POR, Thanksgiving/holiday, Cirque du Soleil, and Discovery Magic questions

[drenkey]

My husband and I and some friends are staying at POR in November. We had some questions about the resort among other things.

Here goes...

What buildings/rooms (in your opinion) are best? We're leaning toward the mansion rooms, but we've heard good things about AB as well.

Are the boats to DD running, and if so, how late into the evening do they run? How late do busses to/from DD run?

Also, we will be staying at WDW from November 27-December 4, so we expect there will be many holiday festivities.

What are some of the best places at WDW to have Thanksgiving dinner?

What are the best restaurants to book for the Holidays Around the World dinner show program at EPCOT?

We've heard there are no bad seats for Cirque du Soleil, but what are your preferences/opinions?

What are some of the best choices for Discovery Magic wishes? We are picking out some of the more expensive meals/restaurants, a golf package, and a spa package, but are there any other great options that wishes can buy? We're going to pass on using wishes for Cirque du Soleil since you have to wait to reserve seats with wishes until you arrive.

Thanks! Any opinions are welcome and appreciated!

 

[disney queen]

we had seats for cirque in the second level. this is more on eye-level w/the performance than the lower section. as far as the restaurants for candlelight processional dinner package, i think it would depend on what you and your family like. we have eaten at chefs de france and enjoy it, but really enjoyed teppanyaki in japan. just be sure to allow plenty of time to eat and get to the performance. and just know the seats are not reserved. you still queue for seating and it is first come, first served. after the package holders have been seated, then the general admission(no package) folks are allowed to be seated. we usually do the last performance and are in line be 7:00 for the performance. we just visit w/those in line w/us and people watch. sometimes my husband will hold our place and i might shop nearby. hope this helps!

 

[disney queen]

well, duh, i forgot the POR part of the question! we have stayed in both sections and really prefer the AB. we were in building 15, non-smoking, and were very close to the first bus stop(just a short walk) and to the back door of the food court. it was very conveintant(sp) to everything. the AB seems to be more secluded and rustic. a very different feel from the manisons.

 

[ozzel]

All the rooms at POR are nice - it's just a decor difference. Factors to consider are: Proximity to the front/restuarants, pool & quiet pools, and bus stops. There is a map on the DIS that shows the resort layout. Use that to plan.

The boats to DD start back up March 24th!!! Be sure to mention to Guest Services that you like having the boats (since it was guest complaints that brought them back!!) I'm not sure what hours they will post for the boats, but the buses run until DD closes at 2am.

On Deb's site www.wdwig.com she has posted restaurants that serve Thanksgiving meals and reviews them - last years should still be posted, and when she gets this years she'll post them too.

All the restuarants are good in WS - so just pick waht you like!!!

I've sat second tier, to the right and the left of center and really like those seats. Don't be too far right or left in the second tier or you'll be by the wall. I prefer second tier because a lot happens up high and in the front you'd be looking up a lot.

Never used the flex options, so can't offer opinions about that.

I love WDW at Christmas - have a great trip!!!

-Kim

 

[Disneybelle66]

We too are planning a trip end of Nov-Dec 1st week. However, we were told Cirque du Soleil was "Dark" during those times? So we didn't even try to get tickets. Let us know what you find out!

 

[drenkey]

Thanks for the great suggestions everyone!

As for the last post on Cirque du Soleil's supposed "dark" schedule rumored to be from the end of November to middle of December, I can say that both WDW Guest Services (online - check FAQ at Disney's website) and Cirque du Soleil (at cirquedusoleil.com) claimed that the show was running through the Thanksgiving holiday. There are some dark days posted on the sites. They are as follows:

2002:
February 4 and 7
April 1 and 4
May 28 to June 12
July 22 and 25
September 9 and 12
October 21 and 24
December 3 to 11

Anyway, that's what I've heard from the source. As always, times and dates are subject to change. I plan to book tickets at the six month mark so I'll let you know if there are any problems that I encounter.

Thanks again! Please feel free to post any more comments.