A Princess Birthday Surprise at POR w/ Royal Room Included...TRex for Lunch

[Marsheliz]

Love the kids area at Tony's... Wish all the TS meals had that... I am getting so excited staying at POR by looking at your pictures!!! Maybe we will get upgraded to Royal Room... I can dream, huh?

 

[FancyNancy]

Beautiful pics of POR!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

RIP Ferrari Van, good seeing you again in the picture!

Those foggy POR pics are amazing, really, I think it adds a cool effect to the picture and goes perfectly with the theme of the resort - SO COOL!

I don't want the trip to be over!

 

[hstrickland]

Beautiful early morning pics! POR is our fav moderate! I think it has the prettiest landscaping of all the wdw resorts with the exception of Poly

Yep...hard to beat that Poly Of course the GF is a close second. Not sure why, but the POR lobby area reminds me of the GF lobby - on a much smaller scale, of course.

Beautiful pictures. I'm a morning person but they are so much better at Disney. I love walking around the resort with a cup of coffee.

Totally agree!!!! I always have my Disney mug in hand with a cup of coffee Speaking of which - I need a new mug with a new design!

Love the kids area at Tony's... Wish all the TS meals had that... I am getting so excited staying at POR by looking at your pictures!!! Maybe we will get upgraded to Royal Room... I can dream, huh?

Whispering Canyon at the WL has a kid's area (or at least they use to -haven't been in a couple of years) And come to think of it, not many do - never given it much thought until you mentioned it. Here's a little to get you that Royal Room.

Beautiful pics of POR!

Thanks!

RIP Ferrari Van, good seeing you again in the picture!

Take another look! Not me An unsuspecting bystander was captured in my TR once again! And technically that's Ferrari Van #2 - you never caught a glimpse of #1, and last year's TR featured FV#3 - which as you know, has gone to live with another family! Now we're proud owners of a "bus"

Those foggy POR pics are amazing, really, I think it adds a cool effect to the picture and goes perfectly with the theme of the resort - SO COOL!

I don't want the trip to be over!

You?! Me, too! I have a whopping 10 months before our next trip!!! Hard to even say...

 

[hstrickland]

Port Orleans Riverside mini Review
Part 1




As promised, this is a mini-review for our mini-trip with lots of pictures and non-biased information (for the most part)








You can see from the map that the resort is a bit spread out – be prepared to walk if your room isn’t close to the main building.








I wasn’t overly impressed with the entrance of the resort – but this is the only thing that didn’t wow me. The rest was superb!








Let’s start with the Lobby Area -


Very nicely done – and kind of reminds me of the GF décor, on a much smaller scale of course.







Cast Members were very friendly and helpful. Even with my random questions, they demonstrated lots of patience.














In the Main Building, you will find the



River Roost Lounge







There's live entertainment by the popular cabaret performer Yehaa Bob – fun for the entire family! (just get there early if you want a seat) A full bar is available as well as light snacks.













Moving right along and through the Main Building, you will find


Boatwrights


This TS restaurant is open for dinner only. The décor is that of a shipyard warehouse, and the food is tasty New Orleans cooking (didn’t have time to try it, though)



An outside view -


















And next, you will find -







This is PORs quick service area – very large and spacious.















Continued on the next post…





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[hstrickland]

Continued from the previous post -

Port Orleans Riverside Review
Part 2



Outside of the Main Building, you will find this








Faith thought this was the coolest thing, and had a million and one questions for me – most of which I couldn’t answer




Before we head over to the pool area, here’s some brief info on the -







You’ll also find this nearby -







More on this in a later post









And next, every child’s favorite activity



The Pool


This pool area was inspired by the story of Tom Sawyer. Ol’ Man Island (3.5 acres) not only has a pool, but features a “fishing-hole” that all ages can enjoy.








The pool has the Sawmill Slide for the adventurous family members.
















Last but not least – The Lodges and Mansions



Alligator Bayou has rooms with a murphy bed that sleeps 5.












The Mansions are located in the Magnolia Bend area (Royal Rooms are here )







One of the quiet pools in this area -













Port Orleans is a beautiful moderate with tons of Southern charm







The ONLY negative that we found was the vast layout of the resort. And the reason I say negative is the rain factor. As long as there are no torrential downpours, you’ll be fine. If rain sets in, then there will be a problem getting from point A to point B . Otherwise – we LOVED it! Wouldn’t hesitate to return!!!



Up next.....making our way over to POFQ for a Dis meet!!!






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[Pinkocto]

Beautiful pictures Heather

I'm going to be at OKW for a few days in January, and Yee Haw Bob is on the list, as well as the create your own pasta at Riverside.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I am also an early riser and I love getting up early and talking a walk around while everything is quiet and still. I always enjoy your TRs and seeing the pictures from your walks - they are beautiful. Great job on the POR review as well, I've never stayed there before, but it has made my short list a couple of times recently.

 

[Sue M]

Woohoo, can't wait for our meet
I agree all the mods, values, and the Deluxe with separate buildings, like Poly & GF have this problem with getting to main building for mug refill or whatever in the rain.
When we stayed at AKL last August we had a huge T-Storm one evening, then torrential rain lasting into the next day. I'm glad I was in a resort that was under one roof so we weren't stranded in our room. It was while we were still in our pool view room, before moving to CL, so I was also glad we could get down to the Mara without getting soaked.

We had a wonderful stretch of weather last Jan. at POR/FQ didn't we! We were there 10 days and not a drop of rain!

Loving the photos. It really is a beautiful resort. I loved sitting in that gazebo in front of Magnolia Terrace with my morning coffee during one of our POR stays.

 

[Alysa]

Such great pictures. It is so pretty there , isn't it?

 

[hstrickland]

Beautiful pictures Heather

Thanks!!

I'm going to be at OKW for a few days in January, and Yee Haw Bob is on the list, as well as the create your own pasta at Riverside.

Have you been to OKW?? I've forgotten? From the pictures, the rooms look really big and spacious. We've contemplated that resort, but just afraid I wouldn't feel like I was at Disney. You'll have to give full details!!!!

I am also an early riser and I love getting up early and talking a walk around while everything is quiet and still. I always enjoy your TRs and seeing the pictures from your walks - they are beautiful. Great job on the POR review as well, I've never stayed there before, but it has made my short list a couple of times recently.

Thanks You're very sweet. Wasn't sure how we would like it. Thankfully it was hit with the family. Thought about doing this resort a few days before our big trip next year, however FW cabins keep pulling me back - kids love em'! Keep POR on your list It's worth a try.

Woohoo, can't wait for our meet

Working on it! Hopefully done this morning.

I agree all the mods, values, and the Deluxe with separate buildings, like Poly & GF have this problem with getting to main building for mug refill or whatever in the rain.
When we stayed at AKL last August we had a huge T-Storm one evening, then torrential rain lasting into the next day. I'm glad I was in a resort that was under one roof so we weren't stranded in our room. It was while we were still in our pool view room, before moving to CL, so I was also glad we could get down to the Mara without getting soaked.

Under one roof is definitely a plus in the Florida rain!!! CL helps, too Last year at AKL, we had a horrible storm that lasted quite some time - I was never so thankful for CL The kids played video games and colored. Even though the place was packed, the Cast Members were super patient and very accommodating.

We had a wonderful stretch of weather last Jan. at POR/FQ didn't we! We were there 10 days and not a drop of rain!

No kidding!! You're right! The weather was perfect! And this summer, they have had tons of rain, almost daily. Ya never know!

Loving the photos. It really is a beautiful resort. I loved sitting in that gazebo in front of Magnolia Terrace with my morning coffee during one of our POR stays.

Thanks! Really, really want to go back when the weather is warmer and the kids can swim. I'm thinking that the Magnolia building looks a bit better for location - you made that comment, too (I think)

Such great pictures. It is so pretty there , isn't it?

thank you, and it is beautiful there!!

 

[chattadisser]

Great early monring pictures as usual! It really is a very pretty resort. I can't ever seem to sneak out of the room without an "assistant". My youngest is quite the early bird...just not so much on the quiet side!

Can't wait to keep reading...no pressure there!

Christine

 

[Pinkocto]

I went to OKW last December and was surprised how much I loved it. It has a very laid back atmosphere but with all the Disney magic included. The rooms are huge too. I didn't do a TR because I felt like I didn't have enough pictures, but I can post some if you're interested.

 

[Sue M]

Thanks!!




Have you been to OKW?? I've forgotten? From the pictures, the rooms look really big and spacious. We've contemplated that resort, but just afraid I wouldn't feel like I was at Disney. You'll have to give full details!!!!







Thanks You're very sweet. Wasn't sure how we would like it. Thankfully it was hit with the family. Thought about doing this resort a few days before our big trip next year, however FW cabins keep pulling me back - kids love em'! Keep POR on your list It's worth a try.





Working on it! Hopefully done this morning.




Under one roof is definitely a plus in the Florida rain!!! CL helps, too Last year at AKL, we had a horrible storm that lasted quite some time - I was never so thankful for CL The kids played video games and colored. Even though the place was packed, the Cast Members were super patient and very accommodating.




No kidding!! You're right! The weather was perfect! And this summer, they have had tons of rain, almost daily. Ya never know!



Thanks! Really, really want to go back when the weather is warmer and the kids can swim. I'm thinking that the Magnolia building looks a bit better for location - you made that comment, too (I think)




thank you, and it is beautiful there!!

Yes, we've stayed in both Magnolia and Acadian on either side of the quiet pool between them and both were great locations right by the Old Man Island Bridge.

 

[hstrickland]

Great early monring pictures as usual! It really is a very pretty resort. I can't ever seem to sneak out of the room without an "assistant". My youngest is quite the early bird...just not so much on the quiet side!

Get your "assistant" a disposable camera for an early morning venture

Can't wait to keep reading...no pressure there!

Christine

Not at all Trying to finish up an installment now, but have to run some errands before noon. Guess I'll post it after lunch

By the way, I've been checking out the DVC rental deal. Looks promising for sure!!! Weren't you the one who said yall do that?

I went to OKW last December and was surprised how much I loved it. It has a very laid back atmosphere but with all the Disney magic included. The rooms are huge too. I didn't do a TR because I felt like I didn't have enough pictures, but I can post some if you're interested.

interested???? What do you think?!! Love pictures!!!

Yes, we've stayed in both Magnolia and Acadian on either side of the quiet pool between them and both were great locations right by the Old Man Island Bridge.

Bill was checking it out last night, and that's exactly what he said - looks like Magnolia is a great location for the main pool. If/when we go back to POR, we'll probably stay in the Alligator Bayou area with the murphy bed, and will definitely get a preferred room.

 

[hstrickland]

Day 3
Port Orleans French Quarter & Our Dis Meet
Part 1





When this last minute trip was planned, I naturally chatted about it on my other TR. SueM mentioned to me that she would be at POFQ at the very same time. Of course this was the perfect opportunity to try and meet up. So that’s exactly what we did!



Unsurprisingly, my family was up very early – and you guessed it – we were getting pictures time we stepped out of the room.







Warning! LOTS, and lots, and lots of scenic shots on our way over to POFQ. The weather was too perfect to pass up any photo opportunity.







By the way, the path over to POFQ is quite lovely – it follows the river all the way to the resort. All of us (kids included) enjoyed the stroll over.







Stephen’s very new & fresh haircut (as in a day before the trip) – when he’s 18 and I pull this pic out, he’ll definitely have something to say












Bill and Stephen are soooooo much alike!! Same mannerisms.








Just a look back at POR







See – I told ya there would be lots of scenic shots!


This is one of my all-time favorite pictures. Even though we didn’t stay at POFQ, every time I take a glimpse at this pic it reminds me of our wonderful mini-trip!







Moving right along – although we knew we were heading towards POFQ, we had no idea where the path would end up at the resort – just had to find the quick service, and find Sue!







As we neared the buildings, we immediately noticed the awesome theming – New Orleans again, but very different from POR.







The wrought iron fence totally takes you to the French Quarters in New Orleans. Not sure what my family is pointing to – something is of interest to them, but they couldn’t remember when I asked them last night












Continued to next post





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[hstrickland]

Continued from previous post



POFQ & Dis Meet
Part 2




We were off to meet Sue for breakfast. I told her to be on the lookout for the family with the crazy kids running wild! Before we left, Bill had a very stern talk with all three of them and threatened them within an inch of their lives (just kidding kind of ) The whole spill, ya know " These people dont know us." "Don't embarrass us!" "Use your manners!" "Act like you have sense!"



As promised, Sue met us outside Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory ( Thats a mouthful!)







The dining area theme is a warehouse setting with Mardi Gras Parade props very cool!








Sue told us that the Beignets were out of this world!! And she was right! Just make sure you aren't in a hurry - ordering them was a bit chaotic - no one knew whose order was ready and who was next - crazy. But worth the wait








This was taken after Bill nonchalantly whispered in Jesses ear to straighten up. The look on his little face says it all - he's thinking "whatever!" - Like I've said, he tries our patience on a daily basis.







So, were you wondering if you get to meet SueM????







Can you believe I didn't get any pictures of us together??!! Sue kindly sent this one to me. She was traveling with her daughter, Ashley. And not only did we get to meet SueM and Ashley, but we also were introduced to Disney777! They were meeting up for their annual trip together. (I think that's right) This was really exciting for Bill and me because it was our first Dis Meet! Thanks, Sue, for being such a gracious hostess at POFQ After we chatted for a while, we had to leave so Sue, Ashley and Disney777 could get to the parks!!!



After saying our goodbyes, we stuck around for a bit to check things out! (more scenic shots!!!)











Is this not the cutest theme??!! The kids were having a ball just playing around and being silly!











We made our way over to the pool area.













The kids said they totally loved this pool!













Stephen mentioned that the slide looked like it would be super slow. Who knows?! But this is coming from a kid who loves Summit Plummet.








Lots of pics, I know, of the pool. But, I found it to be so different than the other pools Ive seen at Disney (a little snap happy, I was )














Ok - I'm done with pool shots. Moving right along -








We made our way back to the river.














Decided to venture back to POR and pack up. We had lunch ressies at TRex, so we were going to ride the boat to DTD! Kinda excited about doing that since it was going to be a first!












Up next - Sassagoula River Boat Ride to DTD!





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[Sue M]

Lol! We meet at last! So right about the Begniet ordering. It's always crazy. I think they need a number system or something. Or put names on the styro containers like Starbucks.
I can tell Bill had a good talking to, I was ready for Jesse wandering, etc. but they were very well mannered, lol!
We didn't go down the slide, being January and all, but I heard its slower too. The pool theming is very fun. We usually found lounges in the back of the pool, backing on to river path! And we enjoyed the hot tub .

This was our first POFQ stay, usually when we are in a moderate POR is our choice! But Disney 777 likes FQ better, and we like trying new resorts, so Ashley and I tried it. We enjoyed FQ very much, and would stay again, but Por mansions remain our fav

I am so glad we were able to meet you and your family! Hopefully our wdw paths will cross again!

I may be MIA for awhile now. Our renos start tomorrow morning. huge Reno downstairs in basement. Jack hammering thru floor to lay new plumbing, adding bathroom, moving laundry room, my head hurts already Contractor and workman were over today. It's starting a tad earlier then I was planning

 

[chattadisser]

I love the pre-walk lecture about behaving! We have a lot of those in the car before going somewhere. Nothing wrong with being snap happy! What is it about the youngest child?? It’s like they inherently know that when it comes to them you are older and so tired that the likelihood of you disciplining them is less that they know to give you the “whatever” attitude.

POR is so pretty especially in the morning.

Good luck on renting the DVC. We try to do it as much as we can now. A lot depends on your flexibility for where you want to stay and when you want to go. Obviously, the more flexible you are with those the easier it is. It’s hard to be too flexible when you have to work around school schedules though. We have loved all our DVC rentals. I have heard that the studios and two bedrooms book the fastest.

Hope you have a great day and enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

Christine

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Gorgeous photos of POFQ! I love them all lol It looks like you had a successful Dismeet - I love how people from all over can meet and bond over their love of Disney