Where to stay? Where to go? Thinking about Port Orleans Resort. Anyone stayed there? Any help much appreciated.</p>
OT: Need some advice on planning a Disney World Trip
- Thread starter LimpinDawg
- Start date
Where to stay? Where to go? Thinking about Port Orleans Resort. Anyone stayed there? Any help much appreciated.</p>
Heard Port Orleans was good. I wouldn't know.<div>
</div><div>We stated at Coronado Springs. I liked the access they (and presumably every other Disney resort) had to the park and the convenience of the meal plan that applied to the resort as well as the park. If I did it again, I'd be happy going to Coronado Springs again. We spent all our time in the parks, so the resort we chose wasn't a real big deal.</div><div>
</div><div>I think any Disney resort you stayed at would be good so long as it had the right number and size of beds that you need.</div><div>
</div><div>That said, we had a dinner at one of the premium top notch resorts and...holy crap you could stay at one of those places and never need to go to any of the parks. There's plenty to do at the uber nice places. Ah well - we were there for the parks, so that wouldn't have mattered.</div><div>
</div><div>Water access to a resort is pretty cool. Taking a ferry in & out of D World is quick, easy, and free of any traffic and without much wait to get on a boat. Not sure if ferrys are limited to the premium places or not.</div><div>
</div><div>Anyway...where to stay? Again, the room/bed size and number of beds fits, I think you can't go wrong.</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>
</div><div>We stated at Coronado Springs. I liked the access they (and presumably every other Disney resort) had to the park and the convenience of the meal plan that applied to the resort as well as the park. If I did it again, I'd be happy going to Coronado Springs again. We spent all our time in the parks, so the resort we chose wasn't a real big deal.</div><div>
</div><div>I think any Disney resort you stayed at would be good so long as it had the right number and size of beds that you need.</div><div>
</div><div>That said, we had a dinner at one of the premium top notch resorts and...holy crap you could stay at one of those places and never need to go to any of the parks. There's plenty to do at the uber nice places. Ah well - we were there for the parks, so that wouldn't have mattered.</div><div>
</div><div>Water access to a resort is pretty cool. Taking a ferry in & out of D World is quick, easy, and free of any traffic and without much wait to get on a boat. Not sure if ferrys are limited to the premium places or not.</div><div>
</div><div>Anyway...where to stay? Again, the room/bed size and number of beds fits, I think you can't go wrong.</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>
We were actually debating over Port Orleans and Coronado Springs. I'm sure we will spend most (if not all) of our time at the parks as well so it probably won't be that big of a deal. Sounds like a good trip for the kids. Thanks for your help.</p>
But you can't go wrong with the Wilderness Lodge. It's not the most expensive place to stay, but it's nice enough.
when it was just the wife and small kids, we stayed at the value resorts. Spent most of the time in the parks anyway, and only needed a doubleroom. Mostly went to Pop Century.
Whenthe the kidsgot older and wanted to take friends, we needed more room. That's when we found the cabins at Fort Wilderness. They will sleep 6-7.They have a full kitchen, a seperate bedroom, park right at the cabin,and even have a grill on a small deck. All the regular Disneytransportation is available plus you haveaccess to the ferry boats.
The cabins are in the same category as Port Orleans and Coronado Springs (moderate) so the cost is about the same (ridiculous). I recommend renting a golf cart during your stay to get around the campground, or take your own.
Glad to share any more info if you need.</p>
Whenthe the kidsgot older and wanted to take friends, we needed more room. That's when we found the cabins at Fort Wilderness. They will sleep 6-7.They have a full kitchen, a seperate bedroom, park right at the cabin,and even have a grill on a small deck. All the regular Disneytransportation is available plus you haveaccess to the ferry boats.
The cabins are in the same category as Port Orleans and Coronado Springs (moderate) so the cost is about the same (ridiculous). I recommend renting a golf cart during your stay to get around the campground, or take your own.
Glad to share any more info if you need.</p>
I spent a ton on off property condos before i figured out that all we were doing was sleeping there. I would imagine the same would hold true for any higher end resort on property, in our case. We stayed once at Pop Century and never looked back.
Hell on earth. If you do go, take many an airplane bottle of booze. For what it costs, go somewhere else you think you can't afford. After Disney, you'll see that you would have probably come out cheaper anyway. Disney , one trip and you'll see the fall of western civilization.
just got back on the 18th of this month. Port Orleans is a nice resort to stay at, I would suggest the French Quarter of Port Orleans because it is more centrally located around the Bus Stop, Pool, and Lobby. Port Orleans probably has the best Bus Routes that pick up very regularly. If you like to eat on vacation and eat well, I would suggest getting the dining plan. We get the Deluxe Dining plan and usually eat breakfast or lunch in the parks, then eat a signature (two dining credits) restaurant at night. If you are into good steaks and food, I would suggest Yachtsman's Steakhouse and Jiko.
When you go to Hollywood Studios you should try and get a Fantasmic dinner package, you don't have to wait in line for Fantasmic which is one of the best shows down there, and you can eat at either Hollywood Brown Derby or Momma Melrose's. If you plan on doing any good dining be sure to get up early 180 days out to get reservations. If this is a last minute put together thing, don't expect to get many reservations at the bests places, unless you are going at a time with very light crowds.
If you have a smart phone I would get the app called "WDW Lines", people constantly post wait times for rides, and which parks to avoid and such. The more planned out in advance your trip is, the better time you will have. Also it is not a place for people expecting something similar to Six Flags. About all I can come up with at this late hour, but I could probably help with more stuff if you need it.
When you go to Hollywood Studios you should try and get a Fantasmic dinner package, you don't have to wait in line for Fantasmic which is one of the best shows down there, and you can eat at either Hollywood Brown Derby or Momma Melrose's. If you plan on doing any good dining be sure to get up early 180 days out to get reservations. If this is a last minute put together thing, don't expect to get many reservations at the bests places, unless you are going at a time with very light crowds.
If you have a smart phone I would get the app called "WDW Lines", people constantly post wait times for rides, and which parks to avoid and such. The more planned out in advance your trip is, the better time you will have. Also it is not a place for people expecting something similar to Six Flags. About all I can come up with at this late hour, but I could probably help with more stuff if you need it.
As a rule, you should always have a set of fast passes in your pocket once you're inside the park. They can turn a twenty minute line into a twenty second walk or a 2 hr line into a twenty minute wait. Read more here. Pro tip: pick up your next set of fast passes immediately <span style="font-style: italic;">before</span> you cash in your current fast passes.
ETA: Most importantly, they're free.
ETA: Most importantly, they're free.
We stayed at Pop Century and I was satisfied (it was like $89/ room). It's sorta like staying at a Holiday Inn on steroids.
Also, if you can go in September, I'd highly recommend it. Disney usually offers a free meal plan then and it's "supposedly" one of the least crowded months. If that's the case, I can't imagine the most crowded month.
Also, if you can go in September, I'd highly recommend it. Disney usually offers a free meal plan then and it's "supposedly" one of the least crowded months. If that's the case, I can't imagine the most crowded month.
If you are just looking at it as a place to sleep and maybe sit by the pool, definitely go for a value resort. I've stayed in a value and a moderate suite. The suite was nice, but it was a more difficult to get to a bus stop and the bus came a lot less frequently. At the value resort, you never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus.
DW can be a lot of fun or can be complete hell if you don't do your homework. Get one of those guidebooks and follow it. It's going to be crowded, but there are a lot of things you can do to increase your enjoyment.
1. Get there before or near 9. By 10, long lines have formed, and everything is congested. Get there early and ride the big rides first.
2. Go back to the hotel in the middle of the afternoon and rest for a couple hours. When you go back, you'll be refreshed, and there will be a mass exodus of whiny crumb snatchers who stayed all day. Be sure you go back to an "extra magic hours" park and stay late.
3. If possible, avoid areas and parks when there are special events going on, like Fantasmic, parades, etc. Nightmare crowding.
DW can be a lot of fun or can be complete hell if you don't do your homework. Get one of those guidebooks and follow it. It's going to be crowded, but there are a lot of things you can do to increase your enjoyment.
1. Get there before or near 9. By 10, long lines have formed, and everything is congested. Get there early and ride the big rides first.
2. Go back to the hotel in the middle of the afternoon and rest for a couple hours. When you go back, you'll be refreshed, and there will be a mass exodus of whiny crumb snatchers who stayed all day. Be sure you go back to an "extra magic hours" park and stay late.
3. If possible, avoid areas and parks when there are special events going on, like Fantasmic, parades, etc. Nightmare crowding.
We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was nice. I definitely recommend staying at a resort. Get one of the meal plans, they are worth it. We did the Deluxe meal plan. Make reservations for your meals as soon as you can. The most popular places stay busy. My two favorite were the Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios and Nine Dragons in Epcot. Use the fast pass system. Get to shows and parades you want to see early. Wear comfortable shoes.
Try to have tram access to and fro, easy on the legs.
Went to all parks. Magic Kingdom was the best and didn't like Animal Kingdom as much (proly b/c of the heat)
Epcot was nice, but its huge.
1) Fast passes and very early arrivals is key
2) Go back to room for rest, food, nookie or w/e.
3) Go back to the park when the crowds thin at night.
4) Don't do Chef Mickey...sucks and expensive.
5) Be prepared to wait wherever you go
6) The ppl that work there are great
7) If you speak English, you WILL be in a minority
8) The thrill rides are great, not insane, but nice.
9) You will know when you've had enough and its time to head back
10) You'll never forget the experience but it will take a while to wanna go back
Went to all parks. Magic Kingdom was the best and didn't like Animal Kingdom as much (proly b/c of the heat)
Epcot was nice, but its huge.
1) Fast passes and very early arrivals is key
2) Go back to room for rest, food, nookie or w/e.
3) Go back to the park when the crowds thin at night.
4) Don't do Chef Mickey...sucks and expensive.
5) Be prepared to wait wherever you go
6) The ppl that work there are great
7) If you speak English, you WILL be in a minority
8) The thrill rides are great, not insane, but nice.
9) You will know when you've had enough and its time to head back
10) You'll never forget the experience but it will take a while to wanna go back
and I don't go to the parks, and we get in free. An occassional trip to Epcot is ok and hand around for the fireworks. I would send the wife and kids to the parks and book a guided bass trip on Lake Toho or the St. Johns River. Do NOT take a guided bass trip on Disney property, they stock all the lakes with northern strain.
spend most of the time your there waiting in the freaking lines.......Swore I'd never go back........It's fun but damn.........
We took the family down last year in conjunction with the Florida game. For a place to stay, we searched on VRBO.com. for a rental house. We ended up finding a four bedroom home with an indoor swimming pool in a gated community for $95 a night. It was only a 10 min drive to the Disney parks.
The price was great but having those separate bedrooms was FANTASTIC!!!! We didn't feel like we were crammed into a hotel room and could come "home" and relax.
However, it was our 4th trip to Orlando and we were going to other parks as well so it was convenient to all. If this is your first trip and you're not worried about saving some bucks and if you are spending all your time at Disney, then I'd definitely stay on Disney property.
Are you connected to the military in any way? If so, MWR has a Disney run military-only resort on Disney property called Shades of Green. It's VERY nice and much cheaper than the other resorts.
The price was great but having those separate bedrooms was FANTASTIC!!!! We didn't feel like we were crammed into a hotel room and could come "home" and relax.
However, it was our 4th trip to Orlando and we were going to other parks as well so it was convenient to all. If this is your first trip and you're not worried about saving some bucks and if you are spending all your time at Disney, then I'd definitely stay on Disney property.
Are you connected to the military in any way? If so, MWR has a Disney run military-only resort on Disney property called Shades of Green. It's VERY nice and much cheaper than the other resorts.
French Quarter section. It's a basic hotel room. Worked great as simply a place to sleep and shower. If you're doing romance and luxury, then no. It has great bus access to all the parks and boat access to Downtown Disney.
Get to the parks early. Utilize fast pass. We (just the wife and I) could knock out a park by early afternoon, head back to the resort for a late lunch and nap, then head back out to a park for either the parades, Fantasia, fireworks, etc.
Get to the parks early. Utilize fast pass. We (just the wife and I) could knock out a park by early afternoon, head back to the resort for a late lunch and nap, then head back out to a park for either the parades, Fantasia, fireworks, etc.
If you have small children that still need naps then you need to stay at one of the resorts that utilize the monorail system. We always stay at the Grand Floridian. But there is also the Contemporary and Polynesian. They are all three more expensive, but you will find much value in the transportation. Also, take advantage of the early access hours to the parks. It's well worth it.
Don't spend more than a half day at the Animal Kingdom. It's a glorified zoo, and you are at Disney World where there are way better parks.
If you can, take the wife out to downtown Disney. Good shopping, eating, and drinking. And do not miss out on Epcot's "World Showcase".
If you want some real specifics, PM me. I can tell you anything you need to know.
Don't spend more than a half day at the Animal Kingdom. It's a glorified zoo, and you are at Disney World where there are way better parks.
If you can, take the wife out to downtown Disney. Good shopping, eating, and drinking. And do not miss out on Epcot's "World Showcase".
If you want some real specifics, PM me. I can tell you anything you need to know.
Have stayed at Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Beach Club. Enjoyed Beach Club the best. Stayed on the conciere floor with meal plan and had a great time. Beach Club is at back entrance to Epcot, good restaurants at resort, and good transportation to everything. Not cheap, but worth every $$$ to see Disney through the eyes of my 5 year old grandson.
Fast passes are where it's at... your best bet is to get to the park EARLY (i.e. when it opens) and head straight for whatever ride you want to ride the most, or whatever ride has a line that builds up the fastest. If everyone in your party can ride it, great, if you have kids that are too small use theirs anyway and let some folks in your group ride twice back to back, it's fast and fun... You can get a new set like every two hours, and contrary to what is printed on the ticket, you can come back ANY TIME after they become valid as long as it's the same day. You do not have to be there in the time window stated on the ticket... in other words they don't expire til the park closes that day.
Just got back two days ago... we would get passes, find the rides that filled up fast (like Dumbo if you have kids... that line just gets longer as the day goes on), knock them out while we wait on the pass to come available, and re-up with new passes ASAP. Works like a charm...
Just got back two days ago... we would get passes, find the rides that filled up fast (like Dumbo if you have kids... that line just gets longer as the day goes on), knock them out while we wait on the pass to come available, and re-up with new passes ASAP. Works like a charm...
we have started staying at places that have a kitchen in them and it's been very convenient and a real money saver. We stopped by the grocery store before we hit the Disney property and stocked up on breakfast stuff, snacks, sandwich stuff, etc. Eat breakfast in the room every morning (that'll save you 10-15 dollars per person right there) and take some snacks into the park with you. If some folks in your group go back to the room at lunch or for a nap in the afternoon (highly recommended with kids) they can eat a meal/snack there and it ends up saving quite a bit of money...
exhibits, etc. I was what the family called the "pack mule" I took a backpack w/ snacks, bottled h20, etc with me. I went ahead of them and got a FastPass, took it back to them and while they rode/stood in very short lines I went and got the next FastPass, did it all day and it was great. They did everything in record time by not waiting in long lines and saved a bunch on not buying $5 cokes and $10 burgers (that sucked) Breakfast was eaten in the room i.e. fruit, pop tarts etc from grocery store offsite. We've done Port Orleans, Caribbean Resort and Coronado Springs all several times. Coronado is nicest, no difference in Port Orleans and Caribbean except colors and theme. If you go to Caribbean, go by the Cabana bar out by the pool and talk to the male bartender, think his name is Lee. He's been tending there for about 10 years now in the same little poolside bar, great guy, pours em strong, only works afternoons.
They're on Disney property, use Disney transportation and have Extra Magic Hour access. You can take the boat to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios and bus everywhere else. The Boardwalk is next door with restaurants, shops, and ESPN Club. Priced close to Value level Disney resorts and considerably nicer. They're managed by Starwood so if you have or use Starpoints that's an added bonus.<div>
</div><div>Make dining reservations the maximum of 180 days out if you can, especially if you want to eat at any nice restaurants or have character dining. For a little nicer meal with kids, 'Ohana is a fun place to eat at the Polynesian and you can take the monorail to that resort from Magic Kingdom. The beach at Polynesian is also a good place to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks. Also make sure to check out DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney - it may be part of your tickets anyway (if you have "Water Parks and More" it will be included) and it's 4 stories of arcade machines with some VR and 3D games thrown in.... and no money/tokens required to play anything. </div><div>
My wife and I just went again (no kids). We had a blast. Let me know if you want to know more about anything.</div>
</div><div>Make dining reservations the maximum of 180 days out if you can, especially if you want to eat at any nice restaurants or have character dining. For a little nicer meal with kids, 'Ohana is a fun place to eat at the Polynesian and you can take the monorail to that resort from Magic Kingdom. The beach at Polynesian is also a good place to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks. Also make sure to check out DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney - it may be part of your tickets anyway (if you have "Water Parks and More" it will be included) and it's 4 stories of arcade machines with some VR and 3D games thrown in.... and no money/tokens required to play anything. </div><div>
My wife and I just went again (no kids). We had a blast. Let me know if you want to know more about anything.</div>
I haven't been to Disney in a long time, but every time I have been, it has been worth the money. Disney has always managed to provide great customer service even though it is so crowded.
Go and enjoy it.
Go and enjoy it.
Well, we waited about 35 minutes for the most popular attraction. We rode Expedition Everest 7 times in one afternoon with zero wait, though. Pick your travel dates wisely....
I highly recommend that you hire one of the private guides (not through Disney). You will avoid the long lines. Well worth the money.
LimpinDawg said:
Honeymooned at Disney. Stated Port Orleans
Economy allstar resorts are nice cheap and on site. We joined vacation club - Animal Kingdom a few trips back and love it. My wife crunched her magic CPA math and figured it would break even in8 trips.
Get the book Birnbauhms guide to Disney for tips on when and what to do. Great book.
Many good websites w indepyh discussion boards as well such as dis boards.com
Good times can be had if you plan it out, use fast passes, and don't try todo everything. Just too much to do.
Lived in Orlando before and live about 2 hours away now.
I always liked going in October with warm but not hot weather and not crowded. I pitty the fool who goes in July/August.
If kids are 11 years old or older, I would take them to Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure. I loved the place and the rides where fun for me and thetwo 11 year old girls with us. There are several rides where you can get wet so it's probably to cold to go after November.
I always liked going in October with warm but not hot weather and not crowded. I pitty the fool who goes in July/August.
If kids are 11 years old or older, I would take them to Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure. I loved the place and the rides where fun for me and thetwo 11 year old girls with us. There are several rides where you can get wet so it's probably to cold to go after November.
I had a neighbor tell me it sucked not to go. Learned over the years he is a self absorbed prick. I drove the 10 hours down there, stood in lines during July....and had an awesome time with my kids.....lasting memories. We are going back this summer and can't wait.
On the topic though, great advice in this thread. Stay in a cheap Disney hotel, take advantage of magic hours and get one of the meal plans.
On the topic though, great advice in this thread. Stay in a cheap Disney hotel, take advantage of magic hours and get one of the meal plans.
Have annual passes and go several times a year. If you have young children, try and stay near Magic Kingdom -Grand Floridain, Contemporary, Poly (via monorail) or go with Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness (Magic Kingdom access via boat). If kids are 10 or older, consider staying at the Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Resort, Swan or Dolphin - you can walk to Epoct (enter through World Showcase) and Hollywood Studios or you can access either park via boat - you can then access Magic Kingdom via monorail. For economy, I like the Caribbeam Resort - best location close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios via short bus ride. </p>
Shulas is good, but expect to pay $25 for your steak, $6 for baked potato. Don't remember other resturants names but recommend the breakfast buffet and Italian place inside the swan.
Disney is good. Way good. Nobody buy nobody handles crowds and customer service as well as Disney. That place is better run than anything I've ever seen. It is amazing.<div>
</div><div>And with my wife, 6, and 8 year old last year, the whole experience was simply magical. Its hard to express how fantastic our time was over there.</div><div>
</div>
</div><div>And with my wife, 6, and 8 year old last year, the whole experience was simply magical. Its hard to express how fantastic our time was over there.</div><div>
</div>
SeaWorld is a lot of fun. Get the guided tour. You go straight to the front of all the lines (there are actually some pretty decent rides there), get preferred seating at all the shows and get to go behind the scenes and do things like pet a penguin. Also, drive the hour or so to Cape Canaveral and visit the NASA museum there. Again get the guided tour. Both are well worth spending a day on, and you won't have to deal with the Disney crowds.</p>
Can't wait to take the kids down there so they can enjoy some Disney! I didn't know anything about it but ya'll have given me a lot of options to look at.</p>
First week of June is about the worst time you can go. Schools have just let out and that's when they have the big gay week down there, not that there's anything wrong with that. But it can get very crowded because they tend to pick one park a day for the events.