ADRs, Touring Plans, Free Dining, What?

[dogodisney]

I wish our vacations lasted as long as it is taking you to write your TR. (I know you have been busy).
I'm looking forward to reading the rest.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Signing on! Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, JD and gators!!! Sounds like a great start to your trip!! can't wait to read more!

BTW, now I'm totally craving those cinnamon rolls!

 

[DisneyJo]

I went to Gatorland Zoo when I was little, still have a wax gator that I made in a machine somewhere

Your DH had a pet skunk I've never heard of that before

I still can't get over how far Americans drive to get places Us Brits are just wimps I guess

 

[jcc0621]

I still can't get over how far Americans drive to get places Us Brits are just wimps I guess

You said it, not us Jo

 

[lazydoxy66]

Day 2, Part 3 - Car Alarms, Gators and POR

We say our good byes to Crocville and jump in the car. I ask my electronic guide, Emma, to show us the fairy dusted way!

I think we spent about $3.50 total for the tolls. Just in case anyone wanted to know.

I can't describe how we felt as we passed under that 'welcome' sign. It had been a long time since last we had trekked into this realm of wonder and excitement. Blah, Blah, Blah, I was just watching the signs to make sure we didn't miss a turn.
I didn't get excited until we saw the 'Barney Fife' at the gated entrance. 'The Law' always make me nervous. Brings up all kinds of bad memories. ( Just kidding!) We obviously weren't on the last 'most wanted' poster. He was a nice guy. Jabbered about the weather, hoped we would have a nice stay, etc.

It was 4:00PM. I was happier than a rat on a Cheetoh! Didn't look too busy, I don't think.
Port Orleans Riverside.

(Photo courtesy of Hotels.com)


The Lobby

(Photo courtesy Port Orleans.org)
Yep, I was so darn excited I didn't get any pictures when I was checking in. I can tell you that the lobby was a tad bit busier than this picture. It was just as beautiful though.

I waited in my first Disney line for about 5 minutes. Elizabeth was polite, professional and to the point but still helpful. Guess what folks. I had a choice between the Magnolia Bend or Alligator Bayou. I didn't think stuff like that was suppose to happen. I was caught completly off guard.

I looked at Doug. He was lookin' at me like Elizabeth had just spoken some foreign language that he couldn't quite get his brain around. "Rustic or fancy, darling". Alright this was my next big mistake. I wanted fancy. I did. I love those mansions. I should have picked and just acted like Doug wasn't there. He chose rustic. CARP!

Now we have a second choice. Holy smokers. Must have been a slow day. Did we want section 24 or 16? Show me Elizabeth. She did.

Allrighty here's where I differ in my opinion from a lot of you, my friends. 16 is closer to the main building and food and stuff. I get that. If you have some rug rats, I see your point. This wasn't my concern. Actually, 24 is closer, just a smigen, to a bus stop. It's in the boonies, quiet-like. Elizabeth stressed that the bayou water views were pool views. No problem. Then she put the pixie dust on the leprechaun - the room that was available in 24 was >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
an upstairs, CORNER room. Two windows. SCORE!!!!! At least for me. If I couldn't have my fancy, then this is the next best thing!
Elizabeth handed us a map pointing us in the right direction and gave us all our paperwork and goodies.
Our magic buttons

Keys to the World.

The map showing 2449.

Our parking pass. So the guards know we are legal.

Food credits and Ressies.

We drove to our home away from home. I gave my command - wait right here. I want to check it out first. I entered. The curtains on the 2 windows were open. No funky odor, check 1. No critters or dirt in sheets, check 2. Carpet clean, check 3. No hair in tub or corners of bathroom, check 4. Plenty of towels, TP, and tissues, check 5. Sinks clean, check 6. 1 light out above sink. Who cares. Reminds my of home. Switch on the A/C, final check.
SSSUUUUUWWWEEEEEETTTTT!
OK, DOUG YOU CAN HAUL HER ALL UP NOW!

I did go ahead and spray everything down with some Lysol.

Some pictures of the room.
Doug in his favorite position again. I can't seem to get a picture of a bed without him in it.

After we unpacked I asked Doug if he wanted to go to DTD or eat at the food court. Food court.
I snapped some pics along the way.

It only took us about 5 minutes to get to the food court. It isn't that far, really. The walk was beautiful. It felt good.
The food court was very busy but very efficient. I took pictures of all the supper menus for those of you who are interested I'll put them in the next response so as not to fudge my incredible story line.

I got the fish basket with a slice of cheesecake.

I thought it was very good. The pasta salad was fresh and light. The fish was cooked well and not greasy. Ya'll have to remember something - I don't live near an ocean or sea. This was better than Long John Silver's, OK. The cheese cake was just, well, I ate it. I guess I've had better.

Doug had a bacon cheesebuger with fries and chocolate cake.

He isn't much of a critic. He said it was better than McDonalds and hot. The cake was delish.

Overall we give River Mill Food Court -

5 being the best you can get.
This was our first try on the DDP. It went off without a hitch. The CMs were very nice and answered any question.

We sat at a window overlooking the dock and water. This place is very big. Kinda noisy but you would expect that.

Our bellies happy, we walked on back to the room. I wanted to check out Ol' Man Island.
Some signage.

An accidental hidden Mickey.

I wanted to take some pictures of the pool, there was just too many people. I did find the bar. Then a DISer found me!

It was Dogodisney, Doreen. She and her family were going to the pool. We hugged like old friends and chatted for a few and yep I forgot to get a picture. I hoped we would run into each other again. Oh to have more money and more time!!!! I'm glad I got to meet you, Doreen!! Such cute kids and DH!!!

Some pictures of the room from the outside.

I stayed up for a while and finished some window decorations. Doug fell asleep. It was going to be a long day tomorrow.
Next: Day 3, Part 1: Humidity + Test Track = A Bad Hair Day

 

[lazydoxy66]

Doug and I would have spent around $28 on our 2 meals.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

POR looks lovely, I would have had a hard time deciding between the two sections as well.

 

[lazydoxy66]

Hey, Lessa!!!!! Can't you sleep or do you have a big day today??

I'm glad to see ya'!!!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hey, Lessa!!!!! Can't you sleep or do you have a big day today??

I'm glad to see ya'!!!

Neither, I'm at work.

 

[lazydoxy66]

Me too! Going home soon.
I'll be off work starting the 20th for 3 days, so I'll try to get another update in then.
Have a good one!!

 

[reelmom]

Great report. I can't wait to read more.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

The Lobby

(Photo courtesy Port Orleans.org)
Yep, I was so darn excited I didn't get any pictures when I was checking in. I can tell you that the lobby was a tad bit busier than this picture. It was just as beautiful though.

It really is pretty isn't it.

I had a choice between the Magnolia Bend or Alligator Bayou. I didn't think stuff like that was suppose to happen. I was caught completly off guard.

I bet you really were floored that you had so many choices.

Allrighty here's where I differ in my opinion from a lot of you, my friends. 16 is closer to the main building and food and stuff. I get that. If you have some rug rats, I see your point.

I see your point as well.

CORNER room. Two windows. SCORE!!!!!

I did get a corner too. My parents didn't and let me tell you there is a big difference. Besides now you had two window to decorate!

I got the fish basket with a slice of cheesecake.

So that's what the fish looked like. My Mom hated it but I think yours looks darn good.

I did go ahead and spray everything down with some Lysol.

I had to wait until my bags arrived from ME. I think by that time I only did the phone, the coverter and the door knobs.

I can't wait to hear about the parks!

 

[xoktenox]

Wow POR is gorgeous! The food looked good too. And you apparently lucked out on your room as well. Looks like you had an excellent start to your stay

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Sounds like your check in and first night went well! Thanks for sharing all your pics!! Their beautiful!

 

[KittyKat08]

Just started reading. Wonderful TR. Loved that you went to Gatorland since my soon to be DH and I have been contemplating it when we arrive in Florida next month, so you gave us an idea of what to expect. Can't wait to hear more.

 

[DisneyJo]

How great to have your choice of rooms, even if you did end up with Bayou

 

[dogodisney]

It was a pleasure to meet you too! I wish we could have visited longer or at least met up again. We went nonstop. That night was the only time that we went swimming.
Every time we went out, I kept an eye out for you room but I never saw it. I didn't bother decorating ours because I didn't think anyone would see it. We were definately in the boonies. Great bus stop though.


Keep up the great report.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Me too! Going home soon.
I'll be off work starting the 20th for 3 days, so I'll try to get another update in then.
Have a good one!!

I guess you are working so we have to wait. Really enjoying your report.

 

[PrincessV]

I was happier than a rat on a Cheetoh!

This seriously made me LOL!

I had a choice between the Magnolia Bend or Alligator Bayou.

Say WHAT?!?!

Allrighty here's where I differ in my opinion from a lot of you, my friends. 16 is closer to the main building and food and stuff. I get that. If you have some rug rats, I see your point. This wasn't my concern. Actually, 24 is closer, just a smigen, to a bus stop. It's in the boonies, quiet-like.

I'm 100% in agreement. I rarely prefer any room siutated near the food stuff. I like the "away from it all" feeling!

CORNER room. Two windows.

No funky odor, check 1. No critters or dirt in sheets, check 2.

Well, you were already way ahead of my usual experience!

 

[rebecca06261]

...wheredjago???