Why I Hated Por!!

[momof3disneyholics]

I just want to comment on the OP's cell phone remark. I have Cingular and anytime I am on Disney Property (except DTD, and Hotel Plaza Blvd area), I have no signal. Forget it if you are deep into a park, Cingular will not work. I don't think that's Disney's fault though, just because I can't get service. If Verizon is getting signals, then there must be a tower around there somewhere, and the Cingular phones should be getting a signal off of that tower.

 

[skiwee1]

I agree with this. Maybe it's because I've never stayed at a Deluxe at Disney, but opening the door right to the outside and having a window with a view feels more like Disney to me. I could care less about a corridor.

You do get a kind of window in the deluxe rooms also. It 's called a sliding glass door and it's huge. It gives you a much better view then any window. We used to stay at CBR all the time which was nice but no comparison to a deluxe.

 

[WDWBetsy]

Where can you see the menu's from the different food courts at the resorts? I am not so much concerned about prices since they are as you said it pretty much all the same over WDW, but I would love to see what different things they have to offer. Thanks!

You can go to www.allearsnet.com and look at the different menus (including those at the resorts). Hope this helps!

 

[LvsTnk]

You know why people dont use Bell sevices.....Because they are cheap and dont want to tip for the services...

I seriously doubt that was the reason she didn't use BS, sounds like she didn't realize they had it. Be nice

Yes, a deluxe has sliding glass doors and a balcony or patio. I love being able to sit outside the room while everyone is getting ready with my coffee or in the evening above the Boardwalk.

 

[LiteBrite]

No, at the bottom of page 2 you'll find the OP saying that it was late when she checked in, no bellmen were available, and her kids were too cranky to wait for one.

 

[dcgrumpy]

I just want to comment on the OP's cell phone remark. I have Cingular and anytime I am on Disney Property (except DTD, and Hotel Plaza Blvd area), I have no signal. Forget it if you are deep into a park, Cingular will not work. I don't think that's Disney's fault though, just because I can't get service. If Verizon is getting signals, then there must be a tower around there somewhere, and the Cingular phones should be getting a signal off of that tower.

Dh and I both have Cingular and have never had a problem anywhere at WDW.

 

[hegs65]

I just wanted to say sorry that the OP had such a terrible stay at POR. We will be staying there the end of next month, so I appreciate an honest review. I have done alot of research on the resorts to find the one that fits dh & I just right. I hope I am not dissapointed! It just occurred to me, after reading this post, that I have never seen any bugs, lizards or frogs while at disney. How weird. It must be that I have gone in Dec and Jan and March. Are there still alot of bugs around in November? I hope not because I HATE bugs! As for the inside corridor vs a door that opens to fresh air-I'll take the fresh air anyday! When we stayed at the CR, I hated that long walk down the windy corridors to get to and from our room. It was so claustrophobic!

 

[kelleigh1]

Wow! Sorry about your rough stay. I find it interesting that the cost of food was a concern for you, yet the cost of a deluxe over moderate doesn't seem to be.

As for the cell service, I too have Verizon and as someone else mentioned, you should call Verizon on occassion to upgrade your signal. This is why they have the best coverage area...because they are constantly updating that area, but your phone won't necessarily update to include that area unless you call and request it. Sometimes it will. Sometimes it won't. Chances are that your phone didn't get a signal either because it was updated or there was weather or some interference preventing the signal from reaching your phone.

 

[LorieR]

I have Cingular and only have a problem getting a signal in the room. No problem outside or at the parks.

Hegs65 - stayed in November 04 (as well as twice in December) and will be there again in two weeks - never saw bugs while we were there (or any lizards for that matter)! Did see a couple of those tiny frogs or toads once or twice but that was if I was really looking!

Lorie

 

[wdwlver]

We just came back from the YC and didn't have any problem with bugs, but the little lizards are everywhere. We think they're cute, they remind us of Florida, so it's no big deal.

 

[mjkaferle5]

1) I know my boys will be looking for the lizards and frogs/toads!! So bring 'em on!

2) You can go to a lot of places that have a lot more bugs than Disney!!

3) Remember the time before cell phones and you just went on vacation and had fun!!

 

[nygrl]

You know why people dont use Bell sevices.....Because they are cheap and dont want to tip for the services...

I really take offense to this comment... we are soooooooo not cheap... i work on tips and always tip probably too much.... i said my reason for not using the bell service.....we usually stay deluxe and my point was for a mod i felt the food prices were crazy for what we got...i dont mind paying for food and other things when they are worth it.....i felt for the food we got the prices were high...when i said i paid $50 for breakfast that was not an exageration... that was for 2 adults and 2 kids... 2 micky waffles 2 omlets 1 side of grits a bagel and 4 drinks...... for all of you that love POR keep going i was just letting people know my thoughts...

 

[magicmouse2]

I love POR because of the things OP doesnt like - lizards and wildlife and outdoors Everyone likes different things. I found it to be beautiful and clean to and have stayed at the GF concierge previously.

 

[HANDYMOM]

A lot of the things you are complaining about don't sound like they are POR's fault. If you don't like doors that open to the outside, you have to stay in a deluxe. it's not a secret that all mods and values have outdoor corridors. I have cingular and never had a problem with service at POR. I'm pretty sure you would find the same mosquitos at all of the resorts. As far as the food court and coffee being expensive, the prices are the same all over WDW not just POR. I don't find Boatwright's expensive at all, but that's JMHO.

I agree also, sounds like you were expecting a deluxe resort not a moderate. I found the food court more than sufficient to get us fed and off to the parks at a reasonable rate and we REALLY enjoyed the walks through AB to the main building, so much so that we always caught the bus there even though there was one closer. As far as rain goes, AB is so shaded by huge trees, you'll hardly get soaked and $2 walmart ponchos work great.

I think the OP needs to remember that Disney is about fun...lighten up and/or go deluxe next time. As for me, I'll take POR anytime....

 

[Blondiex46]

As for the cell service, I too have Verizon and as someone else mentioned, you should call Verizon on occassion to upgrade your signal. This is why they have the best coverage area...because they are constantly updating that area, but your phone won't necessarily update to include that area unless you call and request it.

Never have done this do you call on your cell phone, I also have Verizon and am going next month.

 

[HANDYMOM]

You know why people dont use Bell sevices.....Because they are cheap and dont want to tip for the services...

Very tacky comment, especially since you don't know how to spell Polynesian

 

[kelleigh1]

Never have done this do you call on your cell phone, I also have Verizon and am going next month.

I have. I honestly don't think about it very often, but there were a few times when I called for various things regarding my phone and they've indicated that there is an update to the service area and they took care of updating it.

 

[kizmac]

I do really hope people aren't scared away from POR with this review because you may miss out on a really wonderful trip. I am sorry the OP had a less than magical trip. I'm sure being out of their usual element had an impact on their stay at POR. I also can see where being in building 24 would not be exactly fun with the walk, but I have always seen people post that when they asked to be moved closer, they were most always moved. If you asked to be moved and they refused then that's a different story.

The resort can't be blamed for bug and cell phone service or the food cost since that is through out Disney and can be experienced everywhere you stay on property. Coffee price is high, but that is why they offer refillable mugs for length of stay.

POR being dirty and overgrown are just the OP's perception and not fact. What someone percieves as dirty and overgrown can be beautiful to others. We thought POR and especially AB section since that is where we stayed,was beautifully landscaped. I didn't see any thing that could be called dirty. In fact I thought POR was very well taken care of. They were always cleaning or doing landscaping while we were there.

I also have to say that the pool area is great and is very fun for the kids. I have 6 and had no issue with the pool area. You can also get the lifevests for them from the marina to use for your length of stay. Makes for less worry in the pool area. As for the Lizards and bugs, they are everywhere in Florida and not just POR. In fact I recall a picture posted by a DISer, Seaspray I believe, of a lizard in their bathroom at the Poly! They took his picture and released him to the outdoors. They weren't upset about it in the least.

POR is a wonderful place to stay and well worth the money for those that can't or don't want to spend $200-$400 a night for a deluxe. Obviously not everyones cup of tea and not everyone is going to love it. Bad reviews are helpful to people deciding on where to stay and I do think the OP makes a couple valid points to take note of if you are considering POR that are fact.

One, it is a big resort and you may be put in a building with a considerable walk. This seems to be a problem with most of the resorts except the Deluxes. You can always ask to be moved and hopefully they will do so.

Two, it has exterior corridors. If you don't like that then you shouldn't be considering POR nor any other value or mod for that matter.

 

[sexyravenfan]

My family has stayed at POR 5 times. 4 times in Magnolia Bend and once in AB. We never had any problems. I have Cingular and the service was great. The prices of the food court are just about the same as other places around WDW. We have AAA as our travel agency and request a specific building each time and every time we get it. It just depends what kind of stuff tickles your fancy

 

[LvsTnk]

No, at the bottom of page 2 you'll find the OP saying that it was late when she checked in, no bellmen were available, and her kids were too cranky to wait for one.

You are absolutley right, still doesn't make that posters comment any nicer.

Actually I knew the thread was going to go in this direction anyway, you really can't post an opinion or negative resort report without having your flame proof suit on.

And really it's all just opinion I am amazed at how much people take what certain posters say about a resort as fact.

I think the best advice given is do your homework before you go, make the best decision for you and your family, and honestly things change so much you won't know how a resort actually is until you stay there.