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

[tinkermom23]

I tried searching but couldn't find the answer, maybe one of you could fill me in??

This will be our first time staying at POR and we'll be in an AB room.
Is there a real balcony or just a railed walkway outside the rooms? What if you're on the ground floor, is there a little patio? I can't really tell from the pictures...
DH and I would love to go out and have a cup of coffee in the am before the kids wake up and wondering if there is a place for it??

Thanks for you help!!

 

[gigi1313]

Hi:
This question came up in another thread, and I can't seem to find verification anywhere. For a family of 5 (using the trundle) does Disney require your 5th person to be 9 (or under).

We are a family of 5 that has stayed at POR when our kids were younger, and were thinking about staying there again (we have 3 twelve year olds). As it stands we are staying at the Dolphin, but I always thought that POR was still an option for us. (I realize it is a little tight, but we are pretty low key and don't spend much time in the room. Also my boys are not super tall and the trundle is still fine for 1 of them, heck they sleep fine on the ground when camping!).

It is a rule that our 5th needs to be 9 or under, or just a recommendation? I thought I would ask the experts!

-Kelly

kelly, there is no "9 or under" rule at POR... you could actually book it for five adults if you were so inclined (and one was very short! LOL!)... your family would fit fine

 

[gigi1313]

I tried searching but couldn't find the answer, maybe one of you could fill me in??

This will be our first time staying at POR and we'll be in an AB room.
Is there a real balcony or just a railed walkway outside the rooms? What if you're on the ground floor, is there a little patio? I can't really tell from the pictures...
DH and I would love to go out and have a cup of coffee in the am before the kids wake up and wondering if there is a place for it??

Thanks for you help!!

no private patio or balcony, however many people do bring the room chairs out and sit on the walkway... as long as you're quiet and polite, no one seems to mind... no big parties

 

[twoplustwins]

We just got back from a 10 night stay at POR. This is our 3rd stay at POR, and I have mixed reviews.

The not-so-good: The resort is showing wear-and-tear and IMHO the rooms are in need of a rehab. Our carpet and bedspreads looked worn and there were marks/chipped paint on our wall. Our Parterre Place location was not convenient (I requested AB) especially for a long stay. Mousekeeping did not do a great job with cleaning our room. There were pretzels on the floor from a previous guest and other signs that our room wasn't too clean. On the flip side, our mousekeeper did odd displays (rather than towel animals) with some of our stuff nearly every day. Once I download photos, I'll post pictures. I had an impossible time with getting a BB brochure in our room. After multiple requests to both mousekeeping and the front desk, we never did get the brochure. I finally took it upon myself to call the Disney Info. number to ask what the current BB offer was and I did book a trip, but it shouldn't have been such a hassle to try and get the brochure (which never materialized).

Bus service was hit-or-miss. Because of our far-flung room location, we equally used either the East or South Depots. We waited 40 (!) minutes 2 times for a bus (Epcot and Studios), and one of those times was during the morning which made us late for rope drop. Other times, the bus came within 10 minutes or less. Buses were crowded, though we did get seats most of the time.

We had a good trip and enjoyed ourselves, but next year we're giving CSR a try because of the rehabbed rooms. I'm hoping to stay at POR again in 2011 and am hoping they'll do a rehab between now and then.

AHHH!! This makes me scared! I am a self-described clean freak, kinda on the OCD side. At least I admit it right??
I am making a list of things to bring with us and the list (so far) includes:
Lysol, Purell, hand soap in dispenser, Clorox wipes . . .If I could fit a vacuum I would pack that too.


What do I do if I get there and the room is gross??? What if mousekeeping does not show up or does not do an adequat job?

 

[gigi1313]

we've never had a bad mousekeeper, but if you are that concerned, you can do a few things to ensure a "cleaner" room...

you can clean it yourself like you've described (maybe a dustbuster would fit in your suitcase! LOL!)

you can ask your TA (if you use one) or mark your reservation "specialty clean" and they will pre-assign your room and do a more indepth cleaning... this is typically requested for allergies...

or, you can try your luck and when you get there if the room's cleanliness does not meet your standards, press the "mousekeeping" button on your resort room telephone and ask for a re-clean... explain what you find unacceptable and ask that it be re-done... it's not a big deal and mousekeeping is staffed 24/7...

ENJOY!

 

[llqool]

Just finished a five night stay at POR. We were in the AB section, building 36.

First of all, when we checked in, which was about 11 am in the morning, we were originally given a room on the mansion side, furthest mansion from the front. I had requested AB, first floor many months ago and checked on my requests a few days before. The CM at check in, who was not at ALL friendly, finally agreed to see if there were any rooms available in AB. She said that the resort was full, although the parking lots were more than half empty during our entire stay, so I don't know if that was really true (we also saw many empty rooms when we walked by on the way to the pool). Also, I knew that because we were checking in early, there had to be at least a *few* rooms available in AB, even if it meant switching out someone who had been assigned there but had not yet checked in. After a long consultation with a manager, she came back and gave us a room in the furthest building out. It turned out that it was on the second floor, which she did not warn me about, but by this stage, I was not going back. To further spoil my magic, I heard the CM tell the couple next to me that they were going to be moved to the Beach Club instead of POR!!!!

Anyway, had stayed at POFQ and at POR on the Mansion side, so we really wanted to stay at AB just to try it out. Well, I LOVE the theming, and the room was very spacious, and the trundle came in handy, and our Mousekeeper was very tidy BUT.....I can't believe they don't have elevators!!!!! not because I mind walking up and down stairs in the normal way of things, but my husband and I about had a coronary carrying all of our stuff (cases of water, strollers, big coffeemaker, suitcases) up and down the stairs, especially b/c the stairs don't actually exit where they come down to the first floor (hard to explain, but unless you want to jump down off a retaining wall, you have to go all the way around the side of the building to get to the parking lot). I also can't believe the cranky CM at the front desk didn't warn me about it being on the second floor. If I didn't haunt these boards, I would have been totally unprepared. I think it is very strange that there still exists a Disney resort that doesn't have an elevator.

Other than that, we really liked the resort. My husband loved that they have Abita brews on tap at the bars. We never used the food court, so I can't comment on that. The pool was fairly crowded, but the life guards were vigilant. The buses at the North Depot came quickly, and we were only a few steps away from the stop.

Great resort, but I would not stay in AB again unless I could get a first floor room!

 

[cab333]

Our ME tags came in the mail!!!

Ours came today too!!!!!

 

[Pixiedust34]

AHHH!! This makes me scared! I am a self-described clean freak, kinda on the OCD side. At least I admit it right??
I am making a list of things to bring with us and the list (so far) includes:
Lysol, Purell, hand soap in dispenser, Clorox wipes . . .If I could fit a vacuum I would pack that too.


What do I do if I get there and the room is gross??? What if mousekeeping does not show up or does not do an adequat job?

The quality of the job your mousekeeper does is luck of the draw regardless of where you stay. We weren't too happy with our mousekeeper, but we didn't let it ruin our trip. We took a minute or two to pick up the crumbs left by a previous guest and I did pack Lysol wipes and gave the bathroom area a quick once-over myself. If the room is completely bad, call and ask for a re-clean. I figured it would be quicker (and possibly more thorough) for me to give the room a "touch up" cleaning job myself than it would have been to have called someone else to do it.

 

[amberandolly]

Me and my hubby arrive next Saturday evening at POR and I just wondered if we are more likely to be put in the mansions as we are just a couple and are the rooms allocated on check in or pre reserved?
Is there any way to find out how heavily booked the resort is for the week we are there - 29 Aug 5 Sept?
I'm really hoping for a quiet week at Disney but I know that the free dining will probably swell the crowds, we have the quick service plan.

It's a trip of firsts for us - first time on site, first time just the two of us, first time magical express, first time in the summer - we've always travelled April/May before now apart from once in October.

Any tips on making the most of our stay at POR?

 

[Pixiedust34]

Any tips on making the most of our stay at POR?

If you have time to see Bob Jackson's show at the River Roost, that's worth doing! Enjoy the boat to DTD--it's a nice ride. Since it's a romantic trip, perhaps you'd like to consider a carriage ride? The atmosphere of the resort is a pretty one.

 

[gigi1313]

Just finished a five night stay at POR. We were in the AB section, building 36.

First of all, when we checked in, which was about 11 am in the morning, we were originally given a room on the mansion side, furthest mansion from the front. I had requested AB, first floor many months ago and checked on my requests a few days before. The CM at check in, who was not at ALL friendly, finally agreed to see if there were any rooms available in AB. She said that the resort was full, although the parking lots were more than half empty during our entire stay, so I don't know if that was really true (we also saw many empty rooms when we walked by on the way to the pool). Also, I knew that because we were checking in early, there had to be at least a *few* rooms available in AB, even if it meant switching out someone who had been assigned there but had not yet checked in. After a long consultation with a manager, she came back and gave us a room in the furthest building out. It turned out that it was on the second floor, which she did not warn me about, but by this stage, I was not going back. To further spoil my magic, I heard the CM tell the couple next to me that they were going to be moved to the Beach Club instead of POR!!!!

Anyway, had stayed at POFQ and at POR on the Mansion side, so we really wanted to stay at AB just to try it out. Well, I LOVE the theming, and the room was very spacious, and the trundle came in handy, and our Mousekeeper was very tidy BUT.....I can't believe they don't have elevators!!!!! not because I mind walking up and down stairs in the normal way of things, but my husband and I about had a coronary carrying all of our stuff (cases of water, strollers, big coffeemaker, suitcases) up and down the stairs, especially b/c the stairs don't actually exit where they come down to the first floor (hard to explain, but unless you want to jump down off a retaining wall, you have to go all the way around the side of the building to get to the parking lot). I also can't believe the cranky CM at the front desk didn't warn me about it being on the second floor. If I didn't haunt these boards, I would have been totally unprepared. I think it is very strange that there still exists a Disney resort that doesn't have an elevator.

Other than that, we really liked the resort. My husband loved that they have Abita brews on tap at the bars. We never used the food court, so I can't comment on that. The pool was fairly crowded, but the life guards were vigilant. The buses at the North Depot came quickly, and we were only a few steps away from the stop.

Great resort, but I would not stay in AB again unless I could get a first floor room!

let's see... empty parking lot is no indicator anymore due to DME and disney's bus service...

toting all your stuff up those stairs... you should have asked for assistance from bell services!

no elevator... CBR doesn't have elevators either...

as far as another family getting an upgrade... well, that (i believe) is a computer thing and was probably programmed and they would have gotten it even if they checked in before you...

glad to hear your trip was good overall, that the bus service was good... and the life guards were vigilant!

 

[Chelmarie53]

Hey all! I have a few questions, so please bear with me!

First of all, my trip is still very far away, and let me say I am SOOOOO jealous of all of you whose trips are right around the corner!

--I brokedown and got a "waterview room" (I know, no balconies at POR to justify the cost, but I just didn't want to be overlooking parking). Now, here's my dilemma, do I need to make sure I specify RIVERVIEW (if possible) on my ressie? Will they try and stick me by a quiet pool and call it a waterview?

--I requested Magnolia Terrace 85 or Oak Manor 90 when I made my initial reservation. Problem is, the cast member wrote the wrong number (she put 58 instead of 85) on the ressie. I don't think this is a huge deal, right? Since there's only one Magnolia. Besides, I'm going to go over my request by a phone a few days before the trip anyways.

--Can you guys reassure me about the mansion area? It's the section I requested and I've stayed there before and loved it as a kid, but now I'm looking at these AB pictures and they look great too! (I've also stayed there before).

 

[B9erSteve]

Hey all! I have a few questions, so please bear with me!

First of all, my trip is still very far away, and let me say I am SOOOOO jealous of all of you whose trips are right around the corner!

--I brokedown and got a "waterview room" (I know, no balconies at POR to justify the cost, but I just didn't want to be overlooking parking). Now, here's my dilemma, do I need to make sure I specify RIVERVIEW (if possible) on my ressie? Will they try and stick me by a quiet pool and call it a waterview?

--I requested Magnolia Terrace 85 or Oak Manor 90 when I made my initial reservation. Problem is, the cast member wrote the wrong number (she put 58 instead of 85) on the ressie. I don't think this is a huge deal, right? Since there's only one Magnolia. Besides, I'm going to go over my request by a phone a few days before the trip anyways.

--Can you guys reassure me about the mansion area? It's the section I requested and I've stayed there before and loved it as a kid, but now I'm looking at these AB pictures and they look great too! (I've also stayed there before).

I bought Waterview last time for the exact reason. This time I'm not so picky because we're there only for two nights.

In Disney language waterview can mean anything! Pool View, river view, Lake view, fountain view so specificity is not a bad thing here. I loved the Mansions and I think that you will too if you have that section.

Understand that requests for rooms or areas are that only, they can't guarantee anything.

 

[sarbah77]

Me and my hubby arrive next Saturday evening at POR and I just wondered if we are more likely to be put in the mansions as we are just a couple and are the rooms allocated on check in or pre reserved?

In January, my husband and I got an AB room for eight nights, so I don't know if it's more common or not. The previous trip, my friend and I were in the mansions!

Be sure to take the boat to DTD, it's really great!

Also, walk at least one way between POR and POFQ. It's a nice short walk and their food court is just different enough to make it worth a look-see!

 

[gigi1313]

Also, walk at least one way between POR and POFQ. It's a nice short walk and their food court is just different enough to make it worth a look-see!

and POFQ's food court has beignets!!!

 

[jrc-elpaso]

and POFQ's food court has beignets!!!

Are they as good as they look in the pics I've seen? I have that walk planned for at least a couple of mornings.

 

[sarbah77]

Are they as good as they look in the pics I've seen? I have that walk planned for at least a couple of mornings.

I think so! The ones we had were made to order - so we had to wait a few minutes while they were fried and then covered in sugar.

 

[j-jhall]

This may have already been answered, but I didn't feel like wading through all 56 pages. Can kids go into River Roost Lounge to listen to the piano or do they have to stand outside?

In all of my times staying there I never paid that close attention and this is the first time that we will have kids travelling with us. Thanks!

 

[lisam427]

Hi! Just wanted to say that we returned on Tuesday and that POR is our new love.

We did online check in and had a previous request for building 14. Well, everything went perfect when we arrived. Our package was ready and we got our request. At 1pm our room was ready. Loved room location. Near the food court and a short walk to the main pool.

DH loved the make your own pasta. The food court had plenty to choose from IMHO. CMs were very nice there.

Mousekeeping was excellent. We got towel animals everyday. The room was thoroughly cleaned.

Compared to the other resorts we have stayed at, POR has been the most beautiful and peaceful. This will be our only choice from now on.

i went to disney in 2005, 2008, and will be going in september of this year, this resort is my dd's favorite. last year we visited the polynesian just to see what it was like, and wanted to eat a meal there. we really didn't like it. we prefered por to it. we actually ended up leaving it and going to riverside. the food court at riverside was so much better and had more choices than the polynesian's quick service restaurant.

we actually have never stayed anywhere else when we stayed on property. we plan on going back next year. how does por compare to csr? we are thinking of trying csr next year in 2010 but we absolutley love riverside.just wondering what your opinion is since you have stayed at both.

 

[cathy0124]

This may have already been answered, but I didn't feel like wading through all 56 pages. Can kids go into River Roost Lounge to listen to the piano or do they have to stand outside?

In all of my times staying there I never paid that close attention and this is the first time that we will have kids travelling with us. Thanks!

Kids can come into the lounge. Bob Jackson has a very family friendly show.
We saw several tables with kids when we saw him in Jan 07.

Have fun!