Tell me why I'll love POR as much as WL

[SuBeat]

I finally got the go ahead from DH for our June trip, now for the fun part...the planning!

We've stayed at WL on our last 2 trips and absolutely LOVE it. But I've always been curious about POR, and staying there would free up several hundred dollars for other activities. I am concerned about missing the WL though...the bigger beds, the bunks for the kids, the boat to the MK, everything in one building, fireworks from our balcony, EWP.

I am sold on the beauty of POR and I know there are plenty of activities there to enjoy as well. I guess I just want to hear that I'll love it just as much from the experts.

 

[dznyntnh]

I stayed at WL in October and loved it, but I'm going back to POR this trip.

I missed the quiet and the ambiance of POR. I also missed the convenience of the food court. The 'snack bar' at WL was convenient for a snack but was too crowded at meal times and the sit down places get expensive.

I love the Bayou rooms at POR, the theming is great and you really feel like you are 'away' from the rest of the world.

I also enjoy the location, its proximity to Downtown Disney where I tend to spend a lot of time (and money ).

 

[daannzzz]

Generally it always feel very busy at the WL which is fine. I have stayed 3 times there and love it.
At POR though, once you get away from the main area it can get really quiet. Strolling through the forest of Alligator Bayou or the gardens of Magnolia Terrace. While it is spread out it also feels more calm and the buildings, in general don't overpower the landscape. You can see the tops of the Epcot fireworks from many spots along the river in the Mansion Section. I also find that exterior corridors tend to help make it a bit more quiet inside the room as there is not hallway for the sounds to echo through. Also because the buildins are smaller many locations have much less traffic around them.
Both are great places to stay.

 

[JayCT]

SuBeat - If I remember correctly, POR does not have private balconies in their rooms. There is a walkway in front of your window that people pass in front of when they are going to their rooms. This is my main reason for not staying at a moderate. I like having a private balcony or a window that I can leave the drapes open when we are in the room. Also, with my luck we would get neighbors who are always outside our window arguing as they go back and forth to their room.

 

[palmtreegirl]

I don't think you'll love it as much as the WL, just in a different way.

We've stayed at both resorts, WL first. We stayed at the POR on a surprise second trip because of the cost factor. While I really enjoyed the POR, mansions section I did miss the little extras you get with a deluxe especially the balconies, closets, water parade at WL and the boat transportation to the MK.

Things we did love about the POR-

-The food court was great, large with lots of offerings, much better then the Roaring Forks.

-The boat to DTD was wonderful, after having that ride I find it hard to take a bus to DTD at other resorts, I'd rather drive the car.

-The $$ factor was key for this trip since if we hadb't stayed at a moderate we would'nt have gone at all.

-The grounds were beautiful but on the flip side at the end of the day that nice little walk can seem like a marathon back to your room.

We probably won't go back because we love the extras the deluxes offer but we also don't have any regrets about staying at the POR, it was a very nice resort.

 

[helenk]

The themeing at POR is exceptional, it is a beautiful, quiet resort. I stayed in one of the Mansions, Oak Manor and while the rooms are smaller and there are not as many perks as WL it is a great resort.
There are bikes and boats to rent, the boat to DTD is a nice touch and very relaxing. The food court is a lot bigger than the one at WL. The sit down restaurant was nice, not cheap, but probably less expensive than Whispering Canyon at the WL.
It was nice to walk along the river, the main pool seemed neat, and there several quiet pools as well. One thing I like too was that the laundry facilities were right by the quiet pool, so I was able to do some wash while I relaxed by the pool.
I am sure you will enjoy POR

 

[SuBeat]

Thanks for all the quick responses. DH asked me to put together a list of pros and cons for each choice and y'all have helped me get off to a good start. Keep those opinions coming!

 

[KarenB]

I posted a thread very similar to yours about 4 years ago!! We had stayed at WL twice and both times it was simply perfect. We planned a trip with my mom and we needed a room for 5, so we booked a trundle bed room at POR (then Dixie Landings), Alligator Bayou section. I was so glad we were going to WDW, but in the back of my mind I kept thinking about how I wanted to be at WL.

We were there in June 2000, and had a wonderful time! It is really a pretty resort. Our kids loved Old Man Island and the path ways are beautiful. It has a terrific food court too.

We joined DVC during that trip, but have been back to POR on a spur of the momnet trip one March, and we are staying there this July after our cruise. (paying cash for the room-used all our points for the cruise!)

WL is still and will always be my favorite and the DVC resorts have me spoiled, but I still enjoy POR! Heck-I'm just glad to be in Disney!!!!

KAren

 

[jonemick]

Our November 2003 trip to POR ended very early. We were booked to stay at POR for 7-nights, but ended up checking out early and going to the Hard Rock Hotel (very nice) after only 3 nights. My son was having problems with the mold/mildew in the carpet and air condioner along with the dust that was very prevalent on top of furniture and mouldings, he has no allergy problems until we stayed at POR.

This was our 3 stay at POR and IMHO the rooms are beyond needing refurbishment. We do like the pool and food court and would try staying there again, but only after refurbishment of the rooms.

And yes we did ask for a good cleaning of our room after the first night, but it didn't really help.

 

[Muushka]

Well, I can't say that you will love it as much as WL. However, I will say that it is a resort worth staying at for at least one visit.

We always stayed at Dixie Landings (sorry, old dog.......). We would visit WL and dream of staying there. Then we finally stayed at WL and we fell in love with it. But as you know, this love comes with a price. Being the frugal people we are, we would stay at DXL pretty much every visit with an occasional WL thrown in. We have since bought our DVC VWL, so there is no question where we will stay for the majority of the time. But, when we need a night or 2, we do enjoy going back to our 'previous home' DXL.

We love the landscaping and theming of DXL. We enjoy walking around and taking in the sights. We enjoy the boat ride to DD. We enjoy that 'Southern Hospitality" . Oh yeah, and the food court. We really like the food court.

It is a great place to economize and have a great hotel at the same time. We highly recommend it. At least once

 

[SuBeat]

Thanks again to everyone who took time to respond, you really are making me feel better about this. I think it's a matter of what you get used to. We stayed at CBR on our first trip and couldn't have been any happier. Then we tried WL......

I do believe we can go and have a great stay at POR. And while I would like to think I wouldn't be thinking of WL at times during our visit, I guess that's just something I will deal with. It shouldn't be too hard, I will be at Walt Disney World after all.

 

[Muushka]

I hope you love it as much as WL! Let us know what you thought when you return. Have a great time .