Port Orleans, Disney: Testimony of Tourists Thrilled

Booking anything online is a little nerve racking. You spend hours slaving over options, scrutinizing 2x2 pictures and engross yourself in lists of amenities. Ultimately, you throw money on your credit card praying for the best. One such time we were more than pleasantly surprised was a trip my family took to Disney World in Orlando, FL and stayed at the Port Orleans Resort and Spa.

I have stayed at many places on the Disney World property and have been over 10 times. And though Disney always serves the magic, some places to stay are simply more luxury and meet the needs of families better. The year we stayed at Port Orleans I had 4 kids under the age of 12. Here are six stellar reasons we loved every minute!

Short Walk to Shuttle
No matter where you stay on the property, the walk to the shuttle (which takes you to Disney) is a short one. A few hotels have the monorail, but if you are further out and opt for a more resort like experience, you will be taking the shuttle. Nothing is worse than carrying two sleeping kids (who passed out on the shuttle after a long day) when you, yourself are exhausted. Port Orleans thinks of this and the shuttle stops are conveniently located throughout the complex.

Spacious Rooms
I will never forget walking into our suite and being completely overwhelmed by the space. Though we had 6 people, it could have slept double that with ease. All of the kids had their own bed, we had a living room with spacious kitchen and a deck where we spent most our time. But to me, the bathrooms were the best!

The BIG Tub
I don't know about you, but I love a big bath tub. Port Orleans had an enormous master suite with a spa tub complete with jets, for endless bubbles. (And after walking Disney parks all day, there is nothing better than jets of bubbles massaging the pain out of your back and feet.) My husband and I had romantic moments (even with 4 sleeping kids) because of that tub! When we got out, our muscles were like jello and we slept like babies! It was fabulous!

Scenic Surrounding
A big balcony that easily supported 6 people lounging was where we spent a lot of our time because the surroundings were breathtaking. Off of our Master Suite was a private door to the balcony, as well, which overlooked a lake. The setting offered a private lake front view! We fed ducks and fish from our room and watched ferry boats (all lit up at night) drift by. There was something completely peaceful about the sound of water and having a coffee in the morning overlooking a foggy lake. After all, peace is hard to come by in an amusement park...and parents need downtime!

Personal Pool
The way the villas are arranged at Port Orleans Spa and Resort allow for private swimming. There is the main pool at the clubhouse entrance which has appeal, but there is even greater appeal to the small pools designed to service a set of villas, which tend to attract smaller crowds.

No matter where we go on vacation or the attractions offered, my kids want to swim. Even at Disney, with the biggest attractions in the world, they want to go to a pool. Oh well, having one right outside your door to take a quick dip or 30 minute swim is a way to hit what the kids want to do without fanfare of a 2 mile walk, or waiting on a shuttle. We loved the small convenient pool - that was basically all our own the week we were there!

Playgrounds
Right next to the little pool was a playground. Similar to the pool, it is so nice to be alone in your suite and let the kids run outside to the pool, or playground (right outside your door) while you relax or get ready without excited kids around. It just had a way of making it a true vacation for adults, too, by giving you a little alone time.

I love vacations and I love Disney, but never have I had a more accommodating experience than that offered through Port Orleans in Orlando. And if you are ordering on line, if it is available, set your fears aside and book now. Port Orleans delivers!