It's The Port Orleans FAQ Thread!!!

[aubriee]

We are staying at PORS in early September. I am confused as to the bus stop order at PORS. If we wanted to be close to the first bus stop, which buildings would be good to ask for? Is the first stop always the main bus stop out front or is it the West, North, or East stops? I am traveling with someone that will have an ECV and would like for her to be able to get onto the bus, before it starts getting full.

 

[andrewilley]

We are staying at PORS in early September. I am confused as to the bus stop order at PORS.

You and everyone else!

It used to be simple: other than at busy times when each resort has its own buses, POFQ guests were picked up first, then Riverside South Depot (next to the POR main building) and then a clockwise tour round the POR West, North and East Depots.

However now it seems to alter regularly and there does not seem to be any obvious pattern any more. Often POR and POFQ have different buses, and sometimes the buses even go counter-clockwise round POR so the South Depot is the last one. Occasionally they even do POR first, and the POFQ.

Given your specific requirements for ECV loading, I'd suggest you give the WDW transportation department a call on 1-407-WDW-RIDE and see if they can throw any light on how it currently works. Maybe you could post a message back here with the details of what they say, as we'd all love to know!

When you do find out the likely routes, here's a map showing the best buildings for each bus stop. Building 14 is about the best all-roound location as the South bus stop is very easy to get to (via the pathway around the parking lot) and the main building is almost on your door-step:

Andre

 

[aubriee]

Well I just called transportation and was told that the South Depot is "usually" the first stop at PORS, but there are times they do start at the East Depot ("it just depends"), but she couldn't tell me what it depends on ("just several factors"). To make it more confusing she said, sometimes if the previous bus got full at POFQ and the South Depot, then they would send another bus and that bus would start at the West Depot.

I stayed at POFQ in May and several times the driver would stop at a PORS stop, there would be someone in an ECV, and even if the bus wasn't full, they frequently told the person that the bus was too crowded to let them on and another bus would be by soon. Then they'd let other guests at that stop on, leaving the ECV person waiting. I'm not talking about there be other ECVs already on the bus either. I asked her about that and she said it was up to the bus driver to decide. Uh Oh, I think I may be calling later to see about booking us in another resort. I don't like the sound of this at all.

 

[tinknme]

Does anyone know how long the slide is & are there paddle boats for rent?

Thanks!

 

[andrewilley]

Does anyone know how long the slide is & are there paddle boats for rent?

The slide at POR is 95 ft long and yes there are peddle-type paddle boats for rent (and canoes, small motot boats and other types too). See www.portorleans.org?sub_rec_rentals.htm for more details (there's also lots more info on the pools there).

Andre

 

[Pixiedust34]

We were near the North Depot in August and sometimes that was the first stop during our trip. I think that the routes must vary depending upon crowds and other factors.

 

[sherabby]

One more day! I love to see that in writing!

 

[dogodisney]

One more day! I love to see that in writing!

Have a safe and pleasant trip!
Please fill us on when you get back.

 

[PrincessPaczki]

sherabby, Have a great trip!

 

[tinknme]

The slide at POR is 95 ft long and yes there are peddle-type paddle boats for rent (and canoes, small motot boats and other types too). See www.portorleans.org?sub_rec_rentals.htm for more details (there's also lots more info on the pools there).

Andre

Thank you so much!

 

[ampc3]

I also just wanted to add when we were there last month , there was no rhyme or reason to the bus stops when it came to being dropped off...

We were in bld 18 which was close to the "main - south" stop also be prepared for most times for the bus to already being close to full b/c it stops first at PFQ resort...

 

[sherabby]

sherabby, Have a great trip!

Thank you! We just hit the Disney store for some great deals!

 

[sherabby]

Have a safe and pleasant trip!
Please fill us on when you get back.

I will do that! Thank you!

 

[disneysuncat]

Does Port Orleans have the same H2O products as the deluxes do? I apologize if this has been answered in this thread already.

 

[andrewilley]

I mentioned this to another imminent POR traveller too, but could you maybe confirm the current drinks selection for the refillable mugs in the food court? (Especially, do they now feature Apple Juice?). Thanks, and have a great time!

Andre

 

[tinknme]

I just read this little snippet in a newsletter I received & wondered if anyone knows anything about this?

The best bet for bugs at a resort is the butterfly garden behind the Acadian House at Port Orleans Riverside.

 

[dogodisney]

I've read that somewhere too, but that's all I know about it.

 

[andrewilley]

I know nothing more about the bufferfly garden either - I'd read an odd few snippets about it but don't even know if it still exists. I must do some research next month - can anyone tell us more?

Andre

 

[lazydoxy66]

Just Bumpin'

 

[NeverlandPixie]

The butterfly house is located outside of the Acadian House in the Magnolia Bend section of Riverside. (Acadian House is the building closest to the Alligator Bend section.) However, it is only open during the summer months, since butterflies can't survive cold weather.

BTW, returning "home" to POR December 1-7 -- better get going on my ADRs!