Was anyone bothered with this at POR?

[AngieInOH]

I've booked POR as it looks terrific. However, I'm considering an upgrade because I'm just not so sure about the rooms being separated from the main building. Has anyone found this to be a problem? We're used to moderate to higher end hotels (Marriott,Marriott Courtyard, Hilton Garden Inn etc) This is our first visit to Disney so any helpful input is appreciated.

 

[safetymom]

I have stayed at CBR many times, also at POR. It didn't bother me at all that the front desk or lobby was not in my building.

I travel frequently for work and have stayed in hotels many many times and where the front desk was located wasn't a consideration for me.

What is your concern about it being in a separate building?

 

[AngieInOH]

Going for Drinks, food etc. I guess I'm used to having the indoor pool which we utilize often...... but I guess that isn't an issue at Disney since they're all outside. Maybe it's a non-issue!

 

[allaboard]

aw: The nice thing about the separate buildings at POR is that the landscaping is so nice. I enjoyed the walking to the main building each time we did it! What a beautiful walk especially at night. I was always so glad we had the walk to take ... we meandered through the island/pool area and through the quiet walkways to our building. The alligater bayou almost feels like you are in your own cottages in a way. We're going back in July 2006 !! Enjoy!

 

[KelleyGirl]

Didn't bother me at all. I've stayed there quite a few times, and really like it. Be careful, you could get a room far away, which might make the walk to the food court annoying. I would recommend Alligator Bayou building 14. Nice vew and right outside the door of the food court/main area.

 

[dixipixi]

I think the key here is to be really honest with yourself. Decide if its something you can live with or not. Everyone is different and therefore has different likes and dislikes.

For example, I stayed at CBR with my mom, sister, and son a few yrs. ago. I liked the way the resort was arranged and my son loved the pool there. My mom and sister didn't care for it at all. Of course, my mom has some problems with her knees and my sister was pregnant. So the extra walking was not much fun for them.

If it is really an issue that concerns you, plan a short trip (then you won't be there very long if you don't like it) or try a split stay between 2 resorts.

Personally, I didn't mind the walking. Of course it didn't rain the whole time we were there. I think a lot of rain would have made it much worse.

 

[ruzer28]

I haven't stayed at POR, but I did stay at CBR. This is something that bothered me immensely. It didn't feel like a hotel to me because there was not a main building anywhere near my room or building. It kind of felt like a college campus. I felt very disconnected, and I didn't like the external hallways. That having been said, this is not something that bothers most people, so it's possible that you won't mind it either. I do agree with a previous poster who said that the walk between buildings was pretty because of the landscaping. Whatever you choose, have a great trip!

 

[ducklite]

I've booked POR as it looks terrific. However, I'm considering an upgrade because I'm just not so sure about the rooms being separated from the main building. Has anyone found this to be a problem? We're used to moderate to higher end hotels (Marriott,Marriott Courtyard, Hilton Garden Inn etc) This is our first visit to Disney so any helpful input is appreciated.

Keep in mind that some of the deluxes are set up in a similar fashion with outer "lodges" housing the sleeping rooms.

Anne

 

[DisneyPhD]

Didn't bother me at all. I've stayed there quite a few times, and really like it. Be careful, you could get a room far away, which might make the walk to the food court annoying. I would recommend Alligator Bayou building 14. Nice vew and right outside the door of the food court/main area.

I would agree. We had been in every mod and loved them. Then we had kids and joined DVC and we wondered if we could go back. We got a great deal at PORS requested building 14, we had a great time.

I would be more concerned about it in rainy seasons. We stayed at OKW in Aug 2003 and it was so rainy it really was a pain in the rea. I think I would of liked it better if it wasn't so much rain, or if we were in a deluxe the rain wouldn't of been as bad.

 

[zippeedee]

I haven't stayed at POR, but I did stay at CBR. This is something that bothered me immensely. It didn't feel like a hotel to me because there was not a main building anywhere near my room or building. It kind of felt like a college campus. I felt very disconnected, and I didn't like the external hallways. That having been said, this is not something that bothers most people, so it's possible that you won't mind it either. I do agree with a previous poster who said that the walk between buildings was pretty because of the landscaping. Whatever you choose, have a great trip!

Just for a different perspective, I hated CBR and love POR because CBR is just TOO big. We were really disconnected and needed a bus just to get a snack. I've stayed in both AB and the mansions at POR and never had more than a very pretty few minutes walk to the food court. There are some buildings at POR that are far away, but other than the Contemporary Tower, the deluxes are all spread out anyway. We stayed in the south wing at CR last Spring and it was almost as long of a walk to the lobby as POR building 28. GF and the Poly have long walks too unless you do concierge, which is a whole lot more expensive than POR! It's all in what you're used to I guess, but I don't think there are any on-site hotels that are like other hotels in the "real world" that's part of the charm!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I've booked POR as it looks terrific. However, I'm considering an upgrade because I'm just not so sure about the rooms being separated from the main building. Has anyone found this to be a problem? We're used to moderate to higher end hotels (Marriott,Marriott Courtyard, Hilton Garden Inn etc) This is our first visit to Disney so any helpful input is appreciated.

We have the same problem as you do regarding POR, and all the Mods, for that matter. Having the main building separated from the rooms, and the fact that the resort's hallways are on the outside of the buildings, leads to, in our opinion, a much less enjoyable stay. We've only stayed at Mods a couple times, and only once in the last 10 years, because we feel that they have more of roadside, Holiday Inn type vibe than the Deluxes, which have an all inclusive, upscale, Marriott vibe. I'm afraid that if you're used to the Marriott, upscale type accomedations, you will probably be disappointed...we were!

Why, if you can afford Marriott resorts on other occasions, don't you just book one of Disney's Deluxes? They're in the similar price range...and I guarentee you'll be much happier!!

 

[SpecialK]

It bothered me when we stayed at the Poly during rainy season. Don't want to have to hike to the lobby after walking in the parks all day. Next time we're doing CR Tower for that reason.

 

[BrerMama]

Just a note -- an upgrade at POR doesn't guarantee you a room closer to the main building. It just guarantees you a water view -- either the river or a pool. We didn't upgrade but simply asked for a room close to the food court. We loved our room, but had a parking lot view.

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, I've stayed at all level of resorts in WDW. I have no problem with the outside walkways rather than inside corridors. In fact, some of my quietest stays have been in the value or moderate resorts just because of those outside walkways. When you have an inside corridor the sound is magnified. When you get a rowdy family coming back to their room at midnight, they can be pretty loud. I have also had my door banged on when at a deluxe but never at a value...go figure. The Polynesian, while it has inside corridors, does have those outside walks to the main Ceremonial bldg., and food areas.

I love POR. It's one of my favorite resorts. I love to stay there for a few nights each trip. The theming is terrific. I actually enjoy the walks back to my room...even when I was on the 'hindend' back in bldg 35!!!

Only you can decide if the lack of interior hallways is going to make or break your vacation. I have a friend who stays only at deluxe hotels/resorts. They traveled with us to POR and I don't think she was impressed!!! I'm sure she is going to like BWV much better.

 

[YCFAN]

As beautiful as some resorts are (i.e. Poly) this has always been an issue with me. I don't like having to go out in the rain to get to the main building. That's why I prefer hotels like YC/BC and AKL. I also like being able to go to a restaurant if need be without going out in the rain or just walking around so that I don't feel caged up. When it's not raining it's not really an issue but I like going down on the elevator and being "in the lobby." Just personal preference I suppose.

 

[HANDYMOM]

We loved the walk to the main building. No matter where your room is, the walk is fairly quick and is filled with real bunnies, ducks, birds etc. Also, the climate in central Florida is quite moderate. When it does rain, it's usually a shower not a full day deluge. If you get a room in the Alligator Bayou section (vs. the Mansions) the landscaping is so lush that you will be covered anyways.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with POR at all

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I loved POR. One of the most beautifully landscaped resorts. We stayed in one of the Magnolia buildings that was a short walk to the main building. I actually thought it was very nice to be away from the noises of the buses, people eating, checking in/out, sitting at the bar, getting off the boat from DTD, etc. I loved POR and would stay there again in a heartbeat and I find the resort just as nice as WL and Poly.

 

[kda]

We loved the atmosphere at POR and didn't mind the long walk to the lobby and food, but we prefer a balcony and beds that are at least Queen sized. If you're not expecting to spend much time in the room, I wouldn't worry about the lack of a balcony, but if you want a larger bed, go for deluxe.

 

[AngieInOH]

Thanks for the replies. I think like one poster stated, I'm afraid of the "college dorm" feel. In the end it will probably come down to price unless this "mysterious special" turns out to be spectacular. Although I'd love to have the queen bed (DS will be disappointed he won't be able to sleep w/ mom and dad, which is always a treat for him on vacations. I'm sure this won't last much longer as DS is 5 ! LOL)

Laugh O. Grams: Yes on occasion we do enjoy staying at the higher end Marriotts but that's usually when I can get a deal and it's not for 7 nights like it will be in Disney. Just have to be sure to watch the budget!

Of course this past week I had to go on a business trip and spend two of my nights at a Comfort Inn (the only thing around). At least it was clean. Paid over double that to stay at an Adams Mark in St Louis and it was horrible, dirty, dingy and disqusting! Also, stayed at a Hilton Garden Inn, which was moderately priced and was the most beautiful hotels I stayed at all week. So price does not always determine the kind of enjoyment you'll receive from your stay!

 

[KBFinFan]

I love the deluxe hotels in property. I've been lucky enough to stay at the BC, BWI, and AKL. Each hotel is great, and it is really nice to be "attached" to the action. Actually, my favorite part of the deluxe resorts are the balconies.

That being said, I stayed at POFQ last October. I was in building one, which is technically one of the farthest away from the main building. However, I LOVED it. It was different than a deluxe, but equal due to strenghts in certain areas. I think you will have a great time no matter where you stay, so no need to be worried.

I'm staying at POR in a few weeks, so we'll see if I listen to my own advice when it comes to forming my own in person opinion....