Port Orleans Riverside FAQ thread --- 2012, Part Three --- NOW FULL / CLOSED

[kris4360]

silly ? but what does a car rental cost? I'm thinking for 3 kids, 2 aduts normally run for 6-7 days rental?

Depends on the time of year. It's more around christmas or spring break. But we were there last week and we paid 250. (10 dollars more per day if you take the insurance) for midsize car for 10 days. Advantage car rental.

 

[Missytara]

We visited POR for an hour or so last winter and it was so beautiful that we will stay there in January!

We are bringing a high school foreign exchange student from Nigeria. Her life in Nigeria is very third-world. Everything here is new to her. She had never used a computer before, never eaten Chinese/Mexican/Italian/etc food, never been on an escalator, no shopping malls, never been swimming, never ridden a bike, and never (fill in the blank). It has been fun watching her experience new things.

Given that this will likely be her only opportunity to see Disney, I am interested in suggestions for amazing things for her to see or do, especially at POR. Is there anything that Disney does for "special" guests?

Definitely see Yee-hah Bob in the lounge; he always recognizes all kinds of occasions.

Do the 4 person surrey bike around both resorts and tell her about the story behind the development of the Louisiana Territory, and the US in general.

Take the water taxi to DTD and stroll through the shops. Give her something to remind her of your family.

Take lots of pics and make a collage for her to take home to remember the trip. Last year, I went with two families and I took pictures of them at the entrance of each park and gave it to them for a gift.

Purchase the passport at Epcot and let her have it signed at each country. She can learn a few words in each language.

There are millions of memories you can make.

 

[andrewilley]

No, this happens to be an anomaly because a CM is on the thread.

No, that's not really why it works at all (although I'm sure the tips here help). It's mostly because the room assignment manager at POR is very conscious that these seemingly little things can really make a guest's visit so much more magical, and he tries to help out wherever possible. In fact he told me he enjoys reading guest faxes and adding that bit of extra magic to people's stays.

I know he and his team actually go to a lot of effort - even without people sending in faxes - and they run daily reports on the computer to try to catch linked bookings, check for recurring surnames, look for requests, and even pick up sequential bookings (such as one night before and then a block during free dining, for example) to try to keep guests in the same room, etc.

But I agree that not all resorts are always quite so good at this.

Andre

 

[Devi8or]

I'll be there with my family in just under 4 days....can't wait.

Any last minute tips or things I need to do whole I'm there? I think the first day were gonna just relax and walk around. I'm thinking boardwalk and Downtown Disney. Probably hit the pool if the weather permits and maybe drag the kids to the arcade....what am I missing????

 

[Lita]

No, that's not really why it works at all (although I'm sure the tips here help). It's mostly because the room assignment manager at POR is very conscious that these seemingly little things can really make a guest's visit so much more magical, and he tries to help out wherever possible. In fact he told me he enjoys reading guest faxes and adding that bit of extra magic to people's stays.

I know he and his team actually go to a lot of effort - even without people sending in faxes - and they run daily reports on the computer to try to catch linked bookings, check for recurring surnames, look for requests, and even pick up sequential bookings (such as one night before and then a block during free dining, for example) to try to keep guests in the same room, etc.

But I agree that not all resorts are always quite so good at this.

Andre

This is very good to know!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

I've been lurking for quiet awhile,but just can't contain my excitement any longer. We're usually Pop people, tried CBR once and felt so...far...away from the main pool and food court, so I was a little nervous about booking. My MIL is going with us so we needed the extra room, and every day I get on hear and see TONS of positive things about the resort and CM's. I'm so stinking excited!!! It's going to be me, hubby, MIL and our two boys, 10 and 6 in a preferred room, as well as my SIL, her hubby and girls, 11 and 15, and then our friends with their two girls 2 and 6, bringing along a set of grandparents. We're going 1/11-19 and me, hubby and SIL are running the 1/2 marathon ( my first-YIKES!!!)

So thank you to all who've posted. You've eased my mind about this new resort. I will definitely let you know how our experience goes!!

 

[Lizzybean]

silly ? but what does a car rental cost? I'm thinking for 3 kids, 2 aduts normally run for 6-7 days rental?

Check out the transportation board. People post about deals over there all the time. We're emerald club members through national and get amazing deals. My husband has a membership through corporate.

 

[buzznina]

We visited POR for an hour or so last winter and it was so beautiful that we will stay there in January!

We are bringing a high school foreign exchange student from Nigeria. Her life in Nigeria is very third-world. Everything here is new to her. She had never used a computer before, never eaten Chinese/Mexican/Italian/etc food, never been on an escalator, no shopping malls, never been swimming, never ridden a bike, and never (fill in the blank). It has been fun watching her experience new things.

Given that this will likely be her only opportunity to see Disney, I am interested in suggestions for amazing things for her to see or do, especially at POR. Is there anything that Disney does for "special" guests?

Have you thought of taking her to Animal Kingdom Lodge, maybe for dinner or lunch. A lot of the staff is from Africa and I know the last time we were there we talked to one that was from Nigeria. Might be nice for her to see someone from her home land.

 

[AmberLRichmond]

Just booked for our stay at POR May 28th-June 7th! I have learned so much from this board, and look forward to learning more as our trip approaches!

You will be checking out the day I'm checking in! I'm staying from June 7th-June 13th. Can't wait! Not only will it be my first time ever at WDW, it will be my first solo trip, and I will be celebrating my birthday!

I just finally finished reading through this entire thread and want to say thank you! It was extremely helpful!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[lucifie]

You'd have to talk to AVIS, Enterprise, Triangle, Etc to find that out. But usually they work a weekly rate for pretty cheap. 5 occupants should be able to get a nice sedan and not to cramped.

Assuming the kids are old enough to not need car seats. If you have more than one car seat, it can be a tight squeeze. It can be done, but not necessarily comfortably.

 

[Venomhatch]

Assuming the kids are old enough to not need car seats. If you have more than one car seat, it can be a tight squeeze. It can be done, but not necessarily comfortably.

Yeah your right my mistake.

 

[AuroraRosesMom]

Good Morning!

This post is probably going to be a repeat of past posts. I've gone through the thread some to look for an answer, but I figure I'll just ask anyway. We will be at POR, Dec 10-13. This will be our first time at Riverside. POFQ is my favorite hotel (since I was a child), but I have a feeling I will enjoy Riverside just as much. I booked the Royal Guest Room river view. My question is, which building is best? Oak Manor or Parterre Place? Or is it really a win-win? Or more specifically, are there certain rooms that are absolutely ideal that I should try for? I'm really not picky and know we'll be quite happy no matter what, but I figured I'd just ask in case there is a stark difference. When I look at a map of the grounds, I am wondering if that is a huge parking lot on the other side of the river across from Parterre Place? If it is, is it very noticeable? That is really my only concern at this point. Thanks for any insight!

 

[Gorechick]

Good Morning!

This post is probably going to be a repeat of past posts. I've gone through the thread some to look for an answer, but I figure I'll just ask anyway. We will be at POR, Dec 10-13. This will be our first time at Riverside. POFQ is my favorite hotel (since I was a child), but I have a feeling I will enjoy Riverside just as much. I booked the Royal Guest Room river view. My question is, which building is best? Oak Manor or Parterre Place? Or is it really a win-win? Or more specifically, are there certain rooms that are absolutely ideal that I should try for? I'm really not picky and know we'll be quite happy no matter what, but I figured I'd just ask in case there is a stark difference. When I look at a map of the grounds, I am wondering if that is a huge parking lot on the other side of the river across from Parterre Place? If it is, is it very noticeable? That is really my only concern at this point. Thanks for any insight!

Depends where you want to be. You can request "close to bridge" and be very close to the river in either building. We had a room on the top floor center of Parterre that is considered riverview as it overlooked the garden, fountain, and river in the distance. I personally liked that view better than being right on the river.

 

[ktnryansmom]

I'm coming in march...and I think my TA messed up --either that or I am getting an AMAZING deal. Thoughts?

Air from CA
5 day base tickets
4 nights at POR
Magic your way plus dining plan

For one adult and 2 kiddos (but paying adult rate for meals and tickets)

$1428.00

Does that seem possible? I've already paid and been told it's paid in full but airfair alone can run that much...

thoughts?

 

[mommycal]

So excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Heard back from POR and our reqest was met. Wasn't told what room but suppose to be in bldg 14, corner, w/riverview.


HUGE thanks to Venomhatch for all the help & pixie dust!!!


Eeek, only 11 days left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[siskaren]

I'm coming in march...and I think my TA messed up --either that or I am getting an AMAZING deal. Thoughts?

Air from CA
5 day base tickets
4 nights at POR
Magic your way plus dining plan

For one adult and 2 kiddos (but paying adult rate for meals and tickets)

$1428.00

Does that seem possible? I've already paid and been told it's paid in full but airfair alone can run that much...

thoughts?

I don't see how you could possibly be paying that little for what you're getting. 3 adult 5 day base tickets cost $856, which leaves less than $600 for the airfare, hotel and dining plan.

ETA: I just checked the Disney website and using the criteria you have listed and checking under the Play Stay and Dine promotion that's available through early March, I came up with a total of $1936 and that doesn't include airfare. (By comparison, I also checked without the Play Stay and Dine promo, and it came up to $2455 - again, without airfare.) I would ask your TA for something in writing that shows the breakdown of what you're getting.

 

[ktnryansmom]

I did send her an email this morning but my confirmation email lists it all and says paid in full...

so odd!

 

[Caseystigger]

Just rebooked rooms with a pin code we got before our trip a month ago. Found it when I was cleaning out my Inbox. 3 nights, 4 days for under $700! Can't pass it up! So excited to be going back so soon!

 

[Lizzybean]

I did send her an email this morning but my confirmation email lists it all and says paid in full...

so odd!

I want your travel agent!

 

[oka1jeg]

did you hear back? I haven't heard anything via phone or email FINGERS CROSSED though!!!

Sent an email today and received a response within 15 minutes. Rooms are assigned 5 days out. He will "double check everything and make sure we were able to provide a room that meets these requests." 10 days left! I'm getting very little work done today...