The Twelve Days of Swinter: From Castaway 'Key' to a Partridge in a Palm Tree!

[jenseib]

I really like POFQ when we toured it and hope to stay there in the future.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I hate to interrupt the TR, but I’ve started planning for our next trip and I need some advice. We will most likely be going again in the fall, late October/early November, and I’m trying to decide where we should stay. We have stayed at ASMo, Pop, and CBR, and I’d like to try out another moderate resort. We LOVED CBR, but I’m not sure I want to stay there two years back-to-back when there are so many other places that I want to try.

The resort pool is a big draw for us and is one of the main things I consider when choosing where to stay. I really like the looks of both POR resorts, but neither of those pools look overly fabulous to me like the one at CBR. Anyone have any input there? As far as moderates go, CSR seems to have the best pool area, but I know nothing about that resort. It doesn’t seem like many people are in love with that place??? Maybe b/c of the convention feel??? Opinions on that too please...

The other thing I am considering is renting DVC points to stay at a deluxe. I’ve never done this so I am nervous about it. I really don’t even know where to start with it. I’ve looked into renting from David’s DVC rentals and it seems legit, but I’m still not sure. If we go that route, I’d like to stay at the BC, BW or AKL, in that order. I’m also considering a split stay to save some money, but I’ve never done that either and don’t know how much of a hassle it is, or how aggravating it is if you are on the dining plan (most likely we will be on the DP). But with a trip that will be 10-12 days long, I probably won't have a choice. I can't afford to stay at a deluxe for that long, even on rented points.

Another reservation I have with renting points is that we won’t get the free dining if it comes out again for the fall. It has been offered every year at least since ’08, but I am wondering if they will do away with it this year with the new Fantasyland opening (partial opening anyway). I would expect the crowds to be larger, and therefor less need for discounts. If free dining does come out though, it will be much cheaper for us to stay at a mod than to rent point at a deluxe. Decisions, decisions…. Help please!

Glad to hear you are already busy planning for 2012!!!

I just skimmed the other responses but didn't read them all in great detail yet. So I'm sure you have gotten lots of great advice already, but here's my 2 cents!

As you know we have stayed at all the moderates. And we love CBR! After CBR we tried POFQ. And it was nice. But it's no CBR. It's just WAY smaller - the grounds, the pool, the food court, etc. Very nice and quaint, but not for us. So next we tried CSR, thinking it would be most similar to CBR because of the size and other similarities. But it wasn't similar to CBR at all. That was our worst WDW resort experience to date, for many reasons. I don't want to offend anyone here that loves CSR, so I won't go into too much detail other than - the CM's were the rudest people ever, the food court was terrible, and the room was dirty. If you want all the details you can PM me! So after that we went back to CBR for the next stay. And finally the following year we decided to give POR a try, even though it was the mod that appealed to us the very least. And we loved it!! Beautiful grounds, friendly CM's, fantastic food court, great pool & slide - it was all good! So that would be my recommendation to you, knowing that we have very similar taste. And now they have the 'royal rooms' there, maybe you could get one of those!

*Edited to add -- Here's my POR review in-case you haven't seen it: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2333071

I did see that some others have mentioned the Swan and Dolphin. You might want to check on their prices as well. I think the rooms are similar to the moderate rooms, but the location of the resorts is more deluxe. Sometimes they offer some great specials. We are on the fence with our May trip right now, considering changing it to August. If we do we will probably switch to the S/D instead of the BC, because the S/D are super cheap in late summer.

Sorry, I don't have any experience with renting DVC points.



Hope all that helps some!

 

[micandminforever]

I know I am late, but I am joining in on the fun.

Now I need to go back and read the highlights.

 

[Cinderella Mom]

Hey Rinky,
I have been reading your trip report and loving it. I never considered going on a cruise until I read your report. Love reading about Castaway Cay. I am almost sold on taking a cruise. My family and I are going to Disney in October and may decide to add a cruise. We are trying to decide between Discovery Cove and a visit to Sea World or a cruise. Do you have any advice for me? Can't wait to read more about your trip. Thanks for your help. Decisions, decisions....

 

[Woth2982]

I have never rented DVC points, but I have stayed in all the deluxe hotels you mentioned and BC is my favorite followed by WL. I did not care for the layout of the BWI. I didn't like the way they did the refillable mug either. But that is just me.

As for moderates, I have liked the CSR the best. I love the atmosphere of it, however it tends to be the most expensive of the mods for whatever reason. I stayed a POR once and really enjoyed that too. CBR is actually my least favorite Mod. I have never done the Values so I cannot be much help for you there lol.

 

[kittylady1972]

Yippee for planning another trip already! You can never plan, or take, too many Disney trips!

As a current DVC owner, I will also chime in regarding points rental. We rented points for the first time back in 2004 because we wanted to stay in a larger room and all together (there were 6 of us at the time) and I was a bit nervous but the person I went with had a contract sent to me and then I sent the money with the contract. It worked out great (we stayed at Boardwalk in a 2BR lockout) and I went on to recommend renting to several other friends (not on the Disboards) and I helped them get in contact with different renters and all had great experiences.

Since we became DVC Owners, I've found myself in need of extra points a few times and have actually had other owners put in a reservation for me AND had points transferred to me as well. It worked out great. Again all of these were different people. I think for the most part you are dealing with people who are honest, but I admit I'm a very trusting person too.

As for resorts, I can't comment on the moderates too much since being DVC Owners we've stayed in those for the last several years. I will say that Kidani Village at AK has a GREAT pool...I think so far it's the favorite among us and the kids. I love the poolside activities as well. Beach Club is AWESOME as well but it's just SO huge...that it can be frustrating keeping track of kids there. We loved Bay Lake Towers as well...but of course points values there are much higher. We never really experienced the Old Key West pool during our stay there, but I have heard great things about the slide there and the rooms are bigger as well....plus lower points values too.

Good luck making a decision. I feel you can't go wrong with ANY of the Disney properties really. I had a short stay at Pop Century a few years ago and I would go back there in an instant as well as I know my kids would love it...even without the slide!

 

[sharonW]

loving your tr and the underwater pics, sooo pretty!

ooooohhh, planning another trip! Wish it were me!!!
I hear you about renting dvc points, i toyed with the same
stuff when we traveled to disney in 2010. I know ecactly
how you feel, that free dinning is way to tempting, if it is offered
again!!! We stayed at POFQ, very nice resort. I'd recommend it.
Happy planning!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I really like POFQ when we toured it and hope to stay there in the future.

I remember you saying that in your TR. I've been looking into the PORs more and they do look nice. I love the mansions at Riverside.

Glad to hear you are already busy planning for 2012!!!

I just skimmed the other responses but didn't read them all in great detail yet. So I'm sure you have gotten lots of great advice already, but here's my 2 cents!

As you know we have stayed at all the moderates. And we love CBR! After CBR we tried POFQ. And it was nice. But it's no CBR. It's just WAY smaller - the grounds, the pool, the food court, etc. Very nice and quaint, but not for us. So next we tried CSR, thinking it would be most similar to CBR because of the size and other similarities. But it wasn't similar to CBR at all. That was our worst WDW resort experience to date, for many reasons. I don't want to offend anyone here that loves CSR, so I won't go into too much detail other than - the CM's were the rudest people ever, the food court was terrible, and the room was dirty. If you want all the details you can PM me! So after that we went back to CBR for the next stay. And finally the following year we decided to give POR a try, even though it was the mod that appealed to us the very least. And we loved it!! Beautiful grounds, friendly CM's, fantastic food court, great pool & slide - it was all good! So that would be my recommendation to you, knowing that we have very similar taste. And now they have the 'royal rooms' there, maybe you could get one of those!

*Edited to add -- Here's my POR review in-case you haven't seen it: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2333071

I did see that some others have mentioned the Swan and Dolphin. You might want to check on their prices as well. I think the rooms are similar to the moderate rooms, but the location of the resorts is more deluxe. Sometimes they offer some great specials. We are on the fence with our May trip right now, considering changing it to August. If we do we will probably switch to the S/D instead of the BC, because the S/D are super cheap in late summer.

Sorry, I don't have any experience with renting DVC points.



Hope all that helps some!

Ok, that scares me from CSR. We do have very similar tastes in resorts so I am so glad you chimed in here. I went back and read your review and that helps a lot. I then watched some youtube videos of POR and I think I like it better than I thought I would, especially the mansions. They are gorgeous!

Oh no! If you put your trip off until August then I have to wait all summer for your TR! I know that is your top concern right? I was really looking forward to your trip though. But either way, it will be great. I'll have to watch some video about the S/D since so many people have mentioned it. I've never looked into them and really don't know much about either one.

So I'm curious... would you not rent DVC points? Is that something you don't feel comfortable doing? I'm still reading and learning about it so I am just wondering what you think. Just to give you an example though: if I rent from David's, I can get a studio room at Beach Club Villas for $200 a night. On the WDW website, a regular, standard room was about $400 a night... so it was half price to rent points, for a better room. A studio at Boardwalk Inn was only $150 a night, which again was about a 50% saving off WDW rack rates for a regular room. So it seems like a really good deal to me. My only hangup with it is that the DVC rentals are paid in full, upfront, no refunds. That concerns me because I guess you just loose your money if you can't go for some reason. I guess you can't make changes either. So I guess if we go that route, vacation insurance is a must. Still curious what you think about it though.

I'm interested to hear about your plans too and what you guys decide.

I know I am late, but I am joining in on the fun.

Now I need to go back and read the highlights.

WELCOME! So glad you could join us!

Hey Rinky,
I have been reading your trip report and loving it. I never considered going on a cruise until I read your report. Love reading about Castaway Cay. I am almost sold on taking a cruise. My family and I are going to Disney in October and may decide to add a cruise. We are trying to decide between Discovery Cove and a visit to Sea World or a cruise. Do you have any advice for me? Can't wait to read more about your trip. Thanks for your help. Decisions, decisions....

Thank you! So glad you are joining in the fun!

Well that is a tough choice. I am dreaming of Discovery Cove myself. In fact, I am hoping that will be part of my next trip. I have been to Seaworld once and we enjoyed it a lot, although it was no WDW to me. It is very nice, the animals are great, but to me it lacks the pixie dust if you know what I mean. I've always said that we should have gone to SW first and THEN to Disney. Doing it the other way around made SW seem not as magical. But I think my vote would go for the cruise. DC and SW are one day experiences and the cruise is at least 3 nights. To me, you get much more for your money. And there is so much to do on the cruise. You have water activites, nice dinners, shows, other entertainment, the AD, fireworks... you will not be bored! CC is worth the trip alone to me! Good luck deciding!

I have never rented DVC points, but I have stayed in all the deluxe hotels you mentioned and BC is my favorite followed by WL. I did not care for the layout of the BWI. I didn't like the way they did the refillable mug either. But that is just me.

As for moderates, I have liked the CSR the best. I love the atmosphere of it, however it tends to be the most expensive of the mods for whatever reason. I stayed a POR once and really enjoyed that too. CBR is actually my least favorite Mod. I have never done the Values so I cannot be much help for you there lol.

CBR your least favorite! Just kidding! I know everyone has very different tastes. We really loved CBR and I am worried the others will be a let down after staying there. I still think CSR looks great but it does concern me that so many people complain about the place. I think if we stay at a mod, it will be POR. BC is my favorite too though!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Yippee for planning another trip already! You can never plan, or take, too many Disney trips!

As a current DVC owner, I will also chime in regarding points rental. We rented points for the first time back in 2004 because we wanted to stay in a larger room and all together (there were 6 of us at the time) and I was a bit nervous but the person I went with had a contract sent to me and then I sent the money with the contract. It worked out great (we stayed at Boardwalk in a 2BR lockout) and I went on to recommend renting to several other friends (not on the Disboards) and I helped them get in contact with different renters and all had great experiences.

Since we became DVC Owners, I've found myself in need of extra points a few times and have actually had other owners put in a reservation for me AND had points transferred to me as well. It worked out great. Again all of these were different people. I think for the most part you are dealing with people who are honest, but I admit I'm a very trusting person too.

As for resorts, I can't comment on the moderates too much since being DVC Owners we've stayed in those for the last several years. I will say that Kidani Village at AK has a GREAT pool...I think so far it's the favorite among us and the kids. I love the poolside activities as well. Beach Club is AWESOME as well but it's just SO huge...that it can be frustrating keeping track of kids there. We loved Bay Lake Towers as well...but of course points values there are much higher. We never really experienced the Old Key West pool during our stay there, but I have heard great things about the slide there and the rooms are bigger as well....plus lower points values too.

Good luck making a decision. I feel you can't go wrong with ANY of the Disney properties really. I had a short stay at Pop Century a few years ago and I would go back there in an instant as well as I know my kids would love it...even without the slide!

I'm glad to hear that you have had so many great experiences with renting points. That makes me feel better. I think my only hangup at this point is that it is nonrefundable. I guess you just better be really sure that you are going when you say you're going before you buy.

After eading this, I watched some youtube videos on the Kidani pool and you are right, it looks fabulous! That is definitely a contender!

I know what you mean about the BC pool area. I thought about that myself. It concerns me a little that the slide entrance is across the 'street' from the pool area. If we stay there, we will have to have some rules for DD or it will drive me nuts! It will help though that we only have one child. I can't imagine having to keep your eye on several at once though!

You are right. All the Disney properties are wonderful and it will be great no matter what we choose. We loved Pop and ASMo when we stayed there too. Sure we liked CBR better, but they have all been great trips and wonderful stays!

Thanks for the help!

loving your tr and the underwater pics, sooo pretty!

ooooohhh, planning another trip! Wish it were me!!!
I hear you about renting dvc points, i toyed with the same
stuff when we traveled to disney in 2010. I know ecactly
how you feel, that free dinning is way to tempting, if it is offered
again!!! We stayed at POFQ, very nice resort. I'd recommend it.
Happy planning!!

Thanks Sharon!

I've been looking into the PORs and I like them. I think the whole area is very pretty. I want to take one of those horse drawn carriage rides right now!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Ok, that scares me from CSR. We do have very similar tastes in resorts so I am so glad you chimed in here. I went back and read your review and that helps a lot. I then watched some youtube videos of POR and I think I like it better than I thought I would, especially the mansions. They are gorgeous!

Oh no! If you put your trip off until August then I have to wait all summer for your TR! I know that is your top concern right? I was really looking forward to your trip though. But either way, it will be great. I'll have to watch some video about the S/D since so many people have mentioned it. I've never looked into them and really don't know much about either one.

So I'm curious... would you not rent DVC points? Is that something you don't feel comfortable doing? I'm still reading and learning about it so I am just wondering what you think. Just to give you an example though: if I rent from David's, I can get a studio room at Beach Club Villas for $200 a night. On the WDW website, a regular, standard room was about $400 a night... so it was half price to rent points, for a better room. A studio at Boardwalk Inn was only $150 a night, which again was about a 50% saving off WDW rack rates for a regular room. So it seems like a really good deal to me. My only hangup with it is that the DVC rentals are paid in full, upfront, no refunds. That concerns me because I guess you just loose your money if you can't go for some reason. I guess you can't make changes either. So I guess if we go that route, vacation insurance is a must. Still curious what you think about it though.

I'm interested to hear about your plans too and what you guys decide.

Well yes, I don't want to disappoint you so I better just keep my trip in May!!

I looked into renting points once. Had a time picked out and the price set, but in the end I just didn't feel comfortable with it and didn't like the idea of being locked in without any way out. Anything can happen (especially when you have kids) that can cause you to have to cancel at the last minute.

But lots of people do it everyday, and the prices are great. So IDK what to tell you....Sorry!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Well yes, I don't want to disappoint you so I better just keep my trip in May!!

I looked into renting points once. Had a time picked out and the price set, but in the end I just didn't feel comfortable with it and didn't like the idea of being locked in without any way out. Anything can happen (especially when you have kids) that can cause you to have to cancel at the last minute.

But lots of people do it everyday, and the prices are great. So IDK what to tell you....Sorry!!

I suppose I can reevaluate my plan and allow you to go in August.

I keep running the same scenarios in my head over renting points. I understand why they don't do refunds, but it sure makes it hard to commit that much money. I am already a very indecisive person, so I think this is going to be a very long process for me! I guess I need to see how much trip insurance would cost and then do some more fuzzy math.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I am so glad that you asked the questions about renting points. I've done a little research but was still leery about actually doing it. Like Shelly said, I am sure that people do it all the time but I'm afraid to. I'm such a chicken!

As far as trying different resorts, that's something I'm too chicken to do too. Actually, I think John is too chicken. I've thought about trying another moderate, and even asked Shelly's opinion on it, but we keep going back to the Caribbean Beach Resort because we know we love it.

Gosh, after reading my post, I really should have just kept my mouth shut because I was really no help at all.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I am so glad that you asked the questions about renting points. I've done a little research but was still leery about actually doing it. Like Shelly said, I am sure that people do it all the time but I'm afraid to. I'm such a chicken!

As far as trying different resorts, that's something I'm too chicken to do too. Actually, I think John is too chicken. I've thought about trying another moderate, and even asked Shelly's opinion on it, but we keep going back to the Caribbean Beach Resort because we know we love it.

Gosh, after reading my post, I really should have just kept my mouth shut because I was really no help at all.

Don't feel bad. We are all just sort of thinking out loud right now!

I am a chicken about everything too. There's just so much money involved that it is hard to take a chance with it (renting points). I'm going to have to put a lot of thought into it.

I do like to try new resorts though. Disney just has the most awesome resorts so I hate to stay at the same place over and over again. And to me, the resort is what gives each trip a different feel. The parks are always the same, but staying somewhere different gives me something new to look forward to. I could hardly sleep the other night after watching videos of POR b/c I was so excited about the possibility of experiencing a whole new area of Disney.

With all that said, I do understand how you are drawn back to CBR. It is a pretty awesome place. We all fell totally in love with it. It is very tempting for me to go back there too.

Maybe you should just try a split stay with a couple of nights someplace else to get a taste of something different without risking the whole vacation at a place you might not like. Maybe that would be a good way for you to rent points. According to the figures I gave Shelly earlier, you cold stay two nights at the Boardwalk for $300. That's not a huge money commitment and might be a good way to step out and try somewhere new. Not sure which resorts you like, but AKL is really affordable when renting points as well.

 

[mickeystoontown]

When I was looking into the points, I looked at OKW, SSR and AKL. I didn't think the price was bad at all. I may look into renting again for our 2013 trip and then, like you said, do a split stay since we'll be there for 11 days.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

We thought it was wonderful to stay in a mansion at POR and it was only 2 nights and it rained one day! It's very relaxing and beautiful there.

I love this "thinking out loud"! So many ideas floating around - I suppose it could overwhelm a person, but if you really work through it, it's very helpful.

If I ever had any extra DVC points to rent - I would love to work with my DIS buddies. Unfortunately, we have so few... Nah, really we have just the right amount for now. I hope you all can find the right fit and try it - that split stay idea might be a good one. Not a huge investment, and you still get to experience the DVC resort/room.

 

[morgtroy]

Wow, I really have been away from the DIS a long time. Well, I have been keeping up with a Princess half marathon thread. I'm getting ready to head back to the world to do that run and so excited.

I can't believe I missed your cruise...
We did a 3 night on the Dream last March. The BEST vacation. If I hit the lottery we will be back. lol
I ran through some of your pics, I'll have to come back when I have time and read it all. I loved you pics from the Dolphin encounter. We will have to do that if we ever go back to Nassau. I've been twice, both times to Atlantis and it was fun, but we had decided we'd just stay on the ship if we ever went back, but the Blue Lagoon area is gorgeous. Castaway Cay was our favorite, so with Blue Lagoon it's like getting another beach day.

So glad you're doing well, can't wait to read all the details.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

When I was looking into the points, I looked at OKW, SSR and AKL. I didn't think the price was bad at all. I may look into renting again for our 2013 trip and then, like you said, do a split stay since we'll be there for 11 days.

I think that is probably the best way to do it for a long trip. I've been pricing things out like a mad woman and I don't think it is possible for us spend our whole trip at a deluxe. Even with renting points, that is really expensive. Good luck sorting it all out and making a choice. The hard part is deciding which resort to stay at because they are all wonderful!

We thought it was wonderful to stay in a mansion at POR and it was only 2 nights and it rained one day! It's very relaxing and beautiful there.

I love this "thinking out loud"! So many ideas floating around - I suppose it could overwhelm a person, but if you really work through it, it's very helpful.

If I ever had any extra DVC points to rent - I would love to work with my DIS buddies. Unfortunately, we have so few... Nah, really we have just the right amount for now. I hope you all can find the right fit and try it - that split stay idea might be a good one. Not a huge investment, and you still get to experience the DVC resort/room.

I'd love to rent any leftovers you might have someday!

I'm liking those mansions more and more. They are so pretty and my DH loves southern landscapes so I know he will love it. I'm wondering though if there is a ton of walking there. I looked at a map and it seems like a pretty good haul from the mansions to the pool/food court area.

Wow, I really have been away from the DIS a long time. Well, I have been keeping up with a Princess half marathon thread. I'm getting ready to head back to the world to do that run and so excited.

I can't believe I missed your cruise...
We did a 3 night on the Dream last March. The BEST vacation. If I hit the lottery we will be back. lol
I ran through some of your pics, I'll have to come back when I have time and read it all. I loved you pics from the Dolphin encounter. We will have to do that if we ever go back to Nassau. I've been twice, both times to Atlantis and it was fun, but we had decided we'd just stay on the ship if we ever went back, but the Blue Lagoon area is gorgeous. Castaway Cay was our favorite, so with Blue Lagoon it's like getting another beach day.

So glad you're doing well, can't wait to read all the details.

Well hello stranger! I'm so glad to hear from you!

Yes, the cruise is great, isn't it! And the dolphin encouter is wonderful! I would highly recommend going to BL island. It was so gorgeous over there and quiet, peacful, secluded.... a perfect paradise! And we felt the same way as you (CC was our favorite part of the cruise), so going to BL does give you that extra beach time. BL also has a beach day excursion that is cheaper than the dolphin encounter if you just want to go and use the beach for a while. I'd go again in a heartbeat!

I'm so glad you are back around the DIS and I hope you will keep checking in once you get caught up.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

I'm wondering though if there is a ton of walking there. I looked at a map and it seems like a pretty good haul from the mansions to the pool/food court area.


It really wasn't all that far or long of a walk. Especially if you can get a Magnolia Terrace or Oak Manor mansion area. It's just a short walk across the bridge. And the walk to our parking lot/bus stop was really short as well. We were in Magnolia Terrace. It is a bit of a walk to go down to FQ, but it is really pretty and peaceful. And if your daughter likes to fish, they have poles you can rent over in the Bayou area and sit and fish (catch and release, of course). And there is a great Mardi Gras treasure hunt the kids can take. It's like the pirate cruise at the Poly. They get on one of the pontoon boats and cruise down the river to FQ and back and stop and search for treasure map pieces and then find the treasure. My son did that one year to kill time while we were waiting for dd ballet group to finish up for the day. I promise, you would not regret a stay here.

 

[Cinderella Mom]

Hey Rinky,
I took your advice and booked a 3 night cruise leaving on October 18th to the Bahamas. I am so excited. We also booked 5 nights at Disney World before our cruise at the new Art of Animation resort. We have 2 boys ages 6 and 9 and are also carrying our two neices ages 7 and 9. The girls have never been to Disney World and we have never been on a cruise! Can't wait. By the way, we stayed last December at Port Orleans Riverside and loved it. It is so beautiful there. Tbe staff were friendly and the food court there is really good too. I loved being able to ride a boat to Downtown Disney. Our boys loved renting bicycles and riding them around tbe resort. I would highly recommend this resort!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I'm wondering though if there is a ton of walking there. I looked at a map and it seems like a pretty good haul from the mansions to the pool/food court area.


It really wasn't all that far or long of a walk. Especially if you can get a Magnolia Terrace or Oak Manor mansion area. It's just a short walk across the bridge. And the walk to our parking lot/bus stop was really short as well. We were in Magnolia Terrace. It is a bit of a walk to go down to FQ, but it is really pretty and peaceful. And if your daughter likes to fish, they have poles you can rent over in the Bayou area and sit and fish (catch and release, of course). And there is a great Mardi Gras treasure hunt the kids can take. It's like the pirate cruise at the Poly. They get on one of the pontoon boats and cruise down the river to FQ and back and stop and search for treasure map pieces and then find the treasure. My son did that one year to kill time while we were waiting for dd ballet group to finish up for the day. I promise, you would not regret a stay here.

I think I would like the Magnolia Terrace section. I've been looking at some maps and that looks close to the bridge and bus stop.

I saw that about the fishing. We would love doing that! I didn't know about the treasure hunt though. That sounds fun! They need to let the adults to that too!

Hey Rinky,
I took your advice and booked a 3 night cruise leaving on October 18th to the Bahamas. I am so excited. We also booked 5 nights at Disney World before our cruise at the new Art of Animation resort. We have 2 boys ages 6 and 9 and are also carrying our two neices ages 7 and 9. The girls have never been to Disney World and we have never been on a cruise! Can't wait. By the way, we stayed last December at Port Orleans Riverside and loved it. It is so beautiful there. Tbe staff were friendly and the food court there is really good too. I loved being able to ride a boat to Downtown Disney. Our boys loved renting bicycles and riding them around tbe resort. I would highly recommend this resort!

Congratulations!!! You are going to love the cruise and your kids are going to go nuts over it!

I'm seriously thinking about staying at POR. Lots of planning still to do though but it looks great!