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

[myminnieme]

I wonder why I read that the royal rooms were the least convenient when it looks like the regular mansion rooms in Acadian and magnolia are much farther? Unfortunately alligator bayou does not appeal to me in the slightest to book a preferred room.

 

[KanataDad]

If you request and get Oak Manor near the bridge you will be very close to the food court and restaurant.

Which Royal Rooms are closer to the main building ... "Southern most section of Oak Manor" or the "northern most section of Parterre Place"?

 

[hildarumpole]

Does anyone know if you can still do this if you booked with a military discount? I got the impression while booking that military discounts booked very specific rooms, but I could have been wrong. Also-the doors to rooms aren't private, right? They face the outdoors? Because that's a factor if I get to select ground floor or higher up.

We've used the military discount and have been able to check off options like highest floor when doing online check-in. The availability of room categories varies with the military discount. Last year we were able to book preferred, but not a Royal Room. This year, it was the opposite, so we ended up with a Royal Garden View. The doors open to the outside, so if you want the least amount of traffic, I would recommend choosing highest floor. You'll also avoid the problem of potentially stompy-feet upstairs neighbors.

 

[ValarDisneyus]

We've used the military discount and have been able to check off options like highest floor when doing online check-in. The availability of room categories varies with the military discount. Last year we were able to book preferred, but not a Royal Room. This year, it was the opposite, so we ended up with a Royal Garden View. The doors open to the outside, so if you want the least amount of traffic, I would recommend choosing highest floor. You'll also avoid the problem of potentially stompy-feet upstairs neighbors.

Thanks! We're in a Royal Garden View, I have NO idea if it's preferred or not.

 

[EpcotBill]

Thanks! We're in a Royal Garden View, I have NO idea if it's preferred or not.

It's not Preferred.

 

[BabiesDaddy]

Can anyone say how far the royal rooms are from say, the dining area? I've heard conflicting reports. I've heard they are all a ways away, and I've heard that pool view royal rooms are pretty close. Thanks!

I've stayed at Oak Manor in a royal room. You will always have conflicting reports about room distances, etc. I can only give you my perspective, since last year was my first stay or visit to wdw. I think people who have been going to Disney most of their life or several visits, have a different perspective than me. I say that to say this, if leaving your house and walking down your street say 20 houses or so and getting a drink, and then turning around and going back, is okay with you, than that's about it from my perspective. As someone who is use to walking down a hall, or taking an elevator to get breakfast or a snack at all hotels pre disney, it's a big shock at the amount of walking at this hotel. It seems this way at the values and moderates. People who have always enjoyed Disney see it as the norm. I saw normal rooms at alligator bayou that seemed like they were in another state they were so far away from the food court ( i'm not joking).

 

[wendybeth75]

I never thought I would like the AB section either. We are doing a 13 night trip (FD BB)coming up here soon and I knew we should book preferred since it's such a long trip and we will be pretty tired a few days in. This June DH and I stayed 3 nights and ended up in AB and LOVED it. The theme of the room wouldn't be my first pick, however the grounds over there are just as amazing as in the mansion section. POR is one of my favorite resorts. If we aren't doing DVC this is where you will find us!

 

[brinafair]

What's the weather like during mid-March? We've only been during the summer. Is it warm enough to swim? We're from Texas, so we're used to warm weather.

Just booked at POR the other day for March

We were there first week of March in 2013 (I know you said mid-March but just trying to be helpful )...

The first day of arrival we froze! (We're from NC and it was still quite cool at home then.) It was a damp, cool day with the wind blowing. Each of us brought a hoodie and wore it and shivered throughout the day. Our toddler stayed in the stroller, wrapped up in layered clothes and a fleece blanket.

The very next day and throughout the rest of our trip, we couldn't have asked for better weather. It was sunny, warm and around 80 degrees. One of those sunny days was quite windy but it wasn't enough to slow us down. It was a great time of year to visit!

I would recommend at least one jacket and pair of pants per person, just in case!

 

[brinafair]

Dear POR veterans,

We're getting down to the nitty gritty and I'm starting to sweat the details. Our stay in 32 days (but who's counting?!) will be our first trip staying on site.

I have been studying POR transportation threads. It's got me a bit nervous. Would you help me with some specifics so this OCD mama can make a plan and relax a bit?

MK: Want to be there early and watch the welcome show and get a jump in line. Drive our car or ride bus? If riding bus, what time should we plan to be in line for the bus? If we drive, what time should we leave considering the drive to the park & the boat ride from the parking area?

HS: 8:05 am character breakfast. Drive our car or ride bus? What time should we plan to be in line for the bus?

AK: Would like to be there early and stay til close at 5. Dinner at Downtown Disney at 7:30. Drive our rely on bus? I'll be a stress case if we end up waiting a long time for a bus. (I'm thinking it would be nice to ride the boat to DD for dinner.)

EPCOT, I'm not really sweating. I want to be there at park open, but as long as we're close, it's fine.

Last day, MK + MNSSHP: How are the buses on the MNSSHP nights?

Would appreciate any input!

Signed,
One Excited & Anxious Mama

p.s. Don't feel too sorry for my hubby. All he has to do is show up. Once I have a plan, I will be able to relax and enjoy!

 

[soniam]

We were there first week of March in 2013 (I know you said mid-March but just trying to be helpful )... The first day of arrival we froze! (We're from NC and it was still quite cool at home then.) It was a damp, cool day with the wind blowing. Each of us brought a hoodie and wore it and shivered throughout the day. Our toddler stayed in the stroller, wrapped up in layered clothes and a fleece blanket. The very next day and throughout the rest of our trip, we couldn't have asked for better weather. It was sunny, warm and around 80 degrees. One of those sunny days was quite windy but it wasn't enough to slow us down. It was a great time of year to visit! I would recommend at least one jacket and pair of pants per person, just in case!

Thanks! That's exactly the kind of info I needed. Sounds like our, Austin, TX, typical Spring Break weather. It's either nice (high 70s-mid 80s) or it's cold (<low 70s) and raining. I'll need to plan on swimming not being a guarantee then.

 

[brinafair]

Thanks! That's exactly the kind of info I needed. Sounds like our, Austin, TX, typical Spring Break weather. It's either nice (high 70s-mid 80s) or it's cold (<low 70s) and raining. I'll need to plan on swimming not being a guarantee then.

We did swim one day at the house we rented. It was chilly but our crazy kids didn't seem to mind. Splash Mountain was closed for refurb. then, but we did do Kali River Rapids, got wet and it wasn't bad at all. It was kind of refreshing and no one walked around wet and shivering.

 

[andrewilley]

For the record on buses, we've taken a number of buses this week, and BY FAR the worst was not a POR bus at all, but going from the Contemporary to DTD last night. 30+ min wait, and then it was as packed as I've ever seen a Disney bus. The POR buses have been fine, max wait about 15 mins but mostly shorter. I've timed each wait and journey.

Andre

 

[keahgirl8]

For the record on buses, we've taken a number of buses this week, and BY FAR the worst was not a POR bus at all, but going from the Contemporary to DTD last night. 30+ min wait, and then it was as packed as I've ever seen a Disney bus. The POR buses have been fine, max wait about 15 mins but mostly shorter. I've timed each wait and journey. Andre

That's the experience I usually have. I think POR buses get a bad rap sometimes! I will say that there were a couple of times I tried to catch a bus in the back when one didn't come for whatever park I was going to. I waited for a while and then just walked to the front to catch one. That was maybe 2 times in a 9 day trip though.

 

[Texas Mickey]

Does anyone know if you can still do this if you booked with a military discount? I got the impression while booking that military discounts booked very specific rooms, but I could have been wrong. Also-the doors to rooms aren't private, right? They face the outdoors? Because that's a factor if I get to select ground floor or higher up.

I booked military rate for 2 Royal Rooms riverside view and requested lower floor. Got a great rate in November.

 

[GoOfyInDisNEy]

64 days away from our first stay at POR. It seems like an eternity.

 

[webstah]

We're arriving this Friday around 10:30. Looking forward to another fantastic stay.

 

[krissyh]

What is the walking distance/time from POFQ building seven to the closest quiet pool at POR?

 

[Claki]

Anyone use this since they changed it from the straight to room check-in? Do they actually activate your magic band at this stage?

 

[Cinderella2006]

For the record on buses, we've taken a number of buses this week, and BY FAR the worst was not a POR bus at all, but going from the Contemporary to DTD last night. 30+ min wait, and then it was as packed as I've ever seen a Disney bus. The POR buses have been fine, max wait about 15 mins but mostly shorter. I've timed each wait and journey.

Andre

That's the experience I usually have. I think POR buses get a bad rap sometimes! I will say that there were a couple of times I tried to catch a bus in the back when one didn't come for whatever park I was going to. I waited for a while and then just walked to the front to catch one. That was maybe 2 times in a 9 day trip though.

Thank you both, we are going in March/April and this is one thing that has been bothering me the most. My youngest is disabled and we would struggle if he didnt get a seat, we were spoilt this year staying at SSR, buses were empty most days

 

[keahgirl8]

Thank you both, we are going in March/April and this is one thing that has been bothering me the most. My youngest is disabled and we would struggle if he didnt get a seat, we were spoilt this year staying at SSR, buses were empty most days

I think the worst time for that is leaving the park after fireworks, but that is the case for most resorts.