just booked POR

[brandi~momof3]

in my 10 trips to The World I have only stayed on site 1 time (last June for 4 days at BWI with dh for our 10th anniversary trip).
Well now dh wants to stay nowhere else but on-site (but my parents have a time share and I am sure we will go with them in the future)
So we booked 4 days at POR during free dining for our family.
We loved the BWI and the convenience of being right by EPCOT and DHS.
I have read a lot of conflicting reports about POR buses and also the resort itself.
I am just excited to be staying at a Disney Resort though I would have booked a value but only 4 to a room, not a value for a family of 5
My questions are - will we be disappointed with a moderate after staying at a deluxe? Should we just drive to the parks or take the buses (esp. since we will be carting our own stroller now with the increases)? Since we are only going for a few days, we will be in the parks non-stop, but is there anything we should definitely check out at POR?
Thanks

 

[mickeymousemom]

I would have a hard time staying anywhere else but POR. Its like home to us. I lost my mom a month ago and it was right around the time we always book our October trip. DH wanted to stay at the Poly this year. I said I couldn't. I need "home". I need familiarity and charm and all that Riverside gives me. He was fine with that , then came up to me later and said that if we'd stayed at the Poly, he knows he'd miss POR.
I have always said POR is like a deluxe at a moderate price(esp if you stay in the mansions), except you don't get queen beds and the rooms are a few sq. ft. smaller. We like the Alligator Bayou section best, but the whole resort is just gorgeous. We've stayed in the mansions before and they are are very pretty, but AB is more our style. Either way, you're surrounded by charm and lush landscaping and hominess. I know everyone is different in their tastes, but I really think you'll be pleased.
Be warned though...it is a large resort and very spread out. If you have to walk a ways to the food courts, etc its a beautiful walk, but some aren't able. Just letting you know ahead of time! I really hope you like it...I just can't bring myself to stay anywhere else.


ETA: I'd take the busses. I HATE loading up the car and driving back and forth to the parks. I love the busses and feel they are a part of the WDW experience. My youngest loves them as much as any ride. Just know, if you leave the parks at close, it will POR's stop that has the longest line. We don't mind...I'd rather wait for the bus than get out to the car and load up and have to drive back to the resort. You may decide otherwise. Also, as far as MK goes, it is much easier to take the bus b/c you get dropped off at the front rather than having to go to the TTC first.

Definitely take the time to just relax a bit and have a nice walk around there. Its gorgeous in the morning. DH and I LOVE to take our morning "coffee walk"(stolen from another DIS'er ) Also, in the main building, you'll find the food courts, the main lobby, The General Store, Boatwright's Dining Hall, and the River Roost Lounge. In the evenings you'll find Bob the Piano guy there and he is a HOOT! Very entertaining and the lounge is open to everyone. You'll find families there every night. I love the whole "main building" area. It's made to look a town on the river from both sides (one of which faces the parking lot). On the back side is the Sassagoula River and the dock where you can catch boats to DtD and the FQ. You can also rent surrey bikes to pedal around the resort. Its the epitome of charm!

 

[brandi~momof3]

thank you so much for all the great info.
I am sure we will love it. It sounds beautiful.
I am sorry for your loss.

 

[tejasranger]

We stayed at POR in Feb. we loved it very pretty and nice and quiet. Your children will enjoy feeding the ducks by the river in the mornings.

 

[J Lynn]

I'm so glad I read this about POR. I live about 50 miles south of New Orleans and thought maybe it would be TOO familiar, but that's exactly what we need...home away from home. Thanks.

 

[ols386]

We loved POR. Stayed there in January of this year. We've stayed at the Contemporary Resort and Grand Floridian, and I thought POR was as nice as those two resorts. POR doesn't have as many restaurants, but they do have one sit-down restaurant, and we really liked the food court. The grounds are beautiful! The rooms are nothing really fancy, but we liked them and they were comfortable. We thought the grounds were absolutely breath-taking.

 

[PrincessPaczki]

My family loves the POR. It is so beautiful and has lush landscaping. We always get a room close to a quiet pool, very nice. The food court has alot to offer everyone and Boatwrights is right there. The kids can fish, swim in 3 quiet pools and one main pool, and the boat ride to DTD is wonderful!