuff on or just a different place to sit besides one's bed. In an alcove there were two sinks and a clothes rod with shelf. The bathroom was small but servicable. You could hear flushing and running showers from other rooms, but not conversation.
Although the room was showing its age (chip in the tub porcelin), it was clean, fresh-smelling, and very, very pleasant. Maid service was excellent, too. Plenty of towels, and I used a lot (because of the quiet pool).
At Old Man's Island was a nice pool, with a pleasant water slide. This was not so high as I observed at the pricier resorts, such as the Beach Club and the Contemporary, but for my kids it was a blast. The slide runs from 10 am to 8 pm, it that's important to you. There were also squirting water as well as quietier areas of the pool. There was a small hot tub, very popular with my young crew and a very chilly baby pool. To the side of the pool, a bar offered shelter and drinks. I didn't sample, so I can't comment. And to the rear, a rustic-style playground with some swings, bridges, monkey bars.
My son tried the fishing hole. The fish were very "smart," but it was a pleasant way to unwind on our last morning there. And, they didn't charge him for the experience, so that was even nicer!
The food court wasn't crowded. It openned at 6, but the cooked stuff wasn't available until 7. I liked the decor, all very nice. You could see the water wheel spinning. The restaurant wasn't crowded in the morning. I tried it once and the food was tasy and service was prompt. There was also a bar with a cheesy piano act available on certain nights.
The Chirstmas tree went up during our stay, so that was pleasnt too. You could see that Dinsey was starting to switch gears to Chrsitmas mode.
I never tried the boat launch to Downtown Disnsy, it just didn't work out. Bu they said it ran once an hour during the day and then more frequently in the late afternoon and evennngs. The bus service wasn't so good, so we ended up taking our car most of the time. Coming back from Epcot more than once on the bus made me angry. Two and even 3 busses showed up for all of the other resorts before the one to POR showed up.
By the way, there are now campfires at POR, but only on certain days, Sunday being one of them. You have to reserve a spot through the Recreation phone line. You could rent bikes, go on a carriage ride.
In conclusion, I'd recommend this resort in a heartbeat and look forward to staying there again.
The bayou section was very beautiful, with winding paths. The concrete paths were stamped to resemble aged cedar planks and were interspersed with little footbridges over little ponds. All was lushly landscaped and gave the feeling of being transported to another place. It was a little confusing to find your way around, but that was half the fun! Because the emphasis is placed firmly on atmoshere and not conveninence, it was a bit of a pain to get to the parking lot and unload and reload the car.
The only negative aspect on service was that the porters refused to take our luggage. We arrived at 7 am to check in and they obviously didn't want to start work. You are supposed to be able to store your stuff even if your room is not ready, whcih I hardly expected at 7 am. They told us to keep it in the car. After we got our room assignment, transporting our stuff was a huge inconveninece and I had to listen to DH whine about how much better the All Stars was. (THe place grew on him during our week there.)
We requested building 14 at time of booking, based on recommendations found on this board. We didn't get it. The cast member gave a look that, loosly interpreted, meant "in a snowball's chance in hell." Instead we were in room 1712, on the first floor of building 17. It was not conveninet to the food court or the main swimming area, but as a consolation was right next to the quiet pool and laundry. Since I did laundry twice on this trip, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It also gave me a chance to get a quiet dip some mornings either by myself or with my 7 year old son or late in the evenning. And I enjoyed the longer walk. It gave me more time to enjoy the surroundings.
The quiet pool loosly resebled Mickey Mouse's head. By the way, there were no towels provided here, so bring one from your room. We did not face the pool, which was also good because it often wasn't very quiet. I have 3 children ages 3, 5, and 7, so being on the first floor was a great convenience. I wouldn't want to haul two sleeping children and a stroller up the steps. The lodges were two stories, but no elevators.
The room was a nice size, definitely larger than the All Stars. It had 2 double beds, with a small trundle for my 7yr old. There was a small table with two chairs and an armoire-style cabinet with 3 big drawers and one small one. There was also a nice bench to the left of the tv. Nice to stack stuff on or just a different place to sit besides one's bed. In an alcove there were two sinks and a clothes rod with shelf. The bathroom was small but servicable. You could hear flushing and running showers from other rooms, but not conversation.
Although the room was showing its age (chip in the tub porcelin), it was clean, fresh-smelling, and very, very pleasant. Maid service was excellent, too. Plenty of towels, and I used a lot (because of the quiet pool).
At Old Man's Island was a nice pool, with a pleasant water slide. This was not so high as I observed at the pricier resorts, such as the Beach Club and the Contemporary, but for my kids it was a blast. The slide runs from 10 am to 8 pm, it that's important to you. There were also squirting water as well as quietier areas of the pool. There was a small hot tub, very popular with my young crew and a very chilly baby pool. To the side of the pool, a bar offered shelter and drinks. I didn't sample, so I can't comment. And to the rear, a rustic-style playground with some swings, bridges, monkey bars.
My son tried the fishing hole. The fish were very "smart," but it was a pleasant way to unwind on our last morning there. And, they didn't charge him for the experience, so that was even nicer!
The food court wasn't crowded. It openned at 6, but the cooked stuff wasn't available until 7. I liked the decor, all very nice. You could see the water wheel spinning. The restaurant wasn't crowded in the morning. I tried it once and the food was tasy and service was prompt. There was also a bar with a cheesy piano act available on certain nights.
The Chirstmas tree went up during our stay, so that was pleasnt too. You could see that Dinsey was starting to switch gears to Chrsitmas mode.
I never tried the boat launch to Downtown Disnsy, it just didn't work out. Bu they said it ran once an hour during the day and then more frequently in the late afternoon and evennngs. The bus service wasn't so good, so we ended up taking our car most of the time. Coming back from Epcot more than once on the bus made me angry. Two and even 3 busses showed up for all of the other resorts before the one to POR showed up.
By the way, there are now campfires at POR, but only on certain days, Sunday being one of them. You have to reserve a spot through the Recreation phone line. You could rent bikes, go on a carriage ride.
In conclusion, I'd recommend this resort in a heartbeat and look forward to staying there again.
