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

[andrewilley]

Does anyone know if the boat service from POR to DTD stays available until 11pm during slow times as well, like Sept? I would like to use this service on our stay this Sept.

The boat service times are not seasonal, you'll be fine.

Hi staying in the Mansions section for the royal rooms in January. I really want to be as close to the bridge to the main lobby as possible. Would that be Oak Manor or Parterre Place? Also, Do either of these buildings have adjoinig rooms? We are traveling with family. TIA

Oak is closest to the bridge, but so are some parts of Parterre (see map in the first post). All of the buildings have adjoining rooms (i.e. rooms next to each other) but if you want CONNECTING rooms (i.e. with an internal doorway between them) make sure you request that rather than just adjoining. There are plenty in the Royal buildings anyway, but do remember requests cannot be guaranteed (unless there are unaccompanied minors in the second room).

One question I can't seem to find a clear answer to: Is there Garden View rooms in Alligator Bayou?

Yes, lots of them in fact. See http://www.portorleans.org/room-requests.php for more details of where different room types can be located.

okay so I just changed my POR regular room to a Garden View room so I could get free dining, we are a family of 5 so I'm guessing they are still in the Alligator Bayou section just NOT PREFERRED location?

Correct, parties of five (all aged 3+) can only be assigned to Alligator Bayou rooms. Preferred Location (buildings 14, 15, 18 and 27) is an extra cost.

I'm in a similar position as LaDonna, only I lost my preferred room when I switched to the free dining in November (definitely worth it!). I did upgrade to river view but I'm confused by the map as to where all the river view rooms are. I'm not good at maps; I'm sorry.

It looks like buildings 14,18,27,38 for sure. What about 80 & 85?

18 does not have any River View classified rooms due to its orientation slightly away from the river (the rooms face out to the sides, not the end). 80 and 85 do have river view rooms. See the link I mentioned above for more details.

I thought I had read that riverview trumped preferred, but I must have read that backwards.

Correct, there are some 'River View' rooms available in buildings 14 and 27, but if you book a Preferred Location room then you would normally only get Standard or Garden View rooms in those buildings (14, 15, 18, 27).

Andre

 

[HankScorpio]

I saw a blurb on the 'net about resort specific merchandise making a comeback @ WDW. The blurb specifically mentioned BW and OKW. Can any recent visitors to Fulton's General Store confirm or deny this for POR? Or maybe someone that is there (or will be soon) take a peek and report back?

I've always liked to get something that says where I've stayed and found the pickings rather slim the last few trips.

 

[Disney DayDreamer]

The small frig we used to rent at POP and ALL Stars used to have a very small freezer in the upper corner of the refrig, but I thought I heard the refrigerators don't have them any more. Is this true?

 

[Missytara]

The small frig we used to rent at POP and ALL Stars used to have a very small freezer in the upper corner of the refrig, but I thought I heard the refrigerators don't have them any more. Is this true?

They have changed to beverage coolers and are in all the rooms at the values at no additional charge.

 

[Kanga1]

We just got back from a 17 day trip to WDW and POR. POR is a lovely resort and I would rate it #2 out of all the moderates (just below POFQ.) We stayed in building 14 and loved the location of our building. We didn't care for the location of the room, however, because it was right next to a service area where they park all the little service vehicles. We also had a lot of noise from the service entrance to the food court. Lots of buses, beeping trucks, etc. (Room 1408) It wasn't anything that ruined our stay or anything, just a little annoying at times.

Also, a head's up for those traveling down there soon and plan to use the shortcut path from building 14 to the South depot. They blocked off that area yesterday morning and were tearing up part of the sidewalk/parking lot. I don't know what they were doing, or how long it would last, but it seemed like it would be going on for a few days at least. It was VERY noisy yesterday.

The tour groups began arriving in earnest at the resort around the 4th. We saw several groups at POR, but the only time we encountered them was at the food court between 7:30 and 9:00. We tried to be there at 7:00 and it was nice and peaceful.

The lobby was finished during our stay and it is very nice. And of course Yee Haw Bob was awesome!! I'll try to answer any questions if some of you have any.

 

[Kanga1]

I saw a blurb on the 'net about resort specific merchandise making a comeback @ WDW. The blurb specifically mentioned BW and OKW. Can any recent visitors to Fulton's General Store confirm or deny this for POR? Or maybe someone that is there (or will be soon) take a peek and report back?

I've always liked to get something that says where I've stayed and found the pickings rather slim the last few trips.

Just returned yesterday. We saw a few resort specific items at the deluxes, but not at POR. Oh, I take that back...they did have a couple of matted artist renderings of the resort which was nice. No shirts, mugs or anything though.

 

[DisneyFive]

The boat service times are not seasonal, you'll be fine.

Andre

Thank you Andre.

Dan

 

[DisneyMom5]

Yes, lots of them in fact. See http://www.portorleans.org/room-requests.php for more details of where different room types can be located.

Thanks!
Like I said, I'm not very concerned about view, as much as, if I can't get standard, what else might they offer me (for additional cost.)

Appreciate the info!

 

[Caseystigger]

Parterre Place has some of the most remote rooms, but with riverview, you are guaranteed to be closer to the front of the building and closer to the bridge that leads to the front of the main building and the marina. It is closer to the river, but a bit farther from their quiet pool.

Oak Manor is closer to the bridge that leads to the food court side, the main pool and is a bit closer to their quiet pool.

We are all about closer.

I would request Oak Manor - it is closer to the bridge which goes over to the lobby/foodcourt.

If you read the first post in this thread, you will find the most helpful website which includes maps of POR and information on room requests

Great I plan on checking that out at lunch.

Yeah I agree. Even though the north end of Parterre Building and the south end of Oak are about 1400 feet to the south depot, which is about 200 feet maybe a little more past the food court. If your in the north end of Oak it would be about 1500 maybe 1550 feet to the south depot.

Thanks guys!
I think we'll request Oak Manor and keep our fingers crossed there are two connecting rooms available. So excited to stay here.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Ok, IF I am able to book POR (I'm looking at Feb. '13, hopefully with FD), and either a standard or garden view room (preferably standard, because our van will be in the parking lot), in AB (because there is ten of us for two rooms), would it be better to request bldg. 16 or to say our preferences?
We want connecting rooms, close to either the food court or bus stop (or both) and close to the parking lot (don't want to have to walk so far to get stuff from our van, but other side of a bldg. is ok.)

 

[Venomhatch]

Ok, IF I am able to book POR (I'm looking at Feb. '13, hopefully with FD), and either a standard or garden view room (preferably standard, because our van will be in the parking lot), in AB (because there is ten of us for two rooms), would it be better to request bldg. 16 or to say our preferences?
We want connecting rooms, close to either the food court or bus stop (or both) and close to the parking lot (don't want to have to walk so far to get stuff from our van, but other side of a bldg. is ok.)

If all of the kids going in your signature then yeah free dining does sound great!!!

 

[DisneyMom5]

If all of the kids going in your signature then yeah free dining does sound great!!!

Darn tootin'!!!
I think I figured we'd have to get our rooms for free and pay for the dining plan to get as good a deal!

Here's hoping!

[And I'll still take suggestions on my request question.]

 

[tink68]

Ok forgive me if this has been said. I hurt my back and am on muscle relaxers right now. Little slow today.
Since packages come out tomorrow does that mean free dining for the year will be announced? I already have a POR riverview room reserved so when I call tomorrow will I have to do another resv with another dep or do they just transfer everything? We have only used Dining plan twice so still learning. We are reserved for Feb 13th for a week.
Thanks!

 

[Venomhatch]

Darn tootin'!!!
I think I figured we'd have to get our rooms for free and pay for the dining plan to get as good a deal!

Here's hoping!

[And I'll still take suggestions on my request question.]

I would ask for 16, no promises but you can request it. You may even want to request 17 also. Both are right there by the parking lot and have access to the laundry, quiet pool, and then short walks to main building, south depot main bust station, or food court.

Red: Laundry
Blue: Main Building
Green: Main Bus Station aka South Depot
Orange: would be the paths youd normally take to get to the places mentioned

(Picture used from www.PortOrleans.org)

 

[jomommy]

Darn tootin'!!!
I think I figured we'd have to get our rooms for free and pay for the dining plan to get as good a deal!

Here's hoping!

[And I'll still take suggestions on my request question.]

Hey, DisneyMom5! Nice to see you somewhere besides the big family thread.

We are staying at POR in two rooms with free dining Aug 27-Sep 2. I booked Royal Guest Rooms with a standard view. I'm not really making any requests except for connecting rooms. We don't worry too much about the view and getting the connecting rooms (and getting them as early as possible) is our number one priority, so I don't ask anything else. Have you considered just booking preffered location as opposed to a specific view?

 

[DisneyMom5]

Ok forgive me if this has been said. I hurt my back and am on muscle relaxers right now. Little slow today.
Since packages come out tomorrow does that mean free dining for the year will be announced? I already have a POR riverview room reserved so when I call tomorrow will I have to do another resv with another dep or do they just transfer everything? We have only used Dining plan twice so still learning. We are reserved for Feb 13th for a week.
Thanks!

No one knows when FD for 2013 Winter may be announced.
Last year it was announced in Aug. [Edited to add: Aug. 3rd, to be exact, for the general public sale. Per Mousesavers.]
I'm waiting to hear about it too!
Hope you get it, and it comes out soon!

I would ask for 16, no promises but you can request it. You may even want to request 17 also. Both are right there by the parking lot and have access to the laundry, quiet pool, and then short walks to main building, south depot main bust station, or food court.

Red: Laundry
Blue: Main Building
Green: Main Bus Station aka South Depot
Orange: would be the paths youd normally take to get to the places mentioned

That's the way I was leaning, but didn't know if I was shooting myself in the foot saying a bldg. number. Appreciate you time looking that up.
You rock!

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

We are considering renting an ECV for my Dad on our up coming trip. I read recently that someone that stayed at POR with an ECV had a terrible time getting a bus. They had to wait for 3 to 4 busses EACH TIME they were going to the parks because of the number of ECV's to board, has anyone else had this experience or was this a fluke? They said they had no such troubles at any other resorts. I know busses can be hit or miss at any resort, but this was the first time I've heard of this complaint.

Also, if we rent an ECV for him, do you think we would have a good chance at getting a ground floor room? We booked preferred because of his mobility issues and from what I understand preferred is in AB and there are no elevators there. TIA!

 

[DisneyMom5]

Hey, DisneyMom5! Nice to see you somewhere besides the big family thread.

We are staying at POR in two rooms with free dining Aug 27-Sep 2. I booked Royal Guest Rooms with a standard view. I'm not really making any requests except for connecting rooms. We don't worry too much about the view and getting the connecting rooms (and getting them as early as possible) is our number one priority, so I don't ask anything else. Have you considered just booking preffered location as opposed to a specific view?

Only if I have to to get Free Dining. The less I spend, the happier dh is. LOL

I just prefer NOT to be super far away from everything. That said, we always make the best of whatever we're given. So it's all good.
Connecting is our #1 thing...the rest is all gravy.

 

[DisneyMom5]

We are considering renting an ECV for my Dad on our up coming trip. I read recently that someone that stayed at POR with an ECV had a terrible time getting a bus. They had to wait for 3 to 4 busses EACH TIME they were going to the parks because of the number of ECV's to board, has anyone else had this experience or was this a fluke? They said they had no such troubles at any other resorts. I know busses can be hit or miss at any resort, but this was the first time I've heard of this complaint.

Also, if we rent an ECV for him, do you think we would have a good chance at getting a ground floor room? We booked preferred because of his mobility issues and from what I understand preferred is in AB and there are no elevators there. TIA!

Can't help you with the bus stuff, but did you put on your ressie that you have a guest with mobility issues in your group? That should help.
We've always had ground floor when my 70+ year old mom was along with us, and I figured it was because they saw her age. We never requested it.
But I do know they try to help with medical based requests!!!

 

[disneychristmasx3]

We are considering renting an ECV for my Dad on our up coming trip. I read recently that someone that stayed at POR with an ECV had a terrible time getting a bus. They had to wait for 3 to 4 busses EACH TIME they were going to the parks because of the number of ECV's to board, has anyone else had this experience or was this a fluke? They said they had no such troubles at any other resorts. I know busses can be hit or miss at any resort, but this was the first time I've heard of this complaint.

Also, if we rent an ECV for him, do you think we would have a good chance at getting a ground floor room? We booked preferred because of his mobility issues and from what I understand preferred is in AB and there are no elevators there. TIA!

The last couple times we have been there we ran into this. We don't have a family member who needs an ECV but there are only 2-3 spots on each bus where they can lock the chair in place, so if more than 2-3 are waiting for a bus at one time then they have to wait for another bus to come. This happened almost every time we got on the bus, no matter where we were going. This was not exclusive to POR. It happened at the parks routinely. That being said we go at Christmas so it is a very busy time. It may not happen as often during slower weeks.