Just returned from POR - my thoughts

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone!

My mom and I returned from POR yesterday. We stayed from July 9-12, 3 nights. We were originally assigned a room in the Mansions section but I asked to me moved to the bayou as that is the section my mom and I enjoy more. We ended up in bldg 35 with a view of some trees and a grassy area. After figuring out a couple of routes we quickly found a route to the main bldg that was not too long - less than 10 minutes.

Before I continue with the rest of my postings, I want to say that I have stayed at POR MANY times and would gladly stay there again!

1) The food court - never had a meal I didn't like there. Although the sauces for the chicken nuggets are changed since the last time I was in the World (May 2008). The BBQ and sweet and sour are a different brand and do not taste nearly as good IMO as the ones previous. But I'm guessing that is resort - wide, not just at POR. The service was friendly and prompt and there always seemed to be enough people manning the cash registers. The selection, however, did seem lacking compared to previous visits (and other food courts). We had quick breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner there and I was already getting a little bored with the offerings.

2) The room - not much to say about this but it was great! It was cleaned well daily, we had a towel animal waiting for us when we first checked in, no weird smells and the AC worked great which was welcomed after a long hot day in the parks.

3) The Busses - I have read so many posts about the "horrible" bus service at this resort. And I have been reading these posts for years. Frankly I don't get it. I do however think that different experiences can be attributed to what one expects/desires and what time you are traveling to any given location. I personally have had longer waits at the Poly and Contemporary where I'm paying more than double a night for a room. Anyway, we were at the bus stop in the mornings to be at rope drop, including one emh and waited less than 5 minutes if that for a bus - and never had to stand a single time the whole trip. Returning was never more than a 10 minute wait except for one time at AK in the afternoon (around 2?). My mom and I were in line for maybe 10-15 minutes and the lady at the front of the line said she was in line for 25 minutes. She finally said something to another bus driver and a bus literally pulled up 2 minutes later. To be fair, we were never were at park at or near closing time so I can't really comment on that.

4) Boat to DD - this is one of the many reasons I love this resort. I just love taking a relaxing boat ride to DD instead of a typically crowded bus. BTW, the treehouse villas have been torn down and are going to be rebuilt as either part of Port Orleans resort or as another DVC property.

5) Check-in/Concierge desk - huge line but then half the line was moved to the concierge desk as they were buying tickets/making ADRs and had been in the wrong line. Check in was painless although the hostess seemed very annoyed that I did not want to stay in the mansion (I did request the bayou). I always ask if something is available in a certain area and if it isn't I deal with it. She had to get on the phone and talk to some "secret CM" before allowing me to change room locations. Never had that happen before. My slighly unmagical check in was redeemed by the CM at the concierge desk while buying our tickets. He was super friendly and helpful, even showing us a picture of the new baby elephant born at AK.

So those are the obvious things that stood out for me. It was a great quick getaway, albeit HOT!, and I would definitely return to POR in the future. If you have any questions about the resort, I'd be happy to answer them!

 

[bytheblood]

Great review of your stay. Glad you had a nice time.

Re: your comments about the bus service, I agree 100%

The Busses - I have read so many posts about the "horrible" bus service at this resort. And I have been reading these posts for years. Frankly I don't get it. I do however think that different experiences can be attributed to what one expects/desires and what time you are traveling to any given location. I personally have had longer waits at the Poly and Contemporary where I'm paying more than double a night for a room.

The worst bus service I have ever had was at the Beach Club, followed by Coronado Springs.

 

[happybratpack]

Great report, thanks! POR is one of our favorites too and we always had good bus luck.

How were the crowds?

 

[Wonders10]

How were the crowds?

Crowds were crazy! I don't have much to compare it too though as I don't typically travel to Disney in July, but it was definitely crowded. I think it made it even worse that it was so hot too - made it seem extra crowded. We were able to see everything we wanted using FP, getting to the parks at rope drop, using emh in the morning and then leaving that park around noon. Every standby line we hit was 20-30 minutes at the most. However later in the day, it of course got worse. 95 minutes for everest around 1pm, etc. FP for Toy story mania were just about gone by noon.

The resort was crowded, but again, I think we ate at off hours, used the quiet pools so we missed some of them. On our check out day, we ate at Boatwrights and while passing through the food court, it was much more corwded than while we were there the previous days. Of course it was an hour later that the other days too. There are A LOT of Brazilian tour groups in the parks and many were staying at POR. They weren't as annoying as I remembered them being but they are a large group and travel in herds in the parks.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Hi everyone!

My mom and I returned from POR yesterday. We stayed from July 9-12, 3 nights. We were originally assigned a room in the Mansions section but I asked to me moved to the bayou as that is the section my mom and I enjoy more. We ended up in bldg 35 with a view of some trees and a grassy area. After figuring out a couple of routes we quickly found a route to the main bldg that was not too long - less than 10 minutes.

Before I continue with the rest of my postings, I want to say that I have stayed at POR MANY times and would gladly stay there again!

1) The food court - never had a meal I didn't like there. Although the sauces for the chicken nuggets are changed since the last time I was in the World (May 2008). The BBQ and sweet and sour are a different brand and do not taste nearly as good IMO as the ones previous. But I'm guessing that is resort - wide, not just at POR. The service was friendly and prompt and there always seemed to be enough people manning the cash registers. The selection, however, did seem lacking compared to previous visits (and other food courts). We had quick breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner there and I was already getting a little bored with the offerings.

2) The room - not much to say about this but it was great! It was cleaned well daily, we had a towel animal waiting for us when we first checked in, no weird smells and the AC worked great which was welcomed after a long hot day in the parks.

3) The Busses - I have read so many posts about the "horrible" bus service at this resort. And I have been reading these posts for years. Frankly I don't get it. I do however think that different experiences can be attributed to what one expects/desires and what time you are traveling to any given location. I personally have had longer waits at the Poly and Contemporary where I'm paying more than double a night for a room. Anyway, we were at the bus stop in the mornings to be at rope drop, including one emh and waited less than 5 minutes if that for a bus - and never had to stand a single time the whole trip. Returning was never more than a 10 minute wait except for one time at AK in the afternoon (around 2?). My mom and I were in line for maybe 10-15 minutes and the lady at the front of the line said she was in line for 25 minutes. She finally said something to another bus driver and a bus literally pulled up 2 minutes later. To be fair, we were never were at park at or near closing time so I can't really comment on that.

4) Boat to DD - this is one of the many reasons I love this resort. I just love taking a relaxing boat ride to DD instead of a typically crowded bus. BTW, the treehouse villas have been torn down and are going to be rebuilt as either part of Port Orleans resort or as another DVC property.

5) Check-in/Concierge desk - huge line but then half the line was moved to the concierge desk as they were buying tickets/making ADRs and had been in the wrong line. Check in was painless although the hostess seemed very annoyed that I did not want to stay in the mansion (I did request the bayou). I always ask if something is available in a certain area and if it isn't I deal with it. She had to get on the phone and talk to some "secret CM" before allowing me to change room locations. Never had that happen before. My slighly unmagical check in was redeemed by the CM at the concierge desk while buying our tickets. He was super friendly and helpful, even showing us a picture of the new baby elephant born at AK.

So those are the obvious things that stood out for me. It was a great quick getaway, albeit HOT!, and I would definitely return to POR in the future. If you have any questions about the resort, I'd be happy to answer them!

GREAT report SHANNON, thanks for the info!!! I just LOVE POR!!

 

[dogodisney]

Thank you the upbeat report. I'm glad to hear that you had a pleasant trip. I'm looking forward to our upcoming stay!

 

[tejasranger]

Crowds were crazy! I don't have much to compare it too though as I don't typically travel to Disney in July, but it was definitely crowded. I think it made it even worse that it was so hot too - made it seem extra crowded. We were able to see everything we wanted using FP, getting to the parks at rope drop, using emh in the morning and then leaving that park around noon. Every standby line we hit was 20-30 minutes at the most. However later in the day, it of course got worse. 95 minutes for everest around 1pm, etc. FP for Toy story mania were just about gone by noon.

The resort was crowded, but again, I think we ate at off hours, used the quiet pools so we missed some of them. On our check out day, we ate at Boatwrights and while passing through the food court, it was much more corwded than while we were there the previous days. Of course it was an hour later that the other days too. There are A LOT of Brazilian tour groups in the parks and many were staying at POR. They weren't as annoying as I remembered them being but they are a large group and travel in herds in the parks.

We stayed at POR in Feb. It was absolutely beautiful. We plan on staying there again when we go back. My husband had his service dog with him and he stayed at the hotel with us and went to the rest. with us. We had a Brazilian family sitting next to us at Boatwrights. Their children came over and petted my husband service dog. He is a little teacup chichuahua. They were very well behaved and asked before they could pet him. The children looked like they were around 10 or 12 years old. The whole family was very beautiful. Of course we there in February which is considered off season. I did not notice any group of these people traveling together in herds. We thought everyone from every ethnic group was very friendly. We did not run into one hateful person.

 

[TagsMissy]

Thanks for the report! We'll be there next month and I can't wait. It's great to hear someone not complain about the transportation

 

[hogwartsdropout]

Great report! We've stayed there many times too, going back in 1 week 5 days! We've also never had any problems with the buses. I'm sad to hear the treehouse villas have been torn down.

 

[Wonders10]

We stayed at POR in Feb. It was absolutely beautiful. We plan on staying there again when we go back. My husband had his service dog with him and he stayed at the hotel with us and went to the rest. with us. We had a Brazilian family sitting next to us at Boatwrights. Their children came over and petted my husband service dog. He is a little teacup chichuahua. They were very well behaved and asked before they could pet him. The children looked like they were around 10 or 12 years old. The whole family was very beautiful. Of course we there in February which is considered off season. I did not notice any group of these people traveling together in herds. We thought everyone from every ethnic group was very friendly. We did not run into one hateful person.

I am so not talking about one family from one ethnic group. I'm talking about very large groups of mostly unsupervised children/teenagers who travel in very large groups of at least 50 people all over the resort and theme parks following one adult carrying a flag and they all wear the same t-shirt. And annoying does not equal hateful fyi. I'm not changing my previous statement - the sheer quantity and volume of these groups (which is more than one) makes them annoying. They only travel in July and there is another month that I can't quite remember. If you really think I'm just a racist hateful person for calling a large tour group annoying, go for it, but I suggest you check out the other threads for discussions about these tour groups.

 

[Wonders10]

Great report! We've stayed there many times too, going back in 1 week 5 days! We've also never had any problems with the buses. I'm sad to hear the treehouse villas have been torn down.

I was sad too - totally not expecting to see them gone. They always looked really fun to stay in. I am excited to see what they are like after they're built though - it would be great if it was part of Port Orleans. My mom however is scared to stay in them - reminds her of slasher flicks, like Friday the 13th

 

[disneyloverforchrist]

Hi there!!! Thanks for your review...my family and my parents are going down the first week of december and staying at POR for the first time It's actually my first time at any moderate resort. Just curious, how do you go about requesting a specific room or area? do you do that once you are down there or before? also wondering if you have any pics of your room Thanks so much

 

[Wonders10]

Hi there!!! Thanks for your review...my family and my parents are going down the first week of december and staying at POR for the first time It's actually my first time at any moderate resort. Just curious, how do you go about requesting a specific room or area? do you do that once you are down there or before? also wondering if you have any pics of your room Thanks so much

You will love POR at Christmas. Something you might want to think about (they actually have it year round though) is the horse and carriage rides around riverside and french quarter. I haven't done them yet but they look really fun - and I bet at Christmas, it would be extra magical. You can make ressies for it in advance but when we were there, they still had availability on the same day. I think it's $35.

When I make my reservation I almost always request a certain bldg or section. This time I requested Alligator Bayou bldg 14. Obviously it didn't work since I was assigned a room in the mansions. When that happens, I just ask very nicely if there is anything available in the area I originally requested. Usually there is! I didn't take any pics of my room this time, but I can tell you they look exactly like the bayou rooms on allearsnet dot com. Have a great time!

 

[Mainebound]

Thanks to the Op for the great post. I just this minute booked POR for the first time for a surprise December trip, and your post makes me feel great about it!

Not to hijack, but I didn't make any room request. I am traveling with my two boys, and my 72 year old mother will be in a connecting room. Any suggestions? (like, why is alligator 14 the best?)

 

[Wonders10]

Thanks to the Op for the great post. I just this minute booked POR for the first time for a surprise December trip, and your post makes me feel great about it!

Not to hijack, but I didn't make any room request. I am traveling with my two boys, and my 72 year old mother will be in a connecting room. Any suggestions? (like, why is alligator 14 the best?)

Thanks! I personally like the bayou more than the mansions...I just like all the small ponds and trees, etc. The mansions are beautiful too though. The reason why I requested bldg 14 is because it is the closest bldg to the food court/lobby area. 15 and 18 are also pretty close. Also it's important to remember that the bayou bldgs are 2 story with NO elevator. So if stairs are a no-no, request a room on the 1st floor as well. Some of the bldgs in the bayou and mansions are a pretty long hike to the food court IMO. I think there are maps here on the DIS that you can look at to see what bldgs might work best for you. Have a great trip!

 

[buzznina]

Glad you had a great time, we are also going to be there the first week of December POFQ/POR #1 and CSR #2 are our favorite resorts, the boat to DTD and ammenities are great. I will be making a res for the carriage ride for my DW BDay, I am sure my DD will love it too Can't wait!!!

 

[HonnyDipp]

Great review! Thanks for sharing your input, I can't wait to see this beautiful resort for myself in November!

 

[Mainebound]

Thanks! I personally like the bayou more than the mansions...I just like all the small ponds and trees, etc. The mansions are beautiful too though. The reason why I requested bldg 14 is because it is the closest bldg to the food court/lobby area. 15 and 18 are also pretty close. Also it's important to remember that the bayou bldgs are 2 story with NO elevator. So if stairs are a no-no, request a room on the 1st floor as well. Some of the bldgs in the bayou and mansions are a pretty long hike to the food court IMO. I think there are maps here on the DIS that you can look at to see what bldgs might work best for you. Have a great trip!

thanks! I will have to investigate all these options. But it sounds like we really can't go wrong with POR, as long as we are not too too far from everything.

Glad you had a great trip! Better get busy planning the bnext one if you haven't already.

 

[anonymousegirl]

My friend and I were there at POR July 5-13 and agree with Wonders10. Service was great, esp at check-in, room waqs clean, A/c worked almost too well and the bus service was very good. Except for one day, we would walk up and here comes our buses. We stayed in the Alligator Bayou 18 and loved the quiet pool. The food court was a bit lacking in selection.

We hadn't stayed at POR before but would certainly come back for another visit.

 

[aubriee]

I am so not talking about one family from one ethnic group. I'm talking about very large groups of mostly unsupervised children/teenagers who travel in very large groups of at least 50 people all over the resort and theme parks following one adult carrying a flag and they all wear the same t-shirt. And annoying does not equal hateful fyi. I'm not changing my previous statement - the sheer quantity and volume of these groups (which is more than one) makes them annoying. They only travel in July and there is another month that I can't quite remember. If you really think I'm just a racist hateful person for calling a large tour group annoying, go for it, but I suggest you check out the other threads for discussions about these tour groups.

I agree with you about the Brazilian tour groups being loud and annoying. The other month they're down there, by the way, is January. I don't know if it's so much the Brazilian culture as it is a HUGE group of basically unsupervised teens that think rules don't apply to them. I've seen them knock down little kids as they rush to a ride and then look back and laugh about it, I've seen them have one person waiting in a line, then when a bus comes or when that person gets close to the front of a ride, all 50 or so will suddenly swarm forward knocking people aside as they do so. Again it's just the sheer mass number of them chanting on the buses and walking through parks chanting that is annoying. In small groups they are very interesting to talk to, but in huge masses they are very disruptive.

To the OP: thank you, thank you, thank you!!! We'll be staying at PORS in September and have been so nervous about the reports of horrible bus service. In fact, I've considered numerous times just changing resorts, but PORS is the only moderate we've never stayed at and I really want to try it just once.