Babsy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2001
- Messages
- 5,652
It was a great 10 day 3 way split stay. WE started out at the POR in a RR, then moved to the Swan fro a couple of days and finished with a wonderful few days in the Poly CL TPV.
POR RR
We booked the RR for the location because preferred rooms weren't available. Although the theming of the RR is cute, I like the theming in the other rooms just as well, personally. We faxed our request for a room near the bridge on the second floor and we were granted both requests in a perfect room location. We really enjoyed our stay at POR.
We ate several meals in the food court, primarily breakfast, and found the food to be good, tables easily found and service to be good. No complaints. We had dinner once in Boatwright's and really enjoyed the Jambalaya. DH had the regular version and I had the vegetarian. I mentioned that I liked more vegetables than rice so they added extra veggies for me! Delicious! Again, excellent service and a good dining experience.
Bus service was also good, we never waited more than 10-15 minutes for a bus and often had shorter waits.
Yee haa Bob was a hoot as always and we enjoyed the boat ride to DS. All in all, the stay was perfect and POR remains a favourite moderate.
The Swan
Our stay here was a little bit disappointing. The room we were assigned initially was a courtyard view and we had booked, and paid for, a lake view. The lady at the front desk said that the room was indeed a lake view because you could see a bit of the water near the beach and pool. I called reservations back to check and was told AGAIN that the lake view was the best view offered at the Swan and included a view of the large lake facing Epcot. After speaking to another person and some time later we were assigned a lovely room facing in the direction that I had been originally assured that I was booking. NOT the best start, but this sort of thing happens. WE weren't overly troubled, and it was straightened out just fine.
The larger problem that we experienced was that the heating didn't work in the room. We never did get it fixed and it was COLD while we were staying there (low 30's). A request for more blankets resulted in two 'quilts' that were essentially two sheets sewn together with no stuffing except maybe a little in the corners. Fortunately, our stay here was short. Next time, I will go back to the Dolphin. The full beds are much more comfortable in a properly heated room and I have always received the appropriate view there. Also, many of the shared facilities are located in the Dolphin. I knew that last bit going in, but I have only stayed at the Swan twice before and wanted to give it another try. After three less than stellar stays there, however, I feel that I am ready to move on.
Poly CL TPV
So, this was our first stay here since the bungalows were built. I have visited the resort and seen them, but not stayed here until now. I have to say that I didn't mind them as much as I thought that I might. OK, the view isn't quite what it was before, but it is still beautiful, you still see the castle with a TPV and you still see the fireworks. We were very happy here. The CM's were wonderful, as always. I just can't say enough good about the POLY, especially staying CL. The peaceful atmosphere soothes the soul and resting by the pool, enjoying breakfast in the lounge, taking the motor launch to the MK are all as magical as ever.
I do miss the waterfall in the lobby, but the new design is open with lots of comfortable seating and we enjoyed spending time here as much as ever.
Dinner in Ohanas was awesome! We had a perfect table for viewing Wishes! Simply magical!
Overall we had a wonderful vacation. The weather was cold, but that can't be helped and is a risk you take in January. The split stay worked out well with no issues. FP+ worked well for us. Transportation was excellent. Everyone we met was courteous and kind, the CM's were helpful and personable.
Thank you to every CM that helped make our stay so enjoyable!!!! There is still much magic in the 'world'!
POR RR
We booked the RR for the location because preferred rooms weren't available. Although the theming of the RR is cute, I like the theming in the other rooms just as well, personally. We faxed our request for a room near the bridge on the second floor and we were granted both requests in a perfect room location. We really enjoyed our stay at POR.
We ate several meals in the food court, primarily breakfast, and found the food to be good, tables easily found and service to be good. No complaints. We had dinner once in Boatwright's and really enjoyed the Jambalaya. DH had the regular version and I had the vegetarian. I mentioned that I liked more vegetables than rice so they added extra veggies for me! Delicious! Again, excellent service and a good dining experience.
Bus service was also good, we never waited more than 10-15 minutes for a bus and often had shorter waits.
Yee haa Bob was a hoot as always and we enjoyed the boat ride to DS. All in all, the stay was perfect and POR remains a favourite moderate.
The Swan
Our stay here was a little bit disappointing. The room we were assigned initially was a courtyard view and we had booked, and paid for, a lake view. The lady at the front desk said that the room was indeed a lake view because you could see a bit of the water near the beach and pool. I called reservations back to check and was told AGAIN that the lake view was the best view offered at the Swan and included a view of the large lake facing Epcot. After speaking to another person and some time later we were assigned a lovely room facing in the direction that I had been originally assured that I was booking. NOT the best start, but this sort of thing happens. WE weren't overly troubled, and it was straightened out just fine.
The larger problem that we experienced was that the heating didn't work in the room. We never did get it fixed and it was COLD while we were staying there (low 30's). A request for more blankets resulted in two 'quilts' that were essentially two sheets sewn together with no stuffing except maybe a little in the corners. Fortunately, our stay here was short. Next time, I will go back to the Dolphin. The full beds are much more comfortable in a properly heated room and I have always received the appropriate view there. Also, many of the shared facilities are located in the Dolphin. I knew that last bit going in, but I have only stayed at the Swan twice before and wanted to give it another try. After three less than stellar stays there, however, I feel that I am ready to move on.
Poly CL TPV
So, this was our first stay here since the bungalows were built. I have visited the resort and seen them, but not stayed here until now. I have to say that I didn't mind them as much as I thought that I might. OK, the view isn't quite what it was before, but it is still beautiful, you still see the castle with a TPV and you still see the fireworks. We were very happy here. The CM's were wonderful, as always. I just can't say enough good about the POLY, especially staying CL. The peaceful atmosphere soothes the soul and resting by the pool, enjoying breakfast in the lounge, taking the motor launch to the MK are all as magical as ever.
I do miss the waterfall in the lobby, but the new design is open with lots of comfortable seating and we enjoyed spending time here as much as ever.
Dinner in Ohanas was awesome! We had a perfect table for viewing Wishes! Simply magical!
Overall we had a wonderful vacation. The weather was cold, but that can't be helped and is a risk you take in January. The split stay worked out well with no issues. FP+ worked well for us. Transportation was excellent. Everyone we met was courteous and kind, the CM's were helpful and personable.
Thank you to every CM that helped make our stay so enjoyable!!!! There is still much magic in the 'world'!
..such a great trip!!
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