POR..Very Disappointed..

[SuzieN]

To those who were asking about POFQ:

My family and I stayed there last month and absolutely loved it! We didn't have any problems at all with any aspect of our stay. We have also stayed at POR twice in the Alligator Bayou section and loved it there as well. Maybe the mansion section needs some refurb? We had no issues with the shared bussing at either resort. POFQ only has 1 bus stop so you're only making 1 extra stop. Many of the other resorts have a lot of bus stops too - not really sure what the big deal is. The longest lines we saw at the park bus stops were at CSR - guess they had a lot of convention guests during our trip checking out the evening hours at the parks!

 

[lucky978]

We have stayed at POR twice now and had two completely different experiences. Our most recent trip, was definately a positive one.

The first time we went (back in 2005) we were in Alligator Bayou Bldg. 28. It was horrible. It was Memorial Day weekend and they were booked so there were no other rooms available, but the walk to the food court and to the busses and to the main pool was way too long with two sleeping 5 year olds (and a mom with kidney stones - although we didn't know that was the problem at the time).

This last trip in February I specifically asked for a Bldg. close to the main bldg and we were put in Bldg. 14. We loved it!!! The room was clean, mousekeeping was never an issue (even when I called for extra towels - they arrived within 20 minutes).

I totally think it's hit or miss but for us - everything depends on room location. Location, location, location!!!

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your stay. We also loved POFQ - so perhaps you should try that again sometime.

 

[mefordis]

To those who were asking about POFQ:

My family and I stayed there last month and absolutely loved it! We didn't have any problems at all with any aspect of our stay. We have also stayed at POR twice in the Alligator Bayou section and loved it there as well. Maybe the mansion section needs some refurb? We had no issues with the shared bussing at either resort. POFQ only has 1 bus stop so you're only making 1 extra stop. Many of the other resorts have a lot of bus stops too - not really sure what the big deal is. The longest lines we saw at the park bus stops were at CSR - guess they had a lot of convention guests during our trip checking out the evening hours at the parks!

Thank you for the input regarding POFQ!!!!

 

[luvthemouse71]

Sorry you had a bad experience...I stayed there in 2006 and would gladly stay again.

One of the things I like about this resort was the fact that it wasn't "in your face" Disney..I found it very relaxing. We also had an awesome mousekeeper, who made us towel animals daily, and there were no kids with us. We also stayed in Oak Manor, and our room was clean.

The buses can be busy but we go at a slower time. Also, you're better off using the Main Depot(south). That one always picks up first. We never had a problem and never waited more than 15 minutes.

I also like POFQ. That one is more compact and the buses pick up there before they go to POR

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

I guess that's why Disney has so many different types of resorts to pick from. We stayed in 07' & absolutely loved it. In fact, we are doing a split stay this May with the Poly! I found it peaceful & quiet & didn't mind any walk because we found the grounds to be beautiful. We didn't use the buses so can't speak of that. Although we love the Poly too, it is much more crowded & noisy. Alot of visitors I think-we had been one too!! I guess like any resort you can get good & bad. It has to be really bad for me to complain. First I'm not at work & second I'm at Disney.

 

[georgemoe]

Thanks for the report.

I have to say reading reports like this are scary especially when you have a POR res coming up in May. This is our first time on WDW property so we have no comparisons, val-mod-delx. I would think that if it was that bad that you would immediately go to resort guest relations and loudly voice your displeasure.

POR seems just right for us and for now, I'm going to assume this is all hit or miss and keep the res.

 

[maciemouse]

We have two different experiences for our two different stays as well. We stayed at POR first. Never had any problems. I did not love the decor of the rooms but they were clean and the grounds were beautiful. We enjoyed being around the marina.

Second trip was POFQ. This was a horrible experience for my family. I was so excited about this trip because of all the great reviews I had read. The pictures showed the cutest little bedspreads with monkeys on it. I couldn't wait. It was a total let down from the moment we could not get a bell man to get the luggage out of our car. There were 4 bellmen setting around talking and laughing and not willing to help. I had a feeling from this moment we were in trouble. I won't go in to detail because there is too much negative to say. To put it plainly, our room was FILTHY and the pool grounds were just as bad.

I will say that I am glad Disney has so much to offer. I know the week at POFQ could have been an off week for that resort and could happen anywhere. I hope it was just the case of being short handed. It is just hard when you pay good money to get a room in the condition our room was in. There was also no excuse for the pool to be a mess during our entire stay. I also realize that resort guests have something to do with the way the grounds look. Anyway, it kind of puts a negative memory of that resort so you automatically don't ever want to stay there again.

We are staying at POR in a few weeks for a short trip to see Thomas The Tank so I will report back and let you know!!

 

[maxiesmom]

We stayed in the Magnolia Terrace section this past October, and had no problems. The room was clean and the busses came quite frequently, and were not packed. We did experience some waits for the busses coming back from the parks, but nothing horrible.

Sorry your experience wasn't all you hoped it would be. For me, POR is one of my favorite resorts and I can't wait to go back. Now if I could only get a room in the Alligator Bayou section, all would be roses.

 

[minniekissedme]

DW, DS10, DD8, DS6, and me did POR 2/2-2/9 during Mardi Gras. Second time we stay in the AB because like others we need the trundle bed.
Room was fine...love the sinks and curtain separating the sleeping area. Not sure how big the bath/shower area needs to be...though I never get any privacy in there and I prefer to have my parties elsewhere.

The grounds are lovely...very peaceful, no noise from the neighbors, kinds running up and down the halls, etc. The pools were never crowded (it was 80+ every day of our stay) and we had the privacy pools to ourselves...except for the smokers!

The buses do get busy because the resort is busy and it does share. But I will say that at closing time at the parks, POR gets the most attention for additional buses. One evening we had eight buses come back to back to back and loaded up hundreds before some resorts saw one bus. We're talking a 10-15 minute bus ride...

Now the biggest plus is the food court...outstanding! Variety and value come to mind when I think about all of the good breakfast/lunch options provided.

Never a problem and always pleasant CMs...I'm feel bad for those of you that had bad experiences...I will always stick up for POR!

 

[TJA]

Thank you for the honest report, but OH DEAR! We have always stayed in a deluxe resort, but this April is very busy there and only half my trip can be booked at a deluxe -- the first half is currently at POR!! And here's the worst part -- that first half of our trip at POR is also the part that my parents are joining us for their first time staying in Disney! I'm already nervous and unsure about POR, but reading recent reports about worn-out rooms and worn-out resort really puts me over the top. My parents are very much clean freaks, if you get my drift, and I'm just dying over the possibility of putting them in a worn-out and dirty room! I realize it can be luck of the draw and not all rooms are in bad shape. But with my luck......

I am checking WL daily to see if we can switch. I have my doubts it will open up. The prices are not good for the other deluxe resorts. AKL is not available.

In case we do get stuck at POR, I hope there are some recommendations out there for decent rooms.....I was thinking the mansions would suit my parents best, but I'm taking note of the ones to stay away from.

 

[kahliasmom]

I went to POR last March and I can't wait to go back again. I might make a last minute reservation for end of March. Didn't go to the park two days because I needed the break and there was plenty to do at POR. Stayed in building 27 AB, 2707 to be exact and just loved it. I had no complaints with mousekeeping but I made sure I tipped her well.

They were just finishing up with the remodeling of the food court when we were leaving. I think it opened up the next day. Oh well. In the morning they had complimentary tea and coffee because of the remodel. That was nice. Went over to POFQ for the beinets anyway. If you haven't seen Bob Jackson in the lounge, I recommend it. He was soooo entertaining my DD5 and I just had the best time. Bob is at POR Wed-Sat.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thank you for the honest report, but OH DEAR! We have always stayed in a deluxe resort, but this April is very busy there and only half my trip can be booked at a deluxe -- the first half is currently at POR!! And here's the worst part -- that first half of our trip at POR is also the part that my parents are joining us for their first time staying in Disney! I'm already nervous and unsure about POR, but reading recent reports about worn-out rooms and worn-out resort really puts me over the top. My parents are very much clean freaks, if you get my drift, and I'm just dying over the possibility of putting them in a worn-out and dirty room! I realize it can be luck of the draw and not all rooms are in bad shape. But with my luck......

I am checking WL daily to see if we can switch. I have my doubts it will open up. The prices are not good for the other deluxe resorts. AKL is not available.

In case we do get stuck at POR, I hope there are some recommendations out there for decent rooms.....I was thinking the mansions would suit my parents best, but I'm taking note of the ones to stay away from.

I just want to say that while I don't doubt the validty of what the OP said, this can happen at any and all WDW resorts. Many people love POR, many people don't. Again, that can be said about each every WDW resort. I would just try to think positive, if you look at this as "being stuck" then that could start the whole thing off badly. As you can see by this thread, other posters have great experiences. Again, bad stays can and do happen, but if you switch solely on reviews here on the dis or other sites, you will just have to keep switching. Because all the resorts get their fair share of bad reviews.

For the record, we loved POR and would be staying there again in April but its sold out!

 

[TJA]

I just want to say that while I don't doubt the validty of what the OP said, this can happen at any and all WDW resorts. Many people love POR, many people don't. Again, that can be said about each every WDW resort. I would just try to think positive, if you look at this as "being stuck" then that could start the whole thing off badly. As you can see by this thread, other posters have great experiences. Again, bad stays can and do happen, but if you switch solely on reviews here on the dis or other sites, you will just have to keep switching. Because all the resorts get their fair share of bad reviews.

Hi, yes, I do realize it can happen at any resort. As you can see by my sig, we've been going to WDW 3x a year since my girls were born, and we try to rotate the resorts so we can try all of them. Unfortunately we're stuck on BC and it's hard to stay anywhere else. You are right and I shouldn't say "in case I'm stuck at POR"! Of course that is the wrong attitude, LOL. DH keeps telling me that too! It just sort of slipped out that way....

In any event, I am noting the positive as well as the negative reports. Before even reading anything negative, I was on a mission to try to switch the entire trip to WL anyway. I really don't want to pack up and move mid-trip. And I'd like my parents to experience WL.

Sorry OP to get off topic!

 

[sassyat30]

OP, sorry you didn't like POR. We stayed there in January and I loved it...but we stayed in AB, not the mansions.

We're returning there in Sept.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Hi, yes, I do realize it can happen at any resort. As you can see by my sig, we've been going to WDW 3x a year since my girls were born, and we try to rotate the resorts so we can try all of them. Unfortunately we're stuck on BC and it's hard to stay anywhere else. You are right and I shouldn't say "in case I'm stuck at POR"! Of course that is the wrong attitude, LOL. DH keeps telling me that too! It just sort of slipped out that way....

In any event, I am noting the positive as well as the negative reports. Before even reading anything negative, I was on a mission to try to switch the entire trip to WL anyway. I really don't want to pack up and move mid-trip. And I'd like my parents to experience WL.

Sorry OP to get off topic!

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply you didn't know your WDW. I did notice your signature and saw that you had stayed in nothing but deluxe level resorts and was just trying to set your mind at ease that the mods based on my experience have been wonderful and I've never had a dirty room. Now at Boardwalk, it was different story for us. I was just really trying to make the case, more for other people, esp. first time visitors, that all the resorts take a fair amount of heat.

I hope you get WL, if not I do think your parents would love POR. I know that if I take my inlaws to WDW and we decide not to use up too many points for a 2 bedroom for 10 days right over Christmas, POR is likely the resort I will choose. And you talk about picky, that would be my inlaws!

 

[MommyBuzz909]

I can't wait to stay here in July! It looks so calm and peaceful......I'm sure it'll be a nice change after 4 nights at ASMo!!

 

[kxmeeh]

we did 9 days at por for christmas and stayed in building 39. it was far from the main house, b ut only a few minutes to a different bus stop. my girls spent half of every day in that pool, and made friends they met nightly. my dd 6 even asked if they could have a sleep over, after all mommy, they don't live far, it's only washington..hehe. the rooms were very clean, only one issue with the door on the fridge, and it was fixed 10 mins after calling. If you are planning on relaxing, this is a great hotel. we watched football, swam, played games in the room. it was great to hvae eachother's company without work, a computer, or just the life that we have at home. i was not happy about the hot tub area, kids kept running in and out all night, but if i went after midnight, they were gone. i would not hesitate to stay at this resort again.

 

[TJA]

Amy&Dan ~ I do appreciate your advice and I realize you were just trying to help. So thanks! I don't get nervous to read negative reviews on a place where I've already stayed because I have formed my own opinion by staying there myself. However, when I read negativity about a new place, then I get a little worried, LOL.

OP ~ so sorry your experience wasn't great at POR.
Can you comment on the food court? The pasta station? I'm looking forward to a food court as this is something that is really lacking in the resorts where I normally stay. We have twin toddlers and a place to get a quick meal would suit us well.

I'm also looking forward to the boat to DTD. From your observation, will I be able to roll my double jogger right on the boat? I can't tell from the pictures if it is possible. Someone commented in a different thread that he/she thought I could put the jogger in the wheelchair place (unless there is a wheelchair in it....).

 

[kxmeeh]

oh my goodness, i completly forgot about the foodcourt. we ate there 3 days of the trip and never had to eat the same thing twice. pasta was so great!! they have to go lids, so i would send dh to go and get dinner for all of us, while the kids swam and i relaxed, read, or watched tv. try the apple pie ala mode, it was dh's favorite out of every place we ate for the entire week, and we were on the dining plan and did a sit down meal every day.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I am also not a big fan of POR. My main issues are never getting a well-located room, and the buses are awful. On my last 2 stays at POR, I got rooms in the exact same area - the back corner parking lot of mansion Parterre Place. This area isn't particularly close to anything, and I think you can't be any further from the main pool. I think if I ever could get a better located room, I would enjoy the resort more, but I just can't get one no matter what I do. I made room requests both times I stayed there, but they were not even looked at.

My problem with the buses was that I couldn't get on one without being aggressive! I used the the main stop at the food court since it was closest to my room (not that any bus stops were close to Parterre Place, actually). Every morning, the buses were usually pretty full from POFQ, and usually were standing room only left. So when a bus came (especially MK ones), everyone would push to get on, usually just to end up standing for the whole ride anyways. There are no queues to line up in, so it's a free-for-all! Anyone who wasn't quick and assertive was left waiting for the next hall-full bus. Every morning, it took me 3 buses to finally get on an MK one. After 3 days of this "survival of the fittest gets to ride the bus", I gave up in disgust and drove everywhere.

So between always having the most remote rooms and bad buses, I have no desire to ever stay at POR anytime soon!