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

[andrewilley]

Well Christmas is almost upon us, and for those guests spending a bit of time relaxing away from the parks there will be lots of fun and games at both Port Orleans resorts. As I mentioned previously, there are musical groups entertaining everyone in the lobbies daily in the run-up to the big day, and on Christmas Eve your kids (oh alright, the adults too) can meet with Disney characters at both resorts in the morning, and Santa will be making a special appearance at the Riverside Lobby in the evening.

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For the rest of the regular monthly activities, please see www.portorleans.org/recreation-activites-schedule.php

Andre

 

[boocake]

Take a cab! We do Kona Cafe for breakfast once each trip right around that time. We always take a cab. Just makes it much less stressful IMO.

I hope that your going on your MK day because then it really works out nice, hopping on the monorail after breakfast.



As far as the bus service, we have not had any issues at eithe POR or POFQ, but we are in full vaca mode when we are there and do not mind a 10 minute wait (My DS never had a problem waiting for a bus, even when he was 4 or 5)

Yes that is our MK day - our first day in the parks, I am so excited - wake up for breakfast with Mickey and get to the park early enough for opening (well, close to opening anyway, I don't mind if we don't quite make rope drop). I think I will take a cab that day and do busses the rest of the trip. Thanks for the advice!!

 

[wdwmaw]

We have been at POR 2 full days now, this is our 18th trip and we have stayed at several resorts from value to deluxe. I hate to say it but so far the bussing is lacking. Actually never seen bussing like it before. We are at the south depot and keep hearing others complain about the busses. Have never seen two busses pull up at the same time, each time one bus has pulled away empty. Will update as much as I can an hope it does get better.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[SeniorPrincess]

We stayed at POR from Dec. 10-18 and everything exceeded our expectations. The bus service worked well during our time period. We used south terminal always since we did see full buses passing by the outer POR stops. Never had a wait of over 15 minutes and usually not that long. Did have to stand on some evening buses after fireworks but sort of expected that.
We had a Riverview Royal Room in Parterre. Were initially concerned about distance from things, but the few extra steps to our Parterre building turned out to be no big deal. We had a great view and lots of privacy and quiet since there is no bridge traffic or pool noise over there!
We especially enjoyed the deluxe furnishings in the Royal Room, which gave us that magical Disney feeling. And we loved the spacious grounds at POR, which made me prefer this resort to the more expensive WL where I have stayed previously! Walked over to FQ several times just to enjoy footpaths and the river. Their dining hall is much less hectic also, plus those beignets!
One thing I had not read about previous to our visit was that you can see fireworks from the foot bridge at about 9:30 p.m. at night. Not sure where they are at--MK maybe? But it added a nice touch to the end of a magical day in the parks.
Happy holidays and hope you all enjoy POR as much!

 

[bluejasmine]

Just returned from a week stay! Was awesome resort is beautiful! Miss it already but we have a trip for sept booked at POFQ for sept!

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & POFQ Sept 8-15, 2013

 

[LisaTC]

Heading to POR in 10 days with the kids as their Christmas surprise. So excited! I staying in a manor building alone for the Prinicess half marathon in Feb and stayed in POFQ with the kids in June.
This time we are trying the the Royal Rooms. We aren't arriving until late on Jan 1st. Probably will be about 9:30pm by the time we arrive. I'd love to send in a request for Oak Manor (to be slightly closer to the bus stops/main building). I realize that by checking in so late, we'll just be given whatever is left, but should I still try to make a request? Faxing seems to be the best option, correct?

Thanks in advance for any input. I love everything about Port Orleans. Can't wait to be there again!!

Didn't check for an answer to this, but we just returned from a Royal Riverfront. Ask for Oak Manor or PARTERRE room that is CLOSEST to the Footbridge to the lobby and you'll be fine and yes, fax your request. I'll PM you the one I sent.

With regard to the busing...we just returned last night 12/22 from a weeks stay and NEVER had a problem with buses. Granted we only used them for MK, but there were always buses within 5 min at the resort. We had 3 at MK on the night we left, one pulled up right after another and we needed them, as there were a lot of people going to POR. We took the bus from DTD to POR after taking the boat down and that was a mistake...took too long with all the internal DTD stops. We drove to DHS and took the bus to AKL for a ADR at Boma and it was equally efficient.

 

[lillykat]

Family just booked a surprise trip as a Christmas present for the girls. Couple of questions...

They asked to note for connecting rooms but I noticed they put in adjoining rooms instead. They do have connecting rooms right?

We are staying Royal Guest rooms garden view. What is the best request to make - close to the lobby or should we put in for something else?

Girls will be 3 and 5 but we will be celebrating their birthdays. One turns 4- 3 days after we return and the other 6 -3 weeks later. Anyone have a surprise delivered to POR how did it work. I might to have something delivered and waiting when they get to the room. Also although family told them we were celebrating their birthdays it doesn't appear on the confirmation anywhere. Does this mean it is not noted?

Can we prebook the carriage rides? How much are they? Do you need to prebook or are they easy to get (we will be there mid May)?

Do they let kids wear their vests on the slide?

 

[LisaTC]

Family just booked a surprise trip as a Christmas present for the girls. Couple of questions...

They asked to note for connecting rooms but I noticed they put in adjoining rooms instead. They do have connecting rooms right?

We are staying Royal Guest rooms garden view. What is the best request to make - close to the lobby or should we put in for something else?

Girls will be 3 and 5 but we will be celebrating their birthdays. One turns 4- 3 days after we return and the other 6 -3 weeks later. Anyone have a surprise delivered to POR how did it work. I might to have something delivered and waiting when they get to the room. Also although family told them we were celebrating their birthdays it doesn't appear on the confirmation anywhere. Does this mean it is not noted?

Can we prebook the carriage rides? How much are they? Do you need to prebook or are they easy to get (we will be there mid May)?

Do they let kids wear their vests on the slide?

We had a reservation for Cinderella's royal table and I preordered the chocolate slipper dessert and engraved glass slipper for DD. The dessert was $12.00, but very impressive looking. The slipper was pricey, but the look on her face was priceless!


They have connecting rooms. Our Royal Riverfront had a connecting door to the GardenView right next to us on the side.

You can mention the birthdays at check in and they will give you a button. Also, you can edit and put it on your dining reservations. Carriage rides were like $45...I'm thinking. We didn't do it, we just got back and I think that's the recollection I have. There didn't seem to be a lot of business. I'd call and make a reservation if you really want to do it. I think you can do that. In May, it can be hot, I'd go in the coolest part of the day.

I saw kids on the slide with vests.

 

[erynsmom]

We had a reservation for Cinderella's royal table and I preordered the chocolate slipper dessert and engraved glass slipper for DD. The dessert was $12.00, but very impressive looking. The slipper was pricey, but the look on her face was priceless!

They have connecting rooms. Our Royal Riverfront had a connecting door to the GardenView right next to us on the side.

You can mention the birthdays at check in and they will give you a button. Also, you can edit and put it on your dining reservations. Carriage rides were like $45...I'm thinking. We didn't do it, we just got back and I think that's the recollection I have. There didn't seem to be a lot of business. I'd call and make a reservation if you really want to do it. I think you can do that. In May, it can be hot, I'd go in the coolest part of the day.

I saw kids on the slide with vests.

How/where did you get the glass slipper? We are taking DD to CRT for her bday and I would love to get her a slipper. I have already ordered the dessert. Oh, and how much is 'pricey'?

 

[LisaTC]

How/where did you get the glass slipper? We are taking DD to CRT for her bday and I would love to get her a slipper. I have already ordered the dessert. Oh, and how much is 'pricey'?

Email: wdw.crt.special.events@disney.com

I think the slipper, engraved was around $65.00, but it is very thick and heavy and engraved on both sides. They have a choice of pink, white and light blue. We got the blue. With the Dessert $12.00 + slipper + tax/grat, it was around $90-95 US dollars. If we had to pay OOP for the dinner, too...really pricey, but we used dining credits, thank heavens! LOL

 

[lillykat]

We had a reservation for Cinderella's royal table and I preordered the chocolate slipper dessert and engraved glass slipper for DD. The dessert was $12.00, but very impressive looking. The slipper was pricey, but the look on her face was priceless!


They have connecting rooms. Our Royal Riverfront had a connecting door to the GardenView right next to us on the side.

You can mention the birthdays at check in and they will give you a button. Also, you can edit and put it on your dining reservations. Carriage rides were like $45...I'm thinking. We didn't do it, we just got back and I think that's the recollection I have. There didn't seem to be a lot of business. I'd call and make a reservation if you really want to do it. I think you can do that. In May, it can be hot, I'd go in the coolest part of the day.

I saw kids on the slide with vests.

Thank you I would love to do the slipper but unfortunately DD#1 is allergic to chocolate and several other things. A pin would be great! They would love that.

 

[Venomhatch]

Wow just joining back in with two days before Xmas.

 

[MizSassy]

Thanks!! Very reassuring. I think it's a great idea to request a room near the busses!!

I have another question. I read somewhere else (and of course now I can't remember where) that it would be VERY difficult to make a 7:35AM reservation at Chef Mickey's from POR (or most of the resorts for that matter). Can anyone vouch for that? I'm leaning toward taking a cab that day anyway just because that's reaaaaaally early!

We were late to Chef Mickey's due to being misdirected of how to bus hop to get to the Contemporary Resort. We were told by staff at the front desk to take the bus to Downtown Disney and then switch to the bus for the Contemporary. Another family was told the same thing. That is NOT the way to do it! We FINALLY ended up at Chef Mickey's about 20 minutes late for our reservation (Total trip took just over an hour!) and it didn't seem to matter. We got seated within minutes! The other family that got stuck with us was 45 minutes late for their reservation and they also were seated almost immediately!

 

[Missytara]

Never use DTD in the morning as a transfer point to resorts, since they do what is called deadheading with buses to get to resorts. They are much more reliable at night.

Also, DTD does not open until 9 am, so the buses do not start running really early, like those needed for early ADR's.

You would have been better off taking the bus to MK, which does run early for that purpose, and walking over. Or just take a cab.

 

[Venomhatch]

We were late to Chef Mickey's due to being misdirected of how to bus hop to get to the Contemporary Resort. We were told by staff at the front desk to take the bus to Downtown Disney and then switch to the bus for the Contemporary. Another family was told the same thing. That is NOT the way to do it! We FINALLY ended up at Chef Mickey's about 20 minutes late for our reservation (Total trip took just over an hour!) and it didn't seem to matter. We got seated within minutes! The other family that got stuck with us was 45 minutes late for their reservation and they also were seated almost immediately!

I agree with MissyTara, I would have told you grab a bus to MK then either walk to Contemporary or Express Monorail to it. Going to DTD seem like the old metaphor going around something to get to your elbow or something like that.

 

[erynsmom]

We have a 8:45 am ADR at Chef Mickeys...what time should we leave POR to get there on time. Should I try to get a later ADR?

 

[lovingeire]

We have a 8:45 am ADR at Chef Mickeys...what time should we leave POR to get there on time. Should I try to get a later ADR?

We left about an hour before our reservations. Waited about 10 mins for a bus to MK, then walked over to the CR. we were there about 15 mins early if I recall correctly. DH took the youngest to the bathroom, our buzzer went off as we were headed to take our picture. We were seated on time pretty much.

I would highly recommend taking the MK bus since the walk to the CR is so quick!

 

[Missytara]

I agree with MissyTara, I would have told you grab a bus to MK then either walk to Contemporary or Express Monorail to it. Going to DTD seem like the old metaphor going around something to get to your elbow or something like that.

It works great in the evening. I always end my day with dinner at a resort and take the bus to DTD. Then I take the water taxi back; since they are running every 10 minutes, you are never waiting long and you do not have to wonder which park is still open to go back to.

 

[wdwmaw]

Update on our experience with the POR busses today, our 3rd full day here. The busses were what we considered AWSOME today.On our return trip from HS tonight we even overheard a woman in front of us make a comment to her family that the busses were good today. Everyone in their family agreed that they, like us, LOVE POR but the busses had been a problem.

We had a horrible experience with our return trip from EPCOT last night but that had everything to do with the driver and not POR.

 

[EpcotBill]

I agree with MissyTara, I would have told you grab a bus to MK then either walk to Contemporary or Express Monorail to it. Going to DTD seem like the old metaphor going around something to get to your elbow or something like that.

The Express Monorail would have taken them to the TTC. The Resort Monorail is the one they would have wanted.