Most Recent Reviews
Reviewed by earthmom7 Review Date: 01/03/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Stayed 12/22/12-12/29/12. This was our second time stay at POR, first time was 5 years ago at Christmas. We had reserved a garden view room and were placed in Acadian House. The room was much nicer than our previous room in Alligator Bayou. Our room was close to one of the quiet pools, Old Man Island and the North Bus Stop. The staff was polite and helpful from check-in to check-out. We enjoyed the pools, the restaurants, the arcade and the boat transportation to and from Downtown Disney. The only minor complaint we had was the some what inconsistency in housekeeping. While our room was cleaned every day the coffee and cups were not restocked until we specifically requested it (and left a second tip). Bus transportation was a bit spotty during the week but I think is a bigger Disney issue and not something to blame on the resort. We would definitely stay here again.
Pros:
Room, staff, groundsCons:
inconsistent housekeepingReview of Starring Rolls
Reviewed by rakman777 Review Date: 01/03/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
This is one of the better CS options in DHS.
You get a very nice meal, and a fantastic dessert to boot. A welcomed break from the burger/fries joints, as they provided two sandwich options - a ham and cheese or turkey pesto - both on very soft focaccia bread, and healthy portion of tender, flavorful meat. We were so full from the sandwiches, that we could barely eat the wonderful desserts (some of which rival Epcot).
The desserts are amazing (and huge), and worth a snack credit if you decide to eat elsewhere for lunch or dinner.
Would definitely eat here again and recommend to all. Just be aware that it is very small inside, and the DDP is a little confusing here.
If they'd post what you can get, then the lines would move a lot faster. The employees seemed to spend more time answering DDP questions than processing orders.
Pros:
ValueCons:
Small and crowdedReview of Flame Tree Barbecue
Reviewed by rakman777 Review Date: 01/03/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
If you're on the DDP and looking for the best bang for your buck, then this is one of the best counter service options in all of WDW, and by far the best option at AK.
We came here 5 years ago, and my dad (75) must have demanded that we return here about a dozen times during our December trip planning.
Needless to say, we were again thrilled with the quantity and quality of the FTB. In fact, if you're on the quick service DDP, unless you want to eat here twice in one day, you'll do well to eat a late lunch here, and then have another CS dinner at one of the resorts or another park.
There's just not much else at AK that's worthy of a CS credit.
Pros:
Quantiy/QualityCons:
NoneReviewed by rlsaumure Review Date: 01/02/2013
Rating: (10) Recommended
Just booked our 5th vacation at this resort for the end of the month. We have enjoyed every experience so far. The staff is always friendly and the grounds are always beautifully maintained.
The resort is divided into 2 sections, Alligator Bayou & Magnolia Bend. Alligator Bayou is made to look like a Lousiana bayou and you stay in "Cabins" that are made to look rustic (hand carved wood beds, and shower tile that looks like wood) but rest assured everything is modern and well laid out. Magnolia has nicely groomed grounds and the rooms are located in buildings that look like southern mansions.
There are fountains, ponds and gazebos around the resort and 5 pools, 2 free form quiet pools in Alligator Bayou and 2 traditional quiet pools in Magnolia Bend and the main pool. The main pool is a huge free form pool that has a slide that the kids love.
If you want to cut down on the walking, pay the premium and request a river view room, this will guarantee you a room along the main path. An Alligator Bayou river view room will be your best bet (ask for building 14, 18 or 27) 14 being a two minute walk from the main building. Don't be afraid to ask what's available when you check in they are happy to accommodate if possible.
Utilize the water taxi to Downtown Disney it's a pleasant ride and you can have a few drinks and not have to worry about driving back. The water taxi's leave every 20 minutes but they will add more if it gets busy.
The Riverside Mill (counter service restaurant) can get quite busy in the morning but the lines move pretty quick (get somebody to hunt down a table while you are in line to pay). Or you can grab some cereal or a parfait the night before and eat in you room. Be sure to visit the River Roost (bar) with the kids Wed - Sat evenings, there is an entertainer there that is a lot of fun.
We always rent a car but have taken the buses occasionally, it gets very busy when the parks close and if your at the last stop in the resort it feel like a long trip at the end of a big day. You can rent a car for for $200-$250 at the airport and it never takes longer than 5 minutes to exit the park.
If your looking for a really nice resort with a lot of amenities, POR is the best bang for the buck...........unless you have money to burn.
Pros:
Beautiful grounds, friendly staff, great poolsCons:
Resort is large for someReview of Boardwalk Villas (Disney Vacation Club)
Reviewed by laurenschultzyuhasz Review Date: 01/02/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
Getting excited for the boardwalk villas from Jan. 13-17! It is a surprise birthday trip for our 8 year old daughter. Have not told her yet (so hard).
Just wanted to give others a heads up- received notification today the Luna park pool is closed Jan. 2 through early March.
Pros:
locationCons:
Luna Park Pool closed from Jan 2, 2013 to early MarchReview of Walt Disney World's Magical Express
Reviewed by uvegesmike Review Date: 01/02/2013
Rating: (4) Not Recommended
The transportation itself is very nice and comfortable. Unless you catch it at just the right time on arrival, it can be very time-consuming. On your return, the service demands you leave your resort far too early.
Pros:
FreeCons:
Slow, unaccomodatingReview of Backstage Magic - 3 Park Tour
Reviewed by EPCOTCitizn Review Date: 01/02/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
This was a great behind the scenes tour. We had great access to so many places at Disney World. We visited all 4 parks and more—most notable were the American Adventure and the nursery. The tour was very fast-paced because we had so much territory to cover. Disney provided headsets, so you could hear without crowding around the guide. Both of our guides were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Overall, I’d recommend it to the seasoned Disney World fan who wants to see more.
Pros:
American AdventureCons:
A lot of information to processReview of Walt Disney World's Magical Express
Reviewed by nikalseyn Review Date: 01/02/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
This is a wonderful service and we recommend it highly. We checked our bags at our home airport and never saw them again until we got back from the part that night. They had been delivered to our room at our Disney hotel. When we left for home, we checked in for our flight at our hotel, checked the bags, and bypassed check in at the airport. We did not see our bags until we arrived at our home airport.
The only problem we had was in actually finding where this service is at the Orlando airport. There are few, if any signs on the main level after arrival. Apparently, this is due to the airport's strange insistence about not having the Disney magical express signs where they would be helpful. After asking around, we found out we had to go a couple of levels downstairs where the car rentals are, etc. All in all somewhat confusing for first time users of it. We have used the magical express four times now so we are well-aware of how to use it and where it is located. However, the airport could do a much better job of showing people where it is.
Pros:
very convenientCons:
somewhat hard to find at airportReview of Pop Century Resort (Value Resort)
Reviewed by marathonminnie Review Date: 01/02/2013
Rating: (9) Recommended
We are always very happy at Pop. The rooms are tiny, but we've learned to accommodate for the size. We will be staying there again soon, as no other resort feels like home the way that Pop does. It is definitely a must do for people who are park commandos who only use their rooms to sleep.
Pros:
Frequent buses, wonderful theming, ease of access to everythingCons:
Cramped roomsReview of Crystal Palace Breakfast
Reviewed by WeLoveTheHouseOfTheMouse Review Date: 01/02/2013
Rating: (7) Recommended
There were plenty of food options at this breakfast, that's for sure! We especially enjoyed the "create-your-own" omelet option and the french toast. Some of the food was a little too onion-y for our taste, but overall, we enjoyed the experience.
