Port Orleans Riverside Q&A Thread 2014 (Please read first post for FAQs!)

[jecafriend]

I'm sure this is in the thread somewhere but I can't find it, what are the laundry rooms like at POR? Last February we stayed at FQ and loved the credit card laundry and newish machines! In Sept we stayed at Coronado and they had coin operated laundry and machines that left something to be desired... Anyone recently at POR and did laundry? Do they still have coin operated machines or is it more like FQ?

 

[disdream]

I have heard that they are coin operated and it is $2.00 to wash and $2.00 to dry. I also heard that there is a change machine in the laundry room or close by. There were questions on that a few pages back. Try looking around 3 or so pages back. Not exactly sure where the question was but I know I was in on the asking.

 

[daynaw28]

Emailing is not unheard of, but it's very unusual to give out a room number in advance other than in certain exceptional circumstances (medical reasons for example). The main reason is that there's no guarantee any given room will actually be available on the day, even if it's blocked out in advance (e.g. if a previous guest caused some damage which might take a few days to repair).




Well the riverboat motif has always been the main symbol of the resort:

Personally I'd have preferred they use the existing logo type though, as the one they've created for this new merchandise looks rather drab and lacking in design flair compared to the resort's official logo.




POR's five laundries are all coin-operated, and yes there is a change machine provided in each one. You cannot pay by card or by magic-band at POR (unlike POFQ, where you can only pay by credit/debit card, not coins)

Andre

I'm sure this is in the thread somewhere but I can't find it, what are the laundry rooms like at POR? Last February we stayed at FQ and loved the credit card laundry and newish machines! In Sept we stayed at Coronado and they had coin operated laundry and machines that left something to be desired... Anyone recently at POR and did laundry? Do they still have coin operated machines or is it more like FQ?

Hope this helps! =)

 

[disdream]

Thanks... You're a big help.

 

[jecafriend]

Hope this helps! =)

Thanks! Hopefully these won't be as bad as CS

 

[Kirby]

HELLO EVERYONE!!!

This is not only my first time to DW, my fiances, but most importantly our DD. We are going March 4-10. We are arriving the day before our DD 5th birthday. I don't think I could be more excited!!! This is a complete surprise to her, and was a random decision. We are staying in a Royal Room at POR and she is going to squeeeeal in excitement, so sorry to anyone who else is around us. I randomly decided and booked 67 days out, and had no clue what went into a Disney trip. So I have been going nuts researching and booked our ARD's, but sadly did not get a Cinderella or Be Our Guest reservation. (bummer!) but there is Disney Magic everywhere so it will all be okay! I do believe I did the FP+ right, and choose ones that would be best for her and didn't have an issue with reserving them (besides staying up until midnight and having it tell me I couldn't reserve until our arrival date, ) It fixed it's self at 5am that morning, and I was back at it... Now that that is all done, I am just looking forward to the "less stress planning" and more researching. I am all ears for any advice when it comes to resort info, traveling by plane (my fiance and I have only been on a plane once as children 15+years ago) *security/packing issues?, general DW tips, and anything else you think I should know as a newbie, and late planner! Thanks in advance, and hope you all enjoy your trips.

I would just keep trying for the ADRS. You never know when one will pop up. Also go over to the Disney Dining Reservations Board and look for the Cancellation Thread for March. I was able to get some ADRS for our trip last December on the December Cancellation Thread that way.

And definitely try for Askershus if you don't get CRT.

 

[CleKait]

I'm sure I answer this a week or two back, must have been someone else.

An extra adult is $15/night if booked in advance. It's up to you whether you want to declare this if she is basically there just to act as a carer when you are away from the room (OK, a slight stretch maybe...) or just wing it. She will need a room key of course (could use one of the kids' magic bands perhaps?). If you've got any dining plan attached it may get complicated to add as those are generally require by all occupants for the duration of the stay.

It's up to you whether to do it officially or just play it by ear. Perhaps ask the hypothetical question at the front desk when you check in, saying that your MIL might be coming over to act as a sitter during the marathon, do you need to register her, etc? That way you can say you mentioned it and you're covered.

Let us know the end result anyway, it'd be nice to hear if there is any policy on this.

Andre

We stayed at Port Orleans last week and my cousin only stayed for 3 nights out of the 7. At check in they didn't add her to the room and tried to give her just a day guest room key but it never worked. It worked out fine since she didn't really need to have her own room key anyway. We weren't on the dining plan and she didn't use to magical express so I don't know if that would have made a difference.

For my review of the Riverside: It's such beautiful place! We stayed in AB in building 25 and while it was a hike to get to the food court, we were super close to the west depot which made up for it. We decided we would rather be close to transportation than food any day. The trundles were used by people in my party who were definitely longer than the bed but they said they were still comfy. The food court was more impressive the first time I stayed there but the others in my group enjoyed it. The food was still delicious just not as delicious as I remember it being. The majority of the cast members were great! And we got super lucky with buses and only had a couple long wait times waiting for their arrivals. I don't know if I would stay there again. I find the whole standard/garden view ridiculous. We paid for a garden view and had a view of some trees and shrubs that were in desperate need of pruning. It just seems like a great money grabbing ploy for Disney. I'd rather stay at Pop for less money and practically the same accommodations.

 

[Napria]

What are the chances of getting Aligator Bayou if I request it? And are there any people out there who prefer Magnolia Bend (not the Royal Rooms, just the plain jane rooms)?

We're only going for 4 nights/3 days to do Food and Wine, so maybe it doesn't even matter?

 

[breymickey]

Whew!! Finally made it through all 236 pages. Normally, just a lurker but wanted to say we are staying at POR May 14 - 23. Was originally booked in a preferred room, but when the spring promo came out had to switch to a SV RR. Worried about that a little. Previously stayed here In a river view AB room and must have had the room with the 60 yard walk. It was the closest room ever to the food court. I'm sure my 9 YO DS will just love the princess room. Traveling with another couple who has a 9 YO DD (first visit), so he will have to make the best of it. Very excited to be coming back!! Loved the resort last time. Also want to thank everyone on here for being so helpful with all the Q&A. Never seen a greater bunch of people. Your help is appreciated by more people than you know. I'm sure I'm not the only lurker.

My question is this. I saw this post

Also go over to the Theme Parks Board and look for the Cancellation Thread for March. I was able to get some ADRS for our trip last December on the December Cancellation Thread that way.

What is this? I am currently holding two hard to get ADR's to a popular place trying to decide which time I like better, but am interested in knowing how you can give the ADR away. Would love to help someone else out as soon as I make my decision. My dilemma being that one ADR is for 8:50PM on my preferred night and the other for 6:45PM on the night of a dessert party. Tough decisions. Wish all decisions in life were this much fun.

TIA

 

[Kirby]

My question is this. I saw this post

Also go over to the Theme Parks Board and look for the Cancellation Thread for March. I was able to get some ADRS for our trip last December on the December Cancellation Thread that way.

What is this? I am currently holding two hard to get ADR's to a popular place trying to decide which time I like better, but am interested in knowing how you can give the ADR away. Would love to help someone else out as soon as I make my decision. My dilemma being that one ADR is for 8:50PM on my preferred night and the other for 6:45PM on the night of a dessert party. Tough decisions. Wish all decisions in life were this much fun.

TIA

I'm sorry, that was me. I posted the wrong place. It's on the Disney Dining Reservations Board http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3336590 . I've corrected it now.

 

[KCmike]

A Path for Us by KC MikeD, on Flickr

 

[Sue M]

. Soon I'll be strolling (or limping lol) down this path!! Yippee . I just hope knee holds out! Knee surgery is tough!!

 

[andrewilley]

We stayed at Port Orleans last week and my cousin only stayed for 3 nights out of the 7. At check in they didn't add her to the room and tried to give her just a day guest room key but it never worked.

Yeah, I thought keys might be a possible issue, but it's good to hear they allow a short-stay extra person in the room without charging. My advice would be for the extra guest to perhaps borrow one of the kids' magic bands, as all it will be needed for is getting into and out of the room.

What are the chances of getting Aligator Bayou if I request it? And are there any people out there who prefer Magnolia Bend (not the Royal Rooms, just the plain jane rooms)?

Pretty good, as there are more AB rooms than there are regular mansion building rooms - and although parties of five need to be given priority to the AB section, that rarely skews the options too much.

I am currently holding two hard to get ADR's to a popular place trying to decide which time I like better, but am interested in knowing how you can give the ADR away. Would love to help someone else out as soon as I make my decision.

The thread that has been mentioned is where you can discuss your extra bookings, and work out with someone who wants it exactly when you are going to cancel it so they can be ready to try to rebook it. I'm not sure if you can simply give your reservation number over to someone else in this My Disney Experience age, but I don't see why not as they don't check anything via MDE or magic bands as yet. You normally just need to verbally quote the guest name, and keep the booking number available as a backup plan.

Andre

 

[breymickey]

Will visit the dining forums. Never been over there. Thanks.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

My daughter is 5'4" and 100 lbs. She's a petite girl, so maybe she'll fit?

If we don't get a room with a Murphy bed, is there enough space for a twin size air bed mattress?

I'm 5'2" and weigh ... well, more than your daughter! Stretched out, I was able to fit, but I sleep curled up so I was fine. It depends on how your daughter sleeps if she'll fit and be comfortable on the murphy bed.

 

[Jsppayne]

What are the chances of getting Aligator Bayou if I request it? And are there any people out there who prefer Magnolia Bend (not the Royal Rooms, just the plain jane rooms)?

We're only going for 4 nights/3 days to do Food and Wine, so maybe it doesn't even matter?

We stayed in Magnolia Bend (Royal Guest Rooms) and it's quite a trek to the lobby/dining. While the room made it worth it for our daughter, I would have preferred something a little closer.

 

[KCmike]

. Soon I'll be strolling (or limping lol) down this path!! Yippee . I just hope knee holds out! Knee surgery is tough!!

Knee surgery sounds painful indeed. Will you need a wheelchair to get around? No shame in making sure your enjoying your visit and protecting your knees.

 

[andrewilley]

We stayed in Magnolia Bend (Royal Guest Rooms) and it's quite a trek to the lobby/dining.

One of the things about the mansion buildings is they are pretty big. Some of the River and Garden View rooms in Parterre Place for example a very close indeed to a footbridge leading to the main building. However other rooms in the same building are quite a distance away. Hence my general advice to make requests for WHAT you want (e.g. "close to main building, ground floor") rather than giving a specific building number as your request.

Andre

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

Here is a link to new POFQ merchandise.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B67JRtxIUAA41_6.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B67JRt1IUAAlM_g.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B67JRt9IIAA18ew.jpg

Thanks to Bret+ @Schmoofy on Twitter

 

[Sue M]

Knee surgery sounds painful indeed. Will you need a wheelchair to get around? No shame in making sure your enjoying your visit and protecting your knees.

Not sure about wheel chair or scooter. I'll bring my cane, and haven't planned full park days. I've booked FPs for half days in parks. Hopefully the weather will be nice enough I can lounge by the pool!

At parks I'll be taking it easy. Lots of shows, and movies, and rides I can sit & rest, Muppet Vision, Star Tours, TSMM, Pirates of Caribbean, Haunted Amansion, etc. Fortunately for me there are lots of these.
I think I'll be skipping Space Mtn and RCnR coasters this trip

Also will plan on getting a DAK pass. And sit to take freq breaks. I do have the # of a scooter company if I need it while there. Prob is, it also is almost as uncomfortable sitting with leg down.

Booked this trip back in June, as we always go in January, before I had my surgery! And before I realized how long recovery is from knee replacement! Ugh. I'll just have to scale back. I'll be in my happy place so it's all good.

Didn't mean to write a book, but thanks for asking Mike!!!