The New and Updated Port Orleans Riverside FAQ Thread for 2008 --- NOW CLOSED

[germ539]

This is what I got from Disney today about the refurb rooms.

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort.

In order for Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside to continue to
flourish as a magical destination, it is necessary for us to make
enhancements from time to time. As a result in May 2011, the resort
will begin going through a refurbishment to replace the double beds
rooms with queen beds. The refurbishment work is expected to continue
through Spring 2012 for our Guests’ future enjoyment.

 

[Missytara]

That would confirm our guesstimation that it would take a year or more to do POR.

Thanks!

 

[webstah]

Maybe we'll get lucky and get assigned to a refurbed room this September. Even if we don't, we'll still be back at the Port, and at WDW!!!

 

[BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM]

I still wonder if they will be changing the trundles to something else or what?

 

[Missytara]

I still wonder if they will be changing the trundles to something else or what?

Andre noted that there was a possibility that they might change the trundle bed set-up, since they are adding queen sizes beds.

However, until someone actually sees what it is, we won't know for sure. Nothing has been confirmed.

 

[Missytara]

Yes, folks, we have a winner. For those of us who surmised Parterre Place would be first - the paperwork is on Reedy Creek's website today; they filed on the 17th for Bldg no. 95 refurb!

As usual, no details or dates, but the contract has been awarded and they name the contractor.

So now we just have to wait and see.

 

[andrewilley]

Interesting to note that they appear to be using a different contractor to the one working on POFQ. POFQ is being handled by Friedrich Watkins Company, while POR will be using New Horizons Construction Services. Both companies have had previous experience working at Disney resorts.

Andre

 

[Missytara]

Interesting to note that they appear to be using a different contractor to the one working on POFQ. POFQ is being handled by Friedrich Watkins Company, while POR will be using New Horozona Contruction Services. Both companies have had previous experience working at Disney resorts.

Andre

I actually noticed that too. Made me wonder if they are planning on starting a bit earlier than planned by using another contractor? Too soon to tell.

I also am curious, if they are going to do the elevators while they are doing the demolition and build trash chutes from the upper floors.

It would make sense to do it that way, but then you risk damaging the elevators and the warranty, if you use them to bring all the new materials, fixtures, and hvac floor units in them. It would behoove them to have the elevators working when that material goes upstairs.

However, if the General Contractor does the entire job, it is up to him to protect the elevators under his contract and not void out the warranty. It thus becomes a moot point - it is a curse of my job; you always want to figure out what course they could take.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

I'm a bit curious, how receptive is POR staff at granting Bldg. requests? I am very interested in staying at the Mansions and we are currently booked at POFQ, but would love to surprise my kids by staying at something new by switching to POR and the mansions just remind me so much of the great Historic South and I would so love to stay in the mansions.

 

[kaffinito]

Does the pool bar have any snacks such as fries?

Also, do they serve non alcoholic specialty drinks there? Some pool bars serve a sour apple fizz type of drink.

TIA!
Karen

 

[webstah]

No snacks, but you're only a short walk from the food court.
As for drinks

Frozen Specialty Drinks - Choose from Pina CoLAVA or Orange Dream and Mango Margarita
Non-Alcoholic Specialty Drinks - Choose from Sour Apple Freeze, Lava Smoothie, and Orange Freeze.
On the Rocks Specialty Drinks - Choose from Poolside Lemonade Captain's Mai Tai and the Ultimate Long Island Iced Tea .
Selection of Beer & Wine - 16oz draft beer , Bottle/can beer - and Wine: Pinot grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot, White zinfandel, and Shiraz
Selection of Soda & Water - Soft drinks and bottled water - $2.19

 

[kaffinito]

Thanks webstah!

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

Are there king size beds in the Mansion sections? That is the one thing I am going to request for our honeymoon in November! I am going to leave the rest up to luck and hope that we get a close spot to the main building or a nice river view! I figure if nothing else it would be more fun to walk to the river anyways instead of just standing outside my room!

 

[andrewilley]

Are there king size beds in the Mansion sections?

Yes, there are King Bed rooms located all around the resort. Let them you that you are on honeymoon, I'm sure they'll try to help.

Andre

 

[Missytara]

I'm a bit curious, how receptive is POR staff at granting Bldg. requests? I am very interested in staying at the Mansions and we are currently booked at POFQ, but would love to surprise my kids by staying at something new by switching to POR and the mansions just remind me so much of the great Historic South and I would so love to stay in the mansions.

The room assigners and CMs at POR are no different than any other resort on-site. They do their best to grant requests when they are able and sometimes cannot always due to how busy the resort is; and POR is ALWAYS busy, because it is the most affordable moderate for a family of 5. Ft. Wilderness can still be out of price range for most.

You can request to stay in the mansions and then book whatever category you prefer - with the exception of "preferred" because those are only 4 buildings in AB.

 

[Missytara]

Are there king size beds in the Mansion sections? That is the one thing I am going to request for our honeymoon in November! I am going to leave the rest up to luck and hope that we get a close spot to the main building or a nice river view! I figure if nothing else it would be more fun to walk to the river anyways instead of just standing outside my room!

You have to figure what is most imporatant to you.

All three of those choices are booking categories; king bed, riverview, and preferred.

You can only book one category and request the others.

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

You have to figure what is most imporatant to you.

All three of those choices are booking categories; king bed, riverview, and preferred.

You can only book one category and request the others.

I plan on paying for and selecting a King Size bed and then just putting the fate in the reservation "gods" for the other two requests!

 

[Missytara]

I plan on paying for and selecting a King Size bed and then just putting the fate in the reservation "gods" for the other two requests!

That is the best way to go!

I traveled by myself this year (third time) and usually when I do I get a king room.

Up to now, there has only been a waterview room category; and I ask for a pool view. This year, I got king bed, corner room, river view! It was like heaven!

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

Up to now, there has only been a waterview room category; and I ask for a pool view. This year, I got king bed, corner room, river view! It was like heaven!

That sounds like pure heaven for sure!!

 

[kaffinito]

I plan on paying for and selecting a King Size bed and then just putting the fate in the reservation "gods" for the other two requests!

I'm taking the opposite tack. I'm paying for a preferred room and asking for bldg. 27. I'll wait to see if I get a King or not - that part of it doesn't matter much to me, but I understand why it would to you. Happy Honeymoon!