Port Orleans Riverside Q&A Thread 2013, Part Three (NOW CLOSED, see 2014 thread)

[emilyhuff]

did anyone happen to get a description of the breakfast flatbread?!

 

[Caseystigger]

The resort tax is 12.5%

Thank you!

 

[Just Love Disney]

Just Love Disney, I'm not the expert, but I think it might be good to know what sort of room you booked.

We are currently booked in a Garden View room.

It depends a bit on your room type (e.g. standard view will be on the far parking-lot side of both of the mansion buildings, see map in first post) and whether you want to use the outlying or the main bus stops (the outlying ones are closer from the mansion buildings). Both Parterre Place and Magnolia Terrace are quite big, and both of them have some rooms that match your requests but also many that don't. Oh, and I wouldn't worry about the pool request, as quick access to the food court from the mansion buildings would be via the main pool area anyway.

So rather than asking for a specific building, let them know your requests pretty much as you've written them here - i.e. your preferences in order of priority. To simplify it, I'd suggest just asking for "a mansion building room, fairly close to the bridge to Ol' Man Island".

Andre

We were thinking the East Bus Stop looked like a good option, however, is there a reason why we would want to try to get on the bus at the South Stop instead?

Also, we would love to have a room with a view of something besides the parking lot? What would be the next best option for a view (garden, river, pool, etc.) that would also closely fit our 'wish list' and in which building?

Thanks again

 

[Venomhatch]

First off, good morning everyone!!! Here's to everyone getting a little magic in there day today or visit to come!

We are trying to figure out which place would be the best location to request for our stay and we are in need of suggestions.

In order of importance, here is what our family would like:

1. Magnolia Bend Mansion Side
2. Distance to Bus Stop
3. Distance to Food Court
4. Distance to Main Pool

Based on our 'wish list' (knowing full well that we may not get any of the above requests filled), can someone please recommend the best location? We are leaving in a few weeks and would like to get our request in ASAP.

Thanks for your help

Just Love Disney, I'm not the expert, but I think it might be good to know what sort of room you booked.

It depends a bit on your room type (e.g. standard view will be on the far parking-lot side of both of the mansion buildings, see map in first post) and whether you want to use the outlying or the main bus stops (the outlying ones are closer from the mansion buildings). Both Parterre Place and Magnolia Terrace are quite big, and both of them have some rooms that match your requests but also many that don't. Oh, and I wouldn't worry about the pool request, as quick access to the food court from the mansion buildings would be via the main pool area anyway.

So rather than asking for a specific building, let them know your requests pretty much as you've written them here - i.e. your preferences in order of priority. To simplify it, I'd suggest just asking for "a mansion building room, fairly close to the bridge to Ol' Man Island".

Andre

Thank you for chiming in Andre I agree with you on this.

Me too i like it and agree - the diverting is a huge problem. Scooters should also get designated buses because it takes time for people to move fr those seats - lift the seats - put the ramp down - get the passenger on board and situated - strap them in - put the ramp up and board everyone. This adds to the timing problem as well - there were two on our bus - was a little awkward

Yes and how I do agree can be a deal to some and yes as that would be an excellent idea for some buses to handle disabled guests and their family members. It might not be too financially beneficial for Disney and fair to the other guests. I can just see someone like on the news paying a disabled person to help them get the faster bus to Disney Parks and cut lines like they were recently. I have seen some people get off their's before the bus driver straps it in and they go sit down with their family. Now I can understand sitting with the family but each scooter takes down 3 seats on the bus. Then if they go sit down with their family there goes another seat. Unless there is a new rule passed down from Disney not allowing them to still stay on the scooter, most drivers allow the scooter operator to strap in while in the scooter, only taking 3 seats. I love for them to join in the fun and magic. Lord knows I will one day probably need one also and be just like them scooting around at WDW.

Just to be clear with anyone. I am not saying the disabled shouldn't come or anything, just that Disney may want to explore an option to have a few specially outfitted buses run routes also. I know there are plenty of extra buses in reserve. I have seen them! I love for everyone to take part and enjoy the magic at Disney! I love it and being here and so should everyone be able as well.

Thanks to everyone esp andre and venom!

I ended up taking my chances on chk in - got the acadian house and can stay through my two ressies.

Walk in registration was shorter than online ch in line

Fridge in my room!
Saw a turtle at the mill!

Half way though the trip and dont want to leave!!! No no no we wont go!

All is well is riverside!

Glad to hear it and your very welcome! I hear that don't want to leave all the time lol.

 

[titansgal]

I just have to post. We leave in about 15 hours for our first stay at POR! We should be there by lunch tomorrow. I have very much enjoyed reading this thread for all of the helpful hints. We have stayed at every value resort and CBR, but this is our first at POR. I can't remember being more excited about a trip, even though we go at least once a year. We should be there in time for a tasty Giordano's pizza for lunch before checking in. I will post a trip report when we return in two weeks. Thanks again everyone!

 

[OneBadApple]

I just have to post. We leave in about 15 hours for our first stay at POR! We should be there by lunch tomorrow. I have very much enjoyed reading this thread for all of the helpful hints. We have stayed at every value resort and CBR, but this is our first at POR. I can't remember being more excited about a trip, even though we go at least once a year. We should be there in time for a tasty Giordano's pizza for lunch before checking in. I will post a trip report when we return in two weeks. Thanks again everyone!

Have a safe and magical trip!!!!

 

[titansgal]

Have a safe and magical trip!!!!

Thank you so much. I am getting nothing done as I am soooo excited

 

[kittyab]

Does anyone know if they have fridges in the rooms yet?

 

[Just Love Disney]

Yes, they are pretty much there now for POFQ to be honest, and Riverside should be done over the coming month.

Andre

Here is the response on 9/28 to the fridge question. HTH

 

[kdaniels16]

Does anyone know if they have fridges in the rooms yet?

I am here right now- in Oak Manor (garden) and we do not have a fridge.

 

[WyoMickey]

Main pool hours are supposed to be limited to lifeguard hours starting today. I wonder if POR and POFQ are implementing this, putting fences or barriers up, or what.

 

[emilyhuff]

I was also wondering what the pool hours will now be. Will everyone have to be out at 8pm or will they stay open past 8pm with no lifeguards until the barriers are in place?

 

[bumbershoot]

I have seen some people get off their's before the bus driver straps it in and they go sit down with their family. Now I can understand sitting with the family but each scooter takes down 3 seats on the bus. Then if they go sit down with their family there goes another seat.

Staying on the scooter is not as safe for that person as it is to get into a seat. If they CAN move, if they can sit in a seat, it's safer for them. And for anyone near them just in case the bus driver messes up with the tie-down and the scooter *and person* end up falling over.

 

[dansamy]

Staying on the scooter is not as safe for that person as it is to get into a seat. If they CAN move, if they can sit in a seat, it's safer for them. And for anyone near them just in case the bus driver messes up with the tie-down and the scooter *and person* end up falling over.

This. My husband is able to transfer to a seat. His balance is too unstable for him to be safe while standing.

 

[bumbershoot]

First of all... I can't wait for my first POR stay in 16 days! Though I just got a letter about the lack of fridges. I need a fridge for my insulin though, where do I call to request one. I think I will bring a cooler though just in case! Also, since I have been having major foot problems I'm planning on renting a ECV. They say the Disney approved places will send it right to bell services for me to pick up. Should I let POR know I'm going to be getting one?

You should go ahead and reserve your scooter now. The list is on the Disabilities forum.

Call the main reservations people. I'm on hold with the rundisney people right now to make sure they have the medical request for a fridge on our reservation. Normal reservation people couldn't do it yesterday b/c it's a different sort of package, ugh. (yay, the Winnie the Pooh music is on!)

Ha ha dont get me started on the transportation - no matter what park i chose the buses for the other parks came in pairs!

We have similar experiences with the buses. Our very worst bus time was at Jambo. Absolutely horrid.

So we always have a car. Forget the buses.

 

[kittyab]

I was also wondering what the pool hours will now be. Will everyone have to be out at 8pm or will they stay open past 8pm with no lifeguards until the barriers are in place?

I hope so, we will be there in early Nov, I plan to hit the hot tub every night!

 

[Just Love Disney]

I am here right now- in Oak Manor (garden) and we do not have a fridge.

How is Oak Manor? Is your Garden View room close to the Food Court, bus stop, etc.? Hope you're having a great time! Sorry you didn't get a fridge though

 

[mickey1968]

I was thinking about a special bus that serves for scooters and wheelchairs. It makes some sense to me. Don't most school systems have separate buses for disabled students? Our city bus system also provides separate vans for disabled people. I wonder if Disney has ever tried this method? But Venom is probably right, somebody would just come along and abuse that system too. But the extra time and space on busing especially at the end of the night bothers me way more than the GAC short lines thing.

 

[Just Love Disney]

I was thinking about a special bus that serves for scooters and wheelchairs. It makes some sense to me. Don't most school systems have separate buses for disabled students? Our city bus system also provides separate vans for disabled people. I wonder if Disney has ever tried this method? But Venom is probably right, somebody would just come along and abuse that system too. But the extra time and space on busing especially at the end of the night bothers me way more than the GAC short lines thing.

Is POR more prone to longer bus waits than the other resorts? Also, do you happen to know which stop at POR is the best in terms of better odds of getting on the first bus?

Thanks

 

[webstah]

I was thinking about a special bus that serves for scooters and wheelchairs. It makes some sense to me. Don't most school systems have separate buses for disabled students? Our city bus system also provides separate vans for disabled people. I wonder if Disney has ever tried this method? But Venom is probably right, somebody would just come along and abuse that system too. But the extra time and space on busing especially at the end of the night bothers me way more than the GAC short lines thing.

You have to remember that your school system only does this for 2 trips a day. Also I believe there may be an issue with the Florida disablility laws that would prevent Disney from doing this.