POR Magnolia Bend or Alligator Bayou

[55tbird]

We are planning to surprise our two children with a trip tp WDW next May for their graduation - one from high school and one from college. I imagine it could be our last "just the 4 of us" family vacation. On our two previous trips to WDW we stayed at Port Orleans (the original) and off-site in Kissimmee. I want this trip to be extra special. After doing some research, I have tentatively decided on POR. My decision now is whether to request Magnolia Bend or Alligator Bayou, and from there which buildings. I understand renovation has been going on, and that would be a big factor. Also, walking distance to main areas and bus stops. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks is advance!

 

[Sandi]

Welcome to the DIS!

POR is our favorite resort and we've stayed in both AB (Buildings 14, 15, and 18) and the Mansions (Parterre Place). My 11 yo DD prefers AB and that is what we've requested for our February trip. The AB Buildings we've had are all very close to the main bus stop, food court and Old Man Island where the pool and playground are located.

A lot of people seem to get really worked up if they don't get what they requested. I think the whole resort is really lovely and you can be happy anywhere (except for a smoking area for me!). I would go ahead and make a request after looking at the map, but if your request isn't honored, don't worry about it.

I don't recall what the refurbishment schedule was like. Hopefully someone else can answer that part of your question.

Have a great "4 of you" trip!

 

[buccikulju]

We were just there (11/6 to 11/11) and LOVED IT We were in Parterre Place, a corner room that was right next to one of the "quiet" pools and across from the bridge to the main building. I liked our location and I have a feeling that paying the extra for a "water-view" room as we did, at least in the Mansions section, gives you a better location. (The view is less important to me).

Although many seem to love the AB section, I was put off by the musty smell that prevaded there because the Sassagoula is more of a bog or swamp at that end. The smell really put me off, at least close to the water, when we walked and biked through that section. I don't know if it's always the case, though.

I personally loved the mansions, and loved POR and will most definitely stay there again.

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

Love POR!!! I still can't decide which section I prefer. I have stayed way towards the back in AB in bldg 35...it was about an 8 min walk to the food court and there was a bus stop about 3 mins away. Then we stayed in Magnolia Terrace. It is much more formal than the rooms in AB. Very antibellum in feel. Then last June, my dd and I spent the last two nights of our mom and dd trip at POR in bldg 14 in AB. The bus stop was about a minute walk, if that. The food court was about the same. Loved that bldg.
I know this isn't much help, but I swear...I think I'll leave it up to the room assigner the next time. I just can't decide which area I like best!! They both have their own particular charm.

 

[stingfancb]

We have stayed at POR and POFQ many, many times. We have come to love POR when going with our children. In years past we always requested the "mansions", as our children got older (now 20 and 17) we now always request the AB because they have the trundle beds. Bldg. 14, is by far the closest to buses and food court. By having the trundle bed, both daughter and son have a bed to themselves. A word of warning: the trundle bed/mattress is single and not very long. Our son (the 17 year old) is 5'10" and still requests the trundle even though he has to sleep somewhat curled. Being that I am the shortest in the family, at 5'3"; I guess I'll soon be the one on the trundle!

 

[Terri C]

We stayed at POR for the first time 10/29-11/4 and loved it We were in the AB section bldg 15. I requested AB thinking one of my DDs would use the trundle. Then I worried the trundle wouldn't be long enough so I took a twin size air mattress. This worked great! The food court, pools, and bus stop were very convenient (sp?) I would go definately go back

Have fun!
Terri

 

[Family Fun Mom]

We were in the AB building 16. LOVED IT! I really liked the look of the mansions, so I think no matter what you'll be pleased, but the grounds of the AB were just amazing. I'll stay there again in a heartbeat.