Just back from POR

[ls1222]

We stayed at POR building 15 for 10 days, just returned Sunday. Our room number was 1531. I would choose building 14 next time as I think parts of bldg 15 are not that convenient to the food court/main pool. It wasnt too bad, but w/ 3 small children it can be quite a walk to get a drink. The room was fine (yes, the carpet needs cleaned) but it was just as nice as it was 2 years ago. The cleaning person left us a towel bird, snowman and sea creature. It was really fun to come back and find these neat creations. The only complaint I have is that I had asked for a hour late check out on Sunday and I was told no, because they had alot of guest checking in that day and they would need the room right away. So, I called bell services at about 10:45 and told them our luggage was ready. I was told that it would be a little while so to go ahead and not to wait for bell services, just leave the luggage by the air conditioner. At 1:00 I went to get our luggage and noone could find it, finally after about 20 min. they went to the room and sure enough, the luggage was still sitting there (and the room had not been cleaned yet). So, why would they tell me I could not have an hour late check out but my luggage could be in the room till 1:30 and it had not been cleaned. We could have spent more time at the pool and came back to the room and got ready.

 

[kindredspirit]

We are planning on staying there for the first time in Jan. with three kids also. I was wondering how the food court is or any of the other restaurants. Also, where would the best location be for wanting it all? Close to 'ol man island, bus stops, and food court? I am really excited about this resort. We will be staying 3 nights at the Dolphin and then moving for another 3 nights. We had a choice of 2 rooms at the all stars or 1 room at por. The military rates are really good during that time for us at the Dolphin and POR . I have never stayed at either so we decided to try both.
Thanks!!

 

[Sandi]

You'll enjoy POR. We were there about the same time as ls1222, but came back on Friday. We were in Building 14 in room 1422. It was perfect. I've been assigned to both Buildings 14 and 15 in the past and 14 is the best -- it is close to the food court, old man island, and the main bus stop. Just a hop, skip, and a jump to all. I had faxed in a request for either 14 or 15 and they were able to accommodate my request.

The food court is fine. We would usually eat breakfast (cereal for me, pancakes for my 7 yo DD) there and occasionally lunch or dinner. The food is pretty heavy, so if you want something light -- you need to go elsewhere. My DD enjoyed a warm cinnamon roll in the evening a few times. It was a delicious treat.

Have a great time. I miss it already.

 

[ls1222]

kindredspirit-I agree w/ Sandi, bldg 14 would be excellent very close to everything. Bldg 15 is ok but if you are on the back side, it is a little further from the food court. I would suggest requesting a ground floor, as climbing the stairs w/ children at the end of a long day does not appeal to me. The food court is ok, you have choices of pizza/pasta, chicken fingers/hamburgers, taco salads. They also have a cold sections w/ salads, fruit, macaroni salad, juice, milk and cereal. They also have dining at Boatwrights (but we have not ate there). We bought pop tarts, cereal bars, granola bars for breakfast to eat in our room. We did eat a couple meals at the food court late at night instead of eating in the parks. I really do think that meals were much more expensive in the parks than they were 2 years ago.

 

[hallie]

Sandi- How were the condition of the rooms in 14? How far in advance did you fax your request?


Thanks!!!!

 

[wenpop]

How did you word your request for Building 14.. My dh broke his back a few years ago and has problems walking to far, So we would like to request building 14, What do you put at the top of the request, and how do you word the request...
Like
Room Preference
Building #14
Non Parking Lot View
1st floor
Would that work??
Also, is it noisy on the first floor???

 

[ls1222]

I was told by CRO that you should state why you want a particular building. I faxed my request 2 days before we arrived. I stated buildings 14, or 15 and ground level due to 3 small children and strollers. 1st floor was not noisy at all, in fact we have always found POR to be very quiet. We went to Animal Kingdom Lodge to visit and my DH and I both agreed that in our opinion it doesnt compare to Riverside. POR is just so quiet and peaceful and beautiful.

 

[Kaelyn]

Did any of you use the grocery store there? Was it reasonable? We only need juice and milk and fruit, really.

 

[Sandi]

Our visit to POR started on 9/28. I faxed in my request on 9/24. I have read that you should fax in the request 4-5 days before your visit. That has worked well for me.

We were on the first floor, which I prefer. It was very quiet. We even had a very loud family next door and were never disturbed by them (lots of shouting to get ready a couple of mornings, but we were going out the door at that time -- they were very nice in spite of being loud).


I must have done my most recent room request fax at home, so I can't find it. Here is what I did in February:

To: Room Assignor
Organization: Disney’s Port Orleans - Riverside
Fax: 407-934-5777
Phone: 407-934-6000
Date: February 7, 2002
Subject: Our upcoming visit!
Pages: 1
Comments:
Greetings from Michigan! It is icy cold here. Your weather will be a great treat!
My 7 year old daughter (xxxx), and I are looking forward to our upcoming Walt Disney World vacation. We were hopeful that you might be able to accommodate our room request for our February 11 through 16 stay at PO-Riverside. We stayed at Riverside for a quick trip in November 2001 and had a great time.
We would very much like to be in the Alligator Bayou section in Building 14 or 15 if at all possible. I understand these buildings are non-smoking (tobacco smoke induces my migraine headaches) and are near the Main Building. We know you can’t make promises, but any help on this request sure would be appreciated.
Thank you for your kind help.
Sandi XXXX Reservation #: xxxxxxx
Address Fax: 517-xxx-xxxx
City, State Phone: 517-xxx-xxxx (day)
517-xxx-xxxx (evening)
517-xxx-xxxx (cell)

(I can't fix the spacing above. It's really important to include your reservation number, your name, and the address that is on their records.)

I think it's important to be kind and recognize that they are doing you a favor. If they would have assigned me elsewhere, I'd ask the desk staff if anything in 14 or 15 was available, and if not, happily go to the other building.

Also, I think you have to pick one thing that is important to you and give a reason. (The migraine thing with me is for real!) I wouldn't ask for a certain building, a certain floor, a certain view, etc. in one request. If you have a physical reason to ask for a close building and 1st floor, that makes sense but don't go overboard with asking for a particular view. (Incidentally, we had a courtyard view that was very nice and we didn't ask for that. It was actually a farther walk to a courtyard view than would have been a parking lot view.) How much time does anyone actually devote to looking out the window anyway?! You're at Disney -- get to the parks!

Hope this is helpful.