Just back from POR

[01Sweetpea]

and we had a blast! Trying to steal some computer time before DH claims the computer for the night. So here's the latest from POR:

We were in room 2723. When I originally booked I asked for Bldg 14, then changed my mind and modified my ressie for 27. Also faxed 4 days before a request for Bldg 27, 2nd floor corner room. When we arrived the CM (Holly) said "I have a great room for you in Bldg 14." I asked if there were any rooms in 27, then asked for 2nd floor, corner room. At that point DH chimes in, "I'd rather have the first floor." So we had a room on the first floor, NEXT to a corner room.

In the end, I was glad we didn't get the corner room. During the ENTIRE stay there was a green rolling rack that holds towels parked right outside one of the corner room windows. Also, if you get a choice, choose a SECOND floor room. Although it's nice not to have to walk up a flight of stairs when you get back from the parks, on more than one occasion people were checking in VERY late (after 11pm) and the bell service/guests banged their luggage up the stirs. Also we could hear the luggage being rolled across the outside walks.

Renovations are going on right now at POR. They have started at Oak Manor. My understanding is the renovations are stickly interior: new carpets, paint, wallpaper, curtains, etc. We didn't hear any noise, HOWEVER we were on our way to the parks by 8:30 every morning, and the earliest we came back was 4pm.

The busses ran smoothly, I don't we waited more than 10 minutes for a bus from the resort. We had most breakfasts at the food court. If you want to take a horse and carriage ride, BOOK EARLY. I had hinted at DH several times that it would be a nice thing to do (silly me why would I think DH would understand hints??) and when I finally said that I would like to do this, they were booked for the last days we were there.

All and all we had a great time. The kids loved the pool, we saw piano Bob, but the kids were exhausted so we didn't get to stay very long. I would absolutely stay at POR again, although for our upcoming Oct trip I currently have ressies at POFQ, unless I can get a GREAT rate then I am staying at WL (OMG that resort is BEAUTIFUL!!)

So.. any questions, ask away. Hopefully I'll start trip reports soon!

PS - POFQ opens on 3/21!!

 

[litlpixie]

So glad to hear you had a great time!! Did you see if the taco salad bar in the food court opened back up?? They had it closed off last year and I miss it We love POR/ my DH lets me pick our deluxe for the week we go down as long as he gets to stay at POR for the 1st 4 days!! Cant wait to go back.

 

[Bute]

Thanks for the info on POR. We are staying there for a week in June. How is the activity in the pool area. We have several small children in our group and are wondering if it pays to spend a day or two just around the resort. Is it relaxing or overly busy?

 

[chloe2827]

Thanks for the report. We will be at POR in a few weeks and can't wait. Do you know if they closed Oak Manor for the renovations or are just doing certain rooms? We had requested a room in Oak Manor, it's our favorite building.

 

[magicmouse2]

Glad you had a fantastic time. I can feel the excitement in your post Great news about the refurbishment - its about time! hopefully it will be complete by next year. I am looking forward to staying at POFQ soon.

 

[01Sweetpea]

Litlpixie - yes the taco stand was open. We never tried it as we ate most dinners off property, but it was open for breakfast as well, omlets, etc.

Bute - I wouldn't say overly busy. We didn't hit the pools until after 4 pm and by then it was hunt for a chair, but we always managed to find 2 together. My kids ( 11 & 8) loved the pool. We went swimming 3 times during our stay. Not sure if we could have spent an entire day at the resort, but did spend a couple of hours each time we went.

Chloe - Oak Manor is definitely closed. There are big signs blocking each pathway saying it is closed for renovations.

 

[dixielander]

It sounds like you really liked your stay, I'm still debating whether to keep my reservations at POR for May, or to stay at the Vistana resort. I have until Sunday the 14th to put my deposit down for POR. We'd be getting two adjoining rooms, vs. a 2 bedroom condo at Vistana, which would still be about $350 cheaper!!

Anyway, Are there still "smoking" and "non-smoking" buildings at POR? We stayed at Oak Manor last time, and I smelled smoke whenever I was in our bathroom. I was wondering if they changed their policy to all non-smoking.

Maybe Oak Manor would be done by our trip in May!

 

[01Sweetpea]

I know Bldg 27 is a non-smoking bldg, and I've heard that Bldg 18 IS a smoking bldg.

 

[Maddiecat]

We discovered in February that one section of building 18 is now non-smoking. It was a great building to be in.

Wendy

 

[heffalump9]

Thanks for the great review, I will be at POR in just a couple weeks and am glad to know that the new renovations didn't interfer, I was a little worried when they announced the re-opening of PQFQ the week I arrive. Are they still having campfires in the evening? At Rivermill did they still have breakfast pizza? Thanks again!

 

[01Sweetpea]

Yes campfires are still going on, however we never got to experience one. As for the breakfast pizza, not sure.

 

[heffalump9]

Thanks!

 

[Timmbco]

Last Thanksgiving our family stayed at POR and our friends stayed at Vistana in a 2 bedroom. We visited them there one night and even though it was it was a beautiful suite we were so much happier with our plainer POR room. My friend also said just recently that she will never stay offsite again even though she liked Vistana. Hope the info helps.

 

[jtovey56]

Thanks from us too.
We'll be going in June, our first stay at POR. I wasn't really sold on it. I prefered Coronado, but postings like yours has convinced me that I've made the right choice.
Jim

 

[Dixielady908]

I have a little time before we are there, but does anyone know how long the renovations will take? I was actually hoping to stay in the Oak Manor area of the resort.

Thanks
Denise

 

[Augustheather97]

welcome back !!!!
we leave in a few days for POR...
I want a nonsmoking building for sure --- any others offer this??? also are their new mugs yet??? or still the purple/gold/green ones??? Are the boats running to the marketplace?
we can't wait to get there

 

[01Sweetpea]

Not sure what the old mugs looked like - there are 2 styles to choose from and the main color is purple. Don't remember seeing much green/gold. Yes, the boats are still running to DTD.

 

[bumble73]

We are going to be there in less then 2 weeks, thanks for the great information!!!