Just upgraded to POR and need some info

[Zippa D Doodah]

After much internal debate, I just upgraded to POR for a 5 night stay beginning March 8. I thought it was going to cost me about $350 more, but after talking with CM I got upgraded for only $235. We (me, DW, DD6 and DS4) have onlt stayed at All Stars before, so I assume there will be a noticeable difference in atmosphere, etc. in moving to a moderate. This is a complete to surprise to DW. We are arriving on her B-day. She has always wanted to stay somewhere "nicer". I can't swing the Grand Flo on this trip, but from what I've read she is going to be pleased with POR. Now for some advice...

1) AB or mansions, considering our family of 4? From pics I've seen I think we would like either decor. Is one side generally cleaner and in better shape than the other?

2) Which bldg? Close to main pool would be nice, but its probably more important to be near food court and bus stop. I have looked at some maps, but I have a hard time figuring

3) We are driving this trip. Should we drive to parks or rely on WDW transportation as we have done in the past? On two previous trips we have stayed at All Stars and have been satisfied with the bus service.

4) Is food court basically the same as All Stars in terns of size, variety, service, cleanliness, etc.?

TIA for responses!

 

[debster812]

I have not ever stayed in the Mansions, so I cannot help there. We stayed last year in Alligator Bayou, Bldg #14 (which IMHO was the PERFECT location). Steps from the main pool, main building, food court, bus stop, and parking lot (we had a rental car).

The mansions looked really neat, and we may try them out this year, just not sure yet!

Have a great trip, I think you will really like PO-R. It has a really nice 'vibe'

 

[helenk]

You and your family will love POR. I was there this past September and I was quite pleased. The grounds are beautiful and themed as nicely as the deluxe resorts, on my opinion.
I personally like the Mansions. Parterre Place would be the closest mansion to the main bridge which would lead to the main building where the food court and sit down restaurant is located as well as one of the bus stops.
I stayed in Oak Manor which was the next mansion over and I liked the location there was a quiet pool between Oak Manor and Parterre Place and there was a bus stop that was between Oak Manor and Magnolia Terrace, but in the back of the buildings.
The food court is a nice size, and there were alot of selections. It maybe smaller than the Allstar resorts, but it has been quite a while since I stayed at the Allstars so I could be wrong.
The sit down restaurant, Boothwrights was nice, good food and good service.
I had no problems with the bus service, except for one evening going back to Epcot we waited well over a half of an hour for the Epcot bus, but that was the only problem the whole week.
Hope this rambling helps you.

 

[mandasbutterfly]

I just got back last week from 1 night at POR and 2 nights at the Grand Floridian. I loved POR!!!!!!!! I think your family will love it and your wife is going to be soooo happy there. I have to recommend the Mansions!! They are soo beautiful!! I don't care for the AB section s much but they are great also, people really enjoy them to!!! It is just a matter of what you are looking for and what your taste is. I don't think you could go wrong with either one!! I stayed in Oak Manor in a river waterview room and it was awesome. I loved walking along the river, the pool, everything in the main building and especially the boat to DTD. I was so happy there and even after moving to the amazing room we had at the GF, I still love POR and would go back!! Oak Manor is about half way to the Main building one way and half way to the main pool the other way but no matter what building you are in it is a lovely walk to get where you are going. I loved this building and our room was very nice. I can't wait to stay here again! How sweet you are to surprise your wife!!! I think she will love it... I think the all stars are great but you are going to find a big difference being at POR in my opinion. It was my first stay there and I couldn't get over how lovely it was!! I hope you have a great trip!!

 

[firstmickey]

We stayed there in this past August and loved it.
My kids were 9, and 6.

Here is a rundown:

We stayed in mansions. Acadian House. It was a 4-5 minute walk from foodcourt and about 2 minutes to pool. Our room faced the parking lot which was convenient for unpacking the car, but had nice landscaping so it did not bother us too much view wise. It was very clean and housekeeping did a very good job.
No towel animals but they were very helpful with leaving towel, etc.

Buses: We were very close to the North Bus Depot which was excellent especially for AM service. It was the first to be picked up. I would recommend using any bus stop except the busy South depot (main bus stop). Some AM's on way to park it would be full and people would have to stand that got on there.
South Depot was always the first dropped off on way back from parks so sometimes we would get off and refill our mugs, but most of time we got off at North depot steps from our door. The buses go thru 4 bus stops plus one at POFQ (if it is open) but it is really a fast trip.

Pools: main pool is very fun for kids. Has slide that is not too fast. My six year old loved it. Also has area where you can swim under little watefalls and squirters. Towels are by the main pool but not the quiet pool. You can get a life jacket for free at the marina and keep it for length of stay. (you are charged only if you don't return it) The quiet pools are less crowded and it is nice to do laundry while kids swim.

Food: Food court has a lot of selections and was always very clean with good service. Best bang for your buck for breakfast was Boatwrights. (Mary excellent CM). Cheaper to get sit down breakfast there than ala carte breakfast at food court.

River Roost Lounge: Make sure you take time to see Bob JAckson the entertainer. He plays a piano show Wed-Sat 7PM-12am. He gets the kids involved and the adults. My kids loved it. They still talk about him as one of their favorite parts of the trip. We filled their mugs at the food court and they sat with those while we had "adult" beverages!


The free boat ride to DTD is an attraction in itself with a little tour on the way. Very nice ride.

You can rent bikes, surrey bikes and watercraft.
Also they have a fishing hole where you can fish for half hour for $4.02. It includes cane fishing pole and bait. Cm said it is best to fish first thing in the AM.

The CM's in the gift shop are some of the best CM's on Disney property. They were very nice. My DS had Buzz Lightyear sunglasses that they replaced for free when the buzz came off. She said " You can't expect him to wear sunglasses without Buzz on them"

Overall, great resort. If my DD didn't want to try CBR so badly, I would be returning there for my next trip.
Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

Donna