Port Orleans Resort / Infant/ taking a first timer Questions

[CHRIS F]

Just booked two weeks in November 2011 with Virgin including tickets and DDP staying at PO, although we have stayed on-site before (ASMo / C Beach and PC) we have not stayed at PO so have some questions also some other questions (sorry!) There are 5 adults and one infant 19 months with 2 rooms booked (apart from my grandson my sons girlfriend is a first timer while the rest of us have been 10+ times)

Port Orleans

Any room recomendations?

Do rooms have coffee making / Fridges?

Any thoughts or tips for staying at PO?

DDP

We have counter service DDP any tips on using it and how does it work? Is it worth it?

Travelling with infant

Any travel tips for plane journey?

Is it better to take some food and nappies or should we buy in Orlando?

Any tips for the jet lag problem?

First timer

My family are quite intense at WDW, just spent two weeks in Lamzarote on holiday for the first time together and everytime we spoke about WDW as we just booked it, which was a lot, I could see a glazed and horrified look on my sons girlfriends face, not sure she is 100% sure she will enjoy now! Never been there with a first timer should we just shut up or talk about it nearer the time?
She was horrified when my son said we normally draw up a park plan lol

Trying to explain that apart from a few places where they have to come with us as I am the only driver they can do what they want, she is used to two weeks by a pool type holiday. Any tips on what we can say to her about downtime etc and also about an Orlando holiday. I think the problem is we love WDW so much we are all very excited and she cannot understand why lol My wife suggested we buy her the Brit guide book for xmas I am not so sure.
Above sounds stupid I know but maybe someone has been in the same position taking someone for the first time, any tips?

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Hi there Chris

I can't answer all of your questions but here are a few things.

We have stayed at PO twice (a while ago) - but preferred the rooms in Magnolia. we stayed here when my DD was 14 months and used to walk across to the food court in a morning - can't recall that is was that far away - just a nice walk from our room. These rooms should have a fridge - but I don't think they have a coffee maker.

This year we are staying at POFQ - which is just next door - it is classed as all one big resort now.

We have travelled with Dd since she was young - we always took her won pram as you can take it right up to the gate at the airport. I also took my own nappies - it's just a preference thing - but I wanted to be sure we had no problems. The best thing I found in the parks was the baby care centres - these are brilliant and perfect for feeding/resting and changing nappies.

With an infant - you sometimes can't stick to a rigid schedule and just have to go with the flow - so to speak.

i'm sure you will get loads of advice - keep asking and reading these boards

As for your first timer - I'm sure it will seem strange that you have a schedule . I remember the first time we went - we didn't really have a clue. We managed - but now my DD likes to make a plan - I think so she can go to a park every day!! Also with free dining - you really do have to book most of your table service meals - so it helps to have an idea of where you are going to be. I would just do a plan and perhaps not go into the finer details - my DH doesn't like to know too much - he just comes along for the fun.

 

[Goofyish]

If staying in the Aligator Bayou section of POR then building 14 is the closest to the food court and the main south bus deepo. It's also quite close to a nice quite pool and laundry.

POR is a lovely resort. It's big but with the landscaping and spaced out buildings it never seems crowded.

Food court is also very good with plenty of choice and seating.

The boat to Downtown Disney is also welcome bonus.

 

[~Piglet~]

Hi Chris! we stayed at POR in the Acadian House block earlier this year. Our room had plenty of space and had a fridge and a coffee maker - we had four coffee packs (two decaf) which mousekeeping topped up each day

We were happy with the position of our room, just over the bridge from the food court and main pool and with a quiet pool and laundry right behind us.

We didn't really have any problems regarding jetlag with our DD3 and Niece who was 13 months at the time. My sister brought nappies from home, because she is used to a certain brand, and also brought out a few jars of food just in case. We also bought more baby food from Wal-mart as well as (the baby) eating from food courts / restaurants etc.

 

[CHRIS F]

I appreciate your replies, really important to us is the fridge and for me the coffee machine in the room, as I cannot function without coffee in the morning!
I am sure my grandson will be better than the adults just trying to make the travel and first few days for my sons girlfriend stress free.

 

[starrysky]

We were in PO in october and loved it although not as much as the POFQ though thats just personal choice and nothing bad about the resort. We got building 17? in the bayou section and it was steps from a pool which was never that busy and not too far from the food court/buses less than 5mins walk.

The counter service plan was great we have used it twice now and find it to be more than enough food for us. We do book a couple of sit down meals but we like to not have to be tied to plans every night and maybe with the little ones that might work for you too. With being only a boat ride from DTD you can take advantage of Wolfgangs which is by far the best value on the CS plan.

As for your first timer, I took my DH for the first time and he had no idea what to think when we booked it. I think its really hard if you have never been before and its getting a hold on the whole Disney concept. Just give her as much info as she needs and don't try and over do it on the Disney chat as she will just feel even more overwhelmed. Think how you all felt the first time you went. Getting her the brits guide might be a good idea as she can read it and if she has any questions she can ask. Just don't overload the poor girl.