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

[3sweetpeas]

For anyone who wants to know, Alligator Bayou buildings 17 and 24 are now complete and should be re-opened, and buildings 15 and 28 are now undergoing refurbishment. See http://www.portorleans.org/rehab.php for updates.


Oh, and I've just done a big update to the info on my site about room booking categories, location preferences, making requests, etc. to reflect all the various changes that have happened of late. The amount of questions on the subject warranted a page of its own rather than just a few entries in the FAQ section. I've not linked to it from the menu yet, but if anyone here would care to take a look and let me know what you think, and if I've missed anything obvious, it's at: http://www.portorleans.org/room-requests.php. Thanks!

Andre

Hi Andre, I just read your new request and categories page and it is really great! You really spent time on this and it will be sooo helpful for future guests. I only disagreed with you on one small point. We stayed in building 38 in March and thought it was a very short walk compared to other more outlying buildings but no biggie. It may just be that I like to walk. I was so impressed with how thorough it was and easy to understand. Wonderful!!!

 

[3sweetpeas]

I believe that a few rabbits, a squirrel or two and a bunch of birds were born since Andre's last visit, but he will get photos of them in August.

While your at it Andre you should try and get that shy lizzard you missed on your last visit.

 

[TrueDisneyLove61207]

For anyone who wants to know, Alligator Bayou buildings 17 and 24 are now complete and should be re-opened, and buildings 15 and 28 are now undergoing refurbishment. See http://www.portorleans.org/rehab.php for updates.


Oh, and I've just done a big update to the info on my site about room booking categories, location preferences, making requests, etc. to reflect all the various changes that have happened of late. The amount of questions on the subject warranted a page of its own rather than just a few entries in the FAQ section. I've not linked to it from the menu yet, but if anyone here would care to take a look and let me know what you think, and if I've missed anything obvious, it's at: http://www.portorleans.org/room-requests.php. Thanks!

Andre

Thank you

 

[Skimassey]

Is the wifi pretty reliable in all buildings across the resort? I will need computer access for work every night of our trip, and if that means I need to pay for a preferred room, then I need to take care of that soon. Thanks!

 

[andrewilley]

Now to just decide what area I want to be in!!

I originally hated the decor in the AB rooms, but the refurbed rooms do look very nice, probably nicer than the Magnolia ones IMO.

Don't rule out AB, a lot of people seem to think it looks a bit 'basic' compared to the plushness of Magnolia Bend, but that's intentional theming, and the rooms are just as nice with all the same amenities. Walking through the Bayou area is wonderful. Check out that new page I just put on my site by the way, it might help you out: http://www.portorleans.org/room-requests.php

We stayed in building 38 in March and thought it was a very short walk compared to other more outlying buildings but no biggie.

Good point. I mentioned that in the River View discussion, but I didn't reiterate it when talking generally about the thirties buildings, I'll add a note.

Any other comments from anyone else, as I'd like that page to be the definitive 'go to' place for Port Orleans room location questions?

We really like the one by the swampy pond and bridge so if I understand correctly, it should be 14 right?

Yes, but details like that are to be found all around Alligator Bayou, and that photo is just one example. Remember that building 14 is a Preferred Location.

Is the wifi pretty reliable in all buildings across the resort?

It can be a little patchy I believe, but each building has its own access points so you won't get a particularly better signal in a Preferred Location than you do elsewhere. It's more luck of the drawer as to where your nearest access point is located, and how many other people are using it.

The public areas (main building, restaurants, main pool, etc) have stronger and faster connections should you need to transfer a lot of data at some point.

Andre

 

[KELLY]

We have a room only the night before FD starts but there wasn't a standard available just a garden. So I booked that with the summer promo. I'm hoping either at check in they give me a standard room even though we paid for a garden view. Do you think they would do that? I just want to stay in the same room for all 11 days if possible.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

Do you think they would do that? I just want to stay in the same room for all 11 days if possible.

We stayed in March with 3 different reservations, 1 night room only garden, 5 nights package with garden and 3 nights river. We asked to sty in the same room for the entire stay and it was no problem. I bet thre is a good chance you can stay in the same room.

You can always pack a duffle for one night and use that just in case you do have to move, then it will be a really easy move if it happens.

 

[germ539]

We may be looking at Dec 26-Jan 1 or March 16-March 22 (our spring break), to try and go since we can't go the end of May this year like we planned. I know Xmas is a busy time at WDW as well as spring break, but which would be the better time to go to be in the Mansions. Also how is swimming at the resort at these times?

I'd love to see the Xmas deco but don't know if we should just wait until next May.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

We may be looking at Dec 26-Jan 1 or March 16-March 22 (our spring break), to try and go since we can't go the end of May this year like we planned. I know Xmas is a busy time at WDW as well as spring break, but which would be the better time to go to be in the Mansions. Also how is swimming at the resort at these times?

I'd love to see the Xmas deco but don't know if we should just wait until next May.

We went last Dec and swimming was good. By afternoon it was 80 and just a little cool in the evenings. I POR at Christmas time! Its now one of my favorite resorts!

 

[3sweetpeas]

Don't rule out AB, a lot of people seem to think it looks a bit 'basic' compared to the plushness of Magnolia Bend, but that's intentional theming, and the rooms are just as nice with all the same amenities. Walking through the Bayou area is wonderful. Check out that new page I just put on my site by the way, it might help you out: http://www.portorleans.org/room-requests.php
Andre

Ditto! And this comes from a picky interior designer. Sometimes the exact decor just doesn't matter. It's more the feeling you get.

 

[closetmickey]

How long will it take in a cab from POR to Orlando Int. airport? And what would it cost?
Thanks Andre, and everyone else, for answering all my questions lately. We will be there in a month. Yippee!

 

[TrueDisneyLove61207]

I'm not sure if this has been answered but do the rivers have fountains in them ?? Were booked for a 14 night stay in a new royal room for our honeymoon so I'm trying to find the "best view" lol before we ask

 

[Gorechick]

I'm not sure if this has been answered but do the rivers have fountains in them ?? Were booked for a 14 night stay in a new royal room for our honeymoon so I'm trying to find the "best view" lol before we ask

Sorry, no fountains in the river. Perhaps an inner courtyard view with a view of the fountain and river.

 

[Gorechick]

BTW, the Easywdw website has a feature on POR. More great info and pics in addition to everything on Andre's POR.org.

 

[andrewilley]

BTW, the Easywdw website has a feature on POR. More great info and pics in addition to everything on Andre's POR.org.

Thanks for that, Josh just emailed me his links too. Two nice postings.


So what's going on with these very temporary-looking signs in the food court I wonder? I hope they're not planning on putting in video screens like the ones over at French Quarter. While presumably eminently practical, they'd be very out of character for the theming when compared to the previous rotating menu boards.

Andre

 

[andrewilley]

How long will it take in a cab from POR to Orlando Int. airport? And what would it cost?

Would take about 30-40 mins depending on route and traffic. Not sure about the cost, but there are several sites around that can give you quotes. I'd guess at about $50. There are cheaper options though, such as Mears or Disney's Magical Express.

Andre

 

[KELLY]

BTW, the Easywdw website has a feature on POR. More great info and pics in addition to everything on Andre's POR.org.

Thanks some great photos. I stayed at POR In 1993. Looking forward to my own family's 1st time at POR.

 

[caffeinegirl47]

Hi all! I am staying at POR in July. I made my reservation through Expedia. I would like to add a request to be in Magnolia Bend. What is the best way to go about this? Can I call the Disney line, even though I did not make my reservation through them?

Thanks!

 

[EeyoreJen]

Hello everyone.

I'm very new here and have read through a lot of the posts on buses at POR but none that have answered this question so I'm hoping someone can help.

I have heard some horror stories about buses at POR. I am taking my daughter down there 12/20-28/12 and wondered if anyone else had stayed during that time period before and if you had problems with transport? I'm really excited about the trip as I've never stayed at anything other than the All-Stars before but this one subject is making me a bit nervous!

Thanks much

Jen

 

[andrewilley]

I have heard some horror stories about buses at POR. I am taking my daughter down there 12/20-28/12 and wondered if anyone else had stayed during that time period before and if you had problems with transport?

I think you really need to expect that everywhere will be incredibly busy - and that will include the transportation to all the resorts I suspect, not just POR. Disney do lay on extra buses to cope with the demand, but still expect that if you leave Epcot at 9.15pm along with everyone else who's just watched Illuminations, you might have a wait ahead of you...

It's just about the busiest week of the year at WDW I'm afraid, but the atmosphere will be fabulous. Get to the parks early (MK will be open at 8am or earlier) if you want to do rides, and once the crowds get too bad just do shows and things with shorter lines and/or spend time at the shops/hotel/etc.

Andre