My first PTR - It's never too early to start planning!!

[princesswendy720]

I'm leaving for my first Disney trip with Dbf in less than 3 weeks!!!

I've become addicted to planning, but unfortunately, at this point I have everything all figured out for our December trip. Not too long ago, Dbf game me the "ok" to book another trip for next year!!!

(In case you're wondering, on our upcoming trip we'll be staying at POP from 12/15 to 12/20, we have 6 day park hoppers and ADRs at Le Cellier, Les Chefs de France (CP package), Tutto Italia, Sci Fi Dine In lunch, 1900 Park Fair breakfast, Ohana breakfast, Crystal Palace lunch, Boma breakfast, and Kona breakfast. We'll be attending MVMCP on 12/16).

Now on to the next trip.

Who: Me, 22 yo recent college grad with a dual degree in marketing/French from New Jersey. I work in advertising/marketing and have been going to Disney since I was 1! My family are BIG Disney fans but we haven't gone on a big family trip since I was 13 (Brother is 4 years older, and once we were in college it was a lot harder to plan family vacations). In addition to WDW, I've been to DLR once (age 17 with my family) and DLRP once (age 20/21 when I was studying abroad in Paris). I haven't been to WDW since January of 2005 but will be there in 3 weeks wih Dbf.

Dbf: 25 years old, is a computer technician for the county government. We've been dating almost 10 months and will be taking our first Disney trip together in December. He's not quite he Disney freak that I am and does not want to be involved in planning. He's just here for the ride

Here we are:

When: I want to pick a time that will allow us to catch the tail end of free dining, MNSSHP, and the very beginning of F&WF. Our tentative dates are: 9/19 to 9/26!

Next post: Where and our tentative itinerary and dining plans!

 

[princesswendy720]

We're staying at POP in December and I've stayed at ASMo, ASMu, and CBR before. When I was little, we'd rent condos off site so I didn't get much experience staying on site. It was a fun treat whenever we did though! Nonetheless, I am an on-site snob when planning my own trips.

Depending on how we like POP, we might stay there, but I'd really like to stay at a moderate. In my dreams, I'd like to stay at a Deluxe (Boardwalk Resort anyone?). Maybe I'll get to stay at the Boardwalk on my honeymoon or something, it's my favorite resort. Although I don't really see its resemblance to Atlantic City. As I said, I'm from NJ, and AC does not look like that!

Anywho, here are my options:

1. Port Orleans Riverside

I think this resort looks beautiful!! I've been to New Orleans before and I love the architecture in the South, especially the big, old mansions. I've done limited research on hotels so far, but from what I've seen of the rooms (Magnolia Bend) I like them the best. I know alot of people prefer the Aligator Bayou rooms, but I think mansion rooms have a much better style. What are the reasons people seem to prefer the AB buildings? More secluded?

Some people also thing it's so well themed, that it doesn't look like a Disney hotel. I like that! I don't need Mickey Mouse staring at me all the time!

My other moderate candidate is...

2. Coronado Springs

This resort seems a lot more heavily themed than POR. The pool is awesome! However, we'd probably spend most of our time in the "quiet pool" since there will be fewer children. I like kids don't get me wrong, but they are notorious for swimming into me, splashing me, cannon-balling right on top of me, etc. in pools. I like the room interior at POR much more than here. The other downfall is that it's so big! But it does seem to have some good dining options. I know the Pepper Market is great for a CS and they also have a nice bar/lounge on property.

Does anyone have any opinions or experience on either of these places??

 

[kayla87]

I'll offer a limited opinion, since I can't make any comparisons. We stayed in the Acadian House (number 80 on the map). It was a short walk to the North Depot, which is nice when you're dragging home late at night. It's an easy walk to Riverside Mill, where we ate breakfast each morning. (Go to the main depot in the morning so the bus isn't full when it gets to the other stops) The room we had in Acadian House was right next to the quiet pool, although we never used it. I just loved the property, but I'm sure others will come along and love something else just as much. I don't think you can go wrong staying in a mansion at Riverside.