Live from POR

[Mickey's Sister]

Hi,

First let me thank you for sharing your great experiences at POR. I have one question...

In your first post you said that your one room request was for a non-smoking room. According to allears.net, Oak Manor is the smoking building at POR. I'm horribly allergic to cigarette smoke - causes me major asthma attacks - so I want to be as far away from the smokers as possible. I just want to make sure that my information is correct. I was going to request either Acadian House or Magnolia Terrace. Thanks!

Jessica

 

[drusso]

Well we got home late last night and I was out grocery shopping first thing this morning - nothing like being back to reality!

Glendamax: Hope you are having a wonderful time and enjoy POR as much as we did.

Mickey's Sister: Our room was on the 2nd floor of Oak Manor and all the doorways I passed had a non-smoking symbol on them. It appeared to me any smokers staying in the building went downstairs to smoke (they have a few benches with ashtrays - also at the pools).

Evad: Sorry, we are not coffee drinkers, so I didn't notice much. Looked to be a small 4 cup model and the coffee and cups were supplied. Not sure about filters or creamer or if there is an additional charge to use or not

Chanty: Felt very safe on the bus. Drivers are helpful with directions too. When I got off the bus by Sea World I noticed there is a trolley car you can pick up to go to Universal and shopping. There are maps clearly posted detailing stops. Think it was only $1 - but not 100% sure as this wasn't on my agenda this trip. You may want to check with guest services at the hotel or in one of the shops at Downtown Disney. Whenever I was at Downtown Disney I noticed lots of people with shopping bags from the 'good' stores - so this is clearly I pick up / drop off point for WDW guests. I wish Disney would expand its shopping area.

 

[Evad]

Thanks drusso
Guess I will just find out when I get there. Not long now. Can't wait

 

[jj1403]

Thanks for all of information!! You've been very helpful. I'm glad you enjoyed POR. I think it's a very beautiful and romantic resort.

 

[princessjv]

Thanks Drusso!

I have requested Oak Manor. Did you also request it? or was it by chance?

If you weren't at Oak Manor where would you suggest if you wanted to be close to bus stops, close to food area and a quiet pool?

Will the fridge fit a half gallon of milk (I am preparing my wegoshop list and don't know what size to request)?

TIA!

 

[pigby]

Hi Drusso

Glad to hear that Magical Express worked out for you. We are also on a late flight in October (arrival into Orlando Int at 10.45pm). Did they deliver your luggage same night or next day, or did you pick it up at the airport yourself?
I am thinking of packing a few 'next day' clothes in our carry on luggage just in case we have to wait till next day.

 

[Shastie]

I'm so worried because everyone seems so organized! Knowing where to go and what are important things to see! I've never been there - so I don't know where to start planning. We requested building 18, NON-SMOKING, so that we were close to everything. Do all AB rooms have refrigerators? Does anyone have any advice for a newbie??? Our TA chose POR for us but after reading these posts, I'm really excited. We are going 11/10 - 11/15 and there are 15 of us celebrating our parents 50th anniversary. We know that because of the difference in ages of our kids that we will probably not always be together, but any suggestions are so welcome. Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[drusso]

pigby: I too packed a few things for the morning but we got our bags that night. I actually called bell services when I got to the room and asked them to hold the bags for the next morning as I didn't think I would be able to stay awake and I was told they couldn't do that - no clue why I was only told if we didn't open the door they would come back the next day. Needless to say, I was asleep when my bags arrived, luckily I heard him knocking - not sure if he was out there long or not and I never looked at the clock to see the time - just jumped back into bed

shasti: There are refrigerators in all the rooms. The only advice I can offer a newbie is to 'slow down and enjoy all the little details' - don't get crazy trying to see it all, because its impossible - just enjoy what you do see and take some downtime to enjoy the resort. If your kids are young enough they would never even know they were in Disney World - there are lots of activities to keep them busy at POR - pools, bikes, boats, fishing hole - just feeding the ducks seems to humor them for quite some time

princessjv: I ordered the quart sized containers of milk and they fit on the refrigerator door nicely. We got Oak Manor by chance - if they had asked I was originally going to request AB section - I winded up loving where they put me. There are 2 quiet pools in the mansion section and 3 in the AB section - I didn't think it was too much of a hike from anywhere (to buses or pools) - but I live in New York City and I'm a walker - I really loved walking out the door and seeing all the grass and trees - we have to look for it here!

 

[Davefrompgh]

HI..OK..I read all of these posts and POR certainly sounds like it is for us...can you tell me where can I find pictures of the resort...pool, room, food court etc....I liked the overall look of POFQ, until I saw all the mask type things. I really did not care for them...Is the transportation fairly good? We recently stayed at Pop and Poly and although Pop's busses came quick, they filled up sooo quickly, you often had to wait for a next one. Do the busses supply both POFQ and POR....I really like the Magnolia side. Do you normally get the side you have requested? I am not so sure I would like AB..thanks

 

[jj1403]

When we stayed there in 2002 I never had a problem with the buses at POR. Keep in mind that we were there in September and crowds were very light. We always got on a bus and they were never to crowded. We also stayed in the Magnolia Bend section. I loved it. The atmospher was really romantic, it's nice to just walk around and take it all in... I highly recommend this resort.

 

[Mickey's Sister]

HI..OK..I read all of these posts and POR certainly sounds like it is for us...can you tell me where can I find pictures of the resort...pool, room, food court etc....I liked the overall look of POFQ, until I saw all the mask type things. I really did not care for them...Is the transportation fairly good? We recently stayed at Pop and Poly and although Pop's busses came quick, they filled up sooo quickly, you often had to wait for a next one. Do the busses supply both POFQ and POR....I really like the Magnolia side. Do you normally get the side you have requested? I am not so sure I would like AB..thanks

Two places to look for good pictures:

www.allearsnet.com - look under moderate accommodations - there are many photos, even a slide show

Also www.wdwinfo.com - though you may have already seen this since you're on the DIS.

I can't answer any other questions since we haven't been there yet either. But I'm counting down till November 27, LOL! I agree that the Magnolia Bend area looks lovely. That's what we're hoping for as well.

In your signature, is that pgh, as in Pittsburgh, PA? If so, I lived there for 5 years myself - Observatory Hill, on the North Side.

Jessica

 

[Davefrompgh]

Thanks Mickey's Sister for the websites...I am going to check them out now..Pgh, is from Pittsburgh...we live in the North Hills area..thanks again..

 

[dizneycc]

drusso, did you ever get to the lounge to enjoy Bob? He is one of our must sees, even if we aren't staying at POR. Such great fun~

Candi

 

[Mickey's Sister]

We are hoping to see his show during our trip. I've heard so many people rave about him! I actually sent him an email to find out when during our trip, he would be performing. The only night we can fit in the show is Wednesday & we have other plans earlier in the evening. Is it necessary to be there exactly when the show begins or do people come & go? We're meeting family for dinner at Wolfgang Puck at 7:30 & I know we won't be at there for the start of the show. But I really don't want to miss it!!!

I have one other concern, does RiverRoost allow smoking, & if so, how bad is it? I'm asthmatic & can't tolerate smoke at all. Thanks for the info!!!

Jessica

 

[dizneycc]

We are hoping to see his show during our trip. I've heard so many people rave about him! I actually sent him an email to find out when during our trip, he would be performing. The only night we can fit in the show is Wednesday & we have other plans earlier in the evening. Is it necessary to be there exactly when the show begins or do people come & go? We're meeting family for dinner at Wolfgang Puck at 7:30 & I know we won't be at there for the start of the show. But I really don't want to miss it!!!

I have one other concern, does RiverRoost allow smoking, & if so, how bad is it? I'm asthmatic & can't tolerate smoke at all. Thanks for the info!!!

Jessica

Hi Jessica

You don't need to worry about being there right at the beginning of the show. People come all night. But hardly anyone goes. His show is broken up into 3 sets with an intermission inbetween each. During the intermission, Bob comes around to everyone and spends a moment or two getting to know you! And once he knows your name, consider yourself part of the show!

The first set is more geared toward children. He will have the kids come up on the stage and do dances, like the hokey pokey or chicken dance. He will have them dance around the room, etc.

As the evening goes on, the children do tend to leave and the entertainment, while still good, clean fun, does become more adult orientated.

As for smoking, we have been there several times and have never seen anyone smoking or even ashtrays. While I can't confirm it is smoke free, I would bet it was. Maybe someone else will know for sure.

Have a great time! If you have any other questions, you can PM me if you want.

Candi

 

[Mickey's Sister]

Thanks Candi!!! I'm just so excited I don't know how I'm going to wait till November!

Jessica

 

[dizneycc]

Thanks Candi!!! I'm just so excited I don't know how I'm going to wait till November!

Jessica

Hey Jessica! I just noticed that we will probably be there the same time. I will be there Nov. 29-Dec. 5, but I am staying at POP.

 

[LvTinkerbell]

It is great to hear all the info about the Port Orleans Riverside. We are staying there Sept. 24th thru Oct. 1st on our first Walt Disney World Vacation. I can't believe it is only 9 days away. I am so excited I feel like I should start packing now so I don't forget anything. I hope the weather cooperates so that we can enjoy our visit. We were lucky enough to get in on the dining plan for free and hopefully the restaurants we choose turn out to be a good choice. Hearing that you decided to move all your days of stay to the Port Orleans makes me feel so much more at ease. Thanks again for the wonderfully detailed posts.

 

[Mickey's Sister]

We'll be there Nov. 27 - Dec. 3. Are you doing MVMCP or Candlelight Processional? Make sure you wear something lime green! This trip it's just me & my DS (11) plus DSIS who lives outside Orlando will meet us for various events. I'll have something lime green (maybe just a DIS button, LOL). If you see a lime-green-wearing 40-ish auburn haired lady with a brown-haired boy with glasses stop & say "Hi!"

Jessica

 

[Davefrompgh]

Since this is the first time I am looking into this resort, who is Bob in the lounge? Thanks