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

[B9erSteve]

I know it's a hardship have to plug that old-fashioned (but supplied!) cable into the socket...

Andre

True, point well taken. But, as a recent convert to the iTouch, I've grown to appreciate WiFi.

 

[B9erSteve]

Well- it was a great trip with beautiful sunny high 80 degree weather. We landed in Orlando around 10:15 a.m. on Thursday and made our way over the Magical Express. Lines were so so but moved quickly and we were off, heading for Disney. Stopped along the way at Saratoga Springs and French Quarter before we hit Riverside. Our waterview room in the mansions was not quite ready at 11:45 a.m. but they did some checking around and located an available room in Bldg 90. While the "waterview" part was questionable, we did face the quiet pool side (towards the back nearer to the parking lot) on the ground floor (9087) and loved having a pool so close by. The bridge across the river to the lobby and food area was close and over all we were VERY happy.

Our room was clean, airy (two windows as it was a corner) and we saw no issues of dirt mold etc. The bedspreads were newer looking and I believe the mattresses were brand new. They were great and comfortable.

First day was MNSSHP so we headed off to DTD for lunch reservations at Planet Hollywood by boat before heading to MK in the evening. The timing for the boat was perfect and we enjoyed the ride with our captain "Jason" Loved seeing the Treehouse Villas going up. We hope to stay there with our DVC friends late next year or early 2010.

Our rooms were cleaned perfectly each day, (I left $3 tip per day for the three of us) had everything we needed and have nothing but great things to say about the POR. Please let me know if you have any questions about the resort.

Will add more this week including the Bayou Pirate Adventure cruise my 8 yr old daughter took from POR.

Nice to hear. I was kinda worried after reading a few of the reviews on allearsnet. They seemed to run about 5 positives to every complaint.

I decided to try PO:R for our second trip (our first trip was at CSR, which we LOVED!) because I didn't want to be one of those who go to the same resort for 5-10 years and then suddenly make a decision to try something new and regret not having done so earlier.

 

[berlymama2]

wondered if anybody has heard anything about using the trundle beds in the regular rooms. I've been quoted this option for my family of 5. Just wondering about anyone's experience with this. Thanks !

Our room had one trudle bed which we used for our 2 1/2 yr old (who sleeps on a toddler bed at home). It just slides out from under the beds (which are pretty high off off the ground) on wheels.

We also had an infant in a pack n play in the bathroom/sink area, which had a curtain to pull across to make his area separate if we had been awake but wanted him to sleep.....but truthfully he was asleep on the bus each night so he was put to bed already asleep.

 

[rochek1999]

We'll be there on November 14th..have asked our TA to request a mansion room, so we'll see! Our plane arrives @ 9:30 am so hopefully we'll be on our way by 10:30.

I am really looking forward to staying at POR!

 

[jorem1]

We'll be there in 2 weeks!!!! I have several friends that stayed at POR during spring break this past year and they've told me nothing but great things. Said ME worked fine and the buses were no big deal.

I'm so excited Glad to hear others have had a good time. How could you not have a good time though....it's DISNEY WORLD

 

[Anna114]

True, point well taken. But, as a recent convert to the iTouch, I've grown to appreciate WiFi.

AHH another apple convert. It's all good

 

[mommy4]

We have an 8:20 breakfast adr at DHS and the park doesn't open until 9. Will we be able to get a bus to get us there on time?? What time should we start waiting for a bus??
Thanks!

 

[andrewilley]

Should be OK, buses normally start an hour before park opening and there are extra buses laid on for character meals. Ask at the front desk beforehand, or ring 407-WDW-RIDE to speak the transportation folks direct.

Do allow yourself plenty of time though - or why not play safe and get a cab, it's only a short ride and compared to the overall cost of Disney, a cab would be a tiny fraction.

Andre

 

[mommy4]

thanks! a cab is not really an option with our 4 little ones, so I need to be able to rely on the busses!
How long does it normally take to get to DHS from POR?

 

[FSUSammy]

Hi everyone! This is my first post on the disboards. Should have discovered this before our last trip in July where we stayed at POFQ. We decided over the weekend to spend Thanksgiving in Disney. I was able to get us a King room at POR. We have a 1 year old that doesn't quite walk alone yet. From reading this entire thread it seems like the AB rooms are for larger parties and they don't have elevators either.

Since it'll be my husband, our 1 year old, and myself are we more likely to get a mansion room? I only ask because an elevator is a HUGE plus for us with the stroller and all (unless of course we luck out and get a first floor room).

Also, last time when we stayed at POFQ I remember the bus sometimes stopping at POR and sometimes not, but usually by the time we got there the bus was almost completely packed. I'm now wondering if we should just drive to the parks instead of relying on the bus since we'll have free parking. OR do some people just walk to the stop at POFQ to guarantee a spot on the bus?

 

[Mad-Jasper]

We'll be staying at POR December 19th - 23. This will be the first time in 7 trips that we have stayed somewhere other than a value resort. We spent 8 days there earlier this month and upgraded our 7 day MYW tickets to APs. I couldn't believe the savings. We booked our 4 night stay with DDP lat POR for less than we could book a value resort without DDP. I'm simply amazed.

 

[Minniemouse07]

My family stayed at POR last December and LOVED it!

Ds turned 2yo while we were there and dd was 6.5yo. We requested and received a room in the AB section because ds used the trundle bed instead of a crib or pack n play...which worked out GREAT for us.

We were on the second floor and to be honest, it wasn't that big of a deal. Sure we carried the stroller up and down each night/morning but it is a lightweight stroller and we had no problems w/ it.

I would definitely consider an AB room w/ the trundle for your little one! We stayed in building 18 and found it close to everything we needed .

I'm doing a "mom's" trip this December (leaving the family at home!) and staying at POR again!

 

[naniboujou]

JUST EIGHT DAYS! DH & FIL & I are headed to POR. I've been planning for MONTHS! Here's our schedule:

NOV 7 – arrive in the afternoon - Festival of the Masters & dinner California Grill & Fireworks

NOV 8 – Animal Kingdom & lunch Yak and Yeti & Cirque de Soliel & dinner Citricos (GF)

NOV 9 – Universal Studios & Campfire on de’ Bayou

NOV 10 – Backstage Magic Tour & Hoop Dee Doo Review

NOV 11 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios & brunch SciFi & lunch 50's PT & dinner Brown Derby & Fantasmic! (LOTS of ADRs this date, but want to at least get a peek in SciFi since we've never been!)

NOV 12 – leave in the morning

CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!

 

[Poohbear123]

I just booked POR for Feb. 5-8th, I can hardly WAIT!!! Got a great deal, thanks to the AP rate, it was 89 a night without tax, and with tax it was $100.13 a night!

 

[MomtoGKC]

I just switched my reservations around because of the AP rates and am now staying at POR for the first time. I'm kind fo nervous because I've never been there, then again it will be fun to add another hotel to my list! So, tell me all the great stuff about POR. I'm looking forward to the campfire. Do you have to purchase their smores kits if you have your own stuff? What about fishing poles - do you have to rent them or can you cast your own out into the lake?

This trip is a surprise for my kids. We're going exactly half way between my two girls' birthdays. I'll probably tell them in January - they like to have time to plan just like me!

Thanks!

 

[andrewilley]

I'm looking forward to the campfire. Do you have to purchase their smores kits if you have your own stuff? What about fishing poles - do you have to rent them or can you cast your own out into the lake?

The smores kits are optional, just sit and enjoy the stories round the fire for free if you want. You can bring you own fishing poles from home, but the charge is the same.

Andre

 

[MomtoGKC]

The smores kits are optional, just sit and enjoy the stories round the fire for free if you want. You can bring you own fishing poles from home, but the charge is the same.

Andre

Thanks! I went and looked at the prices for the poles and they are cheap enough. I don't even mind paying for the smores kits, but we drive so we bring a bunch of groceries anyway. I figured I could save a little but no big deal! Unless my kids strat asking for second and thirds....

 

[disneyin2008]

Does anyone happen to know the size of the windows in the Mansion? We've requested a room there and I'm trying to figure out how to decorate but of course not know the window size makes that kinda tough! I think I've seen photos that it will be multi-paned, so if anyone has dimensions for all that type of stuff, I'd really appreciate it!

 

[BabyRN]

My family of 5 stayed in building 34 in AB back in April. We were very close to the west depot and NEVER had a problem getting a seat on the bus. We liked that resort so much we are rebooking there for our next trip. Hope this helps!

 

[lilsydney]

Sooo sorry
I have been trying to get back to this for a week but had to travel out of state unexpectedly for work

We did the Pirate Bayou Adv on a Sunday two weeks ago for my 8 yr old DD

she was apprehensive at first thinking only boys would be going but alas!
she was one of several girls along with a family of pretty unruly brothers (sadly from my home state LOL)

they took off a few minutes late but please note that if it starts at 9:30 you may want to be at the booth by 9ish. It took a while to get them checked in and pay (the credit card you hold it with is not automatically charged and you need to sign a consent form). each child gets a pirate bandana and a name tag and the POR recreation staff was great (Thanks PAUL!!)

they load up on the boat (same one that takes guests to DTD) and begin singing etc.

they ate lunch (PB&J, goldfish crackers, juice etc) on the boat and stop off at several other resorts including the SSR. They make their way to DTD but do not de-boat there,( probably too busy/crowded) and head back. They were gone everybit of two hours and had a good time. Once they got back they headed to the lobby where they all got to pick a gift bag of pirate booty.

Two things- One- it was fun for her and a nice break for the husband and I to chill at the pool (bar doesn't open there until 11 so we mostly sunned!)

Two- its not fabulous by any means and I can imagine some will think its a rip off for the $30 for a cheap lunch and toys.

I think its all relative Now that we did it once, I wouldnt' do it again but it was a fun first experience and it was ok. I don't think it was the highlight of her trip- but a slower paced thing to do.

if you have questions let me know

L