Resort Thread Disney's PORT ORLEANS RIVERSIDE Resort

[Sue M]

We stayed at WL when they were redoing the pool in Oct 2014. We heard about some people getting $50 per credits for the inconvenience, so when we checked in we asked about it. The CM gave us a weird look and said "didn't you know it would be closed?". We said something about how it doesn't make it any better and we heard about the other people getting the credit, so they gave it to us. We were only staying 3 nights but they added $150 to our account, which we used for magic band spending.

Sometimes if you are sweet about being disappointed about the pool ("I am so sad, I thought it was supposed to be open by now, that's why we wanted to stay here") they will try to make it up to you. Worth a shot.

~Cari~

We stayed at Pop for our arrival night a few years ago, and everyone was supposed to get a credit if they booked before a certain date. I can't remember the reason why now, but when I checked in we didn't receive it. CM told us to go line up again at concierge desk (this after a 45 min check in wait). So I did. They had to go get a manager, who interrogated me like a criminal, all for a one night stay. They looked up my res and saw that I did book before the date in question and begrudgingly gave me the credit. All in all, a very unpleasant experience. I don't know why it was so unpleasant, I remained polite the entire time.

 

[Carolrita]

Since you ask, yes. You didn't book a pool, you booked a hotel room. Any more than you'll get a discount if you go to Epcot for the day and you find Soarin' is closed.

However by the end of April the POR main pool should be open again anyway, so it's probably a moot point. (Soarin', however, is a different matter).

Andre

I see your point about booking s hotel room. My point is, though, I booked at a resort expecting (reasonably expecting) access to the main pool. I remember you once saying (maybe on your board?) that they hold back that information until 90 days prior. I just think it's bad business. Many people book much further in advance. With Universal Studios and, I believe, even Sea World, offering on site lodging now, I think Disney should do better than that. I will admit that I am guilty of holding Disney to higher standards, but they always seemed (in the past) to meet those standards. I feel they've slipped in the last few years

 

[CQuinn]

I assume there are hairdryers in the room?

Just as a nice to know, if you've got long/thick hair the blowdryers provided dry your hair very slowly. I bring my own now. It may not be an issue for you but it drove me nuts.

 

[spartkle1212]

Hi! I checked through the refurbishment info and want to be sure I'm understanding it. It looks like the pool should be done before May so we are looking at booking POR for mid-may. It sounds like Royal rooms are not part of refurbishments but if we book another room, we could end up with in the building where the roofing is being done? Thanks!

 

[andrewilley]

Hi! I checked through the refurbishment info and want to be sure I'm understanding it. It looks like the pool should be done before May so we are looking at booking POR for mid-may. It sounds like Royal rooms are not part of refurbishments but if we book another room, we could end up with in the building where the roofing is being done? Thanks!

Yes, that's all correct. They won't put you right under the roofing work of course, but you could still be placed in another wing of the same building. You can request to be located away from the work, but to avoid the possibility completely you could book Preferred Location or any of the Royal Room categories.

Andre

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

Just booked 2 nights in March to celebrate DH's 70th birthday. We can't wait. Finally scored a preferred room with a Florida residents discount. We aren't doing the parks this trip. Just resort hopping to check out the other 3 moderates & of course the new bar at the Poly. Hopefully time will fly!!

 

[spartkle1212]

Yes, that's all correct. They won't put you right under the roofing work of course, but you could still be placed in another wing of the same building. You can request to be located away from the work, but to avoid the possibility completely you could book Preferred Location or any of the Royal Room categories.

Andre

Thank you so much!!!

 

[mocame]

We have an 8:00 AM tour scheduled at MK. What time is the earliest bus that we can get to be there by 8:00 AM?

 

[dansdad]

We have an 8:00 AM tour scheduled at MK. What time is the earliest bus that we can get to be there by 8:00 AM?

Buses start rolling at 6:30AM. I would be at the bus stop by 6:45.

 

[andrewilley]

Buses start rolling at 6:30AM. I would be at the bus stop by 6:45.

First bus is now 7am with the new schedules.

Andre

 

[mocame]

First bus is now 7am with the new schedules.

Andre

Will that leave enough time to get to MK before 8:00AM tour?

 

[Muskegon78]

Buses are 7am for 8am openings too? I'm looking at MK on 2/25

 

[keahgirl8]

Just booked 2 nights in March to celebrate DH's 70th birthday. We can't wait. Finally scored a preferred room with a Florida residents discount. We aren't doing the parks this trip. Just resort hopping to check out the other 3 moderates & of course the new bar at the Poly. Hopefully time will fly!!

That's what I'm doing this trip. I've always wanted to resort hop and I never feel like I have time!

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

Hi! I checked through the refurbishment info and want to be sure I'm understanding it. It looks like the pool should be done before May so we are looking at booking POR for mid-may. It sounds like Royal rooms are not part of refurbishments but if we book another room, we could end up with in the building where the roofing is being done? Thanks!

Mid May is when I'll be there. What is expected to be going on construction wise then? Where will the comstruction be taking place? Will the pools be done? What's happening to the main pool?

 

[JaimeK]

I'm arriving March 9th and I really hope the pool stays on schedule! I guess if it's still closed we'll trek to the POFQ pool.

 

[BDL]

Andre...:

Since this is Fat Tuesday, will you be able to post the golf cart Mardi Gras today?

 

[andrewilley]

Buses are 7am for 8am openings too? I'm looking at MK on 2/25

Yes, as far as I know the only change would be if a park opened at 7am (i.e. general MK 8am opening at Christmastime, plus an EMH day too).

Mid May is when I'll be there. What is expected to be going on construction wise then? Where will the comstruction be taking place? Will the pools be done? What's happening to the main pool?

As it says in the FAQ in the first post of this thread, the latest information can be found at www.portorleans.org/rehab.php. Best to check there first and then come back with any questions you still have.

Since this is Fat Tuesday, will you be able to post the golf cart Mardi Gras today?

It's going on at the moment, and there's a live stream on EyesOnEars that's linked from my site too (currently the streamer is offair, but hopefully they will be back in a bit when the parade comes back on its circle route). They should have saved the first part I believe.

[Edit: yes, their saved first viewing of the mini parade is at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/82854756 . Much smaller than usual this year, but we know that was going to happen]

Andre

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

I just booked for a garden view. What request should I put in for having a room closest to the dining, main pool, and transportation? I'm not sure if I like AB or MB section better. I like the AB for the extra bed, we only have 4 of us but I know my kids would like not having to share a bed, but I don't like the lack of drawer space. I've read all the room location info on this FAQ and elsewhere just not sure how to decide.

 

[Lisann]

I know what you mean!

The thing that's worrying me a bit is the perimeter fencing that they are going to be installing. I really do hope that they will be putting in something beautifully themed and in keeping with the whole Ol' Man Island concept and backstory (hewn wooden posts and spliced rope fencing like the marina dockside would be perfect, or at least wooden post and rail fencing like on the bridges).

However recent experience tends to make me think they are more likely to just use cheap and tacky modern metal poles or wire mesh like they did in the parking lot a few years ago, or the island-side approach to the main bridge last year:

View attachment 149204

I know most people probably won't even notice, but IMHO good theming is all about the little details - get those right and the big picture works, but get them wrong and gradually you start to lose the concept you are trying to portray.

Andre

Remember...there is always a good, legitimate reason why Disney does what it does. Sometimes there are laws/requirements for safety that preclude POR from installing certain barriers, fencing, etc., the way they might want to. Safety regulations if you will. They might go for a fence that will fade into the background, as opposed to standing out in theming. The rounded railing that you see in your pic allows an individual to grasp the railing, for safety. They painted it to blend in.

 

[Marilu]

Thank You for posting this wonderful info. Makes me more excited to plan a stay here!