Why I Hated Por!!

[Zip-a-dee-dude-da]

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

Hey I think correcting someones spelling is tacky so to each thier own.....Look I wasnt evene refering to nygyrl in that post i was refering to the post after where someone asks..."I never understand why people lug thier bags across a large moderate resort"....And i stand by that comment people who dont use bell services DO NOT WANT TO TIP....thats thier perogative..

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I had trouble with cell phone service at POR, but it wasn't extreme. I DID have to leave my room (we were in Magnolia Terrace) and sit out on the bench to make any calls. I haven't found this at any of the other resorts at WDW, so I don't know why. At the time, my service was T Mobile.

I also thought the upkeep around the exterior areas near Magnolia Terrace was not great--the bench I sat on to make the calls had a full ashtray and half full cup of beer that stayed there for my whole stay. I didn't think about it being related to POR as much as a thoughtless previous guest--I guess I could have called the front desk and reported it. I didn't see trash or anything dirty anywhere else on the property, except the mansions section looked in need of a rehab--and lo and behold, I found out just week after my stay at rehab began (I think my stay was in November of 2003...).

Overall, I would recommend the resort but I preferred POFQ because I liked having everything closer together. My son liked Riverside's playground, pool (LOVED it actually) and the campfire marshmellow roasting and stories. We had a great time.

Of course I prefer my favorite deluxes (GF, AKL, BWI, BC, Swan/ Dolphin) but sometimes when you are looking to spend a little less the moderates are wonderful options.

As far as reports go, I do like to see the varieties of opinions, but sometimes (and this is not directed at this particular report of NYGirl's) the complaints are so unseemly they just seem to beg for someone to question them. I remember one post where a woman claimed she got an all over body rash from the GFs waterfall pool....hmmmm, how many posters have you seen report that they got body rashes from the pools? Don't you think it's possible it could have been from something else and not the hotel's fault??? Another poster once claimed that the outdoor terrace eating was unsanitary because of birds flying overhead...therefore, from her perspective, the resort had NO good dining options! I mean, each to his/ her own, but you have to take opinions with a grain of salt, and it IS somewhat scary that someone planning their trip on here might think that they have to stay out of Disney's pools, for instance. I think ALL opinions on here are valid, and worth responding to, even if one disagrees with the OP, or vice versa! Rudeness, of course, is another story....

 

[kmkja1]

You are not alone. I agree - at least in part. While I didn't hate it (POR), it wasn't my cup of tea. I LOVED the Swan. I will admit it wasn't the grounds that I hated (although the Swan and Dolphin grounds were in much better condition than any on Disney property this last trip - Sept.). It was the doors opening to the outside and the very claustrophobic feel to the rooms - had to keep the curtains drawn so as not to attract peeping Toms. It was the throngs of people everywhere, it was the CMs who really didn't care about a room request, it was the feeling that if you aren't happy enough to come back, so what, there are plenty more poor fools who will pay the $$$. Also the Swan was peaceful and "adult". POR was all about the screaming, tired, temper tantrum throwing kids. Also there was NOTHING in the way of nightlife. The whole place closed up at like 6 pm. I know it is a moderate hotel, but guess what, the rate I got at the Swan was less than the rate I paid at POR. I guess to each his own. Hey, maybe we'll meet up at the Dolphin sometime....

I don't think you comment that "POR is all about the screaming, tired, temper tantrum throwing kids" is fair or accurate. We went with our three children and I found that the environment at POR contained much more polite and enjoyable behavior than I saw at the parks. I also thought the CMs were very considerate and treated everyone wonderfully. Do not intend to offend it is just that your comments seemed so different from my experience.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

We stayed at POR this past March - and I wasn't crazy about the place, but that's my opinion. The grounds were beautiful, but the walk was just too much. The whole week we were there it rained, so I'm sure that has alot to do with why I don't love this place. The only good things was the CMs driving their golf carts around would ALWAYS give me a ride to my morning coffee. I don't think they had a choice as I kinda just jumped in their carts

DH and I were discussing last evening if we want to give POR another chance or try another. Nothing worse than having a cold and raining vacation without the proper clothing, and this was the last week of March, first week of April.

 

[lkneller]

We were also given AB 24 recently. We parked by our building and unloaded and unpacked our things and then we walked to the food court for lunch. After eating and walking back to our room in in the heat I knew I could never handle that hike for a whole week considering the heat & humidy.

We do love to walk the grounds and we have stayed there before but we were never that far away. So I called and asked to be moved to something closer.

They were very nice and said they could get us closer if we didn't mind going into the Mansions. They send a bell man with our new keys and he was there is 10 minutes. We barely got everything thrown back into our suitcases and he was there. He did tell us that AB 24 was the farthest. And he said it is very easy to get lost back there.

I am sorry that you were put into that building for your first visit. It really makes a totally different first impression.

 

[marcyinPA]

Wondering why you were "walking through the rain with your luggage".
We stay at POR often (and like it better than all the deluxes, except the Contemporary).
It always amazes me when we're there (POR) how many families I see struggling with numerous bags of luggage whether they are arriving or leaving. Why don't they use bell services? I have never carried my own luggage at WDW.

I had that same thought as I was reading the OP. Bell services...I would never survive without them! (We don't travel light! )

We loved POR...in fact, I said next trip, I want to stay there again. We didn't have a problem with cell phone service either...we have Cingular. In fact, on this past trip, we had better cell phone service and coverage in WDW than we do when we are upstate in PA!

Sorry you didn't have a good trip!

 

[nygrl]

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.

thank you for posting this..... i was just as you said trying to give my opinion.... i many times in my posts said this was my opinion and for the people who love POR that is great..... different people have different views of things and this was just my view....obviously you are correct that you cant post a negative review without getting blasted.... i believe in what i said and saw and once again it is MY opinion.... please everyone try it for your self and let me know what you think.... i am not trying to steer people away from POR unless they have problems with the thing s i mentioned..... i also think POR is more "lush" as you guys call it than some of the other mods which brings with it more crawling ,flying things.....so once again please dont be scared away by my review this was my opinion and yours may be totally different!!!!!

 

[GalDisney]

All the resorts, including the deluxes, have lizards. Its Florida after all. They even have snakes!

 

[madge]

And i stand by that comment people who dont use bell services DO NOT WANT TO TIP....

I respectfully disagree. It's a resort-by-resort choice for our family.

When we arrived at PO-R, I got out of the van and went to the lobby for check-in. DH stayed in the car with our 3 children & luggage. As it turns out, our room was in a building with parking very close by. We did not bring a lot of stuff, so it was totally unnecessary to unload and let Bell Services bring our bags to the room when we could park and unload ourselves.

At the Swan, it was a different story....the self park is so far from the lobby that it made sense for us to unload under the canopy and use Bell Services.

 

[eclectics]

I respectfully disagree. It's a resort-by-resort choice for our family.

When we arrived at PO-R, I got out of the van and went to the lobby for check-in. DH stayed in the car with our 3 children & luggage. As it turns out, our room was in a building with parking very close by. We did not bring a lot of stuff, so it was totally unnecessary to unload and let Bell Services bring our bags to the room when we could park and unload ourselves.

At the Swan, it was a different story....the self park is so far from the lobby that it made sense for us to unload under the canopy and use Bell Services.

ITA. Perhaps there are a few people who don't use them just to get out of the tip, but I think the majority of people who don't use bell services don't use them because they are simply not needed. Plain and simple.

 

[brerrabbit]

We have stayed at a lot of different resorts and we have enjoyed each one. Over the years my career has had ups and downs and at times we have been able to spend more for our stays and at other times less. We have promised ourselves mumerous times that we were going to take at least one trip where we did not even go to the parks but just enjoyed all the other activities offered. (like golf, tennis, horseback riding, bicycling, shopping, the pools etc.) However we have yet to do it. I think each person or family that goes has to essentially decide what their "style" is and plan their trip accordingly. When making you resort decsion it is not a matter of being snooty, or being poor, but rather a choice of what is important to you and your family. Our stays in deluxe and moderates have been wonderful but in every instance we have left thinking that we never took full advantage of all the amenities the resort had to offer. Additionally we like to spend the majority of our time going and doing. We spend a lot of time in the parks and at DD shopping and looking around. I like to golf and we also enjoy the water parks. As a result we have decided for our last few stays and for our upcoming trip over Thanksgiving to stay at Value Resorts. For heavans sakes people you are on vacation with your family and you should decide to do the things that you and your family enjoys without having to deal with things that annoy you. If you want inside corridors stay deluxe, if you are not going to use the resort that much, save money and go with the Value, but the most important thing is make the right choice for your family.

I will admit that I read some of these posts about deluxe coincierge stays and think to myself "wow why would anyone pay that kind of money?" But then I stop myself and realize that thats their business and none of mine, and I am happy that they can go and enjoy their time a WDW. I don't see them as snobs, just someone who can afford that kind of stay and I say more power to them. My family is excited just to be a WDW and we enjoy ourselves wherever we stay. And as far as negative comments about resorts, I always take them with a grain of salt and realize that some thing mentioned are of a lot more concern to some people and not to others. Being from the Gulf Coast of Texas, bugs, lizards, mosquitos and heat are part of my family's everyday life and we are all okay with that. Some people because of where they live are not. However my feelings about the comments made do not in any way invalidate the posters comments. They will probably be important to other people reading the boards.

 

[ADisneygirl]

I just wanted to say that I appreciate reading all reviews, both negative and positive. Then we can sort out what facts/opinions we most agree with or that seem to mesh with our own personalities when picking a resort. Of course there will be people who absolutely love a place that I disliked, and vice versa. I just don't think the OP was asking to be flamed for her opinions. She simply wanted to state them in order to give all us DIS'ers a chance to read them and decide for ourselves if this particular resort sounds good for our family. I thank her for her honesty and valid opinions, but of course we will all pick the resort we deem best for us.

 

[jaguar9748]

I totally appreciate the OP's honest comments. I've stayed in most of the WDW resorts and have definite favorites and definite non-favorites!

Cellular service has been bad for us in any room in any WDW resort. It can be worse in a deluxe since many times we've had to exit the building to get service. We have Cingular.

Summer in Florida is full of "bugs and creatures". Just our way of life.

Rain in summer/early fall is also a reality in Florida. Any of the resorts that have detached buildings are hampered by this (and most resorts have detached buildings!). Best resorts for weather are Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club and Beach Club.

The food courts are not cheap, but they are cheaper than the food at the parks and certainly the food options at the deluxes. Overall, I've found POR's food court to be the best price-wise and food quality-wise. The food court at Coronado is the most expensive of the moderates and values in my opinion.

I would have insisted that a manager be contacted to arrange for bell services. I've had to insist on certain levels of service at WDW moderates at times - particularly at off hours.

I hope that folks that are considering a trip to POR, continue that consideration. The resort is spread out so be sure to work with your check-in castmember to get an optimal room for your needs. Disney food is expensive so preparation is key. The resort has 2 different styles - bayou and mansion and they are very different. The mansion is more refined with beautiful fountains, manicured lawns and foliage and large beautiful buildings. The bayou is supposed to replicate the back bayou country of Louisiana and Mississippi (never been there!). It is much more rustic and landscaped accordingly. If you like a more refined experience, stay in the mansions which are lovely! POR has 6 pools, food court, full service restaurant, children's playground, large store, bar with entertainment, arcade, rental boats, boat transportation to Downtown Disney, fishin' hole (which is fun!), carriage rides and more. POR offers much for a minimal price.

However, if you really like more luxury, bigger rooms, inside corridors, better service, better food, etc. save your pennies and stay at a deluxe. They're swell!

Favorite deluxe - Beach Club
Favorite moderate - POR
Favorite value - POP

 

[ottawa-newbie]

Umm, pardon my ignorance , but what kind of lizards are we talking about???

We are going to POFQ in November, and I would love to see one!!!! They don't walk around outside here in c-c-c-old Canada!!!!!

Can someone post a pic if you have one?

 

[sanibelover]

They are called skinks and they are everywhere!! Not very large - biggest might be 4 inches and quite slender, more like salamandars.

 

[Luv4Disney]

Sorry your stay was bad. We absolutely love POR. I had cell phone service everywhere we went (T-Mobile). I think it also depends on what kind of phone you have. We didn't find the food in the food court more expensive than anywhere else on property. As for the bugs, we didn't have that problem either. We always went to the other pools. We were in a mansion room (Parterre) and found the walk to be pleasant. Hope your next resort is better.

 

[Philly81]

....next i will go on about how nasty and EXPENSIVE the food was in the food court!! how they have the nerve to call the pizza pizza is beyond me!! and the prices were outrageous for a food court...
... and boatrights was also good but crowded and expensive...
.... Not to sound snooty or anything but i guess i am just a deluxe kind of girl... this was our first and im sure last trip to a mod!!!

I'm sorry that you didn't like POR. If you think POR's food is expensive prepare for higher prices at the deluxe resorts. Mara at AK, for example was much higher than the foodcourt at POR. Boatwright's is one of the more affordable of any of the resort sit down restaurants. I do agree about the pizza though. Not many places serve decent pizza in WDW.

 

[leight]

started reading this because I am going to POR in early dec. I would very much prefer the deluxes- because I am not fond of the motel feel of outdoor corridors. That being said I have stayed mostly at the value/mods because of Fl discounts and short stays (usually weekend getaways of 2 nites) so I can't justify spending the money on deluxes when the trips are dedicated to our dds 5 & 8 - they wouldn't know the difference. Now when I plan an adult trip w/ dh I will be going for deluxes -or at least Dolphin/Swan (got married at the Swan so I have a soft spot there).

We love the Poly- and would love to go there but are struggling w/ job changes so can't justify the cost.

So far our fav mod is CSR- but we stayed there in july so want to try all - POQF was not impressive to me as I had a bad experience w/ the mousekeeping. We only stayed one nite or I would have seriously complained!I'm open to the POR- will make my own judgements. I will request mansions as my girls will appreciate the more feminine decor... and while I don't anticipate too much time at the resort I will explore so I can give it my true evaluation. I realize that everyone has their own opinions. I have stayed at very expensive hotels in NYC- eg Waldorf Astoria and my business travels have always been more deluxe style hotels- so I do feel that the Values/Mods are missing out on that deluxe feel. But the WDW trips are focused on feeling the magic of Disney and that is in the themeing that you only get at the resorts.

I do dream of a week trip at the Poly and another longer vacation at WL for a christmas stay (early dec/jan) but for now I'll give my kids weekend memories w/ mom & dad - they won't remember that they weren't in a deluxe when they look back on it as an adult-they'll just remember the magic!

 

[maddiel]

We stayed at POR in Aug 05, in building 28.

I didn't like the ambience as well as I liked CS, where we stayed last time but I thought it was nice - just not my cup of tea. I wish like heck I had waited for a room in a closer building in AB. The long walk in that August heat every freakin' time we wanted to do anything got pretty old fast.

On the other hand, we all fell wildly in love with the lizards.

The maid service was not great. We had to call and complain about items not being replenished. The main desk staff were wonderful and let us stay in the room until five for free as we had a really sick kiddo and our plane didn't leave until eight. We had a lot of trouble getting consistent information from the bell staff - lots of run around.

I thought the food court was pretty good value and variety. I wished there were were more options at night though.

I thought the pools we tried were nice. Old Man Island was very interesting, but not worth the walk most of the time. Our quiet pool was clean and quiet and not too far away, although we found the hotness of the water disconcerting.

The boat ride to FQ/downtown Disney was wonderful. The bus service was terrible.

I guess it has pros and cons, it just depends on on what your priorities are.

M.

(And which building you get!)

 

[Luv4Disney]

....next i will go on about how nasty and EXPENSIVE the food was in the food court!! how they have the nerve to call the pizza pizza is beyond me!! and the prices were outrageous for a food court...
... and boatrights was also good but crowded and expensive...
.... Not to sound snooty or anything but i guess i am just a deluxe kind of girl... this was our first and im sure last trip to a mod!!!

I'm sorry that you didn't like POR. If you think POR's food is expensive prepare for higher prices at the deluxe resorts. Mara at AK, for example was much higher than the foodcourt at POR. Boatwright's is one of the more affordable of any of the resort sit down restaurants. I do agree about the pizza though. Not many places serve decent pizza in WDW.

It's hard to make pizza that will please everyone from everywhere. Everywhere in the country has a different concept of what "good pizza" should taste like. Being so close to NY, I'm sure I have a different idea of what a pizza should taste like compared to someone from Arizona. Some people like it, some don't. Can't please everybody. At least Disney tries.