port orleans riverside renovation - please advise

[karentan]

hi im staying at POR in november (18th - 25th) for my wedding (at the pavilion) and honeymoon.
when are the renovations due to finish? if theyre due to end before we go i dont have to worry about requesting a renovated room, really want to make this trip extra special for my fiancee as he's never been to WDW and dont want to be lumbered with a bad room.
if anyone has any info on the renovations (including which buildings have already been done) please let me know
thanks

 

[z28wiz]

I'm not sure when they will be done but i just wanted to let you know that when i went there in 2003 we didn;t like it. They had bus stations shut down and because there weren't many people staying there, a lot of the food places were closed in the resort. Good luck.

 

[gabsmom]

We were at POR from 12/29 to 1/2 and we absolutely loved it. We stayed in the Magnolia Bend section and all rooms are completely renovated. My understanding is that they are in the middle of renovating Alligator Bayou at this time. You will love it. The last poster was there in 2003!! Things have obviously changed. Buses run promptly. Everything was open. I would definitely stay there again. I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have.

 

[HANDYMOM]

I'm not sure when they will be done but i just wanted to let you know that when i went there in 2003 we didn;t like it. they had bus stations shut down and because there weren;t many people staying there a lot of the food places were colsed in the resort. good luck.

2003 was a looooooong time ago. We were there in May 2004 while the renovation was in full swing and it was GREAT! They were doing the renovation section (Bldg) by section and there was little or no inconvenience.

Even if they were renovating near by, they are very discreet and surprisingly quiet.

POR is the best of the moderates in my humble opinion. We loved it.!

 

[karentan]

thanks for all your replies, ive requested to be in the magnolia bend section through my travel agent, apart from the carriage rides can anyone suggest romantic honeymoon type things to do?

 

[JUST4JENNA]

I just returned from a stay at POR over the Christmas holiday. I definitley would not refer anyone to this hotel, and I am surprised that so many people like this resort. We were in bldg # 15 in AB, which was very close to the main bldg, and busstop. We switched out of our original room in the Mansion section due to the location being too far from the main bldg and busstop.
Anyway, we had a renovated room at first, then one not renovated. there really isnt much of a difference. yes, the renovated rooms have nicer and newer furniture, some tile in the sink area leading to the bathroom,but that is it. We have always stayed at the deluxe resorts, but got such a good price for POR that we decided to try it out. After checking in, we realized we made a mistake. We also heard alot of people on line at the Check Out counter complaining about their stay.
Anyway, i know that all the rooms in the Mansion sections are renovated, so if it is a renovated room you are seeking, u will be o.k there.Good Luck!

 

[gabsmom]

I'm not sure what locations people have stayed in that they feel it was too far from the main building and bus stops. There are at least 3 or 4 bus stops on the POR property. Also, what I observed is that there are several bridges leading from Magnolia Bend over to the main building and main bus stop. The walk for us was approximately 3 minutes at best. At one point, we walked down to a further bridge to cross over to the main building and that was about a 5 minute walk - all the while enjoying the beauty of the property.

I have no other hotel to compare it to as this was our first time staying onsite. We have stayed off site in the past, renting pool homes. I highly recommend this hotel and would definitely stay there again.

 

[c&m]

Thanks, gabsmom, for the reassurance that POR is indeed worth going to. We've booked 2 rooms for Easter week, and the negative reviews just make me nervous. I was leaning towards CSR instead but rooms were not available so...we're going into POR based on old pics we've seen on allears.net and Disboard opinions.

Like the OP, I really want to make this trip special for my family. It'll be their first time at WDW.

 

[Spencer'sMom]

I love POR. I have stayed there for 4 vacations and enjoyed every aspect of it. The entire scenery and ambiance is incredible. The room has always been neat and very comfortable. The food court has delicious food and a decent variety. I must admit that a 38 year old woman even enjoyed the large main pool/slide. Way coool! Anyway, I've only stayed in Alligator Bayou (unrenovated) but regardless of the section, you'll love it!

 

[jpmom97]

We stayed there in March 04 at AB. We were in the furtherest building from the main building and the walk to it was so beautiful. Everynight we would walk there to fill our mugs and it was one of my favorite things to do. We also had a bus station a very short walk from us. I love this resort and would stay there again in a heartbeat.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Well we are loyal PORS fans and have stayed in many of the disney properties (including deluxe) too many times to count. PORS is easily in the top of my favorites. We have had 5 stays there over the years 2X in alligator and then in Oak manor X 3. We are going back in March! So hopefully we will be just as happy as before. We have always loved the beauty of the property, the landscaping. Enjoy the pool areas, and really like the location near DTD! The boat is of great appeal. And always liked the resturant, and food court there. One nite the main building was "hit" with a lightening strike and loss all power so they were just serving the food up at the food court, and when you went to pay they could not do the register's so "its free"! We all ate by candle light and flash lights! and watched it pour outside. One of my favorite memory nites at wdw! Was really magical.

mky

 

[Rafikifan]

We loved POR. It is a very calming, relaxing place to come back to after being in the parks. I didn't think I'd like the AB section but loved being among the pines. Very peaceful. The mansions look lovely and I think will be a good choice for a honeymoon.

 

[dizkid85]

We will be there in April and I was also wondering if the AB section has been renovated. Any one out there just getting back please respond.

We have stayed at POR, POFQ, Poly, Dolphin, CBR and POR and Poly are our favorites.

Good Luck

 

[DisneyDreamer2]

I just called today to put in a room request for this week. I was told that buildings 14 and 15 are both completely closed and are the last buildings to be refurbished. The CM reccomended 16 or 18 (a smoking optional building.)

 

[Hawk]

I can't believe the negative post, but I suppose everyone has different accommodation preferences. We will not go anywhere else for now, but I suspect we may in the future. We have been to value, deluxe, moderate, villas, and offsite. POR is our favorite. You will have to try it out and then you will know if it is good for you. Don't let a couple of negative posts change your decision; there are too many positive ones to confirm your choice. Feel good about your choice, you’re in Disney World! Have a great time.

Tim/Hawk

 

[flamom]

thank you for the info on magnolia bend gabsmom. I requested this section for our stay and I'm glad to know it has already been renovated.