It's The Port Orleans FAQ Thread!!!

[SGMCO]

It took about 20 minutes.

THANKS!!!
My Son's is excited about going to
DTD because he's been wanting to
go to DQ for F-O-R-E-V-E-R!!!!
So this year it is a priority.

 

[kahliasmom]

Just got back from POR and I can't wait to go back again. Didn't go to the park two days because I needed the break and there was plenty to do at POR. Stayed in building 27 AB, 2707 to be exact and just loved it. I had no complaints with mousekeeping but I made sure I tipped her well.

They were just finishing up with the remodeling of the food court when we were leaving. I think it opened up the next day. Oh well. In the morning they had complimentary tea and coffee because of the remodel. That was nice. Went over to POFQ for the beinets anyway. Planning my next trip to POR, maybe August and definately next March again. If you haven't seen Bob Jackson in the lounge, I recommend it. He was soooo entertaining my DD5 and I just had the best time. Bob is at POR Wed-Sat.

 

[hogwartsdropout]

Here's a link to the Riverside Mill Food Court pics at All Ears:

Riverside Mill Food Court

Looks kinda the same to me, lol.

 

[mousiemom]

I'll see what I can find out about braiding...I don't think my 3 ds's will be interested though, I guess I could get one!!!

As for breakfast I have read that there are pre-plated hot meals available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and I believe the people that had then said that it was okay. I've also read that it is reopening around March 23rd

My dh and dd had this braid thing done on the 1st day of our trip(yeah, my dh is quite crazy and doesn't care what people think of him), and my 6yr dd complained of it pulling her hair so I had to unravel it out that night. She has a short bob and it was like $16.00.

 

[monami7]

We just booked 8 nights Sept 15-23. We had never really looked at POR but as the goal is to stay everywhere once this was next. Anyway once I started looking at pics of the mansions I was so excited. I cannot believe how nice they look. I am wondering I requested the mansions. However is there any way to guarentee this. We really want to stay there. It will be DH and myself and our two one year olds. One of them will almost be 2.
Thanks
Heidi

 

[Number1Son]

We just booked 8 nights Sept 15-23. We had never really looked at POR but as the goal is to stay everywhere once this was next. Anyway once I started looking at pics of the mansions I was so excited. I cannot believe how nice they look. I am wondering I requested the mansions. However is there any way to guarentee this. We really want to stay there. It will be DH and myself and our two one year olds. One of them will almost be 2.
Thanks
Heidi

Heidi,
Unfortunately, no. The only thing that Disney guarantees is that you'll get the type of room you paid for, not any particular location. We got really lucky last week (or maybe they're trying extra hard during the Million Dreams celebration). I made only one request, for a specific room number because it's a corner king river view and I had stayed there last year. And I got it! You could try calling the hotel directly 3 days before you arrive; some people say that can help reinforce any written requests you made. I called, but that was more because I made the res through Expedia (never again! unless I take another last-minute vacation and can't get the res any other way -- but that's another story). I told them I was nervous about actually having a res because I never got any written confirmation. The CM on the phone was very nice, and even had the room request entered correctly. I don't know if the phone call helped, but it probably couldn't hurt. We walked all around both sections, though, and I honestly don't think any of them is "bad", just different. It's really a lovely resort, and I'm sure you'll be very pleased either way. I just got back last Saturday and I want to go back so bad it hurts!!
Tim

 

[kahliasmom]

Heidi,

I just got back from POR last week. I wanted the AB section and had requested building 18 because with a standard room it looked just about as close as bldg 14 to everything but I thought there would be less noise. When I got there the CM had a room for me in the mansions section, but I had wanted AB because that is the section I researched and knew well. She said that bldg 18 was a smoking bldg and that I had requested non-smoking. I had walked around the resort the night before and I knew there were non-smoking rooms in 18 so I wasn't sure why she said this. I pointed out that I had seen non-smoking rooms in 18 and asked if I could have one of them. Then she said that all of the non-smoking rooms were occupied. She offered me something in bldg. 27 which was next to 18 and as it turned out a 3 minute walk to the main building.

It was a great location for me. I loved AB. The word rustic is used to describe it but I think that might make some think it is not as nice as the mansions. The mansions are lovely and there are those here that prefer them. I personally thought that AB was more lush in its landscaping. It felt more relaxing and intimate to me. I thought that the mansions were more sterile with more sidewalks, stones and concrete fountains in the landscaping. Just my opinion.

I felt more confident going back and forth with the CM because of the research I had done. I would recommend going in well informed about all of your options. I don't know if I can mention this publication but I thought that the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World was an immensely valuable resource to researching what bldg I wanted. It had first choice, second choice and bldgs to stay away from because of traffic noise. They have a nice map of the resort also.

Also want to tell you that the dates that you are going are during the rumored free dining promotion if you didn't know that already. If you don't know about it just go to the discount and codes forum and there are plenty of threads about it. If you have any other questions just let me know. I also recommend setting aside time one evening to see Bob Jackson in the lounge. I thought he was better than the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue. His show is family oriented and a lot of fun. He is at POR Wed-Sat.

 

[kahliasmom]

Tim,

It looks like we were there at the same time. I left POR last Thursday. Was there 3/17-3/22. I loved it and am already researching how to get back. Either in August during free dining or definately next March. I can't wait to get back.

 

[scottny]

Thanks for the posting. I will be there in July and cannot wait.

 

[kahliasmom]

Welcome to the dis Scott. We're neighbors. I'm from the Hudson Valley. If you have any questions let me know. I just loved POR. Have a great time in July!

 

[Number1Son]

Tim,

It looks like we were there at the same time. I left POR last Thursday. Was there 3/17-3/22. I loved it and am already researching how to get back. Either in August during free dining or definately next March. I can't wait to get back.

kahliasmom,
We were there 3/17-24. Friday was finally perfectly gorgeous and 85 degrees. Sorry you had to miss it after the cool & damp earlier in the week. A co-worker arrived the 22nd and was there all this week. Somehow, she always has great weather (she & her husband go twice a year!). I've decided I want to win the lottery so I can move to POR.
Tim

 

[scottny]

Thanks. Will do that.

 

[kahliasmom]

I would move to POR if I could also. DD5 says she wants to go to POFQ next time we go but I want to go to POR. Like you said in your PP I want to go back so bad it hurts. I enjoyed the weather for the most part but it could have been a little nicer to have used the pool more. So when is your co-worker going next year, maybe I should go then.

 

[scottny]

I want the money to get the vacation club. I would be very happy.

 

[Number1Son]

I would move to POR if I could also. DD5 says she wants to go to POFQ next time we go but I want to go to POR. Like you said in your PP I want to go back so bad it hurts. I enjoyed the weather for the most part but it could have been a little nicer to have used the pool more. So when is your co-worker going next year, maybe I should go then.

I'm not sure when she's going next year, but I know she's going again in October or November this year because she told me the week before I left (2 weeks before she left) that they had just bought their plane tickets for the fall !!! They'll make their res for the fall when they get back from this trip. They always buy an annual pass and arrange their trips so that they get 3 trips to WDW within a 12-month period. Now that's commitment! Everybody else at work thinks she's a little bonkers. We went to Santa Fe 6 times in 4 years, and now 4 times in under 2 years, so I have no room to talk!!
Tim

 

[kahliasmom]

I want the money to get the vacation club. I would be very happy.

I saw a website where they resell DVC memberships. I was going to go to a presentation but I don't think it's worth if for me because there's only two in my group.

I'm not sure when she's going next year, but I know she's going again in October or November this year because she told me the week before I left (2 weeks before she left) that they had just bought their plane tickets for the fall !!! They'll make their res for the fall when they get back from this trip. They always buy an annual pass and arrange their trips so that they get 3 trips to WDW within a 12-month period. Now that's commitment! Everybody else at work thinks she's a little bonkers. We went to Santa Fe 6 times in 4 years, and now 4 times in under 2 years, so I have no room to talk!!
Tim

Good for her! We don't think she's crazy here at the dis. It's great to find something that can provide us with an escape from the stress of everyday life for a little bit. Everyone at works thinks I'm crazy lately. Always talking about Disney. One co-worker complimented me for not mentioning Disney today. I've been telling everyone about the free dining in August.

 

[monami7]

Welcome to the dis Scott. We're neighbors. I'm from the Hudson Valley. If you have any questions let me know. I just loved POR. Have a great time in July!

Where are you from in the hudson valley? My DH and I just moved here from Albany (Colony actually) His whole family lives in the area.

Thank you to everyone who answered. I did know about free dining. We are very excited. We adopted our 2 girls this year. Lilly is home already she is from Haiti and Rory (Aurora Grace) from China should be home in the next 2 months. We have been waiting over 2 years for our babies to finally be home. This is already our year on a million dreams
Then to have free dining on our first Disney trip with them is really icing on the cake. I have waited so long to take them to WDW it really all seems to be falling into place (FINALLY)
I have is our Ressies that I requested Oak manor. I would really just prefer any of the mansions though. Any chance you know that # to POR?
Thanks for the suggestion about the lounge too. I am not sure that the girls will be up that late but we will see.
I am very happy that I found this thread. Thanks again.
Heidi

 

[Number1Son]

Hello Fellow Riversiders! Just booked a October trip in one of the mansion rooms. Would love to see pics and opinions on rooms, locations, pros, cons, etc....

I just posted some POR pictures to Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/gp/7573710@N02/j0L8L2. It's not really a broad collection, because there are whole areas of the resort where I never took pictures. There's a selection of room pictures of a corner king in Parterre Place and most of the outside shots are up and down the river around Parterre Place. We've walked through AB in the evening, but I didn't take my camera with. Also, there's a scan of the resort map they give you when you check in.
Tim

 

[monami7]

Tim,
We just looked at your pictures. They were great thanks.
Heidi

 

[Dusted]

Number1Son, would you share your room number of the corner King room? We are traveling in October, and would love something like that....

Many thanks!