Port Orleans Riverside Q&A Thread 2013, Part Two [Thread now FULL and closed]

[CareHeartsDisney]

Thank you for the responses. Another question. Planning on DD birthday morning breakfast at 1900 park fare and then an appt at the MK BBB. Even though we will have access to a vehicle, what would be the best way to get to these locations from POR and approximately how long would the travel time be.

You can either take the bus to the MK and then transfer via the monorail or ferry or you can drive. If you do drive, it would be better to drive to the TTC and take the monorail to GF and then the monorail/ferry to MK. If you drive to GF, you'll have to move your car and then have to contend with a more crowded parking lot. If you arrive to the TTC early enough, you may end up parking close to the TTC (and be able to walk). You may not even need to use the tram from the parking lot to the TTC.

 

[ChristineOH]

Thank you for the responses. Another question. Planning on DD birthday morning breakfast at 1900 park fare and then an appt at the MK BBB. Even though we will have access to a vehicle, what would be the best way to get to these locations from POR and approximately how long would the travel time be.

As PP suggested, you could drive to TTC and leave the car there the whole time. Another option would be to drive to GF. You can do what Missytara said and move the car to the MK lot after, but if you are willing to pay to valet park at the GF, you could leave your car there for the day. Then you can take the monorail to MK, and then take the ferry back to GF to get your car and drive back when you are ready to return to the resort.

FYI, quickest way to from MK to GF is the usually the ferry. Quickest way from GF to MK is usually the monorail. If your ADR is very early, check to be sure the ferry is running if you intend to take the bus to MK instead of drive. They say the ferry runs half hour before park open. We stayed at the Poly two summers ago, and they ran the ferry much earlier than that while we were there.

 

[Dittz]

Thank you everyone!!! I can't wait until fall 2014!!!

 

[eaf2063]

Im also new to this thread and the POR. We are surprising the kids with a vacation in late October. We also normally stay at the All Stars. Even though we dont spend a whole lot of time at the resort, the kids always seem to enjoy being there because the decor seems very kid-appealing. Im afraid that they will not enjoy this as much.... I've been racking my brain on wether to just break down and get the 2 rooms or a suite at the all stars and because i have free dining i would then have to upgrade to the Plus Dining Plan... or just stay where i am. Im always ready to create new memories and experiences and have wanted to try a new resort for some time now. When i booked the POR was the best option...Im not real sure what to expect from the new resort. Either way i know well love it just for the fact that it is DISNEY afterall....
Any suggestions or pointers would be appreciated...

 

[CareHeartsDisney]

Im also new to this thread and the POR. We are surprising the kids with a vacation in late October. We also normally stay at the All Stars. Even though we dont spend a whole lot of time at the resort, the kids always seem to enjoy being there because the decor seems very kid-appealing. Im afraid that they will not enjoy this as much.... I've been racking my brain on wether to just break down and get the 2 rooms or a suite at the all stars and because i have free dining i would then have to upgrade to the Plus Dining Plan... or just stay where i am. Im always ready to create new memories and experiences and have wanted to try a new resort for some time now. When i booked the POR was the best option...Im not real sure what to expect from the new resort. Either way i know well love it just for the fact that it is DISNEY afterall....
Any suggestions or pointers would be appreciated...

My kids are 13 and 10. Their 1st visit was in 2008 at CSR. In 2011, we stayed at the Poly. In 2012, we stayed in a Cars Suite at AoA and finally in Feb of this year, we stayed at POR. POR was their favorite after Poly. It is such a beautiful resort and it's so peaceful. The kids loved the main pool as well as the quiet pool. I don't think your kids will be disappointed. Plus, like you said if you stay at POR you won't have to pay the difference to upgrade to the Plus Dining Plan.

 

[LovingDisny]

My boys LOVE this resort. They were 12 & 4 the last time we went and they really enjoyed it. In fact when I showed them the choices for resorts for this year, they choose to stay at POR again. We only looked at moderates & we have stayed at CBR before, but they were all about POR.

 

[justthe2ofus]

I need a little assistance.

I placed an order through The Disney Store and had it shipped to me at Port Orleans Riverside. I placed my name, arrival date as reservation number in the address and mailed it c/o Port Orleans at the resort address. Today I received a delivery confirmation, but the sender changed the delivery address to not include my arrival date or reservation number. They even removed the name Port Orleans Riverside.

We arrive at POR on June 10th. Is this something to worry about? Should I call the resort to advised them?

 

[~Tinkerella]

The Royal Room was absolutely beautiful!

Is the Royal Rooms still in great shape ... we stayed there last Sept ...

 

[~Tinkerella]

Hope you enjoy your trip ~ we had the best time.

 

[terrybsw]

Just back from a 5 day stay at POR. Love it! I had a standard room ressie and faxed in a building request (16 0r 17) and we got some pixie dust and a room in preferred building 27. Our room was wonderful. Had a lush garden view. Very close to 2 quiet pools/laundry and also a short walk to both the food court and bridge to Old Man Island. Food court was busy during meal times and they could have used a few more cashiers. I also agree with another poster who said they could have done without the frequent "Down by the Riverside" song. Not many people seemed to be involved and the staff was less than enthusiastic about the whole thing. Staff was helpful and in good spirits. Mousekeeping was quiet and effecient. I did tip a couple of dollars each day.

I love the theming at AB and would stay there again anytime! I now think I am spoiled for the Value Resorts...

 

[andrewilley]

I placed an order through The Disney Store and had it shipped to me at Port Orleans Riverside. I placed my name, arrival date as reservation number in the address and mailed it c/o Port Orleans at the resort address. Today I received a delivery confirmation, but the sender changed the delivery address to not include my arrival date or reservation number. They even removed the name Port Orleans Riverside.

Which address did you use, the PO Box number (for postal deliveries) or the street address (for courier deliveries)?

If the PO Box number, without any reservation number, arrival date or resort name it will probably be stuck in a central WDW sorting area somewhere.

With the "1251 Riverside Drive" street address it will at least have got to Riverside's package storage room, but I don't know if they'll be able to track you down by name (is yours a common surname, or would it be easy for someone to find by searching the reservations system?). I'd give them a call anyway, and see if anyone can track it down in advance by what was on the label, and make sure it's then stored correctly for your arrival.

Andre

 

[justthe2ofus]

Which address did you use, the PO Box number (for postal deliveries) or the street address (for courier deliveries)?

If the PO Box number, without any reservation number, arrival date or resort name it will probably be stuck in a central WDW sorting area somewhere.

With the "1251 Riverside Drive" street address it will at least have got to Riverside's package storage room, but I don't know if they'll be able to track you down by name (is yours a common surname, or would it be easy for someone to find by searching the reservations system?). I'd give them a call anyway, and see if anyone can track it down in advance by what was on the label, and make sure it's then stored correctly for your arrival.

Andre

Thanks for the teply, Andre.

I used the street adress, 1251 Riverside Drive. My surname is somewhat common, and my first name is a little common for an older name. I will call POR and ask to speak with someone in the package storage area.

 

[Missytara]

Thanks for the teply, Andre.

I used the street adress, 1251 Riverside Drive. My surname is somewhat common, and my first name is a little common for an older name. I will call POR and ask to speak with someone in the package storage area.

You won't be able to call POR directly; you will be calling a Central Call Center that answers the phone as if they are in the resort.

The CM will determine whether they need to transfer you to guest services (which is the desk just outside the lobby door) at the resort and then they can go from there.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Greetings from inside Tropical Storm Andrea

We arrived yesterday AM around 10:30am. Our room was not ready so we headed to MK. We got the room text while on the bus. Rain started in earnest around 4pm so we headed back.

A bellman drove us to our room with our carry ons so we wouldn't get soaked (and earned himself a well deserved tip).

We are booked in Royal Room, standard. My only request was top floor, hopefully corner. I faxed this request last week & indicated it in on line check in. Both requests were granted. We are in Paterre Place.

As a self proclaimed Deluxe snob, I am blown away by this room. It's GORGEOUS! They really did think of every detail. The room is immaculate. And thanks to Venomhatch for the hanging closet organizer tip- we would be lost without it.

Staff has been nice, food court packed last night and this am but I'm sure the rain is skewing that.

Yes, it's raining ALOT. But no wind yet. We are hopeful that tomorrow will be better since it seems to be a fast moving storm. We are lucky that we are here so long that we don't need to be out in it today if we don't want to. We are planning on heading to DTD this afternoon for a movie, shopping & dinner.

 

[Dittz]

thanks to Venomhatch for the hanging closet organizer tip- we would be lost without it.

May I ask what the tip is?? Thanks!

 

[shawnstring]

May I ask what the tip is?? Thanks!

to get/use on in the rooms due to the lack of drawer space for clothes

 

[Venomhatch]

Greetings from inside Tropical Storm Andrea

We arrived yesterday AM around 10:30am. Our room was not ready so we headed to MK. We got the room text while on the bus. Rain started in earnest around 4pm so we headed back.

A bellman drove us to our room with our carry ons so we wouldn't get soaked (and earned himself a well deserved tip).

We are booked in Royal Room, standard. My only request was top floor, hopefully corner. I faxed this request last week & indicated it in on line check in. Both requests were granted. We are in Paterre Place.

As a self proclaimed Deluxe snob, I am blown away by this room. It's GORGEOUS! They really did think of every detail. The room is immaculate. And thanks to Venomhatch for the hanging closet organizer tip- we would be lost without it.

Staff has been nice, food court packed last night and this am but I'm sure the rain is skewing that.

Yes, it's raining ALOT. But no wind yet. We are hopeful that tomorrow will be better since it seems to be a fast moving storm. We are lucky that we are here so long that we don't need to be out in it today if we don't want to. We are planning on heading to DTD this afternoon for a movie, shopping & dinner.

May I ask what the tip is?? Thanks!

to get/use on in the rooms due to the lack of drawer space for clothes

Cinderumbrella, Glad to hear about the positives. But sorry about Andrea. One thing we cant control here is the weather. Glad the closet idea worked out for you!

Dittz, The Closet Tip is going to target or walmart and buying a hanging closet organizer that can hang on the pole that goes across, typically for hangers with shirts and pants hanging and it add more space to store clothes folded up and other belongings.

 

[Missytara]

May I ask what the tip is?? Thanks!

Purchase a shoe organizer and hang it over the bathroom door.

We had four women in one room a few years ago and it was great for anything from make-up to lenses cleaner to brushes to hair straighteners.

We would have had stuff everywhere without it.

 

[Missytara]

I eat a place at home called Fraizer's; it is a family owned tavern. We are in DE.

The manager leaves this afternoon after picking their kids up at school and surprising him; his heart sunk last night when he realized he would be driving right into it. Ugh. I feel for him.

We arrive next Saturday, with my friend and her two kids, who happens to be one of the servers at the place - the day he and his family are moving over to Universal for a few days.

We leave the following Saturday and the assistant manager arrives with his wife and her son. Sunday one of the bartenders is arriving with her boyfriend and two kids, his mom and dad, sister and brother in law, etc.

We said we are cleaning the place out!

 

[SRUAlmn]

We leave for WDW on Saturday (driving.) We actually live in South Carolina so although we'll have to deal with Andrea at home, it looks like it will hopefully have passed through before we have to drive!
Cinderumbrella: We were there in a TS last summer and it was tough, but we made the best of it. Sounds like you're doing the same