Resort Thread Disney's PORT ORLEANS RIVERSIDE Resort

[moopdog]

I'll be faxing my room/location request tomorrow morning for our Thursday arrival. Last minute advice? I really only care about a mansion location that closest to the dining hall and a bus stop (we are in non-Royal). Will that wording be a mistake?

 

[MrsIncredible1974]

This is me today having just switched to POR from CBR due to the refurbs.

We love POR but just couldn't stretch to the cost this time originally but, when the chance to switch at no extra cost came along- well, I couldn't be happier.

Can't wait, 5 months and 1 day to go

 

[siskaren]

I'll be faxing my room/location request tomorrow morning for our Thursday arrival. Last minute advice? I really only care about a mansion location that closest to the dining hall and a bus stop (we are in non-Royal). Will that wording be a mistake?

Why would that wording be a mistake? It says exactly what you want. A lot of people ask, "I want x, y and z, so what building should I ask for?" but the problem with asking for a building rather than asking for what you want is that you may get the building you ask for, but for instance be on the farthest side from the bus stop when you wanted to be close to a bus stop.

 

[MrsIncredible1974]

So, last time we stayed at POR, the children were 8 and 6 and we were all so beat by the end of the day that we would just shower and crash.
This time, our girls are 13 and 11 and hopefully a little better placed to cope with the long, hot days of an August trip.
On the evenings when we're back in resort and the grown ups feel like a grown ups beverage (there isn't a mojito icon...) while we listen to Yee Haw Bob, will the girls be ok in the River Roost lounge with us?

 

[ncc1701]

So, last time we stayed at POR, the children were 8 and 6 and we were all so beat by the end of the day that we would just shower and crash.
This time, our girls are 13 and 11 and hopefully a little better placed to cope with the long, hot days of an August trip.
On the evenings when we're back in resort and the grown ups feel like a grown ups beverage (there isn't a mojito icon...) while we listen to Yee Haw Bob, will the girls be ok in the River Roost lounge with us?

Yes! There are always plenty of families everytime we have strolled up from POFQ to see the show.

 

[moopdog]

I'll be faxing my room/location request tomorrow morning for our Thursday arrival. Last minute advice? I really only care about a mansion location that closest to the dining hall and a bus stop (we are in non-Royal). Will that wording be a mistake?

I'm sorry, did somebody say Mojito?

 

[moopdog]

I'm sorry, did somebody say Mojito?

I have no idea how that replied to the wrong post. Whoops.

 

[AtlantaMom2kids]

Mojitos are my favorite!

 

[halssister]

This is me today having just switched to POR from CBR due to the refurbs.

We love POR but just couldn't stretch to the cost this time originally but, when the chance to switch at no extra cost came along- well, I couldn't be happier.

Can't wait, 5 months and 1 day to go

We did the exact same thing, wanted POR but decided to try CBR due to it being cheaper! And now switched for no extra charge. Have a magical trip!

 

[Tia1977]

Here goes hoping you POR loving guys can help me get excited. And I am, bc its Disney again in 4 months. But, we're like many who switched from (my beloved-AKA Disney "home") CBR due to the refurb. Just too much wo dining, pool bar & construction mess. And not wo a price increase. Luckily the increase is under $400. This will be our first (forced) stay here (CSR booked. I'd of even taken that w/it's own construction over PORS for theming & just no way we can $$ for a deluxe). It's amazing Disney quality, I'm sure once there it'll be great (nervous laugh). It's just I grew up in TX w/family in deep LA. I was over the theming in real life by teenage years. And even though I know pics don't do justice, even the rooms look boring to me (we switched to Pref so read all Alligator Bayou section?). Even sad no wooden door now between room/vanity for getting ready (my loves are late risers, I rise earlier). Please no flames, and def not trying to feel negative at all! I know many love this place as I love my CBR, that's why I'm reaching out... I'm reading all info on DIS, the POR fan website, and FB. Other than the overall "theming" bc to each his own, it just isn't for me-I lived it so long. Or, the boat to Disney Springs. We might use once maybe? If I can now work it in. This trip being our last w/ AP, we're more interested in chilling inside a park instead. Anyone mind sharing any details on their love for PORS? From big down to small? I'm really fighting hard to get the Disney mojo back. Again, I know once there will hopefully most def be another story. Just working through the mental dumps of a high I've been on since booking what I thought would be CBR again back in Aug.

 

[Nurse_Mommy4]

Here goes hoping you POR loving guys can help me get excited. And I am, bc its Disney again in 4 months. But, we're like many who switched from (my beloved-AKA Disney "home") CBR due to the refurb. Just too much wo dining, pool bar & construction mess. And not wo a price increase. Luckily the increase is under $400. This will be our first (forced) stay here (CSR booked. I'd of even taken that w/it's own construction over PORS for theming & just no way we can $$ for a deluxe). It's amazing Disney quality, I'm sure once there it'll be great (nervous laugh). It's just I grew up in TX w/family in deep LA. I was over the theming in real life by teenage years. And even though I know pics don't do justice, even the rooms look boring to me (we switched to Pref so read all Alligator Bayou section?). Even sad no wooden door now between room/vanity for getting ready (my loves are late risers, I rise earlier). Please no flames, and def not trying to feel negative at all! I know many love this place as I love my CBR, that's why I'm reaching out... I'm reading all info on DIS, the POR fan website, and FB. Other than the overall "theming" bc to each his own, it just isn't for me-I lived it so long. Or, the boat to Disney Springs. We might use once maybe? If I can now work it in. This trip being our last w/ AP, we're more interested in chilling inside a park instead. Anyone mind sharing any details on their love for PORS? From big down to small? I'm really fighting hard to get the Disney mojo back. Again, I know once there will hopefully most def be another story. Just working through the mental dumps of a high I've been on since booking what I thought would be CBR again back in Aug.

To be quite honest, the theming IS what most of us love about POR. I understand your frustration about your home resort being under construction; I'm just not sure I understand why you moved. If you are truly interested in being in the parks more this trip, why not just stay at CBR? That way you still get the theming especially if you stayed in Jamaica area and you would still get the wooden doors.
I, for one, do not care for the theming at CBR. If it were reversed I would stay at POR even if Riverside mill were closed for construction rather than stay at a resort that I didn't care for; especially if it cost more to move.
Are you a family of five? I'm just wondering if you like the look of the Mansions better than Aligator Bayou? They only hold up to four though.
I'm sorry that I couldn't be of more help. I truly wish you the best vacation. In the end, you will be at Disney with your family.

 

[Tia1977]

To be quite honest, the theming IS what most of us love about POR. I understand your frustration about your home resort being under construction; I'm just not sure I understand why you moved. If you are truly interested in being in the parks more this trip, why not just stay at CBR? That way you still get the theming especially if you stayed in Jamaica area and you would still get the wooden doors.
I, for one, do not care for the theming at CBR. If it were reversed I would stay at POR even if Riverside mill were closed for construction rather than stay at a resort that I didn't care for; especially if it cost more to move.
Are you a family of five? I'm just wondering if you like the look of the Mansions better than Aligator Bayou? They only hold up to four though.
I'm sorry that I couldn't be of more help. I truly wish you the best vacation. In the end, you will be at Disney with your family.

Thank you for the feed back, and I def understand. I moved bc it was non negotiable to my DH to be without the option of dining, pool bar, and likely mess/noise at the main pool (if it didn't end up closing all together). Never fails we end up grabbing a handful of meals at the resort, and DD loves main pool time. If it were my decision alone, I wouldn't of been happy about the inconveniences; but would have stayed @ CBR. Disney as a whole is too expensive, and family vacation time too rare to disappoint your family bc you can't get over a general theme (was & will remain my personal lecture to myself lol). I'm just looking to find other ways to enjoy the resort around it. Maybe they won't pop out until there. We booked Pref to reduce the stress of a good room location. Figured since paying more anyway, the add'l Pref charge was def worth it. I'll keep researching & reading. No doubt disappointment will hopefully blow over when we arrive. Just getting from now til then (lol).

 

[WhispyPixie]

Thank you for the feed back, and I def understand. I moved bc it was non negotiable to my DH to be without the option of dining, pool bar, and likely mess/noise at the main pool (if it didn't end up closing all together). Never fails we end up grabbing a handful of meals at the resort, and DD loves main pool time. If it were my decision alone, I wouldn't of been happy about the inconveniences; but would have stayed @ CBR. Disney as a whole is too expensive, and family vacation time too rare to disappoint your family bc you can't get over a general theme (was & will remain my personal lecture to myself lol). I'm just looking to find other ways to enjoy the resort around it. Maybe they won't pop out until there. We booked Pref to reduce the stress of a good room location. Figured since paying more anyway, the add'l Pref charge was def worth it. I'll keep researching & reading. No doubt disappointment will hopefully blow over when we arrive. Just getting from now til then (lol).

I hope you will love POR as much as we do. I are most definitely a Deluxe Resort family, with that being said, many times budgets just cant always allow for that....POR Alligator Bayou is the best moderate we have found. The theming is fantastic, the location (with a Pref room) is so convenient, the food at QS and TS is great, the pool area fun and the boat to Disney Springs one of the best ways to unwind for the day! Embrace the "new" adventure and have a great time!

 

[Day-Day]

Thank you for the feed back, and I def understand. I moved bc it was non negotiable to my DH to be without the option of dining, pool bar, and likely mess/noise at the main pool (if it didn't end up closing all together). Never fails we end up grabbing a handful of meals at the resort, and DD loves main pool time. If it were my decision alone, I wouldn't of been happy about the inconveniences; but would have stayed @ CBR. Disney as a whole is too expensive, and family vacation time too rare to disappoint your family bc you can't get over a general theme (was & will remain my personal lecture to myself lol). I'm just looking to find other ways to enjoy the resort around it. Maybe they won't pop out until there. We booked Pref to reduce the stress of a good room location. Figured since paying more anyway, the add'l Pref charge was def worth it. I'll keep researching & reading. No doubt disappointment will hopefully blow over when we arrive. Just getting from now til then (lol).

We stayed at CBR for our first visit to WDW. Liked it so much we stayed there again on our 2nd visit. For our 3rd visit, CBR wasn't available so the CM I was talking to on the phone recommended the new "Dixie Landings" which is now Port Orleans-Riverside. POR had been our main place to stay since then. We have stayed at a number of other resorts but have not been back to CBR. I think you will like POR; maybe not as much as CBR but I don't think you will be miserable staying there.

Your husband may find that he prefers the quiet pools over the main pool. Depending on the time of year, we have found the main pool to be crowded with few or no chairs available. Of course, this happens at most resorts.

 

[alex9179]

Here goes hoping you POR loving guys can help me get excited. And I am, bc its Disney again in 4 months. But, we're like many who switched from (my beloved-AKA Disney "home") CBR due to the refurb. Just too much wo dining, pool bar & construction mess. And not wo a price increase. Luckily the increase is under $400. This will be our first (forced) stay here (CSR booked. I'd of even taken that w/it's own construction over PORS for theming & just no way we can $$ for a deluxe). It's amazing Disney quality, I'm sure once there it'll be great (nervous laugh). It's just I grew up in TX w/family in deep LA. I was over the theming in real life by teenage years. And even though I know pics don't do justice, even the rooms look boring to me (we switched to Pref so read all Alligator Bayou section?). Even sad no wooden door now between room/vanity for getting ready (my loves are late risers, I rise earlier). Please no flames, and def not trying to feel negative at all! I know many love this place as I love my CBR, that's why I'm reaching out... I'm reading all info on DIS, the POR fan website, and FB. Other than the overall "theming" bc to each his own, it just isn't for me-I lived it so long. Or, the boat to Disney Springs. We might use once maybe? If I can now work it in. This trip being our last w/ AP, we're more interested in chilling inside a park instead. Anyone mind sharing any details on their love for PORS? From big down to small? I'm really fighting hard to get the Disney mojo back. Again, I know once there will hopefully most def be another story. Just working through the mental dumps of a high I've been on since booking what I thought would be CBR again back in Aug.

It's no fun to have the rug pulled out from under you! Once you move past the disappointment try to look at all of the benefits the resort offers. The TS and QS are quite good. MYO pasta and salad are very popular! You have another QS, and pool area that you're allowed to use, a short walk/boat ride away for variety. The boat offers easy transport over to Disney Springs for a wide variety of food options/shopping/entertainment. River Roost lounge has a family friendly evening show the last half of the week that's supposed to be a hoot! In fact, I chose POR specifically for Yeeha Bob
There are several pluses if you're spending time enjoying the resort, if you all choose to do so.

 

[DiaryofaDisneyKid]

Here goes hoping you POR loving guys can help me get excited. And I am, bc its Disney again in 4 months. But, we're like many who switched from (my beloved-AKA Disney "home") CBR due to the refurb. Just too much wo dining, pool bar & construction mess. And not wo a price increase. Luckily the increase is under $400. This will be our first (forced) stay here (CSR booked. I'd of even taken that w/it's own construction over PORS for theming & just no way we can $$ for a deluxe). It's amazing Disney quality, I'm sure once there it'll be great (nervous laugh). It's just I grew up in TX w/family in deep LA. I was over the theming in real life by teenage years. And even though I know pics don't do justice, even the rooms look boring to me (we switched to Pref so read all Alligator Bayou section?). Even sad no wooden door now between room/vanity for getting ready (my loves are late risers, I rise earlier). Please no flames, and def not trying to feel negative at all! I know many love this place as I love my CBR, that's why I'm reaching out... I'm reading all info on DIS, the POR fan website, and FB. Other than the overall "theming" bc to each his own, it just isn't for me-I lived it so long. Or, the boat to Disney Springs. We might use once maybe? If I can now work it in. This trip being our last w/ AP, we're more interested in chilling inside a park instead. Anyone mind sharing any details on their love for PORS? From big down to small? I'm really fighting hard to get the Disney mojo back. Again, I know once there will hopefully most def be another story. Just working through the mental dumps of a high I've been on since booking what I thought would be CBR again back in Aug.

We have stayed at both POR and CBR and love both. We prefer the theming at POR. You mentioned you don't like the theming so maybe try looking at all the QS menus and maybe you will find you will enjoy the food better? We love the MYO salad, pasta and my parents love the MYO omelettes for breakfast. It is really not far to walk or bus to French Quarter and I love the beignets there! FQ just refurbed their QS area last November and you might want to check out their new menu. Don't worry, I am sure you will enjoy POR if you just see it as a new adventure.

 

[ttcl516]

I'll be faxing my room/location request tomorrow morning for our Thursday arrival. Last minute advice? I really only care about a mansion location that closest to the dining hall and a bus stop (we are in non-Royal). Will that wording be a mistake?

We're arriving on Thursday as well....I wish you tons of fun and pixie dust for your vacation!!

 

[andrewilley]

I think the concerns about the theming will most likely turn out to be a non-issue, most people with initial trepidations end up loving POR for its lush varity of landscaping and architecure. My only concern for a CBR fan at POR would be that the Alligator Bayou theming might seem a little 'basic' due to the rustic backwater impression they are trying to create. Also there is no dresser due to the extra bench seat containing the fold-down bed, and the drawers are under the seat. If you book Preferred Location then that is the room type which you will definitely get, so if that bothers you at all you might want to reconsider going for an ordinary Garden View room and request the mansions section. Personally, I'm very happy in either though, and Preferred definitely does cut down on the walking!

Seriously though, what's not to like? http://www.portorleans.org/topten.php

Andre

 

[siskaren]

Beautiful picture of the marina, Andre!

 

[MrsIncredible1974]

We did the exact same thing, wanted POR but decided to try CBR due to it being cheaper! And now switched for no extra charge. Have a magical trip!

ha ha, are you me????
You too!