We Didn't Like POR- My Resort Review

[Madi100]

We just returned from our vacation, and we were very disappointed with POR. From the very first time we planned a vacation I have always wanted to stay at Dixielandings. We've stayed at ASMu, ASMo, and Pop Century. This trip we decided to upgrade to a moderate. It was between POFQ and POR. I requested to have a room in Alligator Bayou (can't remember the building) then I requested non-smoking and ground floor. I made it very clear when I made the request that the most important was the building. I realize that they are just requests, though.

When we arrived at 12:00 our room was ready, but we were put in a different building. I asked if my request was on the reservation. Ground floor and non-smoking were, but not the building So, we looked at the map, and our options for buildings were Parterre (sp?) or a building way out in Alligator Bayou. We opted for the mansions. We were in the back corner facing POFQ. The first thing I noticed about the resort was that there was some painting chipped off around the windows. I also didn't care for the fountain. It seemed dirty. I don't know if it's because the area that holds the water is black or what, but I didn't care for it close-up. Our room was nice and nicely decorated, but it didn't seem a whole lot bigger than the rooms at the value resorts. When we thought about it we could see the difference, but we didn't really notice it. The fridge was nice to hold our one bottle of apple juice all week Any other trip it would have been great, but we just didn't use it this trip. I did like the curtain that divided the sink area from the beds. That was great for DH. The room was clean. It was nicely themed. On our second day there we noticed a big puddle of water that we had to be very careful around (the kids did) and that puddle was in the walkway for the rest of our trip.

The grounds were nice enough. They were actually quite pretty. I loved the water and loved the boat transportation. We had one driver that talked the whole trip, and he shared quite a bit of information. It made for a very enjoyable trip. We only used the quiet pool, because the main pool didn't have laundry, and I did laundry while the family swam.

The food court was nice enough. We had to wait a LONG time for our food. Too long. I think a sitdown restaurant is faster. But, I enjoyed my food. We didn't eat at the sitdown restaurant at all, so having that there was not something we needed. We did sit one night and listen to Bob Jackson (I think that's his name). We got back to the resort and my youngest daughter was so tired and the minute she heard the music she was ready to go again. She loved all the times she got to go to the stage. We had a lot of fun with that. My DH stayed longer than I did. That was the highlight of our entire resort stay.

The refillable mugs were a waste for us. We weren't close enough that it was convenient to run over and get a refill like it has been in the past. I think we used them three times.

Bus transportation was okay for the most part. There were issues at night from MGM one night. We waited 45 minutes for a bus. That wasn't to get us on, it was to get the people in front of us on. There was one other resort that was having that same issue. Our lines went back forever. And, there were a couple morning when transportation was horrible from our resort. Those mornings there was a CM out there. Not sure if she had a large group of what, but there was one park that they couldn't get a bus for. One day it was MK. We saw four buses for AK, two for Epcot, and three for MGM before we saw one for MK. Same thing happened for Animal Kingdom another day.

I think the main reason we didn't like POR was that we just didn't think it was worth the extra money over a value resort. We don't do a lot at our resorts. We've always taken a break from the parks one day and just "hung out". We had just as much fun at the value resorts. Besides the piano player, I don't think there was one thing at our resort that we enjoyed more than the values. People complain about the noise at the values, but I noticed the noise more at POR than I ever have before. I heard showers turn on. I heard toilets flush, and I heard people in the hallways. I've never had that problem at the values, and we've always been in the middle of things.

I realize this is just my opinion, but I wanted to share. Our last day when we were leaving there was a lady in line at the store, and she said that POR is her favorite resort. She is a DVC member, and she converts her points to stay at POR. So, there are people that love that place. If anyone has any questions, I'll try to answer them.

 

[T-i-double-g-err]

Thanks for the review! I'm sorry to hear that your stay was not what you wanted it to be.

 

[tessqt]

We returned from the FL on Monday, we stayed at the POR Sunday to Sunday, it was okay. I wanted a ground floor, non-smoking room near the main building and got one of the last buildings in AB #37 and 2nd floor, but at least it was non-smoking and had a trundle, which was a nice surprise. The room attached to us was non-smoking but the couple was outside every morning smoking, hope they did that when they smoked.

WE had a rental car and after 2 days of buses we drove to each park, I got suckered into buying gas so I could return the van empty, and boy did I. It was nice because we didn't have to pay for parking and didn't have to wait for a bus.

I hope to come into some money next time so I can stay at the Poly, which I have wanted to stay at since it opened!

Sorry it was not what you expected.

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

I think the main reason we didn't like POR was that we just didn't think it was worth the extra money over a value resort. We don't do a lot at our resorts. We've always taken a break from the parks one day and just "hung out". We had just as much fun at the value resorts. Besides the piano player, I don't think there was one thing at our resort that we enjoyed more than the values.

Hi, Thanks for the report. We were at POR from 11/26-12/04. I found the grounds to be gorgeous, but we did have other issues, which I elaborated on in my resort report.

You bring up some interesting points about the mods vs value. I have to agree with you to a large extent about wondering if the mods are worth the extra $ over the values, but I'm still on the fence on that one. I struggled with choosing a mod over a value for this trip.

The reasons we chose the POR over POP, was that I got an AP rate for POR, which made it very affordable and the AP rates seem to be a better value for mods and deluxe, rather than values, especially for 8 days. The other reason was that while we were at POP last year, even though it was only one night, I felt too surrounded by concrete. It was colorful and fun, especially for DGS, but I wanted more lush surroundings this time and I did find that at POR. We liked POP very much and would not hesitate to stay there again for a shorter stay and/or when I no longer have the lower AP rates.

Tink

 

[Terk-1]

Stayed there back in 1998 and really did not care for it. On my last day, I had a late check out. The housekeeper showed up at 9:30am asking me when I was leaving. I told her I had a late check out and would be leaving around noon. She came back a 1/2 hour later asking me again if I was leaving. Then again at 11am she was back again and stood outside my window staring at me waiting for me to leave. Eventually, I had to close the curtain. Also, had called for bell services to help me with my luggage and it took almost an hour for them to come. When I boarded Mears, I got to the airport and found out that they left a bag at the curb and missed an earlier flight waiting for it to come. Finally, this resort is just too spread out for my taste.

That's why I like the French Quarter so much. Alot smaller in size than the other moderates (and alot of the values), so it's a quick walk to everything. Also, there is only one bus stop compared to 5 or so at POR & CBR.

 

[Minerva]

On our second day there we noticed a big puddle of water that we had to be very careful around (the kids did) and that puddle was in the walkway for the rest of our trip. .

I know that puddle. Outside the little room with snack machines right? It was there when we checked in on 12/3 and still there when we left on 12/4. I was very surprised and disappointed that it was still there with apparently no attempt to clean it up.

.[/QUOTE]
I think the main reason we didn't like POR was that we just didn't think it was worth the extra money over a value resort. We don't do a lot at our resorts. We've always taken a break from the parks one day and just "hung out". We had just as much fun at the value resorts. Besides the piano player, I don't think there was one thing at our resort that we enjoyed more than the values. .[/QUOTE]

We tend to agree although we won't rule out all moderates until we've tried POFQ. The others are just way too big. My kids also had way more fun at Sports than they did at POR. I went hoping to really like it because I'd always wanted to stay there but I'll never stay there again. In the future we'll do value or deluxe.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I wasn't crazy about POR when we tried it a couple years ago...it was right before the renovations, though, so I think we came at a bad time when it was really starting to look worn. My son was at an awkward age for walking as well, which didn't fit in with the size of the resort and the distances between our room and food court, etc (he was four and just out of a stroller, but clearly and vociferously against the walking at POR). He loved the pool, though. Part of the problem may have been that we transferred from the GF to POR for the last few days of our stay. I guess it's bad form to transfer from a super-deluxe to a moderate It had to do with the change in price seasons, so it made sense to try out a moderate for those last few days, but it wasn't as great as we'd hoped. We have, however, since tried POFQ and LOVED it...mainly due to the smaller size and my son was just as thrilled with the serpent pool as he was Ole Man Island. He also liked the playgrounds at both. I think they're both nice moderates, overall, but I'm sure we'd return to POFQ or try out CBR before we'd go back to POR.

 

[WAHMto5]

We stayed there a couple of years ago and did not care for it either. If fact, it was our first time staying on Disney property and since we did not care for it, we ended up stay off property for the nxt couple of times.
We found it to be to spread out, with having to walk with little ones it made it a bit harder. I agree that the re~fillable mugs were not worth it there just for that reason of having to walk so far to re~fill them.
We have never stayed at a value one so I don't know about the room size difference, but I was not impressed with the room size of POR.
I do agree that the grounds are very nice and we enjoyed the boat rides, but we would not stay there again. We are trying the cabins in a week and looking foward to them.
Glad to hear that you had fun!!

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

We are trying the cabins in a week and looking foward to them.

Ooh! Let us know how you like the cabins!

Tink

 

[Forever a Princess]

Hi there!

Thanks for your post. Sorry you did not like your stay at POR.

I noticed from your sig that you're from Iowa. We are from Omaha. DH's Dad was born and raised in Des Moines.

Take care!
Renee

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks for the honest review.

 

[Sammie]

Our room was nice and nicely decorated, but it didn't seem a whole lot bigger than the rooms at the value resorts. When we thought about it we could see the difference, but we didn't really notice it.[/I]

The fridge was nice to hold our one bottle of apple juice all week Any other trip it would have been great, but we just didn't use it this trip.

I did like the curtain that divided the sink area from the beds. That was great for DH. The room was nicely themed. It was clean.

The grounds were nice enough. They were actually quite pretty. I loved the water and loved the boat transportation. We had one driver that talked the whole trip, and he shared quite a bit of information. It made for a very enjoyable trip. We only used the quiet pool, because the main pool didn't have laundry, and I did laundry while the family swam.

The food court was nice enough. We had to wait a LONG time for our food. Too long. I think a sitdown restaurant is faster. But, I enjoyed my food. We didn't eat at the sitdown restaurant at all, so having that there was not something we needed. We did sit one night and listen to Bob Jackson (I think that's his name). We got back to the resort and my youngest daughter was so tired and the minute she heard the music she was ready to go again. She loved all the times she got to go to the stage. We had a lot of fun with that. My DH stayed longer than I did. That was the highlight of our entire resort stay.

Bus transportation was okay for the most part.

I think the main reason we didn't like POR was that we just didn't think it was worth the extra money over a value resort.

Actually it seems there were several things about the resort you "did like" but just not enough to justify the price difference over a value resort.

 

[Madi100]

I know that puddle. Outside the little room with snack machines right? It was there when we checked in on 12/3 and still there when we left on 12/4. I was very surprised and disappointed that it was still there with apparently no attempt to clean it up.

.

I think the main reason we didn't like POR was that we just didn't think it was worth the extra money over a value resort. We don't do a lot at our resorts. We've always taken a break from the parks one day and just "hung out". We had just as much fun at the value resorts. Besides the piano player, I don't think there was one thing at our resort that we enjoyed more than the values. .[/QUOTE]

We tend to agree although we won't rule out all moderates until we've tried POFQ. The others are just way too big. My kids also had way more fun at Sports than they did at POR. I went hoping to really like it because I'd always wanted to stay there but I'll never stay there again. In the future we'll do value or deluxe.[/QUOTE]


That's the puddle! I think I noticed it our second day and it was there when we left. I thought about saying something, but SOMEONE in housekeeping had to see that. We stayed down and around the corner from that area. I think in 9605.

 

[Madi100]

Actually it seems there were several things about the resort you "did like" but just not enough to justify the price difference over a value resort.

There were things I liked about the resort. I think I woudl have definitely liked it better without my kids. It just didn't seem kid friendly other than the singing. I thought it looked rundown. It seemed like there were a lot of service vehicles, also. People picking up towels, delivering luggage. And, I think for a company that goes out of its way to hide the behind the scenes stuff they don't do a very good job of hiding that employee area after the bridge. I just have to throw a few negative things in so you don't think I liked it that much Just kidding. I just thought of a couple other things that bothered me.

But, even if POR was the same price as any of the value resorts, we'd still pick one of the values.

 

[annieh6]

We stayed at POR a year ago and were disappointed too. For all the reasons stated, plus the staff in the check in area were not friendly at all. They seemed even bored some of the time. The folks in the store were okay, but not what we have experienced at Pop or All Star.

The food we had was not good, especially the Pizza. And I agree, we wasted our money on the refillable mug, the walk just wasn't worth it. It is not a kid friendly place, but aspects of the grounds are lovely.

I have not tried French Quarter, but unless it is much better I think we will stick with Pop or All Stars.

 

[Madi100]

I wonder where all of these opinions were BEFORE my trip. I honestly didn't see very many negative things. In fact, I've heard it called the deluxe at a moderate price. I know that most people prefer FQ over POR, but I didn't know it was unliked that much. It's interesting to read.

 

[minijeanie]

I agree with the OP in a lot of respects.

We stayed in POR this past November. IMHO the resort is just too darn big.
They need to section it off. The AB side should be one resort & the mansions another. It would be much easier then to get to the main bldg.
That was my biggest complaint. Too darn far from main bldg. glad we didn't do refill mugs. After we got to the room, knew it was a No-Go.

I do disagree about values vs. moderates.

POR is beautifully landsdcaped and the values are not. No matter how you cut it, the values are mostly brick and mortar. Yes they do have themes but the buses,trees, landscaping is not the same.

So...I guess it all depends on what you want. If you never use the facility or spend extremely little time in your room. then value is the way to go.


For our family, I prefer deluxe all the way.. when I can afford it..

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I wonder where all of these opinions were BEFORE my trip. I honestly didn't see very many negative things. In fact, I've heard it called the deluxe at a moderate price. I know that most people prefer FQ over POR, but I didn't know it was unliked that much. It's interesting to read.

It's really very nice--I think most people like it, overall. I wouldn't say it is a deluxe at a moderate price--I've seen that on here as well, and don't see it that way...but then I don't really see the AKL or WL an upper-moderate, either. I think they are both definitely deluxe and breathtaking. I would call the GF a super-deluxe, though--but that's just because it's my favorite I guess I'm saying that I agree with Disney's labels

 

[DMRick]

Gosh POR-Riverside is our favorite. We like POP also, but when it's hot we try to stay POR, because it's so much cooler than the cement at POP. The rooms are bigger than POP, and we love having two sinks. We love walks through the resort, feeding the ducks, and it always seems like we aren't there with a thousand other people or so, the way the paths twist and turn. We usually use the quiet pools, unless grands are with us. I didn't realize the main pool didn't have a laundry (however, if you only went to the quiet pools, you missed a fun time and slide at the main pool). We do like being able to get our refills right at the main pool, although we don't mind the 5-10 minute walk at the most (we stay riverside) to get refills from our room. Bob is so much fun..we visit him even if we aren't staying at POR. We also like to stroll down to FQ, and sometimes go in that pool (it's allowed!). Having boat rental right there, as well as bike rental is nice, and we love the boat ride to DTD. We always use our rental car (with one exception) as we don't like the buses no matter where we stay.
The good part, Disney has lots of choices, and I'm glad not everyone likes what I like..there wouldn't be room for me. For the money savings, if you are just as happy at a value, that's where I would be! This last trip we stayed at Sheraton Safari just outside the gates, and were pleasantly surprised at how nice it was...at value prices. Jan we will be at POP.

 

[WDWBetsy]

After getting back from AKL last week, we both said that while it was really nice and we would like to return with our child(ren) some day, we didn't like it any better than our stay at POR. I would definitely return to POR - and would like to try POFQ or CSR also. We stayed in Acadian House, but didn't think it was that far away from the main building. We used the North Depot bus stop, and that worked out great for us.

We used Magical Express this time and stopped at Pop Century on both trips to drop off/pickup guests. It just didn't appeal to me at all. I need more lush landscaping and theming (like where you feel like you're in a totally different destination). DH thought it was ok, but I reminded him that they only have full size beds, which wouldn't work for us.

We also stopped at CSR, and the theming really appealed to us. I am glad Disney World has so many choices for those who have different needs/wants.

In all honesty, I noticed more noise at AKL vs. what we experienced at POR - people running down the interior halls, talking loudly at all hours on their way to/from their rooms, and children screaming at the animals from their balconies. I also heard toilets flushing (I swear - ours had more suction/power than the ones I've seen on cruise ships - it was loud!).

Sorry that you didn't like POR as much as you'd hoped.