It's The Port Orleans FAQ Thread!!!

[Minnie&Nana]

Thanks, BevS97!
Seeing your photo really helped. I did not like the look of the old rooms at all - still do not like the bed posts etc, but the new lights over the beds, the curtains behind the bed, all seem to kind of soften the rustic look - if that makes sense. Also, the bedspreads are bright yet soft colors. Now looking forward to staying here for the first time - after avoiding the resort since it first opened!

The kids would like to stay at AKL for the bunkbeds (which would probably be far more comfortable for the 11 yr old), but I'd like to experience AB while it's freshly redone. And we could only book a standard at AKL during a busy season so we would not have a view of the animals.

Funny, do not like rustic at all, but prefer the look of the AB buildings to most of the Mansions. It is a very pretty resort and that's definitely a draw. Have walked around it a couple of times when staying at POFQ.

Thanks again!

 

[thedisneymom]

I posted this on another thread as well. Help! Now I'm totally confused. I just called the hotel and they said no rooms are available that fit our needs in Magnolia Terrace and special needs made a mistake. They also said building 95 Pateree Place has our room but it is a water view which is more money. Adding to my confusion they said THIS is the building that is closest to the bridge and everything else! EXPERTS HELP! How far is this building. please give me as much info as you have. Thanks.

 

[MommyPoppins]

I just got my 2005 Passporter and in it it says that their is an extra charge for the use of the trundles in AB? Is this true, or old info? We went last year and there wasn't a charge. Thanks.

 

[TTRider]

When we stayed in February there was no charge for the trundle. I was advised when making reservations that there may be a charge but I put it on my request anyway. At check-in we were not given a room with a trundle, but then I asked if there was one available. The CM located a room with a trundle and I asked if there would be an extra charge before I accepted that room. He assured me there were no extra charges for the trundle or fridge. My son was very comfortable on it. We used an extra blanket and pillows around it to keep him from rolling under the bed or banging into the corner wall.

 

[DisneyDreamer2]

Just made my reservation for May and asked about the trundle fee- we are a family of 5 plus an infant- no extra fee for the trundle anymore.

 

[jenr812]

When we stayed in February there was no charge for the trundle. I was advised when making reservations that there may be a charge but I put it on my request anyway. At check-in we were not given a room with a trundle, but then I asked if there was one available. The CM located a room with a trundle and I asked if there would be an extra charge before I accepted that room. He assured me there were no extra charges for the trundle or fridge. My son was very comfortable on it. We used an extra blanket and pillows around it to keep him from rolling under the bed or banging into the corner wall.

I am very surprised that they didn't give it to you originally though it was on your ressies as a request. You'd think that it would be automatic for a family of 5?? That concerns me. We're going the week of July 4th so I know it will be crazy busy. I'm worried we won't get a trundle

 

[TTRider]

"I am very surprised that they didn't give it to you originally though it was on your ressies as a request. You'd think that it would be automatic for a family of 5?? That concerns me. We're going the week of July 4th so I know it will be crazy busy. I'm worried we won't get a trundle"




When we went in Feb. the CM told me that they were at 100% capacity. The only room available for us in AB with a trundle was a smoking optional room. I guess because he saw non-smoking he put us in the mansions first. We ended up in the smoking optional room because we wanted the trundle and AB. We are a family of 4, but wanted the extra bed so that the kids could each have their own space. As it turned out, Bldg. 14 was undergoing renovations so they didn't have many (if any at all) guests in there. That explained part of the problem with room availability. We checked in at about 7:45 pm on a Sunday and were told that they had 100 people check in on Friday and again on Saturday (President's Weekend). Of course, those early people probably got their requests filled. In the future, I will probably avoid such a late check in. Try not to worry. I'm sure you'll be able to get your requests taken care of. It's a great resort. Enjoy!

 

[jenr812]

"I am very surprised that they didn't give it to you originally though it was on your ressies as a request. You'd think that it would be automatic for a family of 5?? That concerns me. We're going the week of July 4th so I know it will be crazy busy. I'm worried we won't get a trundle"




When we went in Feb. the CM told me that they were at 100% capacity. The only room available for us in AB with a trundle was a smoking optional room. I guess because he saw non-smoking he put us in the mansions first. We ended up in the smoking optional room because we wanted the trundle and AB. We are a family of 4, but wanted the extra bed so that the kids could each have their own space. As it turned out, Bldg. 14 was undergoing renovations so they didn't have many (if any at all) guests in there. That explained part of the problem with room availability. We checked in at about 7:45 pm on a Sunday and were told that they had 100 people check in on Friday and again on Saturday (President's Weekend). Of course, those early people probably got their requests filled. In the future, I will probably avoid such a late check in. Try not to worry. I'm sure you'll be able to get your requests taken care of. It's a great resort. Enjoy!

Thanks. I fully expect them to be at capacity when we check it too, but we'll be checking in early - Friday before check-in time. Thanks for making me feel better about it

 

[TTRider]

You're welcome. We saw several people checking in on our last morning. Then they had the rest of the day to explore. Have a great time.

 

[AngieInOH]

Love this thread. I'm hoping for a code so I can visit the POR instead of a value. I've been torn between POR and POFQ, thinking my son (5) would like the POFQ better. Finally I decided to set him down and show him some pics of the two resorts. To my surprise he liked the POR much better. He was really big on the POR pool instead of the POFQ (I would have never guessed that!). So he made my decission much easier. POR it is! So now is the next big decission..... Mansion or Alligator Bayou? I'd love to see some more pictures of each since the renovations. I think the allearsnet are older pictures.

We're planning on going during Value season late Jan or Feb. I hate the crowds and don't like the extremely hot weather. Only problem with that is my DS might not get to use the pool he's so excited about. Just another think for me to worry about! What are the chances of getting a mod for under $100 during normal season? Is there a slow time when the crowds aren't so heavy in either Mar or Apr?

Thanks!
Angie

 

[eeyore45]

Hi Angie!! I remember reading your post on another area!! Has your DS looked at the pool options? THat's what sold my DD on POFQ, that slide!!
Again, most of the sites mousesavers.com give you an explanation of rack rates seasons!!
Moderate Resorts
Caribbean Beach
Coronado Springs
Port Orleans
Value Season: January 1 - February 16, August 28 - October 4, November 27 - December 19
Regular Season: April 17 - August 27, October 5 - November 26
Peak Season: February 17 - April 16
Holiday Season: December 20 - 31

(from mousesavers > http://www.mousesavers.com/wdw.html)

 

[AngieInOH]

eeyore45, Yea my son looked at both pools and like POR's better. I don't think he was impressed with the dragon theme. And he didn't care for all of the mardi gra decorations.

By looking at the dates you got of mousesavers I realize Mar/Apr are peak seasons. That would leave Oct- 1st wk Feb for us to go. Because I'm not going to go during peak or when it's HOT, HOT, HOT.

There are too many decisions to be made.

Angie

 

[crazyj4488]

New DIS member here.

I stayed at POR back when it was Dixie Landings. This was in 1993. I was just graduating high school at the time and loved the place. I'm looking at the pics now that I am 29 and I am not too crazy about the rustic look since I have actually have money now and I am so used to staying in contemporary / boutique type hotels when I travel.

Anyways, I booked a 6 night stay there for myself and my GF for April 24-30 this year. I originally wanted to stay at the WL, AKL, or FQ but it was booked as is every single other room at WDW as of today (ran online checks for every level of room at every resort to no avail).

I am looking forward to a couple of things at this resort this time around. First, I think I will enjoy the boat ride to DTD for La Nouba...my GF hasn't seen the show but I have when I was there in 2001 (I been to 11 Cirque shows in all and find this one to be one of the better ones given the large theater). I think the boat ride to and from the DTD area will be a nice touch to the whole thing. Second, I am glad this entire resort is being renovated and will, most likely, be just about complete by the time we get there.

I think that the rustic look of the rooms will add to the overall "getaway" experience of the trip. Most travellers are used to the modern offerings of hotels and this will feel a bit different. I think it will be a good thing. I had to tell my GF the same thing because she looked at the room pics and all the pics of Disney hotels and said they looked, "cheesy." I had to go into the "these are themed resorts that look different than most hotels in order to give you that true to life home away from home feel."

I have never had a bad experience at a Disney hotel and I've even stayed at the Value resorts twice. I've always found them to be clean and quiet with the added touch of the CM's quality service.

Going to Disney as a couple now that I'm older will be an interesting experience. The crowds look like they will be manageable for the week that I'm going even though every disney room is booked. The last time I was there was during the last week in Feb and I thought it was a bit crowded back then...the week I've picked this time around has a lower crowd rating online than that last week in Feb (still trying to figure this one out).

My advice for the peeps that are worried about the rooms is to just relax. Disney rarely fails to dissapoint with their resorts and/or the entire on-site experience. Just remember, there are ups and downs to every hotel room on Earth no matter how much cash you are throwing down. Plus, you are usually so damn tired after returning to your room, you will simply be glad to have a bed to pass out into

The only negative to the whole on-site Disney experience in my mind is this: Without a car, you are pretty much stuck in their little bubble the entire stay. Every penny you spend is milked from you at, obviously, inflated prices and you really can't do a thing about it but smile and enjoy watching your money fly away in such a swift manner. The entire place is designed to efficiently and effectively alleviate you of your cash. Afterall, it is a public business entity that must cater to its stockholders first and foremost. Genius stuff actually...one helluva business model. It irks me to no end at times, but they are providing a one-of-a-kind experience which must be paid for. All you can do is lose yourself in it and have a good time...that's what you are there for.

Any1 else going April 24-30??

-J

 

[LSUDis]

I've seen photos of each of the different buildings in Magnolia Bend (the mansions), but I don't know which one is which.

Does anyone have photos of the exterior of each building and can label them for us?

Thanks so much!

 

[Catrin]

Angie...
We stayed at POFQ back in 2000, with our then 5 yr old. One day, he and my DH took the boat to POR and played in the pool there. Since then, he has been begging to go back to POR - because he loved the pool SO much MORE than the FQ!!

We are going back this June, just me and my son, who is 10 now!
Catrin

 

[Bear5]

 

[SuzyQue]

There is only one place to eat at the French Quarter. There is an inexpensive large food court called Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is a food court where Guests can dine around Mardi Gras Parade props in a warehouse setting. It is open from 6:00am - midnight (hours vary by shop).

You can go over to Riverside and have breakfast and dinner at Boatwrights (5:00-10:00 pm), the full service restaurant. Port Orleans French Quarter full service restaurant, Bonfamille's Cafe, closed on August 5th, 2000.

Room service is available, but all you can order is Pizza and Soda. Room service stops at Midnight.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Does anyone know if POR will be do a campfire program. I've heard different things and thought that would be something worth looking into.

 

[SuzyQue]

Taken from wdwplanner.com ~~

Port Orleans Riverside:
Campfire on de' Bayou - Come join us for a night round the fire.
Roast S'mores, Sing Songs
Nightly 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (Weather Permitting)
On Ol' Man Island, behind the Fishin' Hole
No reservations required
S'more Kits - $5.00
(Includes: Graham Crackers, Marshmallows, Chocolate and Sticks)
Extra Marshmallows - $2.50
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more campfire information, visit the Riverside Marina.

 

[boswellnakia]

I don't guess there are any characters like at FW?

Taken from wdwplanner.com ~~

Port Orleans Riverside:
Campfire on de' Bayou - Come join us for a night round the fire.
Roast S'mores, Sing Songs
Nightly 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (Weather Permitting)
On Ol' Man Island, behind the Fishin' Hole
No reservations required
S'more Kits - $5.00
(Includes: Graham Crackers, Marshmallows, Chocolate and Sticks)
Extra Marshmallows - $2.50
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more campfire information, visit the Riverside Marina.