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

[GetGlowing]

@Catnip - Preferred buildings are still under refurb. I believe only one building of four is finished, so most preferred rooms still have the doubles right now. When is your trip?

 

[CatNipRules]

@Catnip - Preferred buildings are still under refurb. I believe only one building of four is finished, so most preferred rooms still have the doubles right now. When is your trip?

We aren't going until the first week of October. So hopefully they will have doubles by the time we arrive. *keeps her fingers crossed* LOL!! I work in construction so I know how it goes. *Pushes the men to work faster* LOL!!

 

[GetGlowing]

@catnip - your refurb should be done by then. See here: http://portorleans.org/rehab.php

 

[TessieLou]

Andre, I wish I would've known sooner about measuring the Murphy bed. We just got back home last night after a 7-day stay.

I will say that I had to sleep on it for 2 nights as I needed to be next to my almost-2-yr-old, who was in the pack-n-play (it would only work in the space between the table and mb as we needed the connecting doors to be open seeing as how we had 2 rooms). I'm in my low 30's, 5' tall and 125 lbs. I fit fine with plenty leg room (although I am vertically challenged compared to most ). The bed itself opens down and rests on top of the bench part. It's very, very sturdy.

I loved our room. I've read comments about POR having little to no character or having tacky decor, but to me it was "home". Being from southeast Louisiana, I really enjoyed the resort. I thought it highlighted on Louisiana in a very tasteful manner.

I loved the bedspreads (though they must weigh 20 lbs!), and I would use their divider curtain as my own bathroom curtain any day. Even the "blah" brown carpet seen in pictures is adorable. It's a wood floor design. Oh, and their room mirror is almost identical to the mirror in our half-bath.

Even though we were in Bldg 38 in AB, the walk to the dining was nothing I'd consider to be a big deal. It took very little time, and that's including my having a 5, 3, and 22-month-old. In fact, I liked the short stroll. We had a garden view right in front of a pond and lamppost. It was peaceful.

I did notice that even though it was not a busy time of year, the buildings around the dining areas always had people out and about and kids running around screaming. I don't see how staying in those buildings would be all that preferred considering the noise level in the vicinity.

 

[kristie73]

Reading this thread is getting me excited and anxious. We booked a garden view room for Mar 21-27. I requested Magnolia Terrace or Oak Manor so we'll see what we get. I think I'd prefer a 1st floor too, but I didn't request that.

My question is can any fireworks be seen from POR? Like Epcots?

Also how are deliveries handled? If I order a disney gift, groceries, a cake? Is it just stored in the lobby until they know what room we have? Do they put stuff in our room when we aren't there?

 

[lisalonglash]

I believe we're OK on the queen beds front, as we're not going to be there until the end of September I've been doing some reading and have a couple more questions:

(1) Does anyone know how much it costs to rent a bicycle or a paddleboat at the resort marina?

(2) Where does the pizza delivery come from? Is the pizza any good?

(3) In my 2012 Passporter, it says that the boat from POR goes to Typhoon Lagoon (in addition to DTD)? Any truth to that?

Thanks!

 

[Gorechick]

Are there any nights that are better to see Yeeha Bob at the River Roost? What time should we arrive to get a seat for the show?

 

[disney*mom*82]

I really don't think anything much will come out of Disney until opening day, unless any sections of the building are soft-opened before then anyway.

Now if someone happens to spot an inadvertantly open door and pokes a camera round the corner to grab a quick snap is another matter... but please folks, don't break any rules or ask staff to do so!

Andre

That is exactly what a POR supervisor told me she hated about portorleans.org. I was telling her how I knew that the refurb wasnt done thanks to the unoffical POR website, because atleast they could keep it straight, she quickly piped in and said she "hates" that website. Her main complaint was that there were pictures posted on the site before they were to be released, taken from rooms that were left open on accident and it was illegal tresspassing. She said one problem was that they had a few trial rooms set up for CMs and other staff first and there was photos of them taken and they had to change a few things before they were sure what they were doing for all the refurb. and she hates the public to see the picts and when the arrive feel they are not getting what they expected.

Im not saying this for any reason, other than to let everyone know that I would not go poking my nose or camera in any rooms other than your own. I did tell her I feel other than something like that, that I feel he does a wonderful job keeping things up to date, more accurate information than we seem to be getting from CMs when we call.

 

[elisern]

Going in October and have asked for King bed. Really wanted one of the mansion houses and didn't think there would be an issue however they haven now tied up 2 of the mansion houses with the new Royal refurbishment beds...so now wondering what to do...any advice welcome! thanks

 

[shoney]

That is exactly what a POR supervisor told me she hated about portorleans.org. I was telling her how I knew that the refurb wasnt done thanks to the unoffical POR website, because atleast they could keep it straight, she quickly piped in and said she "hates" that website. Her main complaint was that there were pictures posted on the site before they were to be released, taken from rooms that were left open on accident and it was illegal tresspassing. She said one problem was that they had a few trial rooms set up for CMs and other staff first and there was photos of them taken and they had to change a few things before they were sure what they were doing for all the refurb. and she hates the public to see the picts and when the arrive feel they are not getting what they expected.

Im not saying this for any reason, other than to let everyone know that I would not go poking my nose or camera in any rooms other than your own. I did tell her I feel other than something like that, that I feel he does a wonderful job keeping things up to date, more accurate information than we seem to be getting from CMs when we call.

of course they do! We have info that they don't want us to have...LOL

Did you ever notice how vague the official Disney site is?

there is a review on Tripadvisor that was posted today. The person didn't get the queen beds, but called from the room to let them know. The hotel did switch them. That's a good sign!

i wrote them a pm to ask if they knew before hand of the "queen bed blunder" and they did not. they thought it was their error for not confirming the room at check in.

I referred them to disboards!!! (and to the portorleans site as well)

 

[disney*mom*82]

of course they do! We have info that they don't want us to have...LOL

Did you ever notice how vague the official Disney site is?

there is a review on Tripadvisor that was posted today. The person didn't get the queen beds, but called from the room to let them know. The hotel did switch them. That's a good sign!

i wrote them a pm to ask if they knew before hand of the "queen bed blunder" and they did not. they thought it was their error for not confirming the room at check in.

I referred them to disboards!!! (and to the portorleans site as well)

I know that is one main reason why, I did tell her that it may benefit their CMs to have such resources that explain where they are at with things such as their refurb because everyone is getting such mixed answers. I told her how a CM just this past Fri thoguht I was crazy for asking for Qn beds as they "ARE STANDARD TO ALL POR ROOMS". Of course I tried to tell him otherwise but he wasnt having it. She replied it is those CMs that I wish I could yank off the phones. Oh well, I am soooo glad for Disboards and for portorleans.org.

 

[Stan Solo]

That is exactly what a POR supervisor told me she hated about portorleans.org. I was telling her how I knew that the refurb wasnt done thanks to the unoffical POR website, because atleast they could keep it straight, she quickly piped in and said she "hates" that website. Her main complaint was that there were pictures posted on the site before they were to be released, taken from rooms that were left open on accident and it was illegal tresspassing. She said one problem was that they had a few trial rooms set up for CMs and other staff first and there was photos of them taken and they had to change a few things before they were sure what they were doing for all the refurb. and she hates the public to see the picts and when the arrive feel they are not getting what they expected.

Im not saying this for any reason, other than to let everyone know that I would not go poking my nose or camera in any rooms other than your own. I did tell her I feel other than something like that, that I feel he does a wonderful job keeping things up to date, more accurate information than we seem to be getting from CMs when we call.

If Andre was slamming POR on his site I could understand her hating it.

I wonder if the supervisor of POR and Disney "hates" it that I choose POR last year over the much less expensive POP or even cheeper off site property that a freind of mine stayed at a few years ago becuse of what I read on portorleans.org. I wonder if she "hates" it that I now have a split stay one week at POP and one week at POR this Aug because of the decor in the AB rooms that I first saw taken by a Dis "spy" my only request is a room in AB.

If Disney was so much against all the free advertising they were getting with the leaked photos of their shiny new rooms I'm sure they would have contacted Andre and ask him to remove them and I'd like to think he would be more then willing to do so. I'm not upset with you disney*mom I just think some people should know a good thing when they have it.

I wish someone would make a web site of how great it is where I work. Hmm Andre if your not to busy....

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Just in case anyone is thinking of sneaking some pictures of the RR refurb, they put a fence around the building, so good luck with that.

 

[Venomhatch]

If Andre was slamming POR on his site I could understand her hating it.

I wonder if the supervisor of POR and Disney "hates" it that I choose POR last year over the much less expensive POP or even cheeper off site property that a freind of mine stayed at a few years ago becuse of what I read on portorleans.org. I wonder if she "hates" it that I now have a split stay one week at POP and one week at POR this Aug because of the decor in the AB rooms that I first saw taken by a Dis "spy" my only request is a room in AB.

If Disney was so much against all the free advertising they were getting with the leaked photos of their shiny new rooms I'm sure they would have contacted Andre and ask him to remove them and I'd like to think he would be more then willing to do so. I'm not upset with you disney*mom I just think some people should know a good thing when they have it.

I wish someone would make a web site of how great it is where I work. Hmm Andre if your not to busy....

It's just one unhappy Disney employee. They don't get it leaked photos is something that comes with secrecy. As for room photos leaked. I actually support Andre's site very informative, and right on with most info. I will be working with him on a special project coming during my stay in Wdw.

 

[THERESA522]

When I wake up tomorrow, it will only be 18 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!

Andre, I will measure the bed if you still need it by then.

 

[Venomhatch]

When I wake up tomorrow, it will only be 18 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!

Andre, I will measure the bed if you still need it by then.

Three days behind us. Sweet fellow DISer there at the same time.

 

[DisDr.]

Thanks for the updates! We're getting excited about our Royal Room!

 

[Venomhatch]

Thanks for the updates! We're getting excited about our Royal Room!

Your on disdads thread? I just joined that thread also.

 

[jasonk5]

We're going from Aug 19-Sept 1 but will only be in POR from the 27-1, maybe we will bump into each other. Just look for the guy in a Star Wars shirt.

They'll probably be a few of us in Star Wars shirts around that time....I'll be another one.

 

[andrewilley]

I called Guest Relations and the gentleman that I talked to told me that all of the preferred rooms have Queen sized beds.

I'm not sure if I believe this or not. I'm so confused and don't know what to believe. I've read that the CM are telling people false information and decided to go straight to the source.

You are right, and the cast member was wrong (at present anyway). As of now, of the Preferred Rooms only building 14 has been refurbished, with the rest due to be completed sometime around mid-June (as always of course, remember DATES CAN CHANGE). However the whole of the resort should be done by August (again, as per current plans) so maybe the CM was talking about your booked dates rather than current status?

We booked a garden view room for Mar 21-27. I requested Magnolia Terrace or Oak Manor so we'll see what we get. I think I'd prefer a 1st floor too, but I didn't request that.

My question is can any fireworks be seen from POR? Like Epcots?

Also how are deliveries handled? If I order a disney gift, groceries, a cake? Is it just stored in the lobby until they know what room we have? Do they put stuff in our room when we aren't there?

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).

(1) Does anyone know how much it costs to rent a bicycle or a paddleboat at the resort marina?

(2) Where does the pizza delivery come from? Is the pizza any good?

(3) In my 2012 Passporter, it says that the boat from POR goes to Typhoon Lagoon (in addition to DTD)? Any truth to that?

1) For rental details and prices, check out www.portorleans.org/rentals.php

2) Pizza comes from the POR food court. As to quality, well it is Disney Pizza... my family are fine with it and say it's good, but I gather true Italian New Yorkers sometimes say otherwise about WDW pizza generally...

3) No, the POR/POFQ boat does not go to Typhoon Lagoon. There is no river access to Typhoon Lagoon at all in fact.

Are there any nights that are better to see Yeeha Bob at the River Roost? What time should we arrive to get a seat for the show?

I guess Fri/Sat might be busiest, but it's always been pretty full whenever I've been. I'd suggest getting there on the early side to snag a good table, maybe 30 mins before the show starts? Bob often wanders around the room and gets to know everyone before the show - and boy does he have a good memory for names!

Going in October and have asked for King bed. Really wanted one of the mansion houses and didn't think there would be an issue however they haven now tied up 2 of the mansion houses with the new Royal refurbishment beds...so now wondering what to do...any advice welcome! thanks

There are King Beds in all the sections of POR (except for Royal Rooms) so your request for one of the two 'non-Royal' mansion buildings should be just as valid if you have a King Bed booked as it would have been with any other room category... but do remember that it is only a request.

Andre