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

[MomofMy2Princesses]

After today, I have two work days and one fun day before we leave for POR on Thursday!!! Wooohoooo!

 

[caffeinegirl47]

Sorry, no idea. I didn't think anything was scheduled (and it does seem unlikely for mid-July). Maybe it's just urgent cleaning...? If people are working there, could you ask them what's going on?

Andre

I did get a chance to ask--the pool closure was "unexpected" due to an "emergency" and was open yesterday afternoon when I checked, so DisneyFreak06 you should be all set. The CM I spoke to seemed concerned that the gates had been blocked with "refurbishment" signs and indicated that pardon our pixie dust" signs should have been used instead, to indicate that the problem was more temporary.

My $0.02 as a first timer--the resort is gorgeous and very relaxing. We were lucky enough to be put in Magnolia Terrace and are a hop, skip and a jump from the bridge to Old Man Island, which is a very convenient location.

Minor annoyances: High Speed Internet Access is no longer available. I called 56 for Internet Access Support from the room and confirmed with the CM who answered the phone. She said the option was dropped after the free wi-fi was rolled out, and that she "wished every single day that they hadn't gotten rid of it" because it was nice to be able to offer an alternative to guests who were having major problems with or were otherwise dissatisfied with the wi-fi. I was disappointed myself because unfortunately, the wi-fi is content-filtered. I'm a freelance writer and a number of the comedy sites my work appears on are generally blocked by such content filtering services. (We tend to use some non-Mickey-approved language in our writings.) I do wish they had noted the content filtering on the web site--all it says is "Wi-Fi is available in all Guest rooms and select public spaces." We were able to watch Hulu videos with little interruption, but Amazon Instant kept timing out.

I had also booked a King Bed through Expedia but was told that when Expedia passed my info along to the hotel, they had me down for a regular Garden View room. I'm working on resolving this with Expedia right now. I will definitely only be booking directly with Disney in the future--from my several conversations with CMs at the concierge and front desk, it seems that they would have a lot more leeway to make things right/refund money/etc. if I had booked directly. Live and learn.

 

[ahilly]

I haven't been able to confirm if
-bed rails are available for the murphy bed?
-are they really necessary or is the bed not that high off the ground?

DS(7) will probably end up sleeping there and he can move around a lot during the night.
TIA!

 

[DisneyFreak06]

I did get a chance to ask--the pool closure was "unexpected" due to an "emergency" and was open yesterday afternoon when I checked, so DisneyFreak06 you should be all set. The CM I spoke to seemed concerned that the gates had been blocked with "refurbishment" signs and indicated that pardon our pixie dust" signs should have been used instead, to indicate that the problem was more temporary.

My $0.02 as a first timer--the resort is gorgeous and very relaxing. We were lucky enough to be put in Magnolia Terrace and are a hop, skip and a jump from the bridge to Old Man Island, which is a very convenient location.

Minor annoyances: High Speed Internet Access is no longer available. I called 56 for Internet Access Support from the room and confirmed with the CM who answered the phone. She said the option was dropped after the free wi-fi was rolled out, and that she "wished every single day that they hadn't gotten rid of it" because it was nice to be able to offer an alternative to guests who were having major problems with or were otherwise dissatisfied with the wi-fi. I was disappointed myself because unfortunately, the wi-fi is content-filtered. I'm a freelance writer and a number of the comedy sites my work appears on are generally blocked by such content filtering services. (We tend to use some non-Mickey-approved language in our writings.) I do wish they had noted the content filtering on the web site--all it says is "Wi-Fi is available in all Guest rooms and select public spaces." We were able to watch Hulu videos with little interruption, but Amazon Instant kept timing out.

I had also booked a King Bed through Expedia but was told that when Expedia passed my info along to the hotel, they had me down for a regular Garden View room. I'm working on resolving this with Expedia right now. I will definitely only be booking directly with Disney in the future--from my several conversations with CMs at the concierge and front desk, it seems that they would have a lot more leeway to make things right/refund money/etc. if I had booked directly. Live and learn.

Thanks for checking! Are you still there or home now? I keep thinking... three sleeps....

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

Andre, PO is my families favorite resort. I know quite a bit about it. I'm looking for additional pixie dust ideas for my parents 50th wedding anniversary. It will be their first time staying onsite. Also, the day of arrival is their actual anniversary date. I plan to do a carriage ride, the anniversary button and I am aware of Disney florist. What other ideas do you have? My budget is not unlimited.

 

[momtwoboys]

did anyone stay at POR last April? If so can you remember what the % off the room was with the code that was out? thanks

 

[crostorfer]

Haha I am a terrible coffee snob

I'm thinking I'll just get bottled water and run it through the maker, and bring some Starbucks VIA. It's better than Nescafe, and less risky than the pods, LOL.

Nescafe.....*SHUDDERS*

 

[momtwoboys]

those Via's saved our mornings last year! I took them into the MK and DHS too and asked for a cup of hot water and voila made a good coffee!! The kiosks at AK and Epcot have really good NON nescrape coffee so I was all set there. Staying at POR next april so we will repeat the coffee plan!

 

[Phatoomch]

I'm thinking I'll just get bottled water and run it through the maker, and bring some Starbucks VIA. It's better than Nescafe, and less risky than the pods, LOL.

Nescafe.....*SHUDDERS*

I really need to try these VIAs - I haven't yet because I am thinking they are instant coffee, is that right?

I've never liked instant - only ever fresh brewed. I don't like flavored coffees or creamers. I like straight full bodied coffee with a little bit of non-dairy creamer. How do VIAs compare?


As for the Nescafe, there should be a law against it

 

[MJ6987]

Andre - which is your favourite? POR or POFQ? And why? If you had to choose!!

 

[Missytara]

Andre - which is your favourite? POR or POFQ? And why? If you had to choose!!

I think it would be unfair to ask one of the PO's greatest ambassadors to choose just one.......IMHO.

Not even which is his favorite to write about. To me, when you know the back story, you look at it as one big complex that has something for everyone.

So say, Andre, if you wanted multiple pools, where would you stay?

If you like little walking and need beignets till they are coming out your ears, where would you stay.

 

[GoofyMomInOhio]

We are here now in AB building 35. The Murphy bed mattress is attached with Velcro and can be removed. It is 25 inches high and lower than the queen beds. My 4'8" and 70 pound 9 year old fits great and loves it!

 

[momtwoboys]

thanks Goofymom!!! That will help lots of families My DS 12 will fit just fine then...he is about 60lbs so not over the limit....do you like the area where #35 is located? I am requesting bld #17 but would like to have a back up choice if its not available. Please take lots of pics and have a wonderful time

 

[Jetta8300]

I really need to try these VIAs - I haven't yet because I am thinking they are instant coffee, is that right?

I've never liked instant - only ever fresh brewed. I don't like flavored coffees or creamers. I like straight full bodied coffee with a little bit of non-dairy creamer. How do VIAs compare?

As for the Nescafe, there should be a law against it

The VIA packets are instant (and I despise instant coffee) but these are really good. Definitely full bodied coffee. They come in many different regular roasts, and then they also have flavored coffee as well as iced coffee. You should just try a pack before you leave, see if you like it. They saved me on our 2 Royal Caribbean cruises we went on, their coffee is also HORRIBLE. It was also 100 degrees on some of the beaches, so being able to make an AMAZING cup on ICED coffee was a lifesaver! I like the House blend regular for the hot coffee

 

[mad madam mim78]

I love PoR!!!!!

 

[Carlyzmom]

Too bad - I was gonna say if driving, pack your Keurig!! I drive so I take all my coffee making stuff from home .... i need to guarantee a coffee I enjoy in the mornings

Glad to know I'm not the only one! I plan on bringing my Keurig too!!! Can't live without it!! LOL

 

[Phatoomch]

The VIA packets are instant (and I despise instant coffee) but these are really good. Definitely full bodied coffee. They come in many different regular roasts, and then they also have flavored coffee as well as iced coffee. You should just try a pack before you leave, see if you like it. They saved me on our 2 Royal Caribbean cruises we went on, their coffee is also HORRIBLE. It was also 100 degrees on some of the beaches, so being able to make an AMAZING cup on ICED coffee was a lifesaver! I like the House blend regular for the hot coffee

Hmmmm Methinks I will have to try this .... I will report back

 

[Phatoomch]

Glad to know I'm not the only one! I plan on bringing my Keurig too!!! Can't live without it!! LOL

Ha! Sensible decision

 

[Venomhatch]

Thanks, but I'll be back at POR in a few weeks myself (it's been far too long!) and I plan to do a load of photography of the new rooms, lobby, etc. Any new pics are always welcome though!

Andre

Well if you need me to do a 360 again this time in the room. I can, got a real pano head this time. I also picked up a canon eos t2i as a back up camera also. It was a good deal. But this time I'll be ready for Disney, more than ever!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Well if you need me to do a 360 again this time in the room. I can, got a real pano head this time. I also picked up a canon eos t2i as a back up camera also. It was a good deal. But this time I'll be ready for Disney, more than ever!

Andre, I think Venom is begging to take pictures, whether you need them or not, LOL.