Just back yesterday from POR!

[Princess Jenny]

Let me first start off by saying we had a fantastic time! It was our first time in September and on the free dining plan. Could of sworn my pants fit when I left 11 days ago...LOL!

The food was awesome. To much food alot of the times. I think we might go for the room discount next time. We're not sure tho.

We were in building 17. It was about a 5 minute walk from the food court.

Mousekeeping was good. Usually a cute towel of some sort was left. Or the stuffed animals displayed cutely for the kids.

The only thing I was really disappointed about was, that the parks and hotel were really packed. I thought September was supposed to be a slow time. The food court was crowded anytime you went!

But other than that, the weather was great. Only rained a few times, but didn't affect us at all. When we checked out, it was pouring so we passed our rain ponchos to a family that just checked in and didn't have any


If you have any questions, just ask.

 

[Xiarra]

The only thing I was really disappointed about was, that the parks and hotel were really packed. I thought September was supposed to be a slow time. The food court was crowded anytime you went!

That is what I was afraid of.... ... We usually go in September because of the low crowds... but the free dining plan, I feel, raised attendance way beyond what September would normally be...

I guess I will just have to grin and bear the crowds....

 

[TXgal]

Glad you had a good time. I'm not surprised about the attendance being up during free dining. That's the whole point of the program as far as Disney is concerned, right? Must be working.

What does a newbie have to do to get boo'ed?

 

[Harvest02]

OP, did you use the busses? I know this question has been asked a ZILLION times, but I am very concerned about the bus service. Any comments on the busses???

 

[Princess Jenny]

The busses were pretty packed. Most of the time it was standing room only. But at the end of the night, you are just happy to get on the bus and head back to your room !

 

[iluvradcliffe]

The busses were pretty packed. Most of the time it was standing room only. But at the end of the night, you are just happy to get on the bus and head back to your room !

I had a similar experience. We just returned from our first stay at WDW. The POR buses were always crowded, and it seemed as if we had to wait forever for more to come, especially leaving the parks.

 

[Jedi_Galvatron]

Everybody always seems to have that complaint about POR and it's busses but I've always found it MUCH better then the wait for busses for the All-Stars or POP Century. Maybe it's just me.

 

[Princess Jenny]

The busses were packed, but I didn't mind standing. I should also say we took the ME. On the way to the hotel, everyone was so pleasant. But on the way back, our buss driver was very rude! I overheard another couple saying how rude he was to! His name was LORENZO!! Dissers, watch out for this ME driver ~ not a friendly person

 

[Lilolvr]

I haven't been to POR in a few years but during our trip the buses were very crowded as were the queues on the return from the parks. it was very difficult with strollers and little ones.

 

[WeLoveSpaceMountain]

My DD6 and I were at POR last October and for the most part had decent luck with buses. The exception to that is at park closing, we had to wait for three buss cycles to go through before we could get on one. This year I have decided to take the plunge and try the car rental approach. Alamo had a special going for $140 with taxes for a 9 day rental (though it is just a midsize).

By the way, we loved POR with the exception of the rooms being a bit "dark".

Have a magical day!

C

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

I'm glad you had a great time . . .we are on the under 20 day dance and I have requested AB #18. Can you tell me more info on the closest bus stop? We have 2 rooms and this is our first time staying at a moderate and POR and I am just a wee bit concerned about the bus transportation. Do you know when the latest bus leaves MK or any of the parks? I'd rather wait for the very last bus than have to be in standing room only . . .

Any info on the food court would be appreciated as we are on the dining plan and will most likely be getting our morning snack from the food court.

Thanks!

 

[jeanneg4of4]

We were At POR Sept 1- Sept 9. We have always rented a car in the past and this was our first time using the bus. Not impressed at all. It took an average of 1 hr, give or take a few min, to arrive at the parks. This would be from the time we arrived at the bus stop untill we arrived at the park gate. We actualy had an inccadent where it took 2hrs and 25 min (we also recieved a wish to help compensate us for the wait, our own bus ride home ). But we will not be using the busses again. It also took just as long if not longer to get back to POR . There was always a long wait, at least a bus or 2 before we could get on and then we were 5 out of 6 on the drop off route. We usually tryed to wait alittle while after the parks closed to get on the bus so I cant even imagine what it would have looked like 30 min.-45 min earlier Always packed, people standing except for our one special bus. I was shocked since I have read positive things about the bus system and it Disney. My sister ,on the other hand , did not think the busses were that bad.

 

[WeLoveSpaceMountain]

I'm glad you had a great time . . .we are on the under 20 day dance and I have requested AB #18. Can you tell me more info on the closest bus stop? We have 2 rooms and this is our first time staying at a moderate and POR and I am just a wee bit concerned about the bus transportation. Do you know when the latest bus leaves MK or any of the parks? I'd rather wait for the very last bus than have to be in standing room only . . .

Any info on the food court would be appreciated as we are on the dining plan and will most likely be getting our morning snack from the food court.

Thanks!

When we stayed at POR last year we stayed in a standard room, Magnolia Terrace and we always found ourself walking to the mail building so we could hang out at Fultons General Store if, say, we see we just missed a bus. I think the building your requested, that would be the best stop as well...I believe it's the first stop at POR for pick up and drop off. I am not sure when the last bus leaves but I think they run 30 - 60 minutes after the park closes (I am sure someone will correct me if I am off by much). The thing about the buses is you need to remember your on vacation, the buses are convenient, but it is going to take you an 40 - 60 minutes to get where you need to go. One thing I did was take a cab once in a while...especially when going to AK, the cab ride there was $15 (with tip) and took a fraction of the time 15 minutes or so.

The food court is good, there is a nice variety for everyone in the family. I am not sure about the breakfast meals, we never did breakfast but they had a nice selection of fruit cups and such so I would say it's fine for your morning snacks.

I hope that helps a little...enjoy your trip, it looks like we will be in the parks around the same time!

C