Riverside pool rehab

[ls1222]

After reading some posts on this board, I called Disney to ask them about the pool rehab. The lady (sharon) said as of now, the main pool is scheduled to close in September for the rehab. We will be staying there 9/27-10/6 and told her that I was not happy about this as we use the pool alot (she said the FQ pool would still be open). Anyway has anyone else heard/talked to Disney about this? I wonder if we should change resorts so that we can have a pool?

[dalt01]

i just called the front desk at riverside and they told me the same thing. down in sept. and did not know how long. i for one am changing my reservations, maybe off property. i know things need fixed but we go in the fall every year and never get the full use of things because of the rehab schedules

[hallie]

I called the front desk last night and was told *It would not be affecting our stay* I asked her if there's going to be a rehab and she said *I can't say but it won't be affecting your stay.*

I felt like I was getting the run around-:mad:

So I just called CRO and asked them, she said that she didn't see anything about it BUT she didn't think they would rehab during Thanksgiving time. BUT if they did there are quiet pools...yada yada.... I told her that I wanted make sure the main pool would be open and she said she understood that and that they would send me something on the mail if it would be affecting our stay.

Why can't they just give a straight answer?????

:(

[ls1222]

How frustrating!!!! I called the front desk at RS about 10:30 and was told there is no info on the rehab. What is everyone going to do? Please post w/more info. I guess I need to consider changing the resort as I don't want to walk to FQ to swim (didnt really like that pool anyway). Why does every person have a diffrent answer? Thanks.

[hallie]

I have no idea what to do. I don't understand this run around stuff! Then they wonder why everyone gets upset about rehabs, it's the lack of information!!:mad:

[manning]

Why the heck didn't they rehab it last fall when they had the resort closed?

[TwinMom7]

We were just there and I'll give you the details of my conversation with a lifeguard...

I questioned her about the "ugly" fencing and the closure of the footbridge that spans the pool (which is now closed).

She told me that the pool rehab would start "this fall" and that it would consist of extending the waterfall (from the train trestle) out further over the pool, enlarging the slide, rebuilding the bridge, and adding the little water fountains around the pool area. She said it's going to be a wonderful thing upon completion!!! (Granted, this is only a moderate resort - but look at what they did to the pool at the Polynesian - after a multi-million dollar rehab!!!)

Being that we have traveled several times in late September and knowing how HOT it can still be at that time of year, I would think that they would would start this project later in November....but knowing Disney, they consider September "rehab time".

I know that we were very disappointed 3 years ago when we traveled in September and Splash Mountain was closed for rehab. As far as Disney's concerned, once September arrives and the crowds drop - it's rehab time.

I agree with those of you who don't want to walk to the French Quarter to use their pool. First of all, you're looking at a 15 minute walk (from the resort center of PO-Riverside) and the pool there is geared more towards smaller children. My kids (ages 10 and 15) did not like the slide at the FQ pool at all - too childish.

There are plenty of quiet pools at PO-Riverside, but if you have your heart set on Ole' Man Island, you might want to look into transferring your reservation.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news when I started the original thread about the rehab, but I knew that lots of people were questioning the ugly fencing in the pool area.

[hallie]

Don't feel bad Patty! If it weren't for you we wouldn't have even known about at all! Thank you!!!!!

[ls1222]

Dont feel bad!! I just wish I could get a straight answer from Disney. I hate to transfer my res to another hotel because I will lose my code that I booked with. We have 5 in our family so we booked at Riverside. Why would Disney do this at the same time that they are moving all the CBR people around (doesnt make sense). I emailed Disney so maybe I will get an answer. Thanks.

[henwhyn]

I called POR this morning. They transferred me to "Recreation" I spoke to a lady there at Riverside recreation and she said the pool rehab was post-poned until January. We are going the second week in November and she said she was 99.999% sure that the pool would be up and running then. She also added that they would only close the pool down when it was "slow"

Anyone else get a positive feedback?

[ls1222]

I just called Riverside and the man said that he "thought the rehab was already done" DAH!!! I said "I'm talking about the main pool slide/fountains/bridge ect.... So he checked and said they did not have any details yet and to keep checking back closer to Sept. I'm not sure any two people there could say the exact same answer. Maybe I will try and get throught to recreation as well. I just want to know ahead of time so I can change the reservations.

[Jillpie]

I called the pool bar a few weeks ago and he was loaded with information (he stated at that time it was going to be done in Sept). He must have some updated info by now...its called "Muddy Rivers".

[ls1222]

Jillpie-Thanks for the info. I called the "Muddy Rivers" and spoke w/ a very nice man, he said "that the manager of the resort has spoke about closing the pool for one month in either Sept or Oct" and that alot of the CM's feelings are that Jan would be a better time as Sept/Oct they are predicting full occupancy with CBR being refurbished as well. He told me that Sept/Oct are still a very big possibility and it will take at least a month to do all the work. He also said that if the pool is important to you as a guest to try calling Disney and explaining how you feel and maybe you could be upgraded to a deluxe.

[hallie]

Well I guess then it's official that it's getting a rehab just a matter of when. I guess i'll wait and see if I get anything in the mail about it, like when they did the Poly.

Good luck to us all!

[snowmouse]

This is very disappointing news, indeed! We have ressies at the end of October. As we are a family of 5, POR is our only moderate option. My kids will be devestated if the pool closes. This would really ruin our vacation!!

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[ls1222]

I called Disney again!!! (Isnt it funny how many times you can call and how many answers you can get). I talked to "MARY" she said that she checked and "that the rehab will likely be postponed until next year". I'm still not sure if this is correct information as I was told many diffrent stories today. I think the man at "muddy rivers" probably had the most accurate information. I will call again in a couple weeks to see if I can get a more definite answer. I'm afraid that they will say it is postponed and then when we arrive the pool will be closed. I know its probably silly but the pool is a major issue for us as our kids spend alot of time there and we dont want to walk 15min to swim at the serpent pool (that we don't really like anyway). Maybe someone else will have better luck getting accurate info out of disney. Thanks!!

[DMRick]

Unless things have changed, I always hope for a pool closing (as long as there is a still a quiet pool to swim in). Why, you ask? We were told that if your main pool is closed for refurb, you can then pool hop..like we used to do back when it was allowed. Has that changed? Looking at the glass half full..when else would you get a chance to check out all the other pools? With the bridge cut off, ohter than the slide (which the kids hardly used), I dont' see where the main pool is so great, anyway. I wonder if you'll get to try Stormalong bay, or the Poly? Now, wouldnt' that be fun and different?

[Sandi]

This is upsetting to me, too. We're scheduled to arrive on September 28 -- one day after the start of renovations on the pool. For my DD and I, the pool is a major draw. I want to use the pool at our resort; I don't want to schlep stuff to another resort. It takes too much time from an already short day.

This exact thing happened to us a couple of years ago when we stayed at POFQ. They had the pool closed down to make it handicapper accessible and we had to use the PORS pool. I think we were given pool hopper passes, but we never took advantage of them. With no rental car, traveling from one resort to another takes way too much time on the Disney busses. It is not convenient to do.

I've an e-message in to my DU agent hoping for an answer, and, perhaps a transfer to POFQ or somewhere else.

[jaguar9748]

I know that this is very upsetting because the kids look forward to the slide and fun of the main pool. However, to add my 2 cents worth, I saw many kids playing in the quiet pools during my recent stay. All seemed to be having a good time! They were playing catch, using rafts, etc. The 2 mansion quiet pools are huge - almost Olympic size. The 3 bayou pools are smaller and more intimate. If POR was your first choice for resort, I would stick with it because this resort is so much fun! :p

[ls1222]

Sandi-Please let us know what you find out from your DU agent. I'm hoping someone can give definite answers. I know everyone is being positive about pool hopping/smaller pools BUT in our experience when we were last there, our children only wanted to go on the slide we only used the quiet pool once and they were right back to the main pool. With 3 children (8 and under) it is not convenient to go to another resort to swim. I imagine that the CBR people transferred to Riverside will not be too happy as they already had to switch resorts. Thanks everyone!!

[Sandi]

I hope I'll hear something tomorrow and will let y'all know. It's the slide that my DD likes, so the quiet pools aren't a good back up for us. I've stayed at CBR, POFQ and PORS. We chose PORS this time for the pool and playground. With the pool out, I think I want to switch.

[Sandi]

OK. Just checked my e-mail and had a message from my DU agent. She didn't get any better information that we have. Here is her message:

"At this point we have not heard of any pool re-hab. I even called Disney to inquire & they have nothing on the books at this point.

If I hear anything, or you hear anything, I'll check into this further. :>)

Thanks!"

I replied that I'd gotten my information here and that we need good info. Hmmmmm.

I think TwinMom has the best information since she was just there.

[ls1222]

Sandi-You may want to call "muddy rivers" the pool bar at riverside and see if they tell you any diffrent info than what I found. I hate to keep calling I dont want them to think I'm psycho (ha). September/October is coming very soon and you would think that they would eventually have a definite answer!!

[Grinch0040]

I can't believe this is happening, I am one of those who relocated and guess what i chose POR. I could have stayed at poly for $20. more a night or AKL for $10. more a night . Please tell me it isn't so. we will be there sept 14 - 27. will rehab on pool be during this time??? I just relocated today. if this is so why didn't the CBR Relocator team tell me! : ( Please if anyone finds out more info let me know. Thanks

[dalt01]

i weighed in earlier on this thread and said i might change well i called the liki tiki resort and can get a one bedroom with full kitchen and they have a very nice themed pool, we stayed there in 2000 and loved it, for 59 a nite, that price is if you tell them you've stayed there before, they don't ask when, it's up to you if you want to say that. it is very nice, maybe a good alternative if you are fed up with the games disney plays with our money. it is a time shere resort that comes with all the things you would expect of something like it

[hallie]

I always hope for a pool closing (as long as there is a still a quiet pool to swim in). Why, you ask? We were told that if your main pool is closed for refurb, you can then pool hop

Oh if that's the case bring the rehab on! lol. I think it would be so cool to try all the different pools out! Seriously, it would be so much fun.

[Sandi]

ls1222 (and everyone else):

I called PORS this morning and asked to be transferred to someone who would know about the pool. After a moment's hesitation, the lady who picked up my call suggested that the marina would be able to help. So, I was transferred to those guys. They knew about the pool being rehabbed. "You just want to know when? Hey [to his co-workers], what's the schedule for the pool rehab? Not until January -- Okay." Then he got back on with me and said, it looks like it's postponed to January.

So, that's the story from the marina. My impression, although only based on a phone call and overhearing their conversation, was that the marina was a reliable source. That being said, the "powers that be" at Disney, seem to make lots of decisions without informing their CMs. So, I'll be calendaring to ask the question again mid-September before we leave for our trip.

[ls1222]

Sandi-Thanks for the information. Hopefully, they are correct. I will check again in a couple weeks as our trip draws closer. I have decided that if the pool is being done during our stay we will switch resorts!! Thanks again!!

[Sandi]

Yes, let's see where we are in a couple of weeks. I'm also going to switch if the pool is in rehab. We'll be there at the same time!

How do you do the countdown thing? I'm computer challenged, but willing to learn.

[dalt01]

i have a freind across the street whos brother works at wdw and they know nothing about the rehab and say they will stay there based on brothers lack of info but if they find anything out in the meantime they will let me know and i will let you all know

[rogers803]

If they are going to rehab, I hope they fix the bridge. The ugly fencing added beneath the bridge was an eyesore and restrictive. I never could figure out the purpose of it. Does anyone know why it was added?

[TwinMom7]

We were just there and I had a nice conversation with a lifeguard regarding the bridge, the ugly fencing and the rehab. She said that the original bridge was in need of drastic repairs and was no longer safe. Even though the bridge was "closed off", it does span the pool and you used to be able to swim under it. The ugly fencing was put there to keep people from swimming underneath and risking injury from the rotting bridge above. Yes...it's ugly, but the lifeguard assured me that the rehab will be wonderful and when we come back next summer, the work will be complete and the results will be GREAT!!

[rogers803]

That is great news!

:)

[n2mm]

I look forward to the pool being redone. It's about time. If it doesn't affect your vacation, it will certainly affect someone elses. It's just luck of the draw. Please note!! I just returned from Dixie Landing/POR this week. A friend of mine works there and she said that this resort, along with the other moderates and All Stars are almost at capacity starting September through December. Probably due to the CBR. So if anyone here wants to change their ressies, I certainly wouldn't wait too long. That also goes to the folks hoping for a better discount. I wouldn't want to scare you, but my friend and the servers at the restraurant are pretty excited that POR is at capacity for the next 4 months--especially what they went through last fall!! I have my ressies for my next two trips!!

On another note: I went to the new and improved food court at the FQ and have to say that it is a hugh improvement. We ate there several times for lunch. The choices are great. They make fresh subs and wraps while you wait, along with fresh salads. The dinner menu is greatly improved. A PLUS for this resort, but still miss Bonfamilles!

[ls1222]

Per n2mm-that is exactly why I don't think they should do the pool rehab during this time!! The people that chose Riverside when they got moved from the CBR probably wouldnt be too happy that the resorts main pool is closed. We have not stayed there when it was full so and am not looking forward to fighting the crowds at the bus stops and food courts. I totally understand whenever they do the rehab it is going to make someone unhappy (thats just the way it goes) I just wish Disney would make up their minds that way the people booked at Riverside during the rehab could make a decision to book another resort or deal w/ the pool being closed. Thanks!!

[plummer925]

Wow...this stressed me out!

I just called Disney - they connected me to Guest Relations at Port Orleans - he did not know a thing about it, but after I explained how important it was to me to KNOW, he connected me to Port Orleans Recreation (Amy) who assured me that it WAS moved to January. I made her repeat it and she said "yes, the pool WAS scheduled to be closed in September/October, but it has been moved to January"

Hope that makes everyone feel better!! :jester:

See you in September!!!

Crystal

[ls1222]

Crystal-Thanks so much for the information!! I hope "Amy" is correct on this one. The main pool is important for us too, so I know how you feel. I was planning on checking back w/ the resort in a couple weeks.

[ls1222]

Sorry for so many posts but just wanted to update everyone-- "Birdie" from PO riverside just called me this afternoon (was responding to my email). Anyway, she said that the pool rehab was FOR SURE postponed until January!!!!! She said it was originally scheduled for Sept/Oct but was changed.

[plummer925]

excellent! I'm assuming we spoke to two different people, but with some of the names I hear in reservations, who knows!? LOL!

I'm psyched - It DOES sound like it needs to be done, but I certainly don't want to deal with the inconvenience and NOISE of it being done when I'm there! :rolleyes:

Crystal

[Anne34]

Thank goodness for these boards !!-- we have reservations for early February and the pool is very important for my kids too!! We are a family of five so I guess we'll HAVE TO upgrade to a deluxe resort. :D :D

[TwinMom7]

In regards to Anne's post about changing a February reservation...

I've been there in February before and even though the weather is vastly improved over northern Indiana - it definately wasn't swimming pool weather. We enjoyed the hot tub - but not the pools!! I guess I'm just recommending that you not give up this wonderful resort and spend the big bucks for a deluxe resort and pool when it may be too cool to use the pools anyway.

That's probably Disney's theory on moving the restoration to January and February. I believe I'm correct in saying that this is also the time of year that Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon go through their rehabs.

Just something to consider...

[Jillpie]

Anne, I agree, I wouldn't change your ressie. This resort is too beautiful to miss. Also, if you are going in Feb., the rehab may just be all done.

[Sandi]

I guess I would look into changing my reservation. Granted, I'm from Michigan, but we always go to WDW in February and ALWAYS swim. If you can afford a deluxe, I would give it some thought.

As a PORS guest, you'll have the ability to use the POFQ pool -- it's not too far away. We had to do the reverse a couple of years ago. With young kids, it is not terribly convenient to pool hop.

Just my 2 cents. I love PORS (and will be there next month). But the pool is a big part of my kid's vacation.

[Anne34]

Thanks for all your posts. The pool is a big part of our kids Disney World stay. We have been there many times in February and ALWAYS swim at least 2 or 3 times. We have stayed at POR before and really like the resort and the food court, but don't want to have to haul the kids over the POFQ to swim and the quiet pools aren't as much fun.

[ls1222]

Anne, I totally agree w/ you, our kids did not even care for the pool at FQ, plus it is quite a walk. I would check w/ Disney before you change your reservations (when I talked to the pool bar the CM said that it looks like it was changed to Jan) and should take about a month to rehab. He also told me that if the pool is a main issue for our family that disney may upgrade for a minimal charge. He did not guarantee this, but said it would not hurt to ask. We will be there in Sept (originally this is when they were going to rehab) and I was very worried about this too. Maybe the pool will be completed before your stay. I would call the resort directy and talk to "muddy rivers". Also, email Disney w/ your concern and see what they say.

[Luv2Roam]

I wrote a letter to the POR manager and to the executive offices about the (mostly) good and irritations (mostly transportation) of our May trip.
A woman from the executive office is suppose to call me. (She left a voice message for me today and I called back and left her a message of my day time number.)
I'll try to remember to ask about the pool rehab also and see what she says.