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

[Lizzybean]

So our trip is getting super close, 11 days to go! YAY!

I figured now was a good time to ask Venomhatch about room requests. We will be in AB since we're a fam of 5 and are booked garden view. It looks like building 16 is the closest to the food court area w/o being preferred. Should we fax our request for that specific building or simply ask for a building closest to food court/ferry dock area due to health conditions. Also is the best request method faxing?

I apologize for asking a redundant question. I've seen them on this thread but I guess until it's "your turn" one doesn't feel the anxiety!

Thanks so much! Really looking forward to our first stay at Port Orleans!

 

[Scott MC]

We will be at POR three months from today. Yay!

We're booked in a RGR with a garden view, and I'm wondering if the following request even has a prayer of being honored. When I call, can I ask for an "Upper floor room, not on the parking lot side of the building."?

Now hear this...I'm not looking for a water or river view that I didn't pay for, I just would prefer to be on the side of the building that is closest to the river and thus, the amenities at the center of the resort. Does anyone think this request would be honored/considered?

 

[Stan Solo]

I just booked my first stay at POR this morning! I am going May 9th - May 16th and I can't wait. I've tried to read this whole thread, but there's a lot to it!

Does anyone have any quick do's/don'ts about POR that I should know about? Since I did this while at work, I wasn't able to request a specific building. I am going to try and call them tonight so I can't put in a request for the closer buildings.

This thread is what made me choose POR. Thanks for all the info!

Do's
Visit Yee Ha Bob
Take the boat to DTD
Try getting off at different bus stops so you can explore the resort
Relax you are on vacation take your time


Don'ts
Stress about the size it's not as big as it looks on the Map
Worry about the busses you will get to the parks and back to the resort
Fret if you don't get the exact room you wanted/requested all the rooms are beautiful

 

[Stan Solo]

An update from my earlier post trying to decide between POR or POFQ (for 200 less).

I tried to book online. It was the Disney website so of course it didn't work. I called, and got through right away!!
However, the CM couldn't get the PIN codes to work.
After 45 minutes and transfer to Guest Services I went with POR in a Royal Room and even though there was no standard Royal rooms available online with my promotion, guest services booked me in one
So, in the end, I saved anyway (paid about 30 more than POFQ) and I am thrilled to have everything booked and paid for. All that is left to do is wait.

Pigletto my Aug 2012 friend, who are you trying to kid we know you will change your resort/mind at least two more times. LOL

 

[ChristineOH]

Do's
Visit Yee Ha Bob
Take the boat to DTD
Try getting off at different bus stops so you can explore the resort
Relax you are on vacation take your time

Don'ts
Stress about the size it's not as big as it looks on the Map
Worry about the busses you will get to the parks and back to the resort
Fret if you don't get the exact room you wanted/requested all the rooms are beautiful

Thanks for this for me too! Just booked our stay for end of May. There is a lot to look forward too.

 

[DMGeurts]

Do's
Visit Yee Ha Bob
Take the boat to DTD
Try getting off at different bus stops so you can explore the resort
Relax you are on vacation take your time


Don'ts
Stress about the size it's not as big as it looks on the Map
Worry about the busses you will get to the parks and back to the resort
Fret if you don't get the exact room you wanted/requested all the rooms are beautiful

Love this! Thanks... Somtimes all it takes is a little perspective. I may just print this out and hang it between the mirrors when we get there.

D~

 

[andrewilley]

Don'ts
Stress about the size it's not as big as it looks on the Map
Worry about the busses you will get to the parks and back to the resort
Fret if you don't get the exact room you wanted/requested all the rooms are beautiful

I'm going to add variants of those to the FAQ at the start of this thread if you don't mind. Everyone should read them!

Andre

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Do's
Visit Yee Ha Bob
Take the boat to DTD
Try getting off at different bus stops so you can explore the resort
Relax you are on vacation take your time


Don'ts
Stress about the size it's not as big as it looks on the Map
Worry about the busses you will get to the parks and back to the resort
Fret if you don't get the exact room you wanted/requested all the rooms are beautiful

Fantastic advice!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mamalovesdis]

I would find that overwhelming personally. In your situation I would look into renting at Bonnett Creek which is conveniently located but would require a car, and could probably be done for cheaper OR do a Fort Wilderness cabin which we did with free dining last summer. It was a great space, room for everyone and a great resort. It also has the bonus of having a full kitchen for some meals which helps and won't cost you as much as any Deluxe.

It could be overwhelming. I dont think we have any interest in the cabins. And renting a van for the week would be costly.

I would just go with this: 8 nights 9/7-9/15 standard at Poly $2535

I first hand know that with the guest count you have the room size would more than accommodating that many people moving around and sleeping. Sorry POR I still love you but I have to try and steal this one because of the circumstances.

I REALLY want to stay at Poly, but the cost is killing me.

If you can wait 2 weeks I can tell you how it worked for us. We're also a family of 6 - 2 adults and 4 kids 9, 7, 4 & 2. I'm dreading being crammed into one room for 6 nights but we decided to give it a shot because (1) It was the cheapest option to stay onsite and (2) it looks lovely and it will be our only chance to stay there until the kids are grown, unless we don't take them (which is not out of the question, but not in the plans for the foreseeable future).

That would be awesome! I feel the same way

mamalovesdis - We did it!!! But with three adults (me, DH, and DMIL) and three kids (11, 10 and 2.5). It wasn't overly uncomfortable. There was room for us all and, boy, do we tend to spread out. LOL I think you'll be fine. Your teenager might not like being "that close" to family, but tell 'em to deal with it.

Hope this helps!

We arent really big people. Im 5ft, dh 5'7 and the kids are all petite. My oldest has shared her bed before. I think she'll just be happy to be at Disney. The kids I doubt will care. The only ones it will bother are me and dh. But dh is pretty frugal, so maybe he wont care either! I'll just feel super sad riding past poly on the monorail to our bus

I think we will probably end up with a split stay at Poly/POR. I really like both resorts.

 

[pigletto]

Pigletto my Aug 2012 friend, who are you trying to kid we know you will change your resort/mind at least two more times. LOL

I've been spotted!

I don't think we will change this time.. only because it was such a nightmare to try and book the package that they've cured me of ever wanting to call again

 

[2fortheShow]

Ok, so my 11 year old DS and I are staying at POR in August for 9 days. I have stayed here twice before when it was Dixie Landings, but that was almost 13 years ago. Please tell me the great things about this resort and what might be enjoyable for my DS. I am looking forward to it, and don't want to miss out on anything.

 

[andrewilley]

We arent really big people. Im 5ft, dh 5'7 and the kids are all petite. My oldest has shared her bed before. I think she'll just be happy to be at Disney. The kids I doubt will care. The only ones it will bother are me and dh. But dh is pretty frugal, so maybe he wont care either!

I think you'll be fine - as you say, you're at Disney!!! We've done three adults and one 12 year-old in a new AB room with no problems (other than working out where clothes were going to be stored). As long as you all get along OK I think you'll do fine.

Try to work out a shower schedule so you don't all want a shower right before you set off in the morning - maybe some of you plans for evenings and some for mornings? The double sinks are really helpful too when getting ready.

I don't think we will change this time.. only because it was such a nightmare to try and book the package that they've cured me of ever wanting to call again

Looks like our visits overlap, we'll be there 16-25 Feb so I'll check up on you!

Andre

 

[andrewilley]

Ok, so my 11 year old DS and I are staying at POR in August for 9 days. I have stayed here twice before when it was Dixie Landings, but that was almost 13 years ago. Please tell me the great things about this resort and what might be enjoyable for my DS. I am looking forward to it, and don't want to miss out on anything.

Check out the first post in this thread for ideas about the resort, and also the info in www.portorleans.org/recreation.php.

He might like the Pirate Adventure (although that might be a bit young for him at 11, as 12 is the max age). Otherwise, go and see YeeHa Bob perform one evening, and maybe think about hiring a water craft with him?

Andre

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Well I'd probably start with "please can we have a room in the Alligator Bayou section". And then I'd stop. You can always elaborate a bit with your reasons, and let them know how it would make your stay more magical because you love the idea and theme of the AB rooms, the extra pull-down bed being a real draw for you, the lush bayou, etc.

You're right about storage space. You can store four people's clothes in the new AB rooms, but you have to get a bit more creative than you did with the old armoires. It may mean that things get spread out a bit, and you might even want to consider a hanging clothes holder (which you can put over the rail in the washroom area).

Andre

Thanks Andre, so you are staying I should say all those sweet little things when we check in correct? As far as putting a request on my reservation at the time of booking do you think I should just be vague and say request room located in AB prefer building 16 or 17?

Good idea aboutthe hanging clothes folder. Does the AB only have the 3 drawers located under the murphy bed?

 

[andrewilley]

Thanks Andre, so you are staying I should say all those sweet little things when we check in correct? As far as putting a request on my reservation at the time of booking do you think I should just be vague and say request room located in AB prefer building 16 or 17?

Good idea aboutthe hanging clothes folder. Does the AB only have the 3 drawers located under the murphy bed?

Yes, just ask for an AB room, ideally in 16 or 17 if possible, with your main room booking. Then, a few days before you arrive, send a fax directly to the resort elaborating a little if you like and saying all the sweet little things. You can also ask at the front desk when you get there if you are not happy with what's been assigned for you.

Yes, the AB rooms only have the three drawers under the Murphy bed, but there are also some shelves by the fridge, over the murphy bed, over the clothes rail area and under the sink - plus a bedside table with some space too.

Andre

 

[germ539]

Does POR's arcade offer prizes or are they just play for fun, do the cards work at all the arcades or just the one that you are staying at?

Glad the prices have sales now, more money to save on staying but more money to spend on stuff

 

[pixxi]

We stayed at POR last year and on Sunday they had the arcade having free games. Is it free all Sundays?

 

[jmw33]

We will be arriving at POR on Jan 30th and would like to use that day to hang at the resort and swim (weather permitting of course). I thought that I remember reading somewhere that the waterslide at the main pool was going to be closed that day for refurbishment but now can't seem to find that anywhere. Does anyone know if that will no longer be closing the slide? My DS6 loves the slide so it would be great if it were going to be open on our pool day. Thanks in advance.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Yes, just ask for an AB room, ideally in 16 or 17 if possible, with your main room booking. Then, a few days before you arrive, send a fax directly to the resort elaborating a little if you like and saying all the sweet little things. You can also ask at the front desk when you get there if you are not happy with what's been assigned for you.

Yes, the AB rooms only have the three drawers under the Murphy bed, but there are also some shelves by the fridge, over the murphy bed, over the clothes rail area and under the sink - plus a bedside table with some space too.

Andre

Thank you so much!

 

[andrewilley]

I thought that I remember reading somewhere that the waterslide at the main pool was going to be closed that day for refurbishment but now can't seem to find that anywhere.

Someone on my site mentioned the dates 7-Jan-2013 to 1-Feb 2013 for waterslide closure at POR, but I've not heard anything more about it, nor anything from folks who are there now.

Could anyone onsite at the moment check for us maybe?

Andre