Tell me everything about POR Alligator Baillou section!

[abacobaby]

Last year we stayed in the Mansions. This year we would like to stay in the AB section. We were so rushed last year, we didn't even get to walk around our hotel so I don't even know what the AB section looks like.

Please tell me anything and everything you can about the AB section at POR!

Thanks!!!

 

[kidlit]

We love the AB section of POR. It has lots of vegetation -trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. The Mansion side has more formal landscaping. AB is more "wild." The paths wind between the buildings and over small bridges with little "bayous" underneath them. The quiet pools are between the buildings, they are free form in shape and surrounded by palms and other landscaping. Because of the landscaping you will often see rabbits, lizards, frogs etc. scurrying about. We have stayed in both sections many times. Everytime we have been in the Mansions I have regretted not asking for the AB side. Of course this in just my opinion. The Mansions are lovely but I prefer the feel of the AB section. We like building 25 best because of its proximity to the West Bus Depot which has never been crowded. However, that building is a hike from the food court/lobby area. But, if you like walking about enjoying the atmosphere its a great location.

 

[dixiegirl]

AB section is DH and my fave at the resort. The exterior of the buildings are beige, green, and brick. The landscaping is more full and lush than the manicured look at the mansions. The room decor is rustic. Although I have not seen the rooms since they were redone, I have been told the basic look is the same.
The beds look like they are made with logs, the mirrors in the bathroom look the same with a branch like framing around them. The armoire is a wood with punched tin design. The lighting fixtures are distressed metal over the beds and the bedding used to be like quilt patchwork.
The basic setup of the room is the same as the mansion side (2 beds, 2 sinks, table/chairs, armoire, etc.). DH and I used to always stay in the mansion side and then a few years ago we tried the AB side just for a change. We have never gone back to the mansions since then. We prefer the AB side!!! We'll be there 4 weeks and counting!

 

[abacobaby]

Thanks for the replies!

Anyone else???

 

[Lizzybee]

We have been since the remodeling and dixiegirl's description is right on. There is a type of sheer draping on the wall behind the bed now, the beds are still log type and the quilts still patchwork. There is a hairdryer, coffee pot and fixings (but maybe bring your own coffee and skip theirs - Blah), iron, ironing board, and a fridge. We have loved our 2 stays at POR-AB section. Enjoy!

 

[Belle5]

I have never been given my request to be in the AB section even in the off-season. I wouldn't get your heart set on staying there. I would reserve POR again if I thought I would be in the AB section but since I know from past experience that there is a good chance I won't get it, I booked POFQ for the second part of my vacation.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I had the exact same experience as Belle5. I requested AB but did not get it. Many times, Disney saves the rooms in AB for families of five, since there is an extra bed in the AB rooms. But also, I have read many times of couples/solos/smaller families getting AB with absolutely no problem, so who knows how they decide these things! I am very unlucky where it comes to requests, so maybe I am a bad one to respond here!

Also like Belle5, I am reluctant to give POR another try since I keep getting a mansion room, and I been there, done that enough times. But I am staying at POR in October and once again I have requested AB, but I already assume I will not get it. I almost never get my rooms requests anyways, so I will assume mansions ..... again.

Belle5 - thanks for posting, as I always thought I was the only one who could never get AB, and there was some sort of Disney conspiracy to keep me out!!! Least I am not alone!

 

[aalan]

the alligator bayou section of por is my favorite moderate hotel area: i like all the vegetation, the winding walkways, and the free-form quiet pools. there's nothing wrong with the mansions, but i just prefer the bayou area.

 

[abacobaby]

Thank you for all of your replies. Actually last year, I requested the Mansions and at check in they said our room was in the AB section. Well, since this was our first time there and my heart was set on the Mansion section, I asked her if she had another room in that section for us, if available, and she did. This year I am requesting the AB section, but I'm a little nervous due to what happened to us last year. Oh, another thing to mention is that last year when I told her we actually did request a Mansions room she looked at me like that was the first time she had heard of that - in other words she did not see it noted in my reservation.

Anyway, I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

We've stayed at POR three times now. Twice in the AB section and once in Magnolia Terrace. I love AB. We have never been more than 3 in our party. In fact, dd and I traveled alone last June and got to be in bldg 14!!! It was more than wonderful....perfect. I love the vegetation and the relaxed feel to AB. It's just so easy feeling. But, if I ended up in the Mansion section, I don't think I would mind terribly...you can just meander through the bayou section on your way to your mansion!!!

 

[DutchsMommy]

We are hoping for AB too. It is just DH and I this trip so we have asked for one of the king-bed rooms. I am hoping because of that maybe our chances are better at getting AB as requested. We'll have to wait and see I suppose.

 

[SoosieQ]

I also have been put in the Mansions each time I have been there. For next week I have requested AB. We will see what happens. Of course I will mention it again when I check in.

 

[pennst8r]

We love POR! Only switching this year because didn't want DS to be in the trundle again. But the boys loved the winding paths with all the trees adn bushes--they liked looking for those tiny lizards you see all over FL.

Don't forget to look for the otter in the lake on your way to the food court!

 

[Cookie Princess]

We love POR! Only switching this year because didn't want DS to be in the trundle again.

Is there something bad about the trundle beds?

 

[Lizzybee]

Is there something bad about the trundle beds?

I didn't think so, I've slept on it before and it was better than sharing the full size bed with princess knees n elbows (DD7).

 

[pennst8r]

No, the trundle beds are ok. We stayed there the last 2 times. It's just a personal thing. My youngest son is 5, and the trundle bed is basically a mattress on the floor. They slide it under the bed during the day--and that just grosses me out. My personal opinion is that twice was enough.

 

[c&m]

We loved our room in the newly renovated POR AB 15. It was close to the parking lot (easier to carry in sleeping children), bus depot, food court, main building, quiet pool, and laundry facility. The room was cosy and clean. The grounds and gardens were tranquil. It didn't take me long to de-stress there. We were just so comfortable that we didn't want to leave. DH and I have stayed at the Dolphin before, and we both agreed that POR is perfect for us in terms of cost, comfort, and amenities. We thought our room was nicer than the Dolphin, and we paid so much less! The kids liked the pool, but after going to the water parks, the water slide was a bit tame for them after a while. If and when we return to WDW, we would seriously consider staying at POR AB again.

 

[Auntie Kelly]

We stayed there in Sept. 2001. We loved the landscaping and were very happy with our corner room with 2 windows. I don't remember what building we were in. It had a bus stop nearby, but it was a bit of a walk to the food court building. Of course the walk probably took longer than normal since we go lost every single time we went there, and on the way back. Luckily we only went there a few times and the walk was nice and relaxing. The mansion section looked a little generic to me. I really enjoyed the landscaping in the AB section much better.

 

[scriv2]

Okay - now you got me wondering what the mansions are like. I booked the POR mansions from looking at pictures on the website. Are they not as nice? Did I make a mistake?

Help!

 

[Belle5]

Okay - now you got me wondering what the mansions are like. I booked the POR mansions from looking at pictures on the website. Are they not as nice? Did I make a mistake?

Help!

Not to worry! The mansions are gorgeous and I would guess that most folks probably would prefer them. There are those of us, however, that just enjoy the change of to a more primitive look.