Port Orleans Riverside FAQ thread - Royally Refurbished for 2011

[tjknitz]

I'm right there with ya! I haven't been since '08 and DS16 hasn't been since '98! I can't wait to see his face when we get there. He does know we're going but he doesn't know that my parents will be joining us!

Good luck on keeping the secret! Make sure you capture it on either video or camera

Oh I have every intention of capturing the moment on video! And I have a year to plan out exactly how I want to do it (night before, at the airport, at Orlando airport when we get there, etc etc) I swear, planning for the trip and all the small details is so much fun! It does make the wait a little more tolerable!

 

[travelgoddess]

Thanks for all the great info.

 

[pianoronni37]

I'm curious about booking - I fell in love with POR 2 years ago, and I actually prefer the Alligator Bayou section. It kind of bums me out that you can't choose which section you'd like, since each has its own distinct feel, but truly, it's a gorgeous resort at any rate.

However, during booking, I'm offered the "standard" room and in the description it says "two double beds." In the "garden-view" room, for only a bit more $$, it says "two queen beds." Does this secure queen beds, and does that mean it secures a refurbished room? Also, are the queen beds only located in the mansions, or by January 2012 will they also be located in AB?

Thank you for your help... they're making this whole booking thing harder and harder...

 

[Paradise18]

Oh I'm so jealous that you were just there and have another trip to look forward to so soon. Me....I have to wait 360+ days til my first trip in 3 years...How in the world am I ever going to make it???? I've been stalking these boards, esp this thread because it's our first stay at POR and I'm so excited! I'm keeping it a secret from the kids til we get to the airport and it's going to be the hardest secret to keep EVER!

As much as I don't want to wish time away, I expect the time will go by quickly.

 

[lisalonglash]

We have officially now booked Sept 29-Oct 13, 2012 at POR garden view (the FD standard rooms were gone already!). Dh and I are excited! Our boys don't know - and they won't until about a month before (if they knew this far out, they'd make us insane )

Can't wait to see this resort!!!

 

[reking96]

Just to verify ... Acadian and Magnolia are both done being refurbished, right?

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Yes the are!

 

[Sue M]

I'm curious about booking - I fell in love with POR 2 years ago, and I actually prefer the Alligator Bayou section. It kind of bums me out that you can't choose which section you'd like, since each has its own distinct feel, but truly, it's a gorgeous resort at any rate.

However, during booking, I'm offered the "standard" room and in the description it says "two double beds." In the "garden-view" room, for only a bit more $$, it says "two queen beds." Does this secure queen beds, and does that mean it secures a refurbished room? Also, are the queen beds only located in the mansions, or by January 2012 will they also be located in AB?

Thank you for your help... they're making this whole booking thing harder and harder...

Why can't you choose which section? I always request Magnolia Bend (Mansion Section) on my reservation. Never had a problem.
We just finished our 3rd stay at POR, and we got one of the new rooms, with 2 queen beds.

 

[Sue M]

For a traveler leaving in a couple days, could you guys tell me about your experiences around the resort as far as transportation waits, pool crowds, also has anyone had groceries or alcohol delivered to the resort? What was your experience like with that-as we are having some drinks delivered.

Is it ok to bring your own beverages poolside (as long as it isn't in glass)?

Thanks!

We were there mid Aug - our 3rd time staying at POR. Mostly the bus wait was under 20 min, and worked well. There were occas glitches, you'd find no mater what resort you are at. We prefered the North bus Depot, a 5 min walk from Acadian House where we were.

In August the main pool was a bit crowded, and took awhile to find chairs, but we did. Other times we prefered the quiet pool.

I did bring a drink to the pool in my resort mug, no problem.

I didn't have groceries delivered, we went shopping ourselves for room provisions. We had a car rental from our Ft. Lauderdale part of our trip, then returned it a day after we checked in.

Be sure you take the boat to DTD, and see Bob Jacksons Show in River Roost. There are movies on the lawn at night on the lawn of Oak Manor.

Have fun!

 

[nkereina]

However, during booking, I'm offered the "standard" room and in the description it says "two double beds." In the "garden-view" room, for only a bit more $$, it says "two queen beds." Does this secure queen beds, and does that mean it secures a refurbished room? Also, are the queen beds only located in the mansions, or by January 2012 will they also be located in AB?

In 2012, they are starting to offer a Garden View category. I would imagine it would secure a refurbished rooms since those are the only ones that have queen beds. I'll be interested to see if the description for standard room changes from doubles to queens once the renovations are complete. From what I understand, all of the rooms are supposed to have queens when finished. By January 2012, some of the AB buildings will be done. You can book preferred if you want to be guaranteed AB - there are still only preferred buildings in AB (none in the mansions) however I don't think the preferred buildings will be renovated by January.

Why can't you choose which section? I always request Magnolia Bend (Mansion Section) on my reservation. Never had a problem.
We just finished our 3rd stay at POR, and we got one of the new rooms, with 2 queen beds.

You can certainly request which side you want, but it's not guaranteed. I think PP is saying they wish they could book one side or the other specifically. If available, they will accommodate your request. If you are a family of 5 or book preferred, you are automatically in the AB section with no choice.

 

[LaDonna]

We have officially now booked Sept 29-Oct 13, 2012 at POR garden view (the FD standard rooms were gone already!). Dh and I are excited! Our boys don't know - and they won't until about a month before (if they knew this far out, they'd make us insane )

Can't wait to see this resort!!!

Hi, I just subscribed to this thread since we've just decided we are wanting to stay here next Nov. 2012.....

what does FD standard mean?

 

[andrewilley]

I'll be interested to see if the description for standard room changes from doubles to queens once the renovations are complete.

I'm sure they will, but it can sometimes take Disney's websites a little while to catch up with the news around the resorts... so far it's been about 11 years since the name changes from the Dixie Landings era for example, but the official WDW website STILL refers to the main building as the Colonel's Cotton Mill!

The new 'Garden View' category does not officially begin until 2012 so I assume they will have just listed Queen Beds as being the standard, ongoing spec - although for the first few months I'm sure some people will be getting existing rooms rather than refurbished ones.

If you really want a queen bed, request a refurbished room and keep your fingers crossed, as the Garden View category won't guarantee one initially.

Andre

 

[Buffalo2Disney]

34 more days to go until I'm back at POR with a River View Room! There's only 2 of us so will probably be over in the mansions section but that's where I want to be and hopefully in a refurbished room.

 

[thechesters420]

We have officially now booked Sept 29-Oct 13, 2012 at POR garden view (the FD standard rooms were gone already!). Dh and I are excited! Our boys don't know - and they won't until about a month before (if they knew this far out, they'd make us insane )

Can't wait to see this resort!!!

Just curious how did you get FD for the fall next year? Was it a bounceback offer? We are trying to go during that time too!

 

[LaDonna]

Just curious how did you get FD for the fall next year? Was it a bounceback offer? We are trying to go during that time too!

I thought that maybe FD meant Free Dining but then I was wondering the same thing, how were they already sold out?

 

[Smile4Me]

We were there mid Aug - our 3rd time staying at POR. Mostly the bus wait was under 20 min, and worked well. There were occas glitches, you'd find no mater what resort you are at. We prefered the North bus Depot, a 5 min walk from Acadian House where we were.

In August the main pool was a bit crowded, and took awhile to find chairs, but we did. Other times we prefered the quiet pool.

I did bring a drink to the pool in my resort mug, no problem.

I didn't have groceries delivered, we went shopping ourselves for room provisions. We had a car rental from our Ft. Lauderdale part of our trip, then returned it a day after we checked in.

Be sure you take the boat to DTD, and see Bob Jacksons Show in River Roost. There are movies on the lawn at night on the lawn of Oak Manor.

Have fun!

Thanks for the great report and info! Definitely want to see Bob Jackson and take the boat to DTD! Didn't know about hte movie, so will have to check that out in the evening if we don't want to swim!

 

[Muddypaws]

Just curious how did you get FD for the fall next year? Was it a bounceback offer? We are trying to go during that time too!

I believe the dates for FD were extended into the fall of 2012 for Canadians.

 

[Missytara]

Just curious how did you get FD for the fall next year? Was it a bounceback offer? We are trying to go during that time too!

FD has been extended out next year for Canadians.

The poster is a canadian.

 

[Venomhatch]

FD has been extended out next year for Canadians.

The poster is a canadian.

I have canadian family does that count lol. Probably not.

 

[webstah]

Just curious how did you get FD for the fall next year? Was it a bounceback offer? We are trying to go during that time too!

Just an FYI, we booked the bounce back for next September which included the free dining.