POR Vs. Pop

[Tinkyroo]

I need some help here. We have always stayed at Pop but this year I am considering Port Orleans Riverside Alligator Bayou. Actually I have 2 reservations at the moment. I am on the fence. The free dinning with the Mod is probably the better deal but you still have the tips to pay and you have to make sure you don't miss your reservation time. We have only eaten CS on our trips so TS might be a nice treat, though I will say I like CS. I LOVE Pop but POR is a Mod and aren't they always better? Other worries - the buses for POR sharing with POFQ is that a problem? Are there elevators in the Bayou section? Are the rooms there really that much bigger than Pop? We bring lots of luggage. In photos I have seen it looks like Pop has more floor space. Also, POR seems very spread out. Is the main house a far walk?

My DH does not want to plan this with me or even talk about it so I call on you Disney experts for your advise.

Thank You!

 

[Thunder Kz]

Ok, so I just canceled my reservation for Pop then later today I checked the reviews for POR on tripadvisor.com. It had a ton of bad reviews saying the rooms were dirty, run down, bug infested and gross. A lot of posters also said that none of their room requests where given to them. Are these to be believed? I am a bit nervous here.

Getting your requests is really hit/miss, so I would suggest making your request by phone now, and then arriving early on arrival date to follow-up. As far as rooms being dirty/run down, etc., I have not had a problem with this (stayed 3 separate times in '09) this year. There are a ton of rooms there, and unfortunately certain housekeepers are better than others. I hate having to call to complain, but you're paying a lot of money to be there, and if you're room is for some reason unacceptable, then just request another.

You could consider transferring to POFQ if you're uncomfortable at POR. IMO either are a nice step up from POP, and I like POP a lot.

 

[Master Yoda]

Ok, so I just canceled my reservation for Pop then later today I checked the reviews for POR on tripadvisor.com. It had a ton of bad reviews saying the rooms were dirty, run down, bug infested and gross. A lot of posters also said that none of their room requests where given to them. Are these to be believed? I am a bit nervous here.

Tripadvisor is not the best place to get hotel reviews from. The average person is not going to go out of their way to write a favorable review of a hotel or resort. However, the average person will go out of their way to tell everyone who will listen that they had a bad stay. They also tend to embellish the facts quite a bit. I am getting close to 100 on property Disney trips (the majority of them at PORS) and I have never witnessed anything even remotely close to what is described on tripadvisor.

 

[dixiegirl]

POR, one word can sum up the difference "Bob". He is awesome!!!!! The quiet pools are great too.

Ah Piano Man "BOB"....He is great! Yeah Good Times!

 

[Tinkerbella16]

Having stayed at Pop Century twice already. We tried POR in 2007 and I absolutely fell in love with it. Like someone said already, you really do not feel like you are staying at a hotel. The grounds are gorgeous, the layout is pretty big. POR has boat transportation to DTD which was really nice and we didn't take the bus there the whole week.

It depends on what section they put you in, if you are far from the main building or not. Unfortunately we were in Alligator Bayou, Bldg #24...far far walk to everything but it was great in the morning because we had the West Depot busstop right outside of room basically. I never mind the walking...and actually loved it everyday!

Now, I stayed at POFQ last year for the 1st time and now that resort is my favorite! The size was perfect. No matter where you're room is you are close to everything... foodcourt, giftshop, DTD boatdock, pool, and busstop. There is only 1 busstop at POFQ so that was good. The entire week we were there, we never had to share busses with POR and it was during a slow period in November. This year I had to settle for Pop Century, and it was soooo hard not to go with French Quarter because that is where I wanna stay everytime...it was THAT nice!

 

[wvugeoggrad]

I agree, Bob is awesome!!! I can't wait to see him in 9 days!!! :sohappy:

I also like POR over POP if its affordable, like the other posters said its just more relaxing to come back to after a long day in the parks. I've only stayed in the Mansion section though but I loved it!

 

[dixiegirl]

It is sad that they no longer serve breakfast at boatwrights...God they had the best Banana Stuffed french toast.....Paired with a Mamosa...Oh glorious!!!!!

I tell and I've said it before if it was'nt for us being DVC members I'd still be going to POR......This is one resort That i could go on and on about!

 

[eeyoremum]

Hello,

I was making this decision in the spring. We had stayed at POP 3 times and I wanted a change. I chose POR and I LOVED it.

My 2 DSs and my DH hated it. We were too far from the main pool, too far from the buses (we were in building 27 :shrug, there are no slushies, it was boring and dumb and so on and so on.

I one thing I really hated was the busing. I did miss the one stop they have at POP.

Long story short next time we are going back to POP.

Have fun on your trip

 

[Master Yoda]

Hello,

I was making this decision in the spring. We had stayed at POP 3 times and I wanted a change. I chose POR and I LOVED it.

My 2 DSs and my DH hated it. We were too far from the main pool, too far from the buses (we were in building 27 :shrug, there are no slushies, it was boring and dumb and so on and so on.

I one thing I really hated was the busing. I did miss the one stop they have at POP.

Long story short next time we are going back to POP.

Have fun on your trip

Just FYI but the slushy machines are no longer at POP.

 

[eeyoremum]

Just FYI but the slushy machines are no longer at POP.

Oh no ....that is one piece of information i will keep to myself for now. Especially since we are planning a trip with our family friends who have never stayed onsite and my kids have been telling their kids all about the coke slushies.

Thanks for the FYI

 

[RiversideBunny]

Ok, so I just canceled my reservation for Pop then later today I checked the reviews for POR on tripadvisor.com. It had a ton of bad reviews saying the rooms were dirty, run down, bug infested and gross. A lot of posters also said that none of their room requests where given to them. Are these to be believed? I am a bit nervous here.

Don't read that stuff. Listen to us.
We are your friends.
Have fun at Port Orleans Riverside.
:king:

 

[javs4evas1298]

I have stayed at Pop about 3 times I think and POR once and love both. If I had to choose though I would definitely go with POR. I think the kids would prefer POP because of the themeing but as an adult I think POR is better. Much quieter and more relaxing. I don't think you will be disappointed with chosoing either one though.

 

[Tinkyroo]

Master Yoda do you know if Pop Warner spillage goes to POR? We will be arriving 12/6 and staying till 12/18. I thought they kept them to the All Stars with spillage to CS, but in another thread someone said that spillage goes to POR.

Also, should I be worried about mosquitoes at POR? I grew up in Palm Beach Co. and there were tons of them there especially in lush surrounds.

One more thing - if I request a room nearest the main building on the ground floor do you think we will get it? My nightmare would be stuck way out, not near a parking lot and upstairs. We travel with a ton of stuff and after driving straight through for 19 1/2 hrs. with only quick stops to gas up and hit the restroom the last thing my DH (who is not a Disney nut like me) will want to do is unload everything at 11pm through a lush unfamiliar maze and up a flight of stairs.

 

[Master Yoda]

Master Yoda do you know if Pop Warner spillage goes to POR? We will be arriving 12/6 and staying till 12/18. I thought they kept them to the All Stars with spillage to CS, but in another thread someone said that spillage goes to POR.

Also, should I be worried about mosquitoes at POR? I grew up in Palm Beach Co. and there were tons of them there especially in lush surrounds.

One more thing - if I request a room nearest the main building on the ground floor do you think we will get it? My nightmare would be stuck way out, not near a parking lot and upstairs. We travel with a ton of stuff and after driving straight through for 19 1/2 hrs. with only quick stops to gas up and hit the restroom the last thing my DH (who is not a Disney nut like me) will want to do is unload everything at 11pm through a lush unfamiliar maze and up a flight of stairs.

I have been there many times during Pop Warner and have never even noticed them. I am assuming that for the most part you do not get entire teams there so the mob mentality does not take hold.

You will not need mosquito repellent anywhere in WDW. I would bring a can just in case but I have never had a need for it at WDW.

The sooner you reserve your room the better you chance is of getting your request honored. It is also a good idea to make the request very general in nature. In the case of PORS you will want to request ground floor in buildings (in order of prefrence) 14, 15, 18, 27. Regarding the second floor....I have 3 kids and I am the pack mule of the family. We have gotten second floor rooms and while it does suck when you first arrive and when you leave it is no different for the rest of the trip.

 

[dixiegirl]

Don't read that stuff. Listen to us.
We are your friends.
Have fun at Port Orleans Riverside.
:king:

LOL!! God that just made me laugh!!!!!
We ARE the experts!!!!! LOL

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Master Yoda do you know if Pop Warner spillage goes to POR? We will be arriving 12/6 and staying till 12/18. I thought they kept them to the All Stars with spillage to CS, but in another thread someone said that spillage goes to POR.

Also, should I be worried about mosquitoes at POR? I grew up in Palm Beach Co. and there were tons of them there especially in lush surrounds.

One more thing - if I request a room nearest the main building on the ground floor do you think we will get it? My nightmare would be stuck way out, not near a parking lot and upstairs. We travel with a ton of stuff and after driving straight through for 19 1/2 hrs. with only quick stops to gas up and hit the restroom the last thing my DH (who is not a Disney nut like me) will want to do is unload everything at 11pm through a lush unfamiliar maze and up a flight of stairs.

I can confirm the "spillage" as I've been there the second week in Dec. the last few years. With that said it is barely noticed in the rooms. More so than football teams, you see more of associated cheerleaders (even at GF). Some rooms you will see decorated and there are one or two days of spontaneous "cheering in lobby areas. That is usually at the end of their time, when winners are announced, and they soon depart.

I have never changed my dates of visit or stays at POR based on Pop Warner.

 

[Nemo14]

Ok, so I just canceled my reservation for Pop then later today I checked the reviews for POR on tripadvisor.com. It had a ton of bad reviews saying the rooms were dirty, run down, bug infested and gross. A lot of posters also said that none of their room requests where given to them. Are these to be believed? I am a bit nervous here.

We've stayed at POR several times and only once did we not get our requested room. I much prefer the mansions to the Alligator Bayou section, but either one is a good choice. Have a great trip!

 

[Tinkyroo]

First thing this morning (before I read today's comments) I called again to add a request of a corner room. I told the guy that my first wish was to be close to the main house like in building 14 or 15 (I did not list building number preferences after that - he said that they would go to the next closest building available if those were full - should I call back?), my second wish was to be on a corner and my third wish was the first floor (I rather have a second floor just don't want to hurt myself logging up luggage). I never do this but I did mentioned my son is a special needs child. He is, I'm not lieing, I just don't like to use that to get what I want. Anyway, he said that would take precedence. So I guess that helps our case of being close to the main house?

When we have stayed at Pop I have always requested to be far away in the 80's section second floor facing the parking lot and always got it. I never mentioned my son's issues. I guess we got it every time because no one chooses to be out there. The difference being at PORS everyone probably requests what I am.

 

[Master Yoda]

First thing this morning (before I read today's comments) I called again to add a request of a corner room. I told the guy that my first wish was to be close to the main house like in building 14 or 15 (I did not list building number preferences after that - he said that they would go to the next closest building available if those were full - should I call back?), my second wish was to be on a corner and my third wish was the first floor (I rather have a second floor just don't want to hurt myself logging up luggage). I never do this but I did mentioned my son is a special needs child. He is, I'm not lieing, I just don't like to use that to get what I want. Anyway, he said that would take precedence. So I guess that helps our case of being close to the main house?

When we have stayed at Pop I have always requested to be far away in the 80's section second floor facing the parking lot and always got it. I never mentioned my son's issues. I guess we got it every time because no one chooses to be out there. The difference being at PORS everyone probably requests what I am.

You should be good with those requests and because you informed them that you son has a medical need that will bump you to the front of the list as far as requests go.

 

[eeyoremum]

First thing this morning (before I read today's comments) I called again to add a request of a corner room. I told the guy that my first wish was to be close to the main house like in building 14 or 15 (I did not list building number preferences after that - he said that they would go to the next closest building available if those were full - should I call back?), my second wish was to be on a corner and my third wish was the first floor (I rather have a second floor just don't want to hurt myself logging up luggage). I never do this but I did mentioned my son is a special needs child. He is, I'm not lieing, I just don't like to use that to get what I want. Anyway, he said that would take precedence. So I guess that helps our case of being close to the main house?

When we have stayed at Pop I have always requested to be far away in the 80's section second floor facing the parking lot and always got it. I never mentioned my son's issues. I guess we got it every time because no one chooses to be out there. The difference being at PORS everyone probably requests what I am.

You should be good with those requests and because you informed them that you son has a medical need that will bump you to the front of the list as far as requests go.

Really? My DH has mobility issues, walks with a cane and uses a wheelchair. We requested building 15 or 14 and got 27 around the back not facing the path. Well not far for me I thought it was great. He had a rough time of the additional walking.

At POP we were given a room right by the mail pool and really close to everything. I think that is why he prefers POP over POR.

 

[Master Yoda]

Really? My DH has mobility issues, walks with a cane and uses a wheelchair. We requested building 15 or 14 and got 27 around the back not facing the path. Well not far for me I thought it was great. He had a rough time of the additional walking.

At POP we were given a room right by the mail pool and really close to everything. I think that is why he prefers POP over POR.

The policy is that medical needs are met first but like every request they can not always be met. There are a variety of reasons that they may not have been able to honor the request among those being, it may not have been noted on the reservation as a medical need request, the request was to specific (ie room 2201 or corner room 1st floor building 14), the special requests could have been cleared due to a reservation change (requests do not always follow changes), or it was simply not possible to to the resort being at 100% occupancy.