Just back POR

[puffkin]

Just returned from seven nights at Port Orleans Riverside from July 19-26. Our stay was great as usual. We were in Building 18 of the Alligator Bayou section. Close to the quiet pool, South Depot (main transportation stop) and Food Court. Some observations:
- All areas of the resort were open and filled to capacity. I overheard a bell services man say to a guest that was wondering if they wanted to stay another night that there were only 12 rooms left at the resort.
- Bus service was EXCELLENT! By far the best we have had. Waits were usually less than 5 minutes, and never exceeded 15 minutes.
- Food court was good and fully operational. I especially like the stand that sells the taco salads and nachos.
- Boat to Downtown Disney was running, although we never had the opportunity to use it.

All in all, we had a great trip and enjoyed Port Orleans again. I would definitely stay here again, although I am ready to try something new. If you have any questions, just ask away.

 

[disneyuk]

Puffkin, thanks for the information. We are flying out on the 2nd and I was a bit apprehensive about POR - you've put my mind at rest.



I guess Boatwrights is fully open ?

 

[puffkin]

Boatwrights appeared to be open for breakfast and dinner. Have a great trip, and don't worry. Except for the French Quarter being unoccupied, there were no signs of refurbishment or cutbacks at Riverside.

 

[kashkdz]

puffkin--

Glad to hear you enjoyed your vacation and your stay at POR !

My wife and I and our 3 kids (9,6,3) will be staying at POR in October 2003. Someone recommended to us the alligator bayou section (as opposed to the mansions), which sounds great to us. I informed my travel agent about our preferred section, and plan on calling the resort a few days before to confirm this. We also booked a waterview room, and from reading the boards here people say not only to mention water view (which could be the pool), but to say "river view". Since you were just there, is there a building that either faces the river (which may be our preference if not too separated from the other buildings) or a building that faces the pool, that you would recommend ? Thanks very much !

CK

 

[dandee]

puffkin,
Thanks for the great update, staying at POR for the first time in October and I'm looking forward to it! Glad you had a great time!

 

[copper0426]

Puffkin, glad to hear you had a great trip. We will be going soon. Of course DXL (I mean POR) is one place I know we will be having a great time at, always do, can't wait. I'm soooo excited. These days can't go by fast enough. I know that if they do, then so will our vacation. So, I'll patiently wait.

I hope everything (food court & boat to DD) stay open. I do get sad when the boats aren't running when we are there. The trip to DD is so beautiful and relaxing.

Hope everyone enjoys their stay and has a Disney day whereever you are.

Diane

 

[bethbuchall]

kashdz--If you are all staying in one room, you will need to be in the AB section. There are no rooms for 5 in the mansions as far as I know.

I can't really help with building numbers...we were there in May 1998, and stayed in building 37. It was a little walk to the main area (about as far as you can get but not a bad walk) and very close to the north bus stop which never seemed crowded at that time. I don't know about views.

Have a great trip!

Beth

 

[puffkin]

kashdz-
I would recommend bldg. 18 or bldg 27. Both are close to the main building and transportation. You will either have a wooded view, a view of the quiet pool, or a view of the river depending on which side of the building you get. Just be aware though that some of the rooms in bldg 18 are smoking. It is a beautiful resort, and your kids will love the food court. Have a great trip!

 

[Goofyish]

Hi Puffkin,

Glad you had a real swell time

We are staying at the POR in August and wondered how busy the food court was?
Did you ever have problems getting a table?

Thanks

 

[puffkin]

Goofyish-
We visited the foodcourt at various times during the day. It was usually pretty busy, but there were always plenty of tables. The only time we didn't eat a meal there was at breakfast, but we did stop by to fill our mugs, and it was busy. Lunch and breakfast are their two busiest meals, it seems. I wouldn't worry though, they were well equipped to handle the people. Have a great trip!

 

[Kurgan4]

I'm glad you had a good time. I am booked for the 1st week of December and have been debating between WL, AKL, and POR. Do you know if it's worth the extra $$$ to upgrade? I plan to go to all the parks and DTD so I want good transpo especially with a 4yo in tow. Thanks in advance for any advice you have.

 

[jtovey56]

Thanks for the update. My family is planning a trip for June next year & I have been apprehensive after reading several bad postings about Port Orleans. Sounds great & I can't wait.
Thanks.
Jim

 

[randbmom]

WIth FQ being closed, I'm sure bus service did improve. Last Nov it drove me nuts to have to stop at FQ first every bus ride. Especially with a heavy child sleeping on you!

 

[kashkdz]

bethbuchall/puffkin --

Thanks for your response. I can't wait. And to top off our trip, I was just on the phone this morning and with the new PS time-frame I was able to make breakfast reservations at 'the castle' during our stay! Thanks again. Counting down the minutes...