Staying at POR 2/13-2/19

[Sleuth]

This is our first time staying at Disney (we stayed off property May 2004).

We booked our trip for Port Orleans Riverside and would like some feedback. Traveling are me, my husband, two boys ages 4 and 2.

We would prefer nicer rooms, any suggestions?

Does anyone have any room pictures? Couldn't find much on the Disney site or on this one.

Thanks in advance

 

[msteddom]

Go to www.allearsnet.com, Deb has pictures of almost every type of room offered on Disney property. I'm not sure what you mean by "nicer", but POR is split in to 2 sections, Magnolia Bend (aka the mansions) and Alligator Bayou. All of the rooms are the same size and layout, but are decorated differently. As to which section is better I think you will find that we at the DIS are split pretty evenly on that one. It just depends whether you like the more upscale formal decor of the mansions, or the more rustic, laid back feel of Alligator Bayou. Hopefully looking at pictures of both room types will help you decide. Hope this helps!



Melissa

 

[jfranklyn]

We just returned from there yesterday. It was beautiful. They are completing a complete renovation - last two buildings were being done while we were there, so I think you're in luck with getting a nice new room.

We were in Alligator Bayou building 28. It was about 5-10 minute walk from the main building, depending on whether I was by myself of with my kids (they walk slow!)

My only complaint was that we were on the 2nd floor, and there are no elevators in the buildings. I don't know why there aren't, but there aren't. It made it very difficult for us with our stroller, and the other family we were with had a 5 month old - it was extremely difficult for them with their stroller (baby was often sleeping, etc).

All in all, I think you'll love the resort. The pools are awesome!!! The food court, store and restaurant are first-rate. Very nice place!

 

[Sleuth]

Thanks for the great link and the info!

I had read online that some of the rooms in Alligator Bayou weren't up to date or as nice, that's where I was going with that.

Also, my hubby's birthday is the week we are going. I've heard Disney does special things for birthdays, do I tell the front desk?

 

[Sleuth]

Also, do you think we would need a rental car? How is the transportation to the parks and local stores?

 

[jfranklyn]

The transportation to the parks was fine - longest wait was 15 minutes, and that was only once to downtown disney. Most waits were less than 5 minutes.

As far as off-property stores, you would have to bring stuff with you - there is no transportation to off property stores. But there is a fridge in the rooms now, which is a HUGE benefit in my mind.

 

[MAC3]

Originally posted by Sleuth
Also, my hubby's birthday is the week we are going. I've heard Disney does special things for birthdays, do I tell the front desk?

Hi,

Just an FYI we were @ OKW for my DH's b-day in 2003 and I had a cake & baloons sent to the room...... @ 50 someodd dollars but I couldn't let his b-day go unnoticed.

But mention it anyway you never know. You could get lucky!