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

[Tinkl0ver66]

We will be at POR in June and have what they say us a pool view room. If it's a pool view where will we possibly be staying?

 

[dansdad]

We will be at POR in June and have what they say us a pool view room. If it's a pool view where will we possibly be staying?

You could be in any of the buildings that face one of the quiet pools. Check out the map in the link below. If you click on any of the buildings facing one of the quiet pools a pop up opens showing the locations of all the different room types, including pool view.

http://portorleans.org/room-requests.php

 

[andrewilley]

We're booked in a King bed room for 3 people, so I know we'll be in the Alligator Bayou section. I see that there are King rooms in the Preferred buildings in this section - is it possible to just request one of these buildings, or would it be an additional charge for a King room in a Preferred building?

Yes, that's fine. ALL of the King Bed rooms - anywhere around the resort, including preferred buildings, river views, etc - are sold using the King Bed category. So it's a perfectly valid request to ask for a preferred building, or even a River View which would also be nice and close to the main areas. Personally, I would suggest asking for something like "River View, or if that's not available then a non parking-lot view close to the main building".

Andre

 

[bhyer]

My daughter and I are booked in a Royal Guest Room for 16 nights beginning late January 2015. I've been reading several different sites and I'm wondering how frequent it is that the buses have standing room only? I don't mind waiting for a bus but the idea of having to stand once I'm on it is kind of a bummer

We have never been to WDW (we have been to Disneyland a couple of times). My adult daughter loved the light-up head boards at the Disneyland Hotel so when she saw the pictures of the head boards in the Royal Guest Rooms she was sold. There are so many resorts to choose from and I'm hoping I picked the right one for us!!

 

[JamieLM]

Just a quick question, how long is the bus ride to DTD if we didn't take the boat?

 

[GigiDisneyfreak]

That's actually where I got my information from.

Lol and you were absolutely right. I was tired and misread your post. Sorry

 

[DisGal25]

Has anyone gone on a fishing excursion from POR? I'm curious as to where they go and if you really catch any fish.

 

[Annamayfair]

First let me say that this board is absolutely amazing and filled with so much information that I wouldn't have known.
Now my question, my DH and I are checking into POR the last Monday in September. We originally booked a standard room but wonder if we can upgrade to preferred room when we pay our balance this week, also is it possible to book a preferred room and request that it be a king room? My Husband is already compromising with me on the resort (he wanted the GF) to extend our stay. I have read about how the buses to some of the buildings can be a nightmare and do not want to hear "I told you so" each time there is a transportation issue. The King bed is more of a want than a need, but really would appreciate some help as to the best way to go about asking for such a room. Thank you.

 

[andrewilley]

My daughter and I are booked in a Royal Guest Room for 16 nights beginning late January 2015. I've been reading several different sites and I'm wondering how frequent it is that the buses have standing room only? I don't mind waiting for a bus but the idea of having to stand once I'm on it is kind of a bummer.

It does happen, and pretty frequently during peak times of day (especially park opening/closing). The trick is to work out to try to get on at the bus's first pickup. See http://www.portorleans.org/buses.php for tips on the likely routes. But no, it doesn't happen every time.

Just a quick question, how long is the bus ride to DTD if we didn't take the boat?

I guess about 15-20 mins (it's a shortish journey but there are lots of traffic lights, and during the day there's a drop-off at Typhoon Lagoon too)

Has anyone gone on a fishing excursion from POR? I'm curious as to where they go and if you really catch any fish.

I've not done it, but the boats go up and down the Sassagoula River and into Lake Buena Vista near to Downtown Disney. I assume there are fish, as it'd be a bit of an expensive pleasure cruise otherwise!

Now my question, my DH and I are checking into POR the last Monday in September. We originally booked a standard room but wonder if we can upgrade to preferred room when we pay our balance this week, also is it possible to book a preferred room and request that it be a king room? My Husband is already compromising with me on the resort (he wanted the GF) to extend our stay. I have read about how the buses to some of the buildings can be a nightmare and do not want to hear "I told you so" each time there is a transportation issue. The King bed is more of a want than a need, but really would appreciate some help as to the best way to go about asking for such a room. Thank you.

If you are booked directly with Disney, and if there is still availability within any offers that you have booked, then you can change your booking type at almost any time, especially if it's going up a category.

Technically, you'd need to book a King Bed and then ask for your room to be within the preferred buildings (as that would be within your booking category), but if your more important need is the location then go ahead and book Preferred and request a king bed if at all possible, and they may be able to upgrade you for free. At least that way you know you'll get the location you want.

The buses don't go to specific buildings, but they do run in a loop around the resort and sometimes it's easier to use a stop nearer to your location. It's the same bus though. From the Preferred buildings, you are fairly close to the South Depot bus stop (and there's a great shortcut across the parking lot area).

Andre

 

[michsig]

Staying in this resort for the first time this upcoming September I usually stay at CSR, but I thought it was time for a change!

 

[Caseystigger]

Does anyone know what the current bounce-back offer is? Hoping for free dining for November trip.

 

[ptcbass]

Are they making changes to the boat to DTD and where they drop you off?
I have read they are changing the area they drop you off but I am not sure what the changes are or if it will be running while we are there the first of May. We loved the way it was set up and I really hate to see any changes made to it.

 

[dansdad]

Are they making changes to the boat to DTD and where they drop you off?
I have read they are changing the area they drop you off but I am not sure what the changes are or if it will be running while we are there the first of May. We loved the way it was set up and I really hate to see any changes made to it.

From Andre's awesome site portorleans.org

The Downtown Disney Marketplace ferry dock (located next to the Rainforest Cafe) will be closed from 22 February 2014 until the fall for construction work related to the new Disney Springs project at Downtown Disney. In the meantime, the Port Orleans river ferry boats will still run as normal, but they will use the Pleasure Island dock in the centre of Downtown Disney instead.

The temporary new routes will be as follows:

•Port Orleans River Cruise – Yellow Route
Service between Downtown Disney Pleasure Island and Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts
•Disney Vacation Club Ferry – Blue Route
Service between Downtown Disney West Side and Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Resort & Spa and the Treehouse Villas
•Internal Downtown Disney Water Taxi – Red Route
Service between Downtown Disney West Side and Pleasure Island only

 

[AmyKat]

Does anyone know what the current bounce-back offer is? Hoping for free dining for November trip.

I think that free dining bounceback offers have historically come out during August - November.

This is the current Bounceback with dates. Values aren't listed, but are available.

Book before you check out and save
Save 35%
Off the non-discounted price at select
Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
Offer valid for stays most nights:
1/3 -1/8/14, 1/12 – 1/16/14, 1/20-2/13/14
2/17 – 3/1/14, 3/6 –4/12/14, 4/20 – 5/22/14
7/28 – 8/2/14, 8/17 – 10/4/14, 10/17 – 11/6/14
11/9 – 11/21/14, and 12/11 – 12/23/14


Save 35%
Off the non-discounted price at select
Disney Deluxe Resorts
Offer valid for stays most nights:
1/3 -1/8/14, 1/12 – 1/16/14, 1/20-2/13/14
2/17 – 3/1/14, 3/6 –4/12/14, 4/20 – 5/22/14
7/28 – 8/2/14, 8/17 – 10/4/14, 10/17 – 11/6/14
11/9 – 11/21/14, and 12/11 – 12/23/14


Save 30%
Off the non-discounted price at select
Disney Moderate Resorts
Offer valid for stays most nights:
1/3 -1/8/14, 1/12 – 1/16/14, 1/20-2/13/14
2/17 – 3/1/14, 3/6 –4/12/14, 4/20 – 5/22/14
7/28 – 8/2/14, 8/17 – 10/4/14, 10/17 – 11/6/14
11/9 – 11/21/14, and 12/11 – 12/23/14

 

[ptcbass]

From Andre's awesome site portorleans.org

The Downtown Disney Marketplace ferry dock (located next to the Rainforest Cafe) will be closed from 22 February 2014 until the fall for construction work related to the new Disney Springs project at Downtown Disney. In the meantime, the Port Orleans river ferry boats will still run as normal, but they will use the Pleasure Island dock in the centre of Downtown Disney instead.

The temporary new routes will be as follows:

•Port Orleans River Cruise – Yellow Route
Service between Downtown Disney Pleasure Island and Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts
•Disney Vacation Club Ferry – Blue Route
Service between Downtown Disney West Side and Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Resort & Spa and the Treehouse Villas
•Internal Downtown Disney Water Taxi – Red Route
Service between Downtown Disney West Side and Pleasure Island only

Thanks! I guess I am glad it is still running. Bummer it will be a lot more walking to get to where we need though. It's all good

 

[Annamayfair]

Thank you Andre. I had heard the further away from the first stop in the resort the more likely that you may not get a seat or there be standing room only, he is already complaining about not being on the tram line. Another question, what is a bounce back? I see there is one during our travel dates for the moderate resorts. How does this work?

 

[Venomhatch]

Thank you Andre. I had heard the further away from the first stop in the resort the more likely that you may not get a seat or there be standing room only, he is already complaining about not being on the tram line. Another question, what is a bounce back? I see there is one during our travel dates for the moderate resorts. How does this work?

You typically have to book those while you already there and before you check out on the last day.

 

[RustManFan]

I always ask for a specific building in Alligator Bayou and have always gotten it. Once upon check-in they thought I might enjoy the Mansions but placed me in my building when I asked. And once they were doing repairs on the parking spaces near our building and I said I wouldn't mind walking for a couple days to my building of choice. Won't say which building since I don't want everyone to ask for it!

 

[Venomhatch]

I always ask for a specific building in Alligator Bayou and have always gotten it. Once upon check-in they thought I might enjoy the Mansions but placed me in my building when I asked. And once they were doing repairs on the parking spaces near our building and I said I wouldn't mind walking for a couple days to my building of choice. Won't say which building since I don't want everyone to ask for it!

Nice... its cool we all have our spots lol.

 

[Caseystigger]

I think that free dining bounceback offers have historically come out during August - November.

This is the current Bounceback with dates. Values aren't listed, but are available.

Book before you check out and save
Save 35%
Off the non-discounted price at select
Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
Offer valid for stays most nights:
1/3 -1/8/14, 1/12 – 1/16/14, 1/20-2/13/14
2/17 – 3/1/14, 3/6 –4/12/14, 4/20 – 5/22/14
7/28 – 8/2/14, 8/17 – 10/4/14, 10/17 – 11/6/14
11/9 – 11/21/14, and 12/11 – 12/23/14


Save 35%
Off the non-discounted price at select
Disney Deluxe Resorts
Offer valid for stays most nights:
1/3 -1/8/14, 1/12 – 1/16/14, 1/20-2/13/14
2/17 – 3/1/14, 3/6 –4/12/14, 4/20 – 5/22/14
7/28 – 8/2/14, 8/17 – 10/4/14, 10/17 – 11/6/14
11/9 – 11/21/14, and 12/11 – 12/23/14


Save 30%
Off the non-discounted price at select
Disney Moderate Resorts
Offer valid for stays most nights:
1/3 -1/8/14, 1/12 – 1/16/14, 1/20-2/13/14
2/17 – 3/1/14, 3/6 –4/12/14, 4/20 – 5/22/14
7/28 – 8/2/14, 8/17 – 10/4/14, 10/17 – 11/6/14
11/9 – 11/21/14, and 12/11 – 12/23/14

Oh thanks! I'll take a room discount. Might do that and just put money on gift cards for food. YAY my dates are listed!!!