Port Orleans Riverside FAQ thread --- 2012, Part One --- NOW CLOSED

[disney*mom*82]

30 days until we leave for WDW!

My DD4 has told me she wants a dress that has no sleves and pulled her shirt down under her sholders to show me (she meant sleveless). She also wants flowers, a tiara, glass slippers, and up gloves (she meant long white gloves) I am surprising her with a custom made Belle dress and am trying sooooo hard to get her into BBB but its not working so far, I hope she isnt disappointed that I probably wont get most the rest.

Anyways...I also want to say Andre I hope you dont feel like I was putting you down at all. I LOVE your site and you are so wonderful with helping everyone on here with information about POR. I was a little shocked she said that and as soon as I saw asking for pictures if some doors were open I wanted to mention it because I dont want anyone to get in trouble. I doubt anyone would and I know you have worked with staff at WDW. I did tell her what a great thing you have going and how well you are able to keep up on the information. Keep up the great work!

 

[hunmcbunny]

30 days until we leave for WDW!

My DD4 has told me she wants a dress that has no sleves and pulled her shirt down under her sholders to show me (she meant sleveless). She also wants flowers, a tiara, glass slippers, and up gloves (she meant long white gloves) I am surprising her with a custom made Belle dress and am trying sooooo hard to get her into BBB but its not working so far, I hope she isnt disappointed that I probably wont get most the rest.

:

We got our ressie for BBB back in Nov. What a bummer if you dont get in. I wish I had the talent to sew a dress. Go to Claires and get a tiara and gloves and if you dont get in at BBB do up her hair and put on the tiara. Got my fingers crossed for you that you can get in.

 

[book_junkie]

You can also get hairspray glitter in some of the local shops so she'll sparkle, like the other princesses. Have you tried the DTD location? Or maybe try as a walk-up there? I've read threads where the DTD BBB will take walk-ups without too much of a hassle....

 

[kristie73]

Ordinary Garden View won't be in Oak Manor as that building is being converted to Royal Rooms only, but Magnolia Terrace would be an option.

You can see the higher level fireworks from EPCOT, above the treeline, but as much of the show is at water-level in the park, you miss a LOT.

Larger external deliveries are kept for you at Bell Services, or other smaller postal packages can be picked up at the front desk. Chilled items can be refrigerated at Bell Services if requested. In-park purchases can be collected from the resort gift shop the next day after 1pm. You will be left a voicemail in your room if something is still waiting for you to collect, and they will not put things in your room without you being present (except for Magical Express luggage deliveries).

Andre

Thank you! I wasn't sure if Oak Manor was all Royal Rooms. Well a bump up to a Royal Room would be nice too. I know that won't happen.

So if I'm ordering from the Grocer, and I order milk, yogurt, along with other items, wouldn't they know to store in a fridge? Same with a cake? Because the delivery people would mention that?

So the Disney Floral & Gifts stuff isn't just brought to our room to surprise us? I ordered the Mickey's Kool Snack cooler thing.

 

[tzolkin]

We're booked in at POR from 16 to 29 August. River View, and hoping for Alligator Bayou as there will be four of us and the murphy bed would be great.

Andre

We'll have to arrange a meet for the August POR trippers

We will be there 13-24 August.

I booked the room last month, but I just purchased tickets and scheduled the kids' YES classes yesterday so now we're all excited that it feels like we're really going.

This will be our first stay at POR. (We have stayed at CSR, CBR, and Pop a few times before) We are a family of 5, so unless we're traveling with grandparents and getting two rooms POR will likely be our new "home" for future trips.

Love the portorleans.org site. In past years we weren't too interested in the theming of POR, but going through that site with the kids has me convinced that we will all enjoy our stay here.

 

[mommakacie]

30 days until we leave for WDW!

My DD4 has told me she wants a dress that has no sleves and pulled her shirt down under her sholders to show me (she meant sleveless). She also wants flowers, a tiara, glass slippers, and up gloves (she meant long white gloves) I am surprising her with a custom made Belle dress and am trying sooooo hard to get her into BBB but its not working so far, I hope she isnt disappointed that I probably wont get most the rest.

I called last week and got my daughter in at the DTD one - on President's Day! So less than 3 weeks out on a high peak day. If you can be flexible with the time, you should be able to get in. Good luck!

 

[disney*mom*82]

We got our ressie for BBB back in Nov. What a bummer if you dont get in. I wish I had the talent to sew a dress. Go to Claires and get a tiara and gloves and if you dont get in at BBB do up her hair and put on the tiara. Got my fingers crossed for you that you can get in.

You can also get hairspray glitter in some of the local shops so she'll sparkle, like the other princesses. Have you tried the DTD location? Or maybe try as a walk-up there? I've read threads where the DTD BBB will take walk-ups without too much of a hassle....

I called last week and got my daughter in at the DTD one - on President's Day! So less than 3 weeks out on a high peak day. If you can be flexible with the time, you should be able to get in. Good luck!

Thank you for the input about BBB. DD4 has been having some health issues, more so lately than usual, so I guess this is what spurred DH to want to do this for her. I am normally a big planner and would have booked this as soon as it was open. But, I have called everyday since he told me to get her in and Im not having much luck...the problem is Im trying to get her in on the day we go to MK before we have breakfast. DTD doesnt open early enough, so its not an option.

My plan is...if we get a BBB appt...
The morning of she will wake up with a wrapped box and a note from Cinderella asking her to take the box with her to MK and go straight to the castle. There, we will take it to BBB and tell them her name, and then let them suprise her with the makeover and then she can open the box and see the dress.

If we cant get an appt at BBB...
Ill wrap the box along with some special makeup, nail polish and hair things. She will wake up to it and then I will get her all made up and dress on.

Either way, she will be excited, I just want to make it really special for her and know she will LOVE the BBB, she is such a gurly girl.

 

[book_junkie]

Another option might be to see if they can do a Mommy/Daughter thing at the Spa at the GF the night before the breakfast so she's getting ready for the princess...

I know there are tons of youtube videos on how to do the updo they do for the princesses to make it easy from home...

 

[blueeyesrnc]

hubster is BEYOND ridiculously excited now. He ordered "Proclaim Her A Princess" package from Disney Floral to be delivered the day we get there...

http://www.ftdfloristsonline.com/wa...eyworldflorist-proclaim-princess-girl/display

He's really going all out for our daughter who is also known as "your royal highness" in our house

We also ordered this with her name embroidered that we are gonna give to her a few days before we....thats when we will surprised her with this trip.

http://www.ftdfloristsonline.com/wa...-Mickey-Minnie-crispy-autograph-mitts/display

I think you will be very pleased with this. Your daughter will love it. I've used Disney Florist several times and have been amazed by their packages. Our first Disney trip, I ordered the "Welcome to Disney" package for my daughter. It was a surprise. When we walked in the room, it was all decked out Disney. My daughter was thrilled. I've done several other packages since then and have never been disappointed. This November we will be in the royal rooms, and I plan to order a princess package. I can't wait!!! Have a wonderful trip.

 

[joannalh]

We did BBB at DTD and I actually preferred doing it that way. It didn't take up any time out of a park day, and made a day off the parks special. Plus my daughter could walk around the park in comfier clothes.

 

[blueeyesrnc]

30 days until we leave for WDW!

My DD4 has told me she wants a dress that has no sleves and pulled her shirt down under her sholders to show me (she meant sleveless). She also wants flowers, a tiara, glass slippers, and up gloves (she meant long white gloves) I am surprising her with a custom made Belle dress and am trying sooooo hard to get her into BBB but its not working so far, I hope she isnt disappointed that I probably wont get most the rest.

Anyways...I also want to say Andre I hope you dont feel like I was putting you down at all. I LOVE your site and you are so wonderful with helping everyone on here with information about POR. I was a little shocked she said that and as soon as I saw asking for pictures if some doors were open I wanted to mention it because I dont want anyone to get in trouble. I doubt anyone would and I know you have worked with staff at WDW. I did tell her what a great thing you have going and how well you are able to keep up on the information. Keep up the great work!

Have you tried to book both locations-DTD and at the castle? Good luck. Here's wishing you some pixie dust.

 

[momtolots]

Currently at POR. Checked in today at 10:30am. Told them I'd prefer Queen beds, and we can wait if a room is not ready. Our CM made a phone call and said that we could have one and that they would text us when it was ready. So 45minutes later we got our room#3858, which also has a Murphy bed. Keep in mind there are only 4 of us. So kids get their own beds and everyone is happy. Fast forward to 7:05pm tonight. We have been to MK and have just finished our swim. (yes the slide and all is open) and we go back to our room and neither my key or hubby's works. So, I walk back to the lobby while he waits outside the room with 2 wet and cold kids. Huge line so I ask a passing CM if she could help me. Anyway, when I talk to someone, they tell me I'm trying the wrong room, I should be in 3653!!!!! I said I have been using the keys all day. They tell me that the computer says I'm in 3653!!!! I don't think she believed me...the manager certainly didn't. I was on the phone with her. I then showed them the text that said 3858, then they didn't know what to say as Mr.? Is registered in that room. Bottom line is it took 30 min. To get it straightened out and I said I wanted to talk to someone in the morning!! Hubby and the kids spent the whole time outside waiting. But now, kids are asleep so all is good.
By the way, the Murphy bed is 66cm by 159xcm. Sorry, being Canadian that's the best I can do. Translation 2.5ft by 5.3 ft? Or something like that. If anyone else had any ?'s, let me know. Thanks, Cathy

 

[HeatherLassell]

Currently at POR. Checked in today at 10:30am. Told them I'd prefer Queen beds, and we can wait if a room is not ready. Our CM made a phone call and said that we could have one and that they would text us when it was ready. So 45minutes later we got our room#3858, which also has a Murphy bed. Keep in mind there are only 4 of us. So kids get their own beds and everyone is happy. Fast forward to 7:05pm tonight. We have been to MK and have just finished our swim. (yes the slide and all is open) and we go back to our room and neither my key or hubby's works. So, I walk back to the lobby while he waits outside the room with 2 wet and cold kids. Huge line so I ask a passing CM if she could help me. Anyway, when I talk to someone, they tell me I'm trying the wrong room, I should be in 3653!!!!! I said I have been using the keys all day. They tell me that the computer says I'm in 3653!!!! I don't think she believed me...the manager certainly didn't. I was on the phone with her. I then showed them the text that said 3858, then they didn't know what to say as Mr.? Is registered in that room. Bottom line is it took 30 min. To get it straightened out and I said I wanted to talk to someone in the morning!! Hubby and the kids spent the whole time outside waiting. But now, kids are asleep so all is good.
By the way, the Murphy bed is 66cm by 159xcm. Sorry, being Canadian that's the best I can do. Translation 2.5ft by 5.3 ft? Or something like that. If anyone else had any ?'s, let me know. Thanks, Cathy

....so where was Mr. ____ who was registered to the room? Cause all your stuff was in there right? Did this guy get into the room? When all was said and done tonight did you end up back in 3653 or did they move you to 3858?

Definately be talking to a manager/supervisor about this tomorrow. One it is unacceptable for them to treat you like you don't know what you are talking about and two the manager needs to know about these mistakes. I am wishing for pixie dust for you. My friend had a problem with rude staff at POP Century and she talked to a manager. More to just let them know she didn't appreciate the way she was treated (we work in customer service) so that they could train the staff better....but she ended up being given a $100 Disney Gift Card to use at any shop. I think SOMETHING should be done for you. Hopefully your kids don't get sick. It must have been warm to be swimming at 7pm.

 

[momtolots]

We stayed in 3858. I told them I had already unpacked everything, and yes it was in the high 70's. But, interesting enough, my husband had a nap this afternoon and heard someone come in, then said Sorry and left. He assumed it was housekeeping as he sleeps with a Cpap machine and so wasn't sure whether it was male or female. We will see what happens tomorrow when we talk with someone.

 

[Stacy_C]

I am surprising her with a custom made Belle dress and am trying sooooo hard to get her into BBB but its not working so far, I hope she isnt disappointed that I probably wont get most the rest.

Consider taking her to the Barbershop in the MK for a special hair-do...with glitter, sparkles, etc. My girls have done BBB and the Barbershop. They preferred the Barbershop because it wasn't as time consuming as BBB. I preferred the Barbershop for the same reason and also because it is SO much cheaper (less than $15, I believe)!!

 

[HeatherLassell]

We stayed in 3858. I told them I had already unpacked everything, and yes it was in the high 70's. But, interesting enough, my husband had a nap this afternoon and heard someone come in, then said Sorry and left. He assumed it was housekeeping as he sleeps with a Cpap machine and so wasn't sure whether it was male or female. We will see what happens tomorrow when we talk with someone.

That is weird. I mean if it was the guest then you would think he would have went to the front desk. Good luck tomorrow. Let us know what they do for you!

 

[ChelleyB]

Currently at POR. Checked in today at 10:30am. Told them I'd prefer Queen beds, and we can wait if a room is not ready. Our CM made a phone call and said that we could have one and that they would text us when it was ready. So 45minutes later we got our room#3858, which also has a Murphy bed. Keep in mind there are only 4 of us. So kids get their own beds and everyone is happy. Fast forward to 7:05pm tonight. We have been to MK and have just finished our swim. (yes the slide and all is open) and we go back to our room and neither my key or hubby's works. So, I walk back to the lobby while he waits outside the room with 2 wet and cold kids. Huge line so I ask a passing CM if she could help me. Anyway, when I talk to someone, they tell me I'm trying the wrong room, I should be in 3653!!!!! I said I have been using the keys all day. They tell me that the computer says I'm in 3653!!!! I don't think she believed me...the manager certainly didn't. I was on the phone with her. I then showed them the text that said 3858, then they didn't know what to say as Mr.? Is registered in that room. Bottom line is it took 30 min. To get it straightened out and I said I wanted to talk to someone in the morning!! Hubby and the kids spent the whole time outside waiting. But now, kids are asleep so all is good.
By the way, the Murphy bed is 66cm by 159xcm. Sorry, being Canadian that's the best I can do. Translation 2.5ft by 5.3 ft? Or something like that. If anyone else had any ?'s, let me know. Thanks, Cathy

I'm so sorry that this happened to you. Sending you pixie dust for tomorrow morning. I hope they set things right for you! Glad the kids are enjoying their own beds

PS - hooray for Canada - I'm originally from Alberta

 

[SA53]

Well, we finally decided to try Riverside this July!! We are even going to splurge for a Royal Room since this is the first and probably last time Nana and Papa are coming.

My question is should I request Oak or Parterre? They are both in their 80's (my parents not the buildings) and I am requesting a handicap room since both have had knee replacement and cannot climb over the side of the tub. From the map on the first page it looks like Oak is closer to the Front Desk and buses but I wanted to double check with you knowledgeable POR bunch.

TIA,

K in SA

 

[ChelleyB]

duplicate post

 

[JacknDawn4ever]

25 MORE DAYS UNTIL WE ARRIVE AT POR FOR OUR FIRST DISNEY TRIP!!!!!
So excited, can you tell? My children think we have 81 more days.....
SURPRISE!!!!