Just switched!! LOL..POR TO CR..advice?

[vpack05]

We leave in 15 days and I just started doubting my decision for our trip to lodge at POR. We are 3 adult women (VERY mickey minded) and 4 young children (under 12). One of our adults is disabled and that really was the deciding factor in the change (sort of!) We also got a rate of $166 for garden room, that combined with Monorail access is a big plus.

Now, I need positive reinforcement that we did the right thing. Please??

Read lots of negatives regarding food court and poopy patios . Anyone visited in last 2 months?? Thank you all so much for the info!!

Kim and kids.

 

[DMNeth]

We leave in 10 days for our WDW trip and this will be our 2nd stay at CR.

It's been 3 yrs. since our last visit and really liked the access to MK. At that time we had a 3 yr. old and it was perfect. This time we'll have a 6 yr. old and a 19 mo. old. My DH said he'd go back only if we stayed at CR.

We didn't eat in the food court and didn't have a balcony. But my though on that is how much time are you going to spend at the resort. I did read a/b the bird poop but then I read it had been cleaned up.

Have a great trip!!

 

[dudspizza]

Can I ask how you got the 166 rate? Is it an AP rate or did you have a pin?

Ap rates were around 219 when I checked.

Thanks.

Duds

 

[vpack05]

When all this disney "madness" started months, actually last year even, I called to see if my AAA rate or my MIL FL resident rate was offering better rates. They said "Did you know that she has a pin attached to her name?"

I WAS SHOCKED and she had absolutely no clue, even though they said they mailed out 2 offers to her (DOH!! ). We found out that we could actually reserve up to 3 rooms at her "special" rate. It's the only way we can afford this upgrade.

 

[MPLsDad]

By the wink, it seems like you're playing up the disability or just using it as an excuse to change resorts for your own desire. However, I've probably already read too much into your post.

Anyhow, I've visited POR and it's beautiful but I would never stay there because I rely on speedier Disney transportation and hate waiting for the bus. Staying at the CR will give you access to the MK via monorail or by walkway, and monorail to EP (after transfer) - that's what I'd be willing to pay more for. Your rate is excellent - I'd go for it and not look back.

 

[Selket]

We just returned from the CR - had a room in the the north wing near the FFC and it was great. You can't beat walking to the MK. The room was in fine shape for the most part and it is a great location. We had a similar rate and I'd take it again.

You didn't mention what kind of disability one of your fellow travelers has but we met some folks staying at the CR - one in an ECV - and they were saying they stayed at the CR just so they had access to the monorail. They were a bit surprised that they still needed assistance boarding because the monorail isn't flush with the platform - a CM has to come and put down a ramp. It seemd like they were quick to do it the times I noticed but it might be something to keep in mind. I think they were a bit disappointed that they had to rely on help boarding the transportation.

 

[vpack05]

NO NO NO....please don't misunderstand my wink. It was because I, personally, didn't need a valid reason to switch resorts, especially this switch!! Catherine has had 2 back surgeries and has to go for physical therapy every week just to keep walking. We were very apprehensive about all the walking at Disney and stressed about it. This is a dream trip and we didn't want to have it ruined for her by her lack of mobility. Another deciding point is the health club at the CR. She's able to do her exercises there and is looking forward to that time.

 

[MPLsDad]

OOOHHHHHHHHHHH, it's so hard to know exactly what people mean when not communicating face to face. That's why I stated that I'd probably read into the post toom much. Would your friend use an ECV - it's something to keep in mind, just in case. WDW is spread out and often involves a ton of walking. And some of the show have horrible benhc seating that might bother her back so a more comfy seat on an ECV might be justified.

 

[vpack05]

OOOHHHHHHHHHHH, it's so hard to know exactly what people mean when not communicating face to face. That's why I stated that I'd probably read into the post toom much. Would your friend use an ECV - it's something to keep in mind, just in case. WDW is spread out and often involves a ton of walking. And some of the show have horrible benhc seating that might bother her back so a more comfy seat on an ECV might be justified.

So how much would this be? Can we get through WDW or do we have to go through outside company? Thanks!!

 

[rkmassa]

You can get one at Disney, but my mom always gets one through an outside source. The company delivers the ECV and picks it up. The weekly rentals are better than Disney prices. My mom had to rent one day at Disney when we ended up staying a day latter. She liked the rented one from outside the park better. Randy's Mobility and Walker Medical get good reviews. I think Randy's is cheapest at 175.00 a week.

 

[vpack05]

Thank you for the recommendation for Randy's. I'll tell Catherine and see what she wants to do.

Anyone have any idea on children's activities at Contemporary? Are there planned activities during day at resort? Any other things than arcade, marina and pool? Thank you!!

 

[GeorgePA]

HI just got back Last week form CR. I am disabled also have sever back problems we chose the CR for the reasons you seam to be easier acess to certian things. If she uses and ECV defintly rent it from off site we had wonderful experince with Walker medical. it was there when i checked it and just had to leave it with bell services when i was done.
If you have any questions feel free to email me or leave it here i do check th boards often.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES Board, you can get more information about touring with an ecv.
Near the top of the board there is a disABILITIES FAQs thread that has contact information for the various off-site places to rent wheelchairs and ecvs. Also, the pluses and minuses of renting from off-site or from the parks.

 

[sanibelover]

I think you did the right thing. POR is more of a hotel than a resort. Yeah, it's themed OK, but there's just not much going on there. CR (although looking a little dated these days) has lots going on. You just can't beat the convenience!!Have fun!!

 

[DisneyPhD]

I miss read your post and thought you changed from POR to Carribien Beach and I was going to tell you to switch back!

However Contempory is a different story. I have never stayed there, but hear the big rooms are very nice and it is so close to MK. That is a great rate for Con. Go for it.

It is easier to walk to MK from Con then take the monorial (all the way around, and then you where you get off is almost as long of a walk as it the path from Con in the 1st place.) Also when you get on the monorial it is almost always full since everyone just got on at MK and aren't getting off until TTC.

As much as I love POR I think you made a good choice, Have a good time.

(if you were at POR you would be fine too!)

 

[dreaminboutdisney]

Stayed at the CR last summer with my family of 5 in the north wing. Rooms were spacious. Monorail very convenient. Traveled with other family members one of which used a wheelchair. The monorail was convenient and there was a marked spot to wait to board. There was always a Disney employee there to help with getting my nephew in his wheelchair on. Trying to decide whether to stay at the CR or the POR this summer. Leaning towards the CR because of the size of the room and monorail convenience even though it is alot more expensive than POR. Hoping for a discount.