Port Orleans Important Info!!!

[csmommy]

I have copies this from Deb's site. I hope this doesn't mess up anyone vacation!


Port Orleans Resort will undergo an extensive room renovation that will take approximately 2 years to complete. The French Quarter rooms will be done first and the entire resort will be closed during this time. The rooms will get all new furniture, carpet, bathrooms and wall coverings.

Effective today (April 4) no reservations will be taken for the resort.

Disney will be contacting guests who currently have reservations at the French Quarter to move them to another moderate resort. More details as they become available.

[lisajl]

2 Years!!! OMGosh! I wanted to stay there in Oct. 2004...Oh well..guess I'll have to find another place

[boomer626]

Yikes - I guess I better stop waiting on making those POR reservations for September. Was still debating between WL & POR while waiting for codes.

[jel0511]

I wonder if this is a renovation, or a partial closure, and hey at the same time do some "renovations". Didn't they just do some renovations to POFQ during the last closure???

[lizzie64]

Interesting timing.

Extensive renovations when bookings are down?? Hmmm, or are bookings down???

I think I'm losing my mind

[DisneyFreaks]

CSMommy, do you have any idea when it is closing? We are staying there the first week of next month. Will we have to move somewhere else or is this happening later like a few months from now? My poor daughter is sitting here totally freaked now. Everytime we have booked PO/FQ something has happed to keep us from staying there. Thank you for any more info you hear.

[>>^..^<<]

Two years is along time..

Then again, it took my husband 2 years to fill a hole in our drywall once LOL

>>^..^<<

[lizzie64]

Originally posted by >>^..^<<
Two years is along time..

Then again, it took my husband 2 years to fill a hole in our drywall once LOL

>>^..^<<

We must be married to brothers.

:p :) :jester:

[jel0511]

DisneyFreaks - That is the only information posted on Deb's site. So we're at a lost just as you. I hope for your sake that it is a few months, but knowing Disney this is effective immediately. They probably won't move current guests, just not allow any new guests to check in. I'd contact your TA or WDW directly if you booked through them and ask questions and a lot of them.

[Cris]

Originally posted by >>^..^<<
Two years is along time..

Then again, it took my husband 2 years to fill a hole in our drywall once LOL

>>^..^<<


ROTFLMAO

[Luvtomickey]

I wonder where those of us with families of 5 will stay? There is not another moderate that will accomodate us.

[Cris]

Originally posted by Luvtomickey
I wonder where those of us with families of 5 will stay? There is not another moderate that will accomodate us.

At the moment just FQ is closing. So you can still stay at Riverside for a while.

[csmommy]

Originally posted by lizzie64
We must be married to brothers.

:p :) :jester:

Count mine in there. They must be triplets separated a birth!!!!!!!!!!!!:tongue: :tongue:

[csmommy]

Originally posted by DisneyFreaks
CSMommy, do you have any idea when it is closing? We are staying there the first week of next month. Will we have to move somewhere else or is this happening later like a few months from now? My poor daughter is sitting here totally freaked now. Everytime we have booked PO/FQ something has happed to keep us from staying there. Thank you for any more info you hear.

Hey maybe you could get upgraded or something like that for your inconvenience. That is if its when your there.

[csmommy]

Every cloud has a silver lining!!!!!!!!

Good for you.:D

[lizzie64]

I'm so happy for you!!

Now if the AP rates came out , I could be happy for me.

[DisneyFreaks]

Thanks for your post luckytso. Makes me feel a little better. Maybe you or someone could answer a question for me though. We are booked in the water view rooms. Would switching to WL or AKL for $10 more a night put us in standard view rooms?

[DisneyFreaks]

Thanks for the info luckytso. I have a code rate on my water view rooms. I'm only paying $109 plus tax = $121. Would they add the $10 to that or would we taken back to the rack rate of $159 plus tax do you know?

[lizfromfl]

Does anyone know when they are closing? We are supposed to arrive 5 weeks from today.

Thanks!

[khawk]

Im staying at the riverside from May 7-13th. If they start refurbishing during my stay will I be able to hear the construction noise? What about the restaurants at POFQ? Does anyone know if they sell beignets at riverside? I was really looking forward to getting some of those but heard they only have them at POFQ. Will this effect my stay at riverside at all? I know the resorts were once "sister" resorts but how close are they really? Do they share pools?
Kim

[Cris]

FQ is closing May 3rd. So I would go ahead and give CRO a call.

[jcemom]

Supposed to be at POFQ next Feb 3-12. I wanted AKL to begin with, but it didn't fit my budget. At only $10 more it would be an option, but I was looking at rates with hopes/expectations of discount codes. I wonder how that would affect the rate?

Moderate rate after discount + $10? Or discount not available?

[BuckeyeBelle]

Just got off the phone with CRO -- I was also told that POFQ was closing starting 5/03/03. I wish I would have also asked how long it would be closed! My CRO agent tried to transfer me to the POFQ relocation people but I never got through ... I was on hold for 45 minutes before I finally gave up. I'll try again tomorrow I guess.

We have POFQ ressies in August 2003 and also in June 2004. I sure hope we get offered the upgrades too, because we aren't really interested in the other moderates (although we've stayed at POR 3x and it is really lovely; we just want something smaller). WL or AKL would be perfect!

This is the third time since 2001 I've had ressies at POFQ and couldn't stay there due to closure or renovations. I'm beginning to think I'm the jinx - lol! Oh well, maybe someday we'll get to stay there. :rolleyes:

[zachsmomie]

I just called in my deposit for 5/205/6 and my agent didn't know anything about the renovations until I asked. They offered switching to Corrando or Carribean. I asked about upgrading to Poly or another deluxe and they didn't offer me any special discounts like the $30 amount. I opted not to make a decision yet. What do you think I should do--wait for them to call me and offer or call another day to see if they affer it then? Help!

[DisneyFreaks]

I don't understand this at all. I called and the CM I talked to at CRO didn't know one thing about any of this. She said to call tomorrow morning. They aren't offering everyone the same deals? We aren't interested in another moderate. I have tendonitis in my left leg and I cannot walk long distances. That's why we tried again to stay at FQ. Because of it's size. We also have three rooms booked and my DH and I are paying for all of them. We cannot afford that extra $30 a night per room. The $10 or maybe a little more to upgrade to a woods view probably would work for us. This is just a nightmare. BuckeyeBelle, I actually was beginning to think I was the jinx. LoL

[tink2]

Noooo! This happened to us on our last trip- Nov. 2001 (just after 9/11). They transferred us to PO Riverside. I hope it won't be closed when we go too!

[Dagny]

Hey there. I called in to make my final payment and was transferred to the "special line" as well. I wasn't offered an upgrade either :( I specifically asked and was told they are only offering moderate to moderate and said they weren't offering any special upgrade prices. CBR and CSR aren't my favorites so I told them I would have to call them back.

I don't know what to do!!!!

[lizfromfl]

I just called too and was told that they were very busy and I would have to wait until someone called me. I guess I'll wait a few days, see what other people are being told and call back. I had a bad experience at CBR and am not interested in CSR so I hope there are some other options even if they cost a little more money.

[Minnie's Guy]

I just got off the phone and they would not allow us change to another hotel at this time. The CM was very nice, but told me they would be contacting guests in order of arrival date starting with next week's ressies. I asked about changing to a deluxe hotel since I only wanted French Quarter and she told me they would likely offer an opportunity to upgrade at a special price when they call me. She could not or would not try to connect me to anyone else. Anyone else get the opportunity to change ??

[ead79]

Oh man! My family has a total of 3 different ressies at POFQ for my December WDW wedding. I know we won't be first on the call list, but I hope they call soon. I hate not knowing what's going on.

[khawk]

I just heard on another board that POFQ is closing indefinately not just for rehab. the girl on the other board said she called WDW and talked to a cm who told her that. But thats just hearsay.
Kim

[RescueRanger]

This really stinks. I have ressies for POR but one of the reasons we picked PO was the pool at FQ. We liked having the room at Riverside because it is quieter and Boatright is there, but my 2 DDs liked the idea they could swim at FQ. I have had one problem after another with planning this trip. I have already sent 2 emails complaining about the previous problems,but now I am really upset. I doubt they will do anything for me because I am at Riverside. :(

[johnnyr]

I have a reservation at FQ booked through CRO at the end of June. I just called Disney and got WDTC. When I asked to be transferred to CRO, the person said that he could help me. I asked twice for CRO, but he wouldn’t transfer me. I explained the concerns I had with my reservation knowing that FQ will be closing. He was very short and denied it and dismissed it as a rumor. He asked for my reservation number and verified my reservation. After a few minutes with this guy’s attitude, I politely ended the call. I then called back and spoke with CRO. The CM was much more friendly and explained to me that I will be contacted by Disney. She said they are going to start calling people next week. They are starting with the people that have reservations for May first. The CM did not offer me any discounts or options to change to a different resort.

[khawk]

that was one of my concerns... do POR and POFQ share any facilities... they do share a pool dont they? Or is it that because they are sister resorts POR can use the pool at POFQ. Which one has the water slide? I have been jumping through hoops to make this a good trip. My parents are coming with me and my 2 DD's. this is my moms first time to WDW in 30 yrs and my dads first time. I originally was staying BW LBV and changed to POR. Now I am worried that the constuction noise will be bad and ruin our stay at POR. Plus my kids were really looking forward to the pool with the water slide. I want this trip to be perfect. If my dad doesnt have fun he may never want to go back again. I had to twist his arm to get him to go on this trip with us. I really want some of those beignets but Im not sure if they sell that at POR or just POFQ. And the May hours are horrible. It seems like everything is starting to go wrong. The water parks are going to be packed unless I go on the day when both parks are open, which during my week there that is only going to happen on 1 day that week. No fireworks, no spectro.... uugggggg.
Kim

:confused:

[RescueRanger]

Khawk, POFQ is the pool with the large slide (King Triton on a sea serpent). The POR has a slide but it is not near as nice as the other. My kids saw it on one of the websites we were browsing and definitely wanted to swim at POFQ. I don't know what we'll fo now.:confused: :confused:

[jcemom]

I know the feeling! :(
My kids chose POFQ because of that slide, and I agreed because of the size, boat, atmosphere, etc.
This seemed to be the perfect resort for us...now I'm not sure what to do.
My boys didn't care for the looks of the POR pool (boring). CBR and CSR both have nice slides/pools but they are just too big -- DD will only be 16mos.
I can't afford a deluxe, and although the All-Stars look okay, after planning for POFQ...
I'm just glad I have so much time to "get over it" and look at other options.
??????????????????

[khawk]

My budget wont allow me to stay at a deluxe and we have 5 people in our group and I had a hard time getting POR, with 5 people (long story). The value resort wont allow more then 4 people. I have a co-worker who stayed at the all star sports and she loved it. We were originally going to stay at all star movies until I found out we couldnt have 5 people in one room. Well, at least I dont have to look for another hotel. But I am still concerned about how this closing will effect the people staying at POR. And I still dont have an answer on those beignets....I gotta have some of those. YUM.
Kim

[DebbieB]

I stayed there in February and our room was in great shape, didn't look in need of renovations. Same with the food court & lobby. Sounds like another cost cutting move. This may explain why there have been no AP rates offered for May, they are going to need to move people from POFQ, probably at discounted rates.

[RescueRanger]

Debbie, I think you may be on to something. I find it hard to believe that WDW just decided out of the blue to renovate one of its resorts. There was no warning when I made ressies the other day. I am with you, I think it is just an excuse to close a resort to save money. How much more does Disney think they will get away with before they start running their customers off?

[crazyforgoofy]

We have SOG overflow rates at PO-FQ June 11-18. Should I call SOG or wait for CRO to call? Or will SOG call me?

[Simba's Mom]

Gotta put in my plug for DVC here! I was "displaced" from POR in the winter of 2001-2002. That prompted me to take a second look at DVC and take their tour-I was staying at ASMusic and looking for something that wouldn't close on me like POR had. This just gives me another reminder of why I'm glad we joined! Otherwise we probably would have been "displaced" from POFQ this May just like a lot of other people. Instead, DVC here we come!

[DisneyFreaks]

RescueRanger you said exactly what I am feeling right now. I am so upset over this. After learning yesterday that there is no spectro magic parade or fantasy in the sky fireworks the first week of May I am about ready to just call this whole vacation off and go somewhere else. I am not interested in the other moderate resorts, nor do I have tons of money to pay extra to upgrade to a deluxe for the three rooms we have booked.
Also, does anyone know if Disney leaves a number for us to call them back if we're not here when they do call? We both are at work all day but we do have an answering machine.

[raidermatt]

I wouldn't get too hopeful for an upgrade without paying for it...

In the past, when CBR closed, free upgrades were only given if no moderates were available (probably an exception here and there, but not many).

[benebire]

Raidermatt,
I agree they may have to pay but..... when this happened in October of last year for CBR, We ended up being given the Poly for $22 a night extra. I think alot of people would jump on the chance to stay in a deluxe for another 22 per nite. Hang in there POFQ folks you may end up being offered Deluxes for a great price. We were also offered other moderates for the same price we had. We opted for the Poly. Good Luck!

[Cindabella's Mom]

I just knew I had made the right choice for us with the POFQ. Let me see if I've got this right - they're offering switching reservations to other moderates, correct? Now I've got to decide between the Carribean resort, Coronado, and that's it right?? Also, I booked through a travel agent (know better the next time). Should I call her to contact Disney or wait for Disney to contact the TA?

Also, I saw references to a post by Luckytso on this thread, maybe pertaining to a call to the CRO and what they were offered??? I might be blind, but I promise I can't find it.

[luckytso]

Tonya,

No, you aren't blind ;)

I did post earlier and then realized no one else is getting what I got. So I decided to delete my post so that I won't cause any more trouble.

I think when I called, I was told that they just came back from a meeting telling all the CMs about all the happenings with POFQ.

The first CM I spoke to was scrambling to find an extension # to transfer me to, I waited a LONG time on the phone and finally got hold of another CM. She did not seem to be familiar with everything either and was going through her paperwork and finally told me the deal.

But since no one else was told the same thing, I figured I should just let Disney do their things and I wish you luck. I am confident that they will take care of it.

[DisneyFreaks]

You weren't causing any trouble luckytso. I found your post to be very helpful. I'm happy that someone got something good out of all this. I am keeping my fingers crossed that some of the rest of us fair as well as you did. We are arriving May 3rd so they should be calling us soon. I just hope they leave a message on our machine with a number to call them back because no one is home here all day. Have a wonderful time at BC!

[pixiedust519]

KHawk,
The beignets are only sold at FQ and not at Riverside. They used to be sold at both of the food courts but starting around October or November of 2002 they sell them at FQ exclusively. I LOVE them!!!!

Alyssa :earsgirl:

[Cindabella's Mom]

Thanks Luckytso. I was beginning to wonder about myself!

Guess I'll just wait and see what happens.

[Cris]

Originally posted by RescueRanger
Debbie, I think you may be on to something. I find it hard to believe that WDW just decided out of the blue to renovate one of its resorts. There was no warning when I made ressies the other day.

The reason they didn't warn you is because they didn;t know there self. The castmembers of the resort didn;t even know until today.

[seashoreCM]

Could it be...

WDW wants to open Pop Century and is closing French Quarter to free up staff? (If PC pans out, then sections of All Stars might be closed for renovation?)

It is time for full renovation at Port Orleans? On these boards there have been sporadic but not to infrequent complaints of mildew, shabbiness, etc. at Riverside. (Why the renovations were not done during the last FQ shutdown I don't know, except see below.)

Toxic black mold has been discovered? This can force major renovations and therehave been isolated cases in the news, at least one in the Boston area, about people having to essentially tear down their homes and rebuild. Increasingly these days, insurance companies are adding toxic mold to their exclusion lists, this is therefore becoming an uninsurable casualty.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

[lindamg]

I am going to choose to remain optimistic about this news. When FQ closed in 2001, the renovations were done on the Food Court and the outside of the buildings. I happened to check in to FQ on the day it reopened after the last closing and while the outside of the buildings were beautiful my room could only be described as shabby. This is my favorite moderate and I have stayed there several times since. Each time my room ranged from "needing a little facelift" to just plain "used" looking. I am going to eagerly anticipate this renovation and hope that the inside of the rooms will now match the beauty of the inside of this resort. If that happens, FQ could well become the "most bang for your buck" resort on property!

[welovedis]

Well, after first reading this I was pretty upset, but am trying to look at things optimistically for our situation. This surprise trip to POFQ was for DH & I only. We are only staying 2 nights and I have already paid the hotel in full.

I was thinking, man, I should call them right away and then I thought about it again. I will patiently wait for them call me (our dates are 5/17-5/19) and see what they offer. Perhaps things will change but if they offer another mod I will probably tell them I'm not interested and see if they offer anything else. I don't mind paying a little more for a deluxe (if it is offered) if that is an option.

Hopefully things will work out for everyone. :)

[kdibattista]

The beignets are only sold at FQ and not at Riverside. They used to be sold at both of the food courts but starting around October or November of 2002 they sell them at FQ exclusively.

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung/traurig/sad-smiley-046.gif
I was sooooo looking forward to these during my December trip. It's truly one of the things I look forward to. They are my favorite. I hope they start selling them elsewhere.

[denecarter]

Originally posted by luckytso
Tonya,

No, you aren't blind ;)

I did post earlier and then realized no one else is getting what I got. So I decided to delete my post so that I won't cause any more trouble.

snip

But since no one else was told the same thing, I figured I should just let Disney do their things and I wish you luck. I am confident that they will take care of it.

I saw your post right before I sat on hold for 30 or so minutes. I was hoping it was a blanket plan for all changes, but oh well. We had a different code than you did initially... she specifically mentioned my code and all the rates she offered were for that code. I had just upgraded to a water vew a few days ago but that didn't affect my new rate... just the code.

Unfortunately, the ONLY moderate available for my dates was CSR... sorry, I have no interest in that whatsoever (I'm just not into Southwest). The cheapest upgrade was AKL for standard view... $200 more for 6 nights than my waterview, $300 more for 6 nights than standard view POFQ. WL would have been $100 more than AKL, Poly almost $700 more (6 nights about $1600).

Anyway, my choices for my dates were CSR and AKL standard... like I said, I don't like Southwest and if I can't have Savannah, I'm not that interested in AKL (plus it just seems out of the way). Rock and a hard place.

I just bought DVC, but did Magical Beginnings and sold this year's points back. I'm going check into borrowing for 5 nights at OKW and spend one night at AKL for curiosity sake (plus, it means 27 fewer points to borrow for my already scheduled Dec BCV trip).

[DisneyFreaks]

I hear you loud and clear denecarter. We had a bad stay at CSR and I promised myself we would never stay there again. I wasn't impressed with the southwest decor either. CBR is just too big. I have a leg problem and it is painful to walk long distances and chances of getting a building close to the food court and main buildings will probably be slim. I just don't know what to do short of cancelling all together. We are a very sad family today.

[luckytso]

I am surprised with this. I somehow remember that the CM gave me the info about the upgrades before she looked up my code. If I were you, I would hold on to that ressie at POFQ until they contact you to see what they will offer.

I told her I was only interested in POFQ and did not plan to move to any other moderates and asked about upgrades to the deluxe.

I think there is a separate department that handles this. So I am not sure the CM you spoke to really know all the details. I find that sometimes when you talk to different CM you get different answers.

[DebbieB]

Here is an article in the Orlando Sentinel:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-bizorleans05040503apr05,0,4850940.story?coll=orl%2 Dbusiness%2Dheadlines

The renovations will also include closing POR a section at a time.

[BuckeyeBelle]

Well, I finally got through to the special line this morning and spoke with one of the relocation people. The agent cofirmed that POFQ will be closing 5/3, will remain closed at least through our 2003 vacation dates in August, and has no set reopening date. She said that POFQ would probably be reopened by June 2004, when we have another set of reservations there.

According to her, there is nothing doing with any reduced-price upgrades. She only offered me a moderate-to-moderate transfer to CSR, CBR or POR. We simply DO NOT want to stay at any of those resorts because of their size, plus I'm not crazy about the themes of the CBR or CSR.

I let our res. stay as is for now -- hopefully by the time they contact me officially about transferring they will realize that relocating guests from POFQ is resulting in a lot of unhappy campers. Until then I will be on the lookout for AP rates or anything that would make it possible for us to stay at AKL or WL. Even the Swan or Dolphin would do if we could get a good enough rate.

If I had never had a res. at POFQ to begin with, this wouldn't bother me so much. But this trip is just me and my daughter, and we wanted something that was both affordable (to us) and small enough that we wouldn't be doing a lot of long-distance walking around after dark. We have stayed at POR 3x when my husband was along, and I WOULD NOT be comfortable at a place that big without him. POFQ was perfect. We planned this trip believing there was a hotel that suited our needs in our price range. Now we already have our airfare and cannot back out or reschedule, not to mention I have promised this trip to my daughter and she is really looking forward to it.

In all our trips to Disney, I have never complained, asked for anything extra, or any expected special deals or upgrades, never ever. Now they are pulling the bait and switch on me and I am trapped into it. Very un-Disney if you ask me.

Sorry for the little rant ... :( ... I'm just feeling a little down about all this. :(

[DebbieB]

I would just hold on to what you have. When they closed CBR last year they said the same thing, no discounts to upgrade. Then a couple days later they started offering cheap upgrades to AKL or Polynesian.

[peachgirl]

When the CBR closed for re-hab last year, rumors flew then, just as they are now. I would imagine they'll handle it just like they did last year. They'll call guests in the order in which their reservations come up. We had reservations at CBR during the re-hab period, but they were very far away. In fact our reservation started the day before the re-opening. I didn't want to wait for a call so I just went ahead and switched resorts on my own.


I'd do it again if I were booked at POFQ. I know some people reported getting great upgrades, but for most it was just a switch to another moderate. We had never stayed at a moderate and I wasn't all that comfortable about it to start with. I preferred to go ahead and change to a deluxe while there was still availability rather than waiting and hoping that Disney might give me a cheap upgrade.

Actually, it's kind of funny....if you go back and read the threads about CBR, it's amazing how many people who had reservations at CBR were absolutely only interested in the CBR. No other moderate would do, it was CBR or upgrade to deluxe. You would have thought POFQ was a dump! Now that it's going down for re-hab, it's the only moderate worth going to. ;)

Btw.....
If you can make the request based on medical reasons, you're practically guaranteed of getting what you need.

[denecarter]

Okay, this trip has been the most bizarre I've ever taken and we don't even leave for 69 days! :crazy:

Had a code for POFQ, no CBR available for dates.

A week or so later, new code with $10 lower rate came out, so switched.

A little later learned 2nd code was technically for Disney Visa members and knew we were going to spend a lot of time at FQ pool so changed codes and changed to waterview.

Yesterday, found out about POFQ closing, had to change resorts, didn't really like options, but changed to AKL standard for more $$.

Spent evening trying to figure out how to set up DVC borrowing cascade before they open Monday.

This morning, remembered getting recent e-mail from Disney with yet ANOTHER code. Ignored it before because it was for same rate I already had. Remembered that different codes have different room inventories so called this morning. Waterview wasn't available but I got CBR standard for the dates I wanted for $629 for 6 nights ($94 + tax) which is what I had originally wanted in the first place.:bounce:

The cm was very helpful and we had a good laugh as we got everything worked out (in this resort, out of that one, cancelling, transferring my deposit AGAIN... though it never got transferred to AKL).

Also took the opportunity to make Chef Mickey ressies for breakfast at 11:15 on check-out day... fun way to leave the vacation.

Now all I have to do is get those Cindy ressies for the two 9 yo nieces.;)

[welovedis]

Actually, it's kind of funny....if you go back and read the threads about CBR, it's amazing how many people who had reservations at CBR were absolutely only interested in the CBR. No other moderate would do, it was CBR or upgrade to deluxe. You would have thought POFQ was a dump! Now that it's going down for re-hab, it's the only moderate worth going to.

I guess that is because everyone has a different idea of what they like or dislike. For this trip we wanted to boat to DtD & the convenience of a small resort since DH is recovering from a major accident. If this whole thing had come up before the accident I wouldn't have a problem switching, now I do not want to be in another spread out moderate as that doesn't fit our needs at this point. Others have their heart set on POFQ for other reasons, lots of them like it because of its smaller size.

I've stayed at CBR before the rehab and enjoyed the resort. It is very much fitting to its name and had a lot to offer. Since it is so big it is off my list for now and I'm sure others have their reasons just as I have mine. POFQ is not the only moderate worth going to, its just the only one worth going to at this point in time for us.

If Disney offers me an alternative to the other mods that is suitable to fit our needs and budget, I'll take it. Otherwise I'll be looking to stay elsewhere since I am the one being inconvenienced by the move.

[jcemom]

We were planning to stay at POFQ also because of the small size, more convenient with the baby. The boat to DtD, the nice sea serpent slide, and not-too-bad busing also figured in...and then there are those beignets! (sp?) It seemed perfect for us!

I may try to switch to CBR, but the size concerns me. And from what I've heard, we would have to drive to the parks because the busing: A. Takes too long, B. Is too crowded. (We were planning on renting a car anyway, but didn't want to drive to the parks.)

I've got time, so I guess for now I'll just wait and see what happens.:(

[RescueRanger]

I talked to a supervisor at CRO this morning and was advised that the department that they have set up for the transfers is not operational yet. She advised it would be Sunday or Monday before they start the process. So if anyone has called this morning they probably didn't tlak to the right person. She did say there was a range of offers that were going to be made but that they did not have any of them in the computer yet. This is probably why they are saying no to upgrades. She said that they would be contacting us. So, those of us hoping for cheap upgrades, let's keep our fingers crossed.;) ;) ;)

[jcemom]

Anyone have any idea what the process will be for those of us who made our ressies through a travel agent?

[BuckeyeBelle]

Thank you, RescueRanger! Maybe between all of us we can figure out this CRO thing! :)

The person I spoke with this morning seemed to think she was the right person for POFQ transfers -- at least that was what she told me after I was transferred to her line. I hope your CRO supervisor was right about the discounts not being in the system yet, that would explain why they were not available to her.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

[peachgirl]

If Disney offers me an alternative to the other mods that is suitable to fit our needs and budget, I'll take it. Otherwise I'll be looking to stay elsewhere since I am the one being inconvenienced by the move.

Sounds sensible to me! It is an inconvenience, there's no doubt about that. The only problem is that there aren't really any deluxes that are small. I remember staying at the YC and just walking from our room to the elevator was a day's worth of excercise!

If one was looking for a smaller resort in the deluxe category, the WL is one that would best fit that description. It just doesn't seem as sprawling as some of the others do.

[christianweecare]

Luckytso--Did I recall that you said that you had the comeback special rate in your original post? We have that as well for our POFQ ressie for early December. If I recalled correctly, can you give me any idea what CRO will do with the comeback ressies? Thanks for posting!

[luckytso]

christianweecare - yes, I have the comeback offer BAQ discount. However, the upgrade I was offered, as I was told, has nothing to do with the discount codes, it is purely based on whatever your are paying plus certain amount for upgrade, depending on resort.

It is very possible that the upgrades have not yet been in the system, because the CM who made the ressie for me had to look up some paperwork, and made special notation in my file.

With the comeback offer, I was able to change dates and resorts, but now with this special relocation thing, I am not sure I can make any more changes anymore.

[christianweecare]

Luckytso--Thank you for responding! I guess I will just wait to hear from CRO. We have the comeback rate for POFQ for four nights and AKL for three nights in early December. I would be nice to be offered an upgrade, but time will tell. DH & I really don't want to move to POR since we already have a ressie for that resort in January to take our grown kids and crew. We have stayed at CSR and really did not care for it. We do like CBR, however. I wouldn't mind paying a little extra if we could get a nice rate at one of the deluxes, but I won't get my hopes up to high. What are your thoughts? Thanks, again!

[bigsis1970]

How noisy to think it will be ??? altho we were really looking forward to having 2 big pools , I am only worried now that the noise from the rehab will carry over ?? Thanks Michelle

[A Mickeyfan]

I am wondering if they will try to move some of the POR guests with a special priced upgrade to a deluxe? I am booked from 6/1-6/9 at POR. I have heard of them doing that to open up more rooms at a moderate & value resort for those who don't want to spend anymore than what they were originally paying. In addition to just out-right re-booking the room to guests without a previous reservation (mods & values can fill up faster than deluxes due to pricing). We booked POR for the same reasons as others...... the boat to DTD & the food court! I sound crazy, but I like the food court there. I am a Disney Dining Experience member & they offer the discount at that food court. The deluxes don't! And when you are feeding a family of 5 a 20% discount can add up fast!!!

[KHuntress]

NOt to sound too ignorant, but what is Disney Dining Experience?

[kdibattista]

NOt to sound too ignorant, but what is Disney Dining Experience?

I had the same question a few weeks ago and I was informed it was just for Florida residents.

[khawk]

I just called WDW and talked to the cm about what I read in the orlando sentinal link about POR closing in "phases" and he said that is a "fib" and that they are NOT closing POR at any time. I also asked about the beignets. We had quite a conversation about them. They are only made at POFQ. I asked him with POFQ closing will they start making them at POR and he didnt know but he hoped so. He said they do have a bakery there so who knows. He said that the chef that makes them at POFQ is a real New Orleans Chef and I am hoping that when they move the POFQ employees to new locations that the chef will go to riverside and continue to make his beignets. I just have to have some. So I am happy again.
Kim

[A Mickeyfan]

KHuntress...you don't sound ignorant..it is only for FL residents & many non residents don't know about it....

The Disney Dining Experience is a membership that was $60 (now $75) per year. For that you get 20%off your total bill (including drinks) at most of the sit down resturants in the parks & resorts.....also some Down Town Disney resturants as well. You also get it at the food courts in the 3 All Stars Resorts, POR & POFQ. They send a quarterly newsletter with special food promo's to attend. It also gives you free parking in the Parks (with proof of meal purchase) till 5pm & then after 5 without a meal purchase. It gives you free Valet parking while dining at one of the resorts with avalet parking service. Over the years, the benifits have been cut & the price keeps going up. It use to be good for any party size, now they have a party of 6 limit (I am not sure if they enforce that or not). It also use to be good at most of the food courts in all the resorts & now it's not. Yes, I know Disney is a business but this is a club.... if you join a health club, they may up the price every year but they don't take away the equipment??? Just my 2 cents...

[doombuggy]

When I attempted to book a room for may 15 - 20 at POFQ last November, I was told that it would be closed. At the time I thought I misunderstood the woman i spoke to, and that she ment that no rooms were available at the discount code I use. Maybe I DID understand correctly? Who knows. I have been so disappointed that I could not get POFQ, and took POR instead. I am taking grama, and requested a h/c room. I too, am wondering how this will affect those staying at POR.

[jcemom]

I just made my reservation last week -- and they took it! That's why I was so shocked, that just 5 days ago they were still taking ressies for a resort that will close in less than a month!

[Simba's Mom]

Doombuggy, I stayed in a HA room in POR once. It was on the second floor of Parterre Place (I was surprised that there were handicapped rooms on other than the first floor), but it was right around the corner from the elevator. Faced the river, real nice room.

[Sammie]

Originally posted by jcemom
I just made my reservation last week -- and they took it! That's why I was so shocked, that just 5 days ago they were still taking ressies for a resort that will close in less than a month!

Central Reservation's job is to book reservations. They do not make the decisions as to when major renovations will be done, or the affect that renovation will have.

They only know about it when they are told. Also the CM's that work at the affected resort don't make the decision even including the General Manager. He/she will be notified of the decision just like everyone else.

Disney World is a "huge" company with many facets and departments.

When you booked your reservation just 5 days ago I assure you the person who booked it knew nothing about this.

I understand completely how disappointing it is for those affected. However Disney resorts are open 365 days year round.

If you do a search for POFQ and PORiverside you will see comments from guests that have stated the resorts were beginning to show their age.

There would never be a time when someone was not inconvenienced by a major renovation, but Disney guests expect a level of quality at the resorts that can only be maintained with such a project.

[justhat]

I think the shock is not that the CM knew it was closing and still booked it, but that WDW allows CRO to book reservations for a hotel that WDW knows is closing. And really, if this is really a renovation, I would think it would be more planned than this, they don't just suddenly decide to start a 2 year renovation project 3 weeks from when they announce it. They would plan that out for a while and they should, at least, not take reservations since they knoew it would close May 3rd. I could see scheduling people for October (when my reservation is) since maybe they thought it would be somewhat completed by then, but not for May and June since it clearly won't be done then. And they just closed PO right after 9/11 and they claimed they did renovations then, so why does it need more already? Their business is down so they figure, why keep another resort open when we can pack those guests into other resorts and save on utility and staff bills. It really makes the most sense for them since they've really been in a slump for a few years. Sure, I'm upset I can't stay there as I've always wanted to but never did, but Disney knows that they have enough other properties available to make people happy, and with some discounts thrown in, pretty much everyone will satisfied.

[DeeCeeSW]

khawk--I don't know who gave you your info. regarding the beignets, but we had three of them in the food court at POR last November. As far as I know, POR has always served them in their bakery area. Good eating!

[Cris]

Sammie you said it quite well. Disney has been probably weighing all there choices on what to do. They weren;t going to stop reservations, that would send up a red flag to guest and CRO staff which would send the rumors flying. And then what if they turned around and decided to hold the project off for a couple years. Besides they can now move those ressies to other resorts and help bring up the occupancy level.

And to comment on the last rehab. It was basically new linens and carpets. This one sounds like a total gut and redo.

[Ursine1]

I hope everyone understands that there is *no* *way* this is actually a renovation. It simply does not fit how Disney does renovations. And it would never take 2 years. This is a closing of a hotel in a time when they have too many rooms empty. Look at the delay in opening Pop Century. Calling it a "renovation" is Disney's way of spinning the closure. It happening in less than a month is because Disney needs to cut costs *now*.

[jcemom]

Originally posted by justhat
I think the shock is not that the CM knew it was closing and still booked it, but that WDW allows CRO to book reservations for a hotel that WDW knows is closing.

That is exactly what I meant!

[khawk]

I called WDW and was talking to the cm about POR closing. He told me that POR was NOT closing at any time. I told him I read it in the orlando sentinal and he said it was a "fib". But we also discussed the beignets and he said they are only sold at POFQ that the chef who works there and makes them is a real New Orleans chef. I also checked out the menus for the restaurants at POR and didnt see the beignets on the menu's. You can find the menus on debs board. But if you say you got them at POR then I will keep my fingers crossed and hope I can get them there when I am there also.
Kim

[KristaTX]

khawk -

Your posts that keep popping up about the beignets are making me laugh! However, I'm glad you asked. After staying at the resort many times, I finally ate my first beignets in October. I totally agree with you about how yummy they are. I didn't know they stopped making them at Riverside! They are a delicious and cheap breakfast. I am looking forward to eating some in May. I also hope they start making them at Riverside again, even if it's just while POFQ is closed.

[DebbieB]

He told me that POR was NOT closing at any time. I told him I read it in the orlando sentinal and he said it was a "fib"

The article said POR will be closing some buildings as they are renovated, but the entire resort will not be closed. So technically he is right in saying POR will not be closing.

[eeyore0062]

2 Years!!! OMGosh! I wanted to stay there in Oct. 2004...Oh well..guess I'll have to find another place

More than likely, you will be OK if you want to stay at PO-FQ. Those renovations should be completed by then, and they should be working on PO-R.

[jcemom]

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere--though I can't remember where--that POFQ was expected to be completed June 2004, and POR would be started in sections following the POFQ.
...Wish I could remember where I saw that...:confused:

[BuckeyeBelle]

It might have been me who wrote that, jcemom. We have two sets of ressies at POFQ, one this August and one in June 2004. When I spoke with the PO relocation person on the special line, she said we would definitely need to modify the August reservation, but not the June 2004 one, because at this point they thought POFQ would be done by then. She didn't have a hard reopening date, though, so it's possible things may change as time goes on. We'll just have to wait and see.

[JulesG]

We were set to arrive at POFQ May 1. Disney contacted our TA today with the news of the renovations and offered us the Poly for $30 extra per night. We had 2 rooms booked and by the time I called the other family members with the news, my TA had closed for the day. I'm praying they will be able to accept the upgrade offer tomorrow so I don't get stuck somewhere else.
We are so disappointed since we have had this trip booked for over a year and have stayed at POFQ before and love it! I find it suspicious that we are only being contacted now with this news when our trip is in 3 weeks.

[eeyore0062]

We are so disappointed since we have had this trip booked for over a year and have stayed at POFQ before and love it! I find it suspicious that we are only being contacted now with this news when our trip is in 3 weeks.

I know that you are disappointed, and I certainly hope that you are able to take advantage of the offer of the Poly tomorrow. That is why I don't go through TA's, I like to be able to call myself, and not leave it up to someone else.

Anyway, if you think that you had a shock, think of the poor castmembers who only found out the resort was closing over this past weekend. The same thing was done at the Carribbean Beach Resort this past fall. No notice was given, and it is believed it is due to whomever is contracted to do the renovations and when they can start.

[ChrislovesMinnie]

Looks like I need to make some phone calls also.

Thanks for all the info everyone!

:jester:

[epcotitis]

But I can smell the beignets!!!:confused: