Port Orleans First Timer - Some Questions

[Reb0507]

Hi everyone. I just made reservations at the Port Orleans Riverside for the weekend of March 10-13. This will be the first time we will be staying on-site and dont know what to expect with PO.

I have heard that it is very spread out. I will be with my DD who has a disability and has fine motor issues -- I would hate to be placed in the farthest building and have to treck a long ways to the bus. Is there a way of asking for a room closer to the bus pick-up area? And how do I do that? I cant believe I did not think about that when I was on the phone with the reservation agent. (I am posting this in the disAbilites section as well but since this area is all about resorts, maybe I can get some info from you Disney Pros as well )

Also, how efficient is the bus from PO to the parks? How often do they tend to run? Do they pick up people from other resorts? How much time should I expect to allot for transportation to the parks? We are going to MK on Friday for the EMH - trying to figure out how early we would need to leave the resort.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to getting some great feedback from some of you who have been to PO.

Rebecca

 

[HANDYMOM]

You are going to have a great time. Make sure your reservation is as detailed as possible about your daughters disability. Disney and POR staff are VERY accomodating when it comes to their most "special" guests (I prefer special to disabled) There are rooms very close to the main bus stop and main bldg which houses the food court, restaurant, shops and lounge.

When you get there make sure the person at the check in desk is being receptive. You will want to be in building 14, main floor. Don't take no for an answer. If your reservation details your daughters disability and requests a building 14 ground floor room, they will already have saved a room for you. If you get ANY resistance, nicely ask for a guest services MANAGER (not supervisor) be firm but nice. I doubt you'll have any trouble at all, the cm's there are wonderful....

I am so jealous, you will be at Disney and at my favorite resort on my birthday, the 13th. If you have any other questions about POR ask away....

 

[Reb0507]

You are going to have a great time. Make sure your reservation is as detailed as possible about your daughters disability. Disney and POR staff are VERY accomodating when it comes to their most "special" guests (I prefer special to disabled) There are rooms very close to the main bus stop and main bldg which houses the food court, restaurant, shops and lounge.

When you get there make sure the person at the check in desk is being receptive. You will want to be in building 14, main floor. Don't take no for an answer. If your reservation details your daughters disability and requests a building 14 ground floor room, they will already have saved a room for you. If you get ANY resistance, nicely ask for a guest services MANAGER (not supervisor) be firm but nice. I doubt you'll have any trouble at all, the cm's there are wonderful....

I am so jealous, you will be at Disney and at my favorite resort on my birthday, the 13th. If you have any other questions about POR ask away....

Well a very Happy Early Birthday to you HandyMom and thanks for your reply.

Should I send the the hotel front desk a reuqest for Building 14 in writing? Or should I go through the WDW reservations dept. again?

How is the transportation to/from the parks? I have heard that at other resorts it could take a long time to finally get to the parks and I would like to plan accordingly as to when to leave the hotel.

Thanks again.

 

[TN Traveler]

Rebo..........I agree w/Handymom 100%. Just explain that you need this bldg b/c of your daughter and I KNOW the staff there will do everything they can to accommodate your request. However, since it is Spring Break, I would go ahead and call tomorrow or Monday and make your request as a note onto your res. Make sure you get the name of the person you spoke with. If you feel more comfortable putting it in writing, then do that too but considering the fact that it's already 2/12 and you're going in a month, I think it'd be a waste of time.
As far as the transportation goes, I found it to be very accommodating. When we went in May/June 2004, we would sometimes find folks on the bus
that were staying at FQ but we didn't stop at any other resorts coming from or going to the Parks. On a few occasions we would have to stand but I think that was only once or twice in 6 days so that's not too bad.
You will love the POR. It was our first visit last year and we loved it. I'd go back agian in a heartbeat. Have a wonderful!!
Karen aka TN Traveler

 

[HANDYMOM]

Rebo - I would call central reservations and have them update your reservation. Then two days before you are to arrive, I'd call the front desk or reservations manager AT POR.

Don't worry about your room needs. Worry even less about transportation. You will need to be a little more patient than we had to though because it will be spring break. You will most likely be right at the main bus stop which is the best (usually the first stop at POR Riverside).

How old is your daughter? The reason I ask is because the playground is super kid friendly and very tactile; thick ropes, wide stairs with rails etc. that should be helpful for your daughter. She'll enjoy the pool too. The slide is fun without being scary and there are easy ways to get in and out of the pool.

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says.................................................Staying at DIXIE LANDINGS for the fourth time in five trips.

The transportation system is great, it supposedly runs every twenty minutes, but that is not true. It runs more often than that. We always keep track and then I lose the information, but the wait will usually be ten minutes or less. Last trip ouf of 16 busses only one wait went over 20 minutes.

Plan on 40 minutes to get to MK. You have to wait for the bus, the bus takes you to TTP and then you change transportation to actually get to MK. All the other parks you go directly to the park, so they are faster.

And at DIXIE LANDINGS there is a boat that will take you down to DTD, very convienient.

There is also a monorail that connects MK to EPCOT, ask to ride up front if it is available, up to four can ride up front with the driver!

 

[Reb0507]

Thanks for the tips. I will call the reservations dept tomorrow or Monday and then follow-up with the resort itself a few days before we go.

Shelby is 5. She has already asked if the hotel has a playground and pool...so I am sure we will be visiting those areas as well. Are they also close to Building 14 or any of the closer buildings? Is there a way for me to get a brochure of the resort - so I can begin prepping Shelby

Another question on transportation... Where do the buses drop you off at the Magic Kingdom? At the Ticket/Transportation center or right at the front entrance? My daughter and I already have our Seasonal Passes but we still have to turn in my son's SP exchange voucher and my sister needs to buy a Florida Resident 3-day pass they have advertised. If they drop you off at the main Entrance then I am not sure how I can get the tickets still needed.

 

[SilverCrab]

Hey HANDYMOM, that was a nice reponce you made to Rebo 507. You were right on the money as to what to say and ask for. PORS is my next favorite after AKL. The only bad thing is they have to leave so early , especially on our birthday , March 13. Happy early Birthday . I hope you and your DD have a wonderful time . You will love PO


Ronnie from Va.

 

[Reb0507]

Disnee Dad Says.................................................Staying at DIXIE LANDINGS for the fourth time in five trips.

The transportation system is great, it supposedly runs every twenty minutes, but that is not true. It runs more often than that. We always keep track and then I lose the information, but the wait will usually be ten minutes or less. Last trip ouf of 16 busses only one wait went over 20 minutes.

Plan on 40 minutes to get to MK. You have to wait for the bus, the bus takes you to TTP and then you change transportation to actually get to MK. All the other parks you go directly to the park, so they are faster.

And at DIXIE LANDINGS there is a boat that will take you down to DTD, very convienient.

There is also a monorail that connects MK to EPCOT, ask to ride up front if it is available, up to four can ride up front with the driver!

Thanks for that tip. I will bank on 40 minutes or so to actually get to the entrance of MK. I am sorta glad the bus drops me off at the TTC because we still have to get my sister's tickets and turn in my sons Seasonal pass exchange card.

I love the idea of riding in front. My kids (especially my son who is 3) will love that -- he is a train fanatic.

Thanks again for the tips.

 

[cyndibelle]

just got back today from port orleans riverside..and i must say the property is beautiful..but we thought the bus service stunk...we ran into many RUDE..and i mean RUDE people....we had to wait for up to 35 minutes for a bus...to me that is too long...we will be going back to pop century where the buses run quite frequently and they have the system where you actually have to get in line to get on the bus..not just all rush at it at one time...

 

[swilphil]

You can go to www.allearsnet.com to look at pictures and a map of the resort. You might consider one of the centrally located Mansions instead of building 14. We are looking to stay at POR for an upcoming trip and find the mansions much more appealing. People who have stayed there before may have more feedback on the Mansions regarding disability access.

 

[BevS97]

Just wanted to add, the bus from POR takes you directly to the gates of Magic Kingdom it does not take you to the TTC. I believe you can sort out ticket issues at MK Guest Services before you enter the park.

This is one of the best things about staying onsite, and using the bus - we are quite happy to drive to the other parks, but we love the bus to Magic Kingdom because you bypass the TTC.

 

[HANDYMOM]

I agree, the busses take you directly to all the parks. I can't remember if there is a separate bus for the ticket and transport center from POR or not. I know I saw those busses at the MK and other parks though.

Check with CRO, I think you are going to be able to handle all your ticket issues at the resort. I am not sure, someone else please feel free to correct me, but I thought that guest services at each of the resorts can do that.... If I am wrong, you may be able to do it at the MK gates....