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

[pixie dust 112]

This is our first time using DME. So will I come back to my room later on in the day and find my bags there or will I need to go claim them somewhere at the resort?

They will bring your bags to your room for you. They will be in your room within 3 hours. Make sure if their is anything you will need right away, it is is your carry-on I always have my DDs put a bathing suit in their carry on just in case they want to immediately go to the pool.

 

[pixleyyy]

They will bring your bags to your room for you. They will be in your room within 3 hours. Make sure if their is anything you will need right away, it is is your carry-on I always have my DDs put a bathing suit in their carry on just in case they want to immediately go to the pool.

Good thought. Thanks!

 

[KFJames]

If you ask Bell Services to, yes. It's up to you.

Don't forget you're in the USA though, and remember to tip the person who brings your bags.

Andre

Thanks for that, my husband suffers with his back.

We always tip where ever we are in the world..........rude not too.

 

[Chelmarie53]

Hey everyone! I recently decided on POR and was hoping to get some advice on room location request (I know not ALL requests come true, but it doesn't hurt to ask!)

I've heard Magnolia Terrace 85 and AB 14 are good choices. Can anybody verify this? I'd like to be close to the main building. Any other great location choices you'd like to share?

Also, something has been worrying me, and I know I should just let it go because I'll have my curtains drawn most of the time anyways, but I just HATE overlooking a parking lot while on vacation (I'm not getting a waterview room). I guess it takes away some of the illusion for me. Are there any specific buildings where overlooking the parking wouldn't be a problem? Or for those WHO HAVE had rooms by parking, was it that big of a deal? Did the landscaping block it?

Finally, is there any particular bus stop that is best to be by?

Thanks!

 

[sarbah77]

Hey everyone! I recently decided on POR and was hoping to get some advice on room location request (I know not ALL requests come true, but it doesn't hurt to ask!)

I've heard Magnolia Terrace 85 and AB 14 are good choices. Can anybody verify this? I'd like to be close to the main building. Any other great location choices you'd like to share?

Also, something has been worrying me, and I know I should just let it go because I'll have my curtains drawn most of the time anyways, but I just HATE overlooking a parking lot while on vacation (I'm not getting a waterview room). I guess it takes away some of the illusion for me. Are there any specific buildings where overlooking the parking wouldn't be a problem? Or for those WHO HAVE had rooms by parking, was it that big of a deal? Did the landscaping block it?

Finally, is there any particular bus stop that is best to be by?

Thanks!

Both times I've stayed there, we almost always walked to the main building to catch the bus, despite being very close to other stops. I am not sure if it's faster or not but we can see all the buses coming and going.

First time we were there, we didn't have a view of the water but we didn't look at the parking lot - we overlooked the gardens (we were in Magnolia Bend).

The second time, again, no pool/parking lot, but we did overlook the walkways. However, the way the windows/doors were laid out, both times we couldn't see much anyway.

And no, we didn't pay for any sort of upgrade!!

 

[momminnie]

Just wondering if the PORS will have fall or halloween Decorations up the week of Sep.20,2009?

 

[Wistraveler]

Do you think a trundle bed will be big enough for a 10 year old? Do they also do roll away beds? I ask as my husband has back problems & has a bed to himself & my 10 year old son doesn't really want to share with his mum anymore!!!!

I'm 64 now and used the trundle three years ago. It wasn't bad, but wouldn't do it again at my age. A ten year old shouldn't have any problem, unless he/she is particularly tall. Going again in Sept. and staying in Magnolia Bend this time.

 

[Chelmarie53]

Question for whoever will answer, which of the sections do you like better, Aligator Bayou or Magnolia Bend? Why?

(They're both beautiful, but I'm interested to hear why some people like one more than the other as I'm trying to figure out which one I want to request this coming trip! )

 

[MickeyEars]

We're staying at Riverside June 2-10, 2010 for the first time and I'm so excited!!! We've been 20+ times always staying at the Values so this is going to be a real treat for us. I'm going to request Alligator Bayou because the landscaping looks amazing!!! I think we will enjoy the rustic feel of that section. Now if only the time would pass a little bit faster I'll be in good shape!!

Carla

 

[webstah]

Question for whoever will answer, which of the sections do you like better, Aligator Bayou or Magnolia Bend? Why?

(They're both beautiful, but I'm interested to hear why some people like one more than the other as I'm trying to figure out which one I want to request this coming trip! )

Chelmarie,
The first 4 years we were always in Alligator Bayou, and managed to get Building 18 which is close to the main building, and has a quiet pool and laundry right next to it.
The next year, we wound up in the mansions, on the back side of Oak Manor. We didn't mind the building, or the landscaping, but is was a LOONG haul to the main building, and we had my elderly in laws with us. The main problem with that, specifically was my mother in law who had just had a hip replacement.
Last year, we were on the side of Partierre Place, but closer to the river, and it was much better.
I sit outside in the mornings, because I get up early, and watch the rabbits hop along the lawn near the fountains.
It is very peaceful and beautiful.
Either location is fine with us.

 

[lagal]

We r staying for the first time at POR in April 2010...made room reservations last week for 5...can't wait!!

 

[DAZY3BYZ]

We have stayed at POR in the past and will be staying here for a couple of nights in August. We have never used Magical Express before and are considering it for this trip. Does anyone know how long to expect it to take to get from MCO to POR? Not sure which other resorts ME stops at along the way. Thanks for any help! We enjoy POR and can't wait to go back.

 

[sarbah77]

We have stayed at POR in the past and will be staying here for a couple of nights in August. We have never used Magical Express before and are considering it for this trip. Does anyone know how long to expect it to take to get from MCO to POR? Not sure which other resorts ME stops at along the way. Thanks for any help! We enjoy POR and can't wait to go back.

Hmm. When we stayed at POR in January, it was the night before the half marathon, so we took a different route... but when we went in 2007, it stopped at a bunch of places before it got to POR. I think it did Old Key West (or was it Saratoga Springs? Both?), POFQ, then POR, then I think Fort Wilderness. But both times it was not during a busy time of year so YMMV!

Have stayed there twice and once in MB and the other in AB. Six of one, half dozen of another. A room is a room to me, though I did get a giggle at the "rustic" AB room, but the layout was identical to the MB. Our MB room was a surprise upgrade (perhaps at check-in?) and we had a non-parking lot view that was a short walk to the main building. Our AB room was not-parking lot (but not water), on the second floor, and pretty far (but not the farthest!) from anything. That was kind of rough on my bum knees (one of which just had Yet Another surgery - so here's hoping that September is okay!).

The AB room, despite being on the second floor, had more foot traffic outside than our first floor MB room, so that was quieter (even with cheerleaders on site!).

In the end, six of one, half dozen of another, and we'll see where we end up in Septmber!!




That said, I'm flying in alone. I'm pretty short and I'll be arriving after dark. Should I ask for an escort to my room or should I just be alert? I'm also considering picking up my luggage, rather than letting Magical Express take it and deliver it to me, so that no stranger (even a cast member!) is stopping by my room while I'm alone. Am I too paranoid? Or am I just smart?

 

[kaffinito]

Question for whoever will answer, which of the sections do you like better, Aligator Bayou or Magnolia Bend? Why?

(They're both beautiful, but I'm interested to hear why some people like one more than the other as I'm trying to figure out which one I want to request this coming trip! )

We stayed in the AB section which I requested 'cause I liked the way it looked. I like the more rustic landscaping and the meandering paths better than the way the Mansions section looked. I think either area would be fine - The AB section just appeals more to me astetically.

 

[pixleyyy]

We have stayed at POR in the past and will be staying here for a couple of nights in August. We have never used Magical Express before and are considering it for this trip. Does anyone know how long to expect it to take to get from MCO to POR? Not sure which other resorts ME stops at along the way. Thanks for any help! We enjoy POR and can't wait to go back.

I'm wondering this too. We come into Dec. 2 at 3:45pm and I'm wondering about what time we'll get to POR. Anyone have a ballpark time from airport to MCO using DME?

 

[andrewilley]

That said, I'm flying in alone. I'm pretty short and I'll be arriving after dark. Should I ask for an escort to my room or should I just be alert?

I'm sure someone could escort you, but to be honest it always feels pretty safe there - I think the biggest danger would be of being ambushed by a bunny rabbit.

Andre

 

[mommytodarlings]

When did the Riverside change to 4 guests? I thought it was always 5 plus an infant or child under 3? I just checked online and it says rooms sleep up to 4 guests.

We are booked there for August and we are a party of 6, 4 kids ages 7, 6, 5 and 2. I booked online back when free dining was first offered and put in my kids ages at booking time.

Just wondering if I will have any problems when I go to check in now that their room capacity has been changed to 4.

 

[gigi1313]

room capacity in the AB section is still five (plus an under3)... perhaps that section is sold out for your dates... check other dates... also, when you check "online" are you going thru disney's site or another (like travelocity) as other sites don't always "allow" the five+1 thing...

to the poster who asked about getting an escort... and then about having DME deliver her luggage when alone... well, the escort could likely be the same cast member as the luggage delivery, and if you are concerned about luggage delivery cm knowing you're alone, then you should be equally concerned about the escort... personally, i'd be concerned about neither! LOL! i would only ask for an escort if i was concerned with getting lost (i'm not a great map reader... that's why i have dh! LOL!)... and i would most definitely have DME deliver my luggage... if you're worried about them knowing you're alone, turn the shower on so it sounds like someone else is there!

 

[andrewilley]

if you're worried about them knowing you're alone, turn the shower on so it sounds like someone else is there!

Or hire me!! For the trivial charge of an international return airfare to Orlando and a small daily fee, I'll volunteer be your tour guide and chaperone.

Andre

 

[sarbah77]

Or hire me!! For the trivial charge of an international return airfare to Orlando and a small daily fee, I'll volunteer be your tour guide and chaperone.

Andre

Haha - my friend, who is catching up later, might object!

It's just a matter of me having never traveled solo (like that - I've flown solo plenty) before and trying to be SMART about it. Rotten stuff can happen anywhere and I just want to be cautious... without being paranoid.

Of course, my flight touches down at 9:30PM. I won't be heading to a park and I probably will be heading to bed (so I think now!), so there's advantages to picking up my own suitcase. It's a very short trip so I probably won't have a heck of a lot of luggage (debated carry-on but meh I want to carry items greater than 3oz in liquid form!).