LIVE from PO Riverside

[BethC1952]

We're here, and having a great time! We checked in yesterday around 12:30. It was crowded when we checked in, and I had to wait in line for less than five minutes. The CM who checked me in was "Earning Her Ears", and she will earn them soon! She and her trainer were able to find me a waterview room which was ready! Jim and I are in Acadian House, in room 8279, which is the building which has brickface, rather than white paint. From our window I can see the quiet pool. I was offered a riverview room, but it wasn't ready, and we had been awake since 6AM Thursday morning and just couldn't wait. The room is in great shape, and I love the location. It has the wooded view that you would expect in Alligator Bayou with the more formal decor that you get here in the Mansions.

We're getting ready to head out for the day. Tonight we're having dinner at Boma, but we have no plans from now until then. We're here to relax and unwind, and that's what we've been doing! Tomorrow we plan to head out to AK in the morning, to head to MK just long enough to take some pictures, then go to Epcot for an hour or two and head to MGM in the evening. I'll be glad to answer any questions when I get back to the room tonight!

Beth

 

[westjones]

Hope you have a great dinner at Boma. We have never tried it, but have a PS for breakfast there next month.

We loved PO when we stayed there last year. It is a great resort for relaxing.

DJ

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Wow--"Around the World" in a day! Enjoy your trip and thanks for the update!

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I'm glad to hear you let your husband come with you after he misplaced his AP!

Glad to hear you are having fun.

 

[Sadie]

How was Boma last night? We have never been there and can't decide if we want to go this time. What was on the buffet? What else did you do? We will be POR on June 1!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

First-Happy Birthday! I had to check your profile to see if you were born in 1952, like me. Don't forget your birthday button(s). If you've stayed in any other mansions, how do you find the walk to the main building from Acadian house? Did you try the sweet potato pancakes at Boatrights? If so, how were they? I'm going to POR in November, for the first time since 1/2001, and looking forward to trying them. Any other hints you can give me about the resort?

 

[Stini228]

Oooh I'm jealous! Have a great time!!

 

[Sadie]

Bumpity, Bumpity, Bump so you won't forget to answer our questions!

 

[Atotty]

Hi Beth,

We love POR. We were there this time last year. In fact we checked in today a year ago.

How are you getting on the internet? Do they have wireless or are you going through the phone line?

Thanks! And have a great time!!!!!

 

[DanPadavona]

How was Boma last night? We have never been there and can't decide if we want to go this time. What was on the buffet? What else did you do? We will be POR on June 1!!

I'll put Boma at #1 among my favorite WDW buffets. It is really, really good, and walking through the AKL makes for a nice added experience. The food is varied, fresh, and incredibly flavorful. Deserts are a knockout too, and last we were there drinks were free with the meal.

 

[Lizzybee]

I have tried the Sweet Potato Pancakes there and they are to die for! I also loved the Blueprint Omlette. Honestly I think the breakfasts at Boatwrights were the best I ever had.

 

[MiJo]

Give our regards to Bob "The Piano Man" Jackson!
Enjoy your stay at POR!

 

[BethC1952]

OK, time to answer a few questions!

Boma was great, as always! It's our favorite restaurant at WDW. We tried a little bit of everything, but I particularly enjoyed the nut-crusted salmon. Our PS was for 6:40. We arrived at AKL about 6 PM and went to Victoria Falls (the bar) for a glass of wine before dinner. We watched the Preakness from there, and then I ran downstairs to check in for our PS right at 6:40. They gave me a beeper and I headed back to sit with DH (yes, I brought him with me, in spite of the AP loss) and finish my drink. Before I was back to my seat, the beeper went off and we were seated. There was a long line of people trying to get PS's for other nights and times, and a few walk-ins, who were being seated within about 30 minutes as far as I could tell.

We spent yesterday "hanging out". We had breakfast (I had the Crescent City Toast and Jim had the Banana Stuffed French Toast, both were great) at Boatwright's. Yes, we've had the sweet potato pancakes before, and they're also very good.

We rented a paddle boat and went out for a little more than an hour. I took a bunch of pictures while out there. This dial-up connection is too slow to post them, but I'll post them as soon as I get home on Wednesday.

We spent some time yesterday afternoon at the pool, just relaxing and swimming and trying to stay cool. The weather was VERY hot yesterday (90 degrees +), and the sun was out all day. There was a very heavy rain shower last night, but it wasn't very long and it happened while we were at Boma.

After dinner, we walked outside AKL and watched the Thompson's Gazelles for a while (there were a lot of them out there), and then watched the flamingos and the baby ducks (got a few cute pictures of those).

The walk from Acadian House to the main bus stop takes us less than five minutes (when we don't forget which way we're heading). We walk a lot, so please don't judge the distance just by our time! It's a lovely walk, however, through the landscaping and over two bridges.

We're getting ready now to head out for the day. We discovered years ago that we can save more time by staying a little longer in our room and then eating when the crowd is gone than by trying to fight the crowds at meal times. Our first stop will be AK for whatever amount of time it takes us. Then we'll head to MK for a picture taking session. We may (or may not) stop to see It's A Small World. Then it's the monorail to Epcot for a while, and then out the International Gateway to Disney/MGM, and hopefully to see Fantasmic!, which neither of us has ever seen!

I haven't seen and other DIS'ers. If you're here, you can't miss me. I have a huge aqua sunhat and matching purse with my DIS tag on the outside of it!

Beth

 

[Catrin]

Beth,
Thank you for posting from POR!! We have requested bldg. 14 in the AB section, but the more I think about it, I think I would love a room in a mansion bldg as well!
Sounds like you are having a nice relaxing trip so far!
Enjoy the rest!
Catrin

 

[MAC3]

Sounds great Beth ! Hope your having a relaxing vacation. We are heading to POR next month for 4 days before going to OKW. I was leery about it but wanted to try it just the same. After the last few reports I've read, I'm glad we chose it.

Can you comment on the bus service and how crowded the resort seems to be?

Thanks Bunches & enjoy,

 

[mommykds]

Beth, thanks for taking time to post on your vacation...love hearing about POR..we will be there in Oct. Have fun!

 

[sexyravenfan]

Thanks for the updates! My family and I are headed to POR the week of Fourth of July this year. We are staying in Oak Manor in MB. counting the days!

 

[2minny]

Thanks for the updates, we are heading to por in two weeks...yippee!! Your notes made me smile, so relaxed and non-stressed. Our trips (with three young children) are always busy, scheduled, etc. This time, since it was a last minute business trip for my husband, we're just "wingin' it" most of the time, I'm looking forward to less of a schedule and more of the enjoyment.

 

[BethC1952]

The bus service has actually been amazing. Anytime we've wanted to go anywhere, the bus pulled in just as we arrived! The only time we had to wait (and it was less than five minutes) was when we took a bus from the Magic Kingdom just after Spectromagic on Saturday night.

Last night, we were among the last dozen people to leave Epcot, and by the time we arrived at our bus stop, the bus was waiting for us. We had a wonderful dinner at Les Chef de France, with a window seat and spectacular view of Illuminations! It was a very long walk to the front of the park after dinner, especially since I developed a huge blister on my toe! It amazes me that they can tell when everyone has left the park.

We're heading back home today on a late flight. We plan to spend the day resort hopping a bit, and maybe get a little more pool time. I've developed a horrible cold, and just feel like relaxing in the sunlight for a little while longer! It seems that the weather back home in New Jersey is somewhat less than perfect! My only complaint with the weather this week is that it has been extremely hot, without the afternoon thunderstorms which usually cool things down.

I would have to say that this vacation was wonderful! Nothing went wrong (except developing this cold, and I knew it was coming since everyone at home already had it when I left).

If anyone has any other questions, please feel free to post them. I'll answer them tomorrow, once I've finally arrived back home!

Beth