Tell me all about POR

[goofieslonglostsis]

Well, the title says it all I guess. I want to hear all about your experiences at POR.

I'm hoping to be able to do a quicky trip in May. Been checking for days and finally was able to book CBR with the buy 4 get 7 promo. I've got a soft spot for it, so was pretty happy with it! Didn't last long though. CRO told me things were set, but within 5 minutes I was called back; no rooms with roll in shower available!

Only mod with a roll in shower left was POR, so switched the reservation to POR. Must be honest, not too happy about it. Since day one POR and POFQ have been on my looks-like-its-not-me-list.

One thing that has me wondering is the bus. It shares with POFQ, if I'm correct POR is the first resort the busses start at, right? With them combining both, how crowded do the busses get when we're talking about the wc-spots? I guess I'm a bit spoiled after CBR with so little wc's and ecv's around the times I stayed there, so am a bit wondering about this. (also because this is the first time I'm not going during value season)

 

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

Personally, I hated CBR when we stayed there in 2006. POR was the place that I chose to stay at last April when I went solo for the first time. I loved it! I was in the Mansions. I was super close to the bus stop. I didn't feel that I spent forever on the bus to get anywhere. I think you are going to be fine. I never had to wait for another bus due to others on ecv's or wc's. I did have to wait once during the stay for a different bus due to a malfunctioning lift, but that's not POR's fault.

No matter where I stay at WDW, I always budget an hour for transportation in getting from one destination to another. More often than not, I arrive early and I rarely arrive late.

POR is so beautiful. I hope you enjoy it. Take some time just to take in the slower pace and the simple peaceful beauty of it all. I wish that I could go back there in April, but I just don't have it in my budget this year, so it's POP for me.

 

[jmartinez1895]

We stayed at the POFQ in 08 and used the busses. We shared a bus with a person in a chair once and we used the busses at least 4 times a day for a week. I don't think that you will have any trouble. The busses did tend to get very crowed after the park closed so you may want to try and catch a bus back to your room before then.

 

[dclfun]

I love POR! It's actually very easy to get around in a w/c. I've been in both the mansions and AB section and prefer AB- we often get a room there with roll in shower that's right across a walkway from the main building/food court/ first bus stop. I've also never had a problem with busses. Hopefully you'll enjoy trying a new place and enjoy the beauty of POR. We'll be at AKLV's in May (Memorial week)- don't know when you're coming but maybe we'll see each other!---Kathy

 

[McCall]

POR is my favorite mod bar none. I love the mansions though some of the bayou rooms are closer. POR has the class of the deluxe without the price, and of course you get the boat to DTD as well as buses I love that boat ride at night.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Thanks everybody!

Don't know what it is, but can't seem to get really excited about either PO's. I'ld do CSR without any hesitation, but POR... not sure yet. Somehow looking at the pics, it doesn't do much for me. Good to hear a lot seem to like them when it comes to accessibility.

Kathy, haven't got a clue yet as to when and even if. I'm seriously playing with the idea of a quick trip, but there are a lot of things playing that could interfere with it. As I understand it, June is getting pretty more towards crowded so doesn't sound too appealing. Would be financially though. I was looking at may 14-21th, with probably adding 2 nights beforehands. However, I'm a bit worried about being able to do so. As it is, it looks like it's difficult enough to get ANY room with roll in shower at ANY mod during that time frame, so even if I decide to go it might not be doable to add nights. In which case I would abort the idea anyway. Merely 7 nights simply isn't worth the jetlag and lovely risk of another airline racking a wheelchair yet again.

 

[mechurchlady]

http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=49
She starts out in the French Quarter.

http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=49
This is a great site for walking tours that show places off well.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

We love POR it is our first choice when we go to WDW. We just love the pool!! DS loves the water sprays! Our DS is at the developmental stage of an 18 month old but is 19 years old. The water slide at POR is great for him. DH and walk him up and I can wait below! He loves it! We also loved how close the quiet pools were to the rooms. We didnt have problems with the bus the few times we took it. Most of the time we used our car. We also really loved the boat and had no problem taking the wheelchair on and taking it to DTD. It was so nice not to have to park the car or wait for a bus. The boat was nice and relaxing. We took the boar to POFQ a few times for breakfast. Most of hte paths are tree covered so DS was able to "Roll" in his chair in the shade. Good luck and enjoy yourself!!! PM me if you have any other questions. We have stayed there 5 times. We like AB the best...closer to pool and main house!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Mechurchlady, thanks for the link. I must say; I LOVE that link!

I'm so going back and forth here, it's starting to turn silly. Your reactions are making me doubt my earlier dislike of POR, the pictures have something nice about it, but silly me still doubts. Makes me think about home a bit too much which I do not like on a holiday.

At the moment, I'm pretty sure I let go of CBR (knock on wood ). Only have to decide between 9 nights at POR right before Memorial Day Weekend or 9 nights at CSR during Memorial Day Weekend. As a worry wart of course I'm not sure if going during MDW is a smart move crowd wise. Decisions, decisions.......

 

[Selket]

I think the busses pick up at POFQ first. If it is really crowded they will send separate busses to each resort. This has been my experience the few times I've stayed there.

POR is beautiful - I love the AB section but dislike the mansion part. I guess one reason why I'm hesitant to stay there is I don't want to be put in a mansion - LOL!. POFQ is one of my favorites. The small size and being the first bus stop is a plus.

They are both very pretty resorts - I hope you enjoy them if you decide to stay there!

 

[mechurchlady]

That is easy. The resorts are similar and you would not suffer too much choosing either. Who would go during a holiday? I went during Labour Day and it was crowded as all get out then the rest of the time was slow. Go before Memorial Day that way you will have no crowds. The closer to summer you get the worse the crowds and weather gets. Refurbs are winding down as Summer approaches so you should have nearly a Summer time vacation but with out the big crowds. Airfare also may be more on a holiday.

This lady loves running and walking and you see by her site that she has done a lot of research and time in the resorts. She said she has never done a full walk around the lake at Caribbean Beach Resorts and you have to wonder why.
http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid=78

POR is Savannah and the south in various forms whereas CBR is pirate and the Caribbean stereotypical Mardi Gras type of atmosphere.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I've not done POR on wheels yet (I will be this September though! ), but it is a lovely resort. It's also nice being so close to FQ, as you can trull down there for a meal, when you want a change of scenery. It's nice and laid back, with a good food court, plenty of greenery (I'm a country girl at heart ), nice pools and (of course) Disney service. I've been going since it was called Dixie Landings, and I'm still excited to be going back!

I've stayed at FQ in my wheelchair a few times, and have never had any problems with buses. I've only had to wait at times when everyone was waiting (like park closing), and even then it was a fairly short wait.

I must say, I actually prefer the PO resorts to CSR, as I really don't like the restaurant system at the latter. I love having a food court, with quick service and a wide range of options; I'm not keen on the half-service system at CSR.

I have no idea how this would compare with Disney prices, but have you considered renting DVC points, and staying in a studio villa? My mother and I did this a couple of years back at OKW, and loved the resort! It was also great having a kitchenette in our room, as it meant we could grab a quick breakfast before heading out to the parks nice and early.

I understand the worry of going somewhere different, and not to your usual haunts, but I don't think you'll be disappointed by POR. It is a very nice hotel, with Disney quality service, and Disney themeing. Besides, you'll probably be spending so much time in the parks that you barely see the hotel!

 

[nbodyhome]

Hi! That is my site - thank you for all the nice words. I do have a Caribbean Beach Resort photo walk up too, I just am not allowed to link to it. But you can find it on the side of my page.

It is actually a wonderful walk, but much longer than others. The average circuit at most resorts is about 20 minutes, or approx 1 mile. For the CBR, it was somewhere between 30 and 40 minutes (it says on my walk).

I still need to do a few - the All Stars, AKL, a re-do of the Contemporary, and a more extensive Boardwalk walk, etc. I've ended up getting sidetracked into taking photos of construction, etc. - and I just covered the American Idol press event too with 350 pics. I took pics for the All Star Movies months ago and timed it - but put it aside, sadly!

That is easy. The resorts are similar and you would not suffer too much choosing either. Who would go during a holiday? I went during Labour Day and it was crowded as all get out then the rest of the time was slow. Go before Memorial Day that way you will have no crowds. The closer to summer you get the worse the crowds and weather gets. Refurbs are winding down as Summer approaches so you should have nearly a Summer time vacation but with out the big crowds. Airfare also may be more on a holiday.

This lady loves running and walking and you see by her site that she has done a lot of research and time in the resorts. She said she has never done a full walk around the lake at Caribbean Beach Resorts and you have to wonder why.
http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid=78

POR is Savannah and the south in various forms whereas CBR is pirate and the Caribbean stereotypical Mardi Gras type of atmosphere.

 

[crazytp93]

POR is my favorite resort. You are going to love it!

 

[mechurchlady]

Hi! That is my site - thank you for all the nice words. I do have a Caribbean Beach Resort photo walk up too, I just am not allowed to link to it. But you can find it on the side of my page.

I so want to go back to WDW and your pictures help me to show people what words cannot explain. Which is better and I show them that the buildings in one section are decorated differently than another. I could set all day dreaming and looking at your pictures.

I lveo the DLR one and you should try doing a history of DLR walk as that is fun. Lots of secrets like the Hideaway with booze and the set back shop with the porch once was sponsored by a ladies undergarment company.

Thanks for they photos and big hugs.

 

[RNMOM]

I've stayed at CBR and this last trip in Oct we stayed in POR. We had a roll in shower room in the aligator bayou area. I love it. Frankly, I was not excited either about the Port Orleans resorts but we stayed at FQ a few years back and enjoyed it a lot. I am not a Mardi Gras person. Riverside is more relaxed and layed back. There is just a "slight" country feel to it. Not even as countryfied as Cracker Barrel in fact. The grounds are lovely and it is layed out nicely. I use a scooter so I enjoyed the trails. DH didn't feel we were too far from things either. We were in building 16.

On day on the way home I had to exit the bus at FQ to allow another scooter off so we decided to take the pathway over instead of reloading. It was a nice walk and not far, maybe less than 1/2 mile. Far easier than loading onto a full bus. Transportation was good. I am NOT an early riser so we left the room 10-11 ish and tried to return before the end of the park time. The one night we left the MK late we did wait but not for long. People are still on a fireworks "high" so they are pleasant.

The room was great. I liked the pull down bench in the shower and we had a king bed so there was a lot of room for the scooter right by the connecting door that was locked. It was a corner room.

One thing about the aligator rooms, the buildings are up on "stilts" so you only have one or two ramps you can go up. Ours happened to be right at our room but the back side of the building facing the parking lot. It was fine for getting bus as we crossed the parking lot and cut through the woods on a path. I did get turned around a few times as the buildings all look alike and such. You just have to pay attention.