Port Orleans Riverside FAQ thread - Royally Refurbished for 2011

[andrewilley]

Right now, I'm leaning toward just asking for corner rooms in Magnolia Bend... I figure as long as we're all in the mansions, it's not THAT far apart and the corner rooms would be fun to have.

Depends on your definition of "not far". Worst case, from one end of Acadian House to the far end of Parterre Place is close to half a mile walking, and it could easily take 10 minutes. Ok, you'll probably be a lot closer than that, but it's worth bearing in mind...

Andre

 

[Venomhatch]

Depends on your definition of "not far". Worst case, from one end of Acadian House to the far end of Parterre Place is close to half a mile walking, and it could easily take 10 minutes. Ok, you'll probably be a lot closer than that, but it's worth bearing in mind...

Andre

I Agree, I think people are seeing the map going, "omg that looks so far". Its not that far, I mean I have stayed in the Parterre Place and It didn't take me that long to get to the main building at all.

 

[goofyredraider]

OK, I'm trying to make sense of all the refurb madness and I'm feeling a little dense

Right now I'm booked for AKV, but I'm just having a hard time justifying the cost for our family of 5. We stayed at POR in July, and while it was a tight fit, we enjoyed our visit immensely (we were in Lodge 27). I am *really* thinking about changing our ressie for POR *if* we could get a refurbed room.
Now, since there are 5 of us, I know we would be in Alligator Bayou more than likely, and it looks as if some of the lodges may be done by then.
( Lodges 36, 37, 38, 39, 24, 16, 17, 28???)
Our travel dates are May 26-June 6.

So, when I call to make my change, do I request one of these lodges above? What are the chances I would get a room that isn't refurbed? It looks like other lodges are set to be refurbed either right before or during our trip according to the tentative calendar.

Please help! Thank you!

 

[Venomhatch]

OK, I'm trying to make sense of all the refurb madness and I'm feeling a little dense

Right now I'm booked for AKV, but I'm just having a hard time justifying the cost for our family of 5. We stayed at POR in July, and while it was a tight fit, we enjoyed our visit immensely (we were in Lodge 27). I am *really* thinking about changing our ressie for POR *if* we could get a refurbed room.
Now, since there are 5 of us, I know we would be in Alligator Bayou more than likely, and it looks as if some of the lodges may be done by then.
( Lodges 36, 37, 38, 39, 24, 16, 17, 28???)
Our travel dates are May 26-June 6.

So, when I call to make my change, do I request one of these lodges above? What are the chances I would get a room that isn't refurbed? It looks like other lodges are set to be refurbed either right before or during our trip according to the tentative calendar.

Please help! Thank you!

These are AB's Schedule Thanks to PortOrleans.org

Alligator Bayou, Lodges 36, 37, 38, 39: starts 25 October 2011, for approx. eight weeks
Alligator Bayou, Lodges 24, 16, 17, 28: starts 3 April 2012, for approx. eight weeks
Alligator Bayou, Lodges 14, 27, 18, 15: starts 8 May 2012, for approx. seven weeks
Alligator Bayou, Lodges 25, 35, 26, 34: starts 5 June 2012, for approx. eight weeks

 

[goofyredraider]

These are AB's Schedule Thanks to PortOrleans.org

Yes, that's the calendar I looked at - do I just call and have a request for one of the refurbed rooms (first two sets look like they'd be ready in time) when I switch resorts? It looks like the other lodges will be out of commission while we are there, but I'd like to request a refurbed room if possible.

 

[Colleen27]

On the good side, day before yesterday they took out a building permit for a new pool heater and plumbing for Ol' Man Island - no doubt they are going to have to close it for a few days to get the work done - but there has been no schedule shown on their building permits - there never is....

How far in advance do they usually pull these permits?

 

[Venomhatch]

Yes, that's the calendar I looked at - do I just call and have a request for one of the refurbed rooms (first two sets look like they'd be ready in time) when I switch resorts? It looks like the other lodges will be out of commission while we are there, but I'd like to request a refurbed room if possible.

Yes I would call them directly and add that your requesting a refurbished room to your request a long with any other requests. But keep in mind the more requests you have you may have a chance of not getting something. But I hope you get all you need to have a great trip!

 

[andrewilley]

Now, since there are 5 of us, I know we would be in Alligator Bayou more than likely, and it looks as if some of the lodges may be done by then.
( Lodges 36, 37, 38, 39, 24, 16, 17, 28???)
Our travel dates are May 26-June 6.

By May 26, lodges 16 and 17 should both be complete (again, ASSUMING everything goes to schedule!!!) and as those two are the best of the non-preferred AB locations anyway that would be what I'd request. You can take a look at the boards about a week before you go to check that those buildings are indeed done, and if not you can change your request then if you want.

Andre

 

[goofyredraider]

By May 26, lodges 16 and 17 should both be complete (again, ASSUMING everything goes to schedule!!!) and as those two are the best of the non-preferred AB locations anyway that would be what I'd request. You can take a look at the boards about a week before you go to check that those buildings are indeed done, and if not you can change your request then if you want.

Andre

Thank you, Andre!! I do appreciate the insight and help!

 

[Venomhatch]

Hey Andre, You have any more Virtual 360 shots of other spots in Disney World?

 

[andrewilley]

Hey Andre, You have any more Virtual 360 shots of other spots in Disney World?

No, but now I've got the technology pretty-much sorted out I might try and shoot some more next trip.

I also want to shoot some video 'window' wallpapers - i.e. just 10-20 minute long video shot of somewhere that makes me go "ahhhhhh" at WDW, which can just play in the background.

I've got one of those of the marina ar POR, must upload it sometime.

Andre

 

[Venomhatch]

No, but now I've got the technology pretty-much sorted out I might try and shoot some more next trip.

I also want to shoot some video 'window' wallpapers - i.e. just 10-20 minute long video shot of somewhere that makes me go "ahhhhhh" at WDW, which can just play in the background.

I've got one of those of the marina ar POR, must upload it sometime.

Andre

Yes I would love that. If I can ever figure out how to get live wallpaper to work on windows 7.

 

[Dynamite626]

How and when should I make a room request at POR? we will be arriving on Oct 30th and will be two parties of 3 each. My DH and DGD want to stay in AB, (the both like the rustic feel and DGD says the mansions look creepy). The other party says anything is fine with them (first timers). Will we be able to stay in AB as they are set up for 5 guests?

 

[Dynamite626]

How and when should I make a room request at POR? we will be arriving on Oct 30th and will be two parties of 3 each. My DH and DGD want to stay in AB, (the both like the rustic feel and DGD says the mansions look creepy). The other party says anything is fine with them (first timers). Will we be able to stay in AB as they are set up for 5 guests?

And should I call or email?

 

[kdzbear]

Can anyone tell me if Port Orleans does anything special for Halloween. I read that they are one of the resorts that does, but then it did not say how the resort did anything special. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Venomhatch]

And should I call or email?

I would call.

 

[andrewilley]

Can anyone tell me if Port Orleans does anything special for Halloween.

They will be doing various fun activities this year, yes. They usually do something in terms of competitions or poolside activites, etc.

For example from last year...

I'll upload details of what's going on this year when I get the info.

Andre

 

[DisneyGuess]

From a few messages back in this thread:



So yes, building 38 should be done by 9 December - IF everything goes to schedule.

Andre

Ok, I'm going to be glass half full & think, "I'm going to get my request & building 38 will be finished!"

 

[KCmike]

Good info and nice shots Andre. Can't wait to see the rest.

 

[Venomhatch]

Good info and nice shots Andre. Can't wait to see the rest.

Yes, very nice shots. One day I'll get a halloween there.