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

[Ensusieasm]

Thanks for the info, I was wondering how to get to.other resorts to dine, check out grounds, or maybe do campfire: )

Also, do I take the boat to the parks? Or bus only?
Can I boat to dtd then on to parks?

To get from Port Orleans to the other resorts take a bus to the park nearest the resort you want to go to, then get in line for the bus to that resort, or take a boat, monorail, or even walk as the case may be. Example: to go to the a Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Wilderness Lodge take a bus to Magic Kingdom, then a boat to the resort. A monorail is another option for The Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. The waterway at Port a Orleans only goes to Downtown disney. There are two other resorts on this waterway including OKW and SSR, but you would first go to Downtown, then ride a different boat to those resorts.

 

[Ensusieasm]

Question, can you take a boat from Riverside to Saratoga Springs, switching at DTD? Was thinking of eating at the Artist's Pallete and was trying to think of the best way back to the resort.

As well has anyone ever been to The Artist's Pallete, I am looking for a great quick service the first evening we get there, that is not too far. Thank you!

The quick service right there at Port Orleans Riverside has many choices, and is one of the best quick service restaurants at the resorts. The Artist's Pallete is much smaller with very few choices.

 

[zabache]

The quick service right there at Port Orleans Riverside has many choices, and is one of the best quick service restaurants at the resorts. The Artist's Pallete is much smaller with very few choices.

I loved the QS food at POR. My DH keeps talking about eating at the pasta station again.

 

[JamieLM]

I've recently updated www.portorleans.org/buses.php which should help answer your transportation questions. There are no boats to the parks, just buses - there is no navigable waterway linking the Sassagoula River and Downtown Disney to any of the theme parks. Andre

Thanks Andre, just to confirm, the best way to get to Universal is the Mears buses, and it cost $18 total pp? Does that also include kid prices?
Thank you.

 

[maryj11]

We actually ate at Boma for breakfast. This was our 2nd Boma breakfast and it was just as great this time as last. I think their breakfast buffet is the best on Disney property. Gotta get the French toast bread pudding with the caramel praline sauce on it! OMG it is soooo addicting, and I hate bread pudding!

Could you tell me how you went about getting to Boma ? What would be the best way, we will not have a car ?

 

[loftonflyz]

Could you tell me how you went about getting to Boma ? What would be the best way, we will not have a car ?

Well, we actually did drive because it was so much easier. Having said that, if you're staying at POR, I think the best way is take the boat to DTD and then take the bus to AKL. Other way would be to take bus to Animal Kingdom, and then get to the lodge from there. Hope that helps!

 

[loftonflyz]

The quick service right there at Port Orleans Riverside has many choices, and is one of the best quick service restaurants at the resorts. The Artist's Pallete is much smaller with very few choices.

I would have to agree with this! They have burgers, chicken sandwiches, the pasta bar, personal pizzas, and a salad station. Not to mention the yummy bakery!

 

[andrewilley]

Thanks Andre, just to confirm, the best way to get to Universal is the Mears buses, and it cost $18 total pp? Does that also include kid prices?
Thank you.

"Best" is rather subjective, it rather depends on your situation. The Lynx public buses would be your cheapest option, but would involve a trip to DTD to pick up the first bus, a later change of bus, and might take a while. If there are 4+ people, a taxi might actually be cheaper and more convenient than Mears (but remember the tip). But yes, Mears costs $18 per person round-trip.

Andre

 

[hunmcbunny]

Got my Mickey Mail today. So excited!!

Mickey Mail = lol

 

[ttcl516]

Thank you loftonflyz & goofy jr. 88

I think we will be going for Boma dinner after our Animal Kingdom day...very excited to try something a little different, and who can forget the zebra domes!!

 

[hunmcbunny]

We are thinking of just going with the flow with the parks & with dining? Anyone just go with the flow? Any tips? pros & cons?

 

[Venomhatch]

My Annual Pass Magic Bands Showed up today! Woot Woot!

 

[andrewilley]

We are thinking of just going with the flow with the parks & with dining? Anyone just go with the flow? Any tips? pros & cons?

You really need to ask that sort of question in the Theme Park Strategies board for a fuller answer. Going into it completely raw and unplanned will work, but you'll definitely miss out on a lot which a little pre-planning might have helped with, and probably do less and spend more time in line than you otherwise might have done.

Andre

 

[hunmcbunny]

You really need to ask that sort of question in the Theme Park Strategies board for a fuller answer. Going into it completely raw and unplanned will work, but you'll definitely miss out on a lot which a little pre-planning might have helped with, and probably do less and spend more time in line than you otherwise might have done.

Andre

Thanks Andre...wasnt sure which board to go to and not having a search feature didnt help much lol

 

[WDWRids]

Checked out so many sites, that I've gotten myself confused and want to verify with the experts....POR does have elevators in the mansions, right? We prefer to stay on the highest floor, however, traveling with my sister in law who has severe back problems and want her to be able to get in and out of rooms easily (especially when tired coming back from parks).

I know you are not guaranteed your request when you fax them in, but anyone have similar request due to health issues and able to get the request? Really want lots of extra pixie dust for her on this trip as shes been through so much this year and facing another surgery shortly after trip.

 

[CareHeartsDisney]

Checked out so many sites, that I've gotten myself confused and want to verify with the experts....POR does have elevators in the mansions, right? We prefer to stay on the highest floor, however, traveling with my sister in law who has severe back problems and want her to be able to get in and out of rooms easily (especially when tired coming back from parks).

I know you are not guaranteed your request when you fax them in, but anyone have similar request due to health issues and able to get the request? Really want lots of extra pixie dust for her on this trip as shes been through so much this year and facing another surgery shortly after trip.

Yes, the mansions do have elevators. Usually POR does their best with requests. If you arrive and don't get your request, ask again at check-in and I'm sure they'll help you out. I've been to POR twice in the past year and both times my requests were met.

 

[teentoddlermom]

I would like to clarify some of my experience this week. By no means would I ever discourage anyone from going to POR. The rooms and the grounds were FANTASTIC! So much more serene than CBR where we stayed last time. With the exception of some hectic mornings at morning breakfast (they really need some additional cashiers in the morning!) and some of the bus service (as a moderate resort, our bus stop should be closer to the gate!!!) everything else was great. Little secret: If you eat breakfast at the resort and most of the tables look full, there are tables at Boatwrights open for breakfast.....nice and quiet! Boat service to DTD was awesome, the pools were nice and warm, and Yeehaw Bob was fun! Any other questions on my experiences this week I will gladly answer as another viewpoint (not to step on the toes of Andre or Venomhatch). We ate at Ohana, Boma, Chef Mickeys, the Hoop Dee Doo, Hollywood and Vine, and the Yachtsman Steakhouse on this trip and can give pointers on those as well. Have a great day everyone!

I was there 2/16 to 2/21. I was amazed (and annoyed) at the fact that they don't have all cashiers open during the peak times of between 7 and 9. I was also really annoyed at all coffee urns out at the same time. I did not let it put me in a bad mood, but I was disappointed in the apathy. They need to have an audit of staffing to ensure that the guest experience is better in the mornings at the food court. It is also a great idea to take your tray to Boatwrights during the morning rush.

 

[Venomhatch]

Checked out so many sites, that I've gotten myself confused and want to verify with the experts....POR does have elevators in the mansions, right? We prefer to stay on the highest floor, however, traveling with my sister in law who has severe back problems and want her to be able to get in and out of rooms easily (especially when tired coming back from parks).

I know you are not guaranteed your request when you fax them in, but anyone have similar request due to health issues and able to get the request? Really want lots of extra pixie dust for her on this trip as shes been through so much this year and facing another surgery shortly after trip.

Yes mansions do have elevators, I promise that.

If you need further help or anything PM me and I'll get you set up.

 

[ALD85]

Multiple room question-I will be booking at least 3 rooms for our next trip. Since the reservation will be under my name, will all the rooms be in the same building? Or would I need to request this?

 

[maryj11]

Well, we actually did drive because it was so much easier. Having said that, if you're staying at POR, I think the best way is take the boat to DTD and then take the bus to AKL. Other way would be to take bus to Animal Kingdom, and then get to the lodge from there. Hope that helps!

Thank you