POR Question

[ejgmom]

We are tentaltively going to WDW for first time June 5-11.
After much research, we decided upon POR, I think. My question is, how is that time of year for Disney? Overly crowded, not too bad?? I seem to get mixed reviews. I already know about Gay Week and am fine with that since we'll be hitting the end. Also does anyone know if POFQ will be open by then? And which one is better for 2yr old, 6yr old and 9yr old? We are getting 2 rooms for us and my parents are coming. Does anyone know how many connected rooms there are? Any info would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!!!

my dss' and dd are soo excited!!

 

[Grumpy92]

That timeframe is right at the beginning of the summer season, so you will find it busy but not as bad as some of the holidays. POR resort is a beautiful resort. They do have quite a few connecting rooms, so no problems there. Make sure it is noted on your resv.

There are too sections Alligator Bayou which has a cajun woodsy/swamp feel too it. The rooms are themed with log beds and patchwork comforters and many have trundle beds for that 3rd child. The blgs are a serious of clusters and it can be a walk to the main bldg but each is very near a bus stop.

The second section is Magnolia Bend four mansions that each have a courtyard area with fountains and beautiful gardens. The rooms are a little fancier. The furniture more like what you would find in a plantation home and comforters with flowers on them.

Both areas have their own quiet pools and all connect via bridges to Ol man island which has the main pool, playground and pool bar. The bridges also connect you to the main bldg where you will find one of the best foodcourts and the wonderful Boatwrights. Dont miss the entertainer in the lounge he will have your who family rolling in laughter.

This is our fave moderate resorts. I love to get up early and walk down to the main bldg for brkst. I see the boats on the river and bunnies on the path, just really enjoy the beautiful landscaping. Hey I even visit just to exercise on their walkways.

As for POFQ, well WDW really hasnt recovered from 9/11. And this is the smallest resort so it is easy to shut it down and save a few $$. The past few years they close it down when things are slow but reopen for a short period of time when things are busy.

 

[ejgmom]

Thanks Grumpy. I'm nervous about pulling the trigger on a resort and these boards have helped. My TA says that POFQ won't be re-opening until 2005, so we'll be sticking with POR. Although I do have her checking into WL because it has gotten such great reviews and we'll probably be spending most of our time at MK.
One other question, how's bus transpo from POR? I'm a little concerned with our will be 2 1/2 yr old.

 

[jtovey56]

My family, with mother-in-law in tow, are also going to stay at POR the first week of June. I was a bit anxious too about POR after reading a few negative reviews, but I've decided that nothing could ruin the magic of a Disney vacation. Because there are 5 of us, we'll be staying in the bayou section.Besides, we've been to Disney World for July 4, so crowds don't scare us. We've been there for Gay week too & that didn't bother us. It takes a lot to dampen the magic for someone who really plans well.
Maybe we'll see you there. We'll be the New Yorkers looking like we're walking on cloud 9.
Jim

 

[Limmer]

The last 2 times we were there the buses were fantastic. There are numerous (4?) bus stops and we always went to the one closest to our room. We never had to wait more than 10 mins and we only had to stand twice, both times leaving from parks right at closing. We were there at slow times of the year so I have to assume that the buses would come more frequently during the busier season.

 

[kirby428]

One of the finest advantages of staying at the PO Riverside is that it could very well be used as another Disney bus transportation hub. Travel times (longest and shortest possible) are the best for all other destinations. Sehlinger has a chart on this. Check it out for yourself. We booked POR in 1996 and in 2003 and each time, our wait for bus arrivals were within 20 minutes. In fact, the bus ride to the Magic Kingdom from POR is faster than the monorail ride to the MK from the Contemporary (never mind the fact you can WALK from CR to the MK).

The only feature of the POR that I truely hate are the bed frames. They are wooden and protrude an inch or two beyond the edge of the mattress. This makes the corners of the bed a weapon. Within the first 5 minutes upon entering the room at the POR this year, I banged my shin on these bed corners 3 times. That was it! I re-arranged the furniture placing chairs and tables to guard the bed corners. Yuck.

 

[Grumpy92]

We've never had trouble with POR transportation. I would advise staying away from the bus stop that is in front of the main bldg, hit one of the other ones.

 

[ejgmom]

Thanks everyone for your replies. It really helps. How about with POFQ closed. Does this affect how many busses they have running to POR? How about AB versus Mansions?? I think I want to be closer to bus stops and the food court versus the pool. We have a king room and a double room reserved and are asking for them to be connected.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Originally posted by ejgmom
We are tentaltively going to WDW for first time June 5-11.

We went just a few days later in June this past summer, and it was much hotter than we expected. On our two previous trips (during spring months) we had been the sort who never took breaks outside the parks. Our trip last June convereted us! Just be ready for the heat and humidity and you'll be fine. Drink lots of watre and take a break back at the resort pool with the kids. I suspect that staying at POR will greatly assist you with the latter.

We are also considering POR for our upcoming trip in March. Haven't stayed there before, but it sounds like a great choice. Have a great trip!

 

[lentesta]

Hi ejgmom,

POR is a pleasant resort. I've stayed there twice in the past year. The food court is good, the transportation is reasonably efficient, and the rooms are clean.

I've heard that POFQ is getting new furniture, carpet and remodeled bath faciltiies, though, so those rooms are likely to be a bit nicer if they open in time for your trip. The more recent renovations (e.g., Swan, CBR) have garnered generally positive reviews.

Hope this helps!

Len

 

[halfway there]

POR is probably one of the best resorts for the summer. It has so many trees, lots of shade and tons of thick foliage. The pool area is even shady with a very shaded playground area. It's almost woodsy!

The only problem I'm thinking of before you get your heart set is that the renovation for FQ should be winding down by then and they are expected to start on POR after that. Not sure of any exact timeline but keep in mind you may have to be flexible and let Disney decide where you end up - POFQ or POR. I think either one would be an excellent choice!

 

[Hawk]

Take what you read here with a grain of salt (sometimes a very large grain) unless there is substantial evidence to the contrary. When someone gives a negative review, look and see how many times they have been to the resort. A one time trip means nothing. A number of extenuating circumstances can make a resort look bad to any particular individual.

POR is a lovely resort, look below at "our" evidence. Thus far, we have been to each "grade of resort" and to us (and only us) POR is our favorite. (FYI - DxL is the former name of POR) When you visit, you will make your determination. That will be your "rating" of the resort.

Negative reviews here are a dime a dozen. Many are trying to justify the visits to their favorite resort. The reasonable attitude is that Disney is not going to run an operation that is so unsatisfactory to an individual that its reputation is tarnished. Too many on these boards respond with attitudes favorable to each and every resort so as to make the "bad resort" determination as less than convincing.

Don't let run of the mouth undo what could otherwise be a very merry vacation. Find out for yourselves. Enjoy your vacation and feel good about your selection of accommodations.


Hawk.

 

[ejgmom]

Thanks Hawk...I've gathered I need to take all reviews with a grain of salt. I too can't imagine that Disney would have any shoddy service on purpose. I think people just expect so much out of a Disney experience that they set themselves up for disappointment. I want to thank you though. I'm looking forward to the trip because it is after all Disney!!! To me that is enough! POR was chosen after much research and I think we'll be happy with our choice.