POR: Which rooms are better and why?

[stellablue]

Just trying to get a better idea about this place, as I had it confused with POFQ!

Which area/rooms do you prefer: Alligator Bayou or the Mansions?

Please rate and describe why?

Are the room layouts the same for both?

Thanks!

 

[Pixiedust34]

I've stayed at both sections. I don't think one is better than the other. The themes are different (rustic bayou vs. "Gone With the Wind" style mansions) and it all boils down to which theme you like better. Personally, I like the landscaping better over at AB (it's more tropical looking), but the mansion area is nicely landscaped, too. You can't go wrong with either side. The rooms on both sides are nice and the layout is the same.

 

[Shmily1]

I've always loved the look of a classic old mansion. These fit that totally. The interior of the rooms are nice and the outside looks great. I'm not much for rustic and have no desire to feel like I'm staying in a cabin (I don't like critters that crawl while camping... yuck!!). The ceiling fans are a great addition to the rooms and just reminded me of a cool breeze blowing through if you were in a mansion with the windows open to let in the morning sun. Then again, I had a Gone with the Wind themed wedding including our hair done in ringlets!!! I was bound to like the mansions!!

 

[goofy4tink]

The room layout is exactly the same in both sections. The mansions have three floors, for the most part, and AB bldgs have only two floors..no elevators there. Three levels get you the elevators.
The rooms in AB section are a bit more 'rough' in feeling. Bedposts are tree-like, it's more 'country' in feel. The area is very lush and overgrown. The mansion section is much more formal. The rooms are formal, with cherry furniture.
I didn't think I would ever say this, but I actually prefer AB. I used to love the mansions but the formality doesn't 'get it done' for me at this point. I love the feeling in AB..it's great to just wander around that area and enjoy the surroundings. But, that's a personal preferance.

 

[stellablue]

Thanks for these opinions so far!! I'm still torn....the mansions seem almost "deluxe" resort looking-is this a potentially disappointing thought?

Any photos of the mansions & the grounds of either area?

 

[DisneyBride'03]

So did you decide on POR?!

 

[goofy4tink]

Try this link...http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_dxl.htm It should give you some decent photos of the various rooms in the two sections.

 

[Lynn5700]

I'm hoping that I get to stay in the mansions!! I'm sorry but the AB room's are hideous,I'd rather stay in an All stars room lol.

The mansions are more honeymoon like in my opinion.I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

These photos helped me, they are great...I actually just booked POFQ...so then I didnt have to decide between the 2 sections at POR! lol

Good luck!

 

[stellablue]

Thanks!! I"m so glad I set up this poll and those pictures were very helpful!! I think I'm leaning towards the mansions-they seem so elegant & I love the way the grounds are set up.

How hard is it to get a request filled to stay in the mansions if we go during a value season? Can we pay extra for it? & do the mansions have king sized beds?
and are they pillowtop?

Now we are trying to decide between the mansions at POR or the POFQ!! They seem similar in theming and decor. Decisions, decisions!!!!

Any input on this??

 

[heartbeeps]

I voted for AB b'c, if you get AB, you can request a trundle bed which helps when there's 2 kids of different sexes!

 

[stellablue]

I voted for AB b'c, if you get AB, you can request a trundle bed which helps when there's 2 kids of different sexes!

Great perk, but wouldn't apply to us b/c it's just me & my DBF!

 

[andrewilley]

I prefer the Alligator Bayou rooms, largely for the tundle bed for my DD (8). I especially like Building 14 which is the closest section at POR for accessing the food court and the main bus stops. However you have to 'get' the rustic concept of the rooms and buildings, and it's easy to see how some people see them as just being rather sparsely furnished.

The Magnolia Bend buildings are lovely too, and I've stayed in Parterre Place overlooking the river which is lovely.

There are loads of pictures of both sections in the Photo Gallery of my website (see sig) if that's any help.

Andre

 

[Shmily1]

Thanks for these opinions so far!! I'm still torn....the mansions seem almost "deluxe" resort looking-is this a potentially disappointing thought?

Any photos of the mansions & the grounds of either area?

Not disappointing! The mansions are great!! DH said that's the best resort at WDW!!! (He thinks the mansions are a totally different resort) The feel was deluxe. We were just there in January and it was wonderful!!! That was one of the best stays we have had. Everyone seemed more relaxed and I think it's because the resort is so calming. The biggest difference in POR mansions and deluxe to me was the full size beds.

Lynn, I'm with you. I would stay in All Stars or go back to deluxe before I stayed at the AB section just because I'm not into "rustic". I'm a resort hopper so I try all the levels and all different resorts... in the last few months, BC last July, ASMu in Dec, POR in Jan, and ASMo next month.

Have a great stay!!!

 

[stellablue]

I prefer the Alligator Bayou rooms, largely for the tundle bed for my DD (8). I especially like Building 14 which is the closest section at POR for accessing the food court and the main bus stops. However you have to 'get' the rustic concept of the rooms and buildings, and it's easy to see how some people see them as just being rather sparsely furnished.

The Magnolia Bend buildings are lovely too, and I've stayed in Parterre Place overlooking the river which is lovely.

There are loads of pictures of both sections in the Photo Gallery of my website (see sig) if that's any help.

Andre

Wow, thank you so much for your website-it is awesome and totally sealed the deal for us! We are definately going with POR Magnolia Bend (mansions)-they seem to best suite our very fancy taste Seriously, they look so pretty!!

So, my final questions:

-Anyone know if Magnolia Bend area is a hard request to fill during a value season? Or can you pay extra to secure it (i.e. preferred room)?

-Do they have king-sized beds in this location?

Thanks everyone-you've all been a huge help!!

 

[andrewilley]

Hi stellablue, glad you found my portorleans.org website interesting. I've still got a lot to add to it, but it's coming along nicely.

There are the same number of rooms in Magnolia Bend as there are in Alligator Bayou (1,024 in each) so it shoudln't be a problem getting the section you want. That said, I've heard of cases where that hasn't happened. Best to contact the resort directly by phone or fax just before you arrive (no more than 5 days out) and re-confirm your request. Preferred rooms at POR are just quoted as "Water View", which could be anywhere on the resort that you can see H2O - including pool views.

There are a few rooms at POR which feature a single King Size bed, but not many so you would certainly need to re-confirm that sort of request. There is normally a surcharge for those rooms, so while you're at it I'd ask for a water view too and say that you'd like to overlook the RIVER not a swimming pool if possible. It certainly can't do any harm to ask!

Andre

 

[chickenskin]

While we prefer AB due to the theming of the rooms and the grounds, we stayed in Magnolia Bend this past Dec. for 2nts. and were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed it very much. This next trip we have requested AB but now realize that the Mansions is not a let down at all.

 

[Shmily1]

When I called to make my reservation for my last trip, I requested in the mansions. I never called back to check or anything. I arrived at 11:59 PM and still had my room right by the river and the bridge to the main building and bus stop! It was awesome!! I may have just gotten lucky, but it was really good!!!

 

[DAniece]

Just trying to get a better idea about this place, as I had it confused with POFQ!

Which area/rooms do you prefer: Alligator Bayou or the Mansions?

Please rate and describe why?

Are the room layouts the same for both?

Thanks!

Mansions, especially if you're a couple w/out kids.
Note, we've never stayed in the AB sections.
With all the bridges etc... not that far to anything at POR.
Landscaping is fabulous.
Like the quiet pools, although it does seem that the quiet pools in the AB section are pretty cool too

EG