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

[MyMuse]

I have the second weekend in December booked for POR - Sat & Sun - what do you think the chances are the Friday night will open?

Hmmm, I'm thinking of perhaps checking in on a Friday night, so I can go straight to the parks bright & early on Saturday. Good plan?

I'm hoping to stay in the Magnolia Bend section...

 

[aubriee]

I need some advice please: I usually got to WDW several times a year. I've stayed at POFQ the last two Mays. I was at CSR Sept 26th-Oct 4th and will be there again Dec 12th-20th. When I was at CSR in Sept, I went ahead and booked the bounceback offer at CBR for next Sept/Oct (just because I hadn't stayed there in awhile). Sept '08 we were at PORS in Building 18 in the Alligator Bayou section.

Since in the last twelve months I've stayed (or will be staying at) POFQ, CBR, and CSR, I decided I wanted something different for my upcoming May trip. I don't want a Value and can't really afford a Deluxe right now. (I would rather go more frequently and spend less on the resort.) This weekend I booked PORS and requested Magnolia Terrace (Building 85) for May 1st-9th. I was thinking that since our last stay was in the AB section that the Mansions would seem almost like a different resort. The only thing is, my May trip is probably going to be a solo trip. Is the Magnolia Bend section pretty good for solo travelers? How long is the walk from the furtherest mansion building to the food court? Also I've forgotten the bus pick up order. I don't want to be the last pick up. I want something different, but don't want to be too far from the main building nor do I want to stand on every bus.

 

[MyMuse]

I have the second weekend in December booked for POR - Sat & Sun - what do you think the chances are the Friday night will open?

Hmmm, I'm thinking of perhaps checking in on a Friday night, so I can go straight to the parks bright & early on Saturday. Good plan?

I'm hoping to stay in the Magnolia Bend section...

No sooner than I posted this, that more rooms opened up! I got my Friday and I am very happy!

This weekend I booked PORS and requested Magnolia Terrace (Building 85) for May 1st-9th. I was thinking that since our last stay was in the AB section that the Mansions would seem almost like a different resort. The only thing is, my May trip is probably going to be a solo trip. Is the Magnolia Bend section pretty good for solo travelers? How long is the walk from the furtherest mansion building to the food court? Also I've forgotten the bus pick up order. I don't want to be the last pick up. I want something different, but don't want to be too far from the main building nor do I want to stand on every bus.

I will also be staying at POR solo and requested Magnolia Bend. I think the South Depot is the single pick-up (may pick-up from POFQ) and then it goes to the parks. The other 3 stops are a combined pick-up.

I stayed at Arcadia (I think!) and I didn't think the walk was very long. Hope this helps!

 

[MomtoGKC]

We were thinking of trying our first value for this January's marathon weekend, but when I called today they gave me an AP rate that was so good we're going to POR for our second time! It's a quick 3 night trip and I am sure I'll be super sore after the race, but hopefully we'll get some quality park time. I'll have to make sure I request a 1st floor room - those stairs will be hard after running!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

We were thinking of trying our first value for this January's marathon weekend, but when I called today they gave me an AP rate that was so good we're going to POR for our second time! It's a quick 3 night trip and I am sure I'll be super sore after the race, but hopefully we'll get some quality park time. I'll have to make sure I request a 1st floor room - those stairs will be hard after running!

If I may suggest -- I got a massage for the first time after this year's WDW Half, and it made all the difference in the world in my soreness. I felt absolutely fine, not like the previous year at all...It's so easy, they have the tent set up after you go through the shoot and get your medal. It's also pretty reasonable, I think I paid $10 or $20...

Maria

 

[MomtoGKC]

If I may suggest -- I got a massage for the first time after this year's WDW Half, and it made all the difference in the world in my soreness. I felt absolutely fine, not like the previous year at all...It's so easy, they have the tent set up after you go through the shoot and get your medal. It's also pretty reasonable, I think I paid $10 or $20...

Maria

Thanks- I was thinking about a massage but didn't even know they had them right there! The hard part is that I just want to get back to the room, shower and go to the parks! But that was when I did the half. This year my friends are trying to talk me into the full. I haven't signed up yet but I figured maybe I'd convince myself to do it if I could get a good room rate. Now I did and I'm still scared to sign up!!!

 

[kathylovesmatt]

Hubby and I stayed at POR 10/17 - 10/26 - it was our first stay at this resort and we loved it. We're already talking about going back for our next trip. There were no bedbugs, the room was cleaned well every day. Per suggestions on here, we left a little $ everyday for the mousekeeping and she left or they would leave notes for us. We celebrated our 6th anniversary while there, the mousekeeping left a vase (drinking glass) on the table, with a couple of stems from one of the bushes outside our door, she had written alittle note to congratulate us!

The buses were running very good when we were there, only one day we had to wait about 5 minutes for a bus. We never had to stand, always got a seat - we always waited at the south stop. Its a beautiful place and we can't wait to go back!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Thanks- I was thinking about a massage but didn't even know they had them right there! The hard part is that I just want to get back to the room, shower and go to the parks! But that was when I did the half. This year my friends are trying to talk me into the full. I haven't signed up yet but I figured maybe I'd convince myself to do it if I could get a good room rate. Now I did and I'm still scared to sign up!!!

Don't wait too long to sign up the Full is almost well, full! The massage was well worth the wait for me. I couldn't believe the difference in my comfort

Maria

 

[Yarna]

Just got back from another fabulous week at POR! The resort was lovely as always with lots of greenery and a few splashes of colorful flowers. Mousekeeping was top notch, the room was well-maintained, the pool was sparkling clean, offerings in the foodcourt were tasty (turkey dinner with double mashed potatoes - YUM!), and with the exception of one 45-minute wait for an AK bus, transportation was flawless. Can't wait to go back!

Oh, and my mom was completely surprised and loved every minute at the resort.

 

[pixleyyy]

There are some openings in the Port Orleans Pay-it-Forward swap. If you're going to be at Port Orleans anytime between Dec. 10 and 25, there are now openings. See the link here for details:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2247227

I have the PIF until Dec. 10 but have no one to leave it for!

 

[Minnesota!]

We have stayed at POR before, pre kids. We were in Acadian House, great room - corner, overlooking the quiet pool. But the decor was a little blah to me. I really like the looks of AB.

So, can anyone tell me what I should request if I want the following:

upper floor, AB, near main bus and near laundry facilities?

Thanks!

 

[poohfriend9]

One more day....hihohiho.....off to PORS we go.

I have no idea what building we will be in this time.

 

[shaws2003]

Since the coffee at The World stinks Sanka? SANKA?!! Really??!! At least that's what it was the last time we were there ('06) I was planning on bringing Dunkin Donuts ground coffee and make my own in the room. Can anyone tell me if the coffee maker takes a filter and if so, what size? I'm assuming the coffee they provide is the tea bag like pods

 

[DAZY3BYZ]

Since the coffee at The World stinks Sanka? SANKA?!! Really??!! At least that's what it was the last time we were there ('06) I was planning on bringing Dunkin Donuts ground coffee and make my own in the room. Can anyone tell me if the coffee maker takes a filter and if so, what size? I'm assuming the coffee they provide is the tea bag like pods

Yeah the coffee at the World is downright awful! I brought Dunkin Donuts so I could make my own in the a.m. only to discover the coffee was the tea bag stuff and I had no filter for it. The filter size is really small. I ended up getting my coffee from the food court in my refillable mug. It was pretty bad but not as awful as that stuff they give you for your room. Bring very small filters. Good Luck!

 

[keishashadow]

One more day....hihohiho.....off to PORS we go.

I have no idea what building we will be in this time.

im sure it'll be swell

have a great trip!

 

[llqool]

Can anyone tell me if the coffee maker takes a filter and if so, what size? I'm assuming the coffee they provide is the tea bag like pods

I believe it's the 4 cup size filter

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

Does anyone have pictures of the pool and slide? We are considering switching from CSR to here but the slide is the deal killer for my 7 yrs old. Also do they do they campfire and fishing in Dec? Which resort in your opinion is better for kids his age? We have stayed at CSR several times and really like it but tonight on the phone with DW the CM asked us if we would consider switching resorts out of the blue and offered us an additional discount. They game me 24hrs to think about it. I am concerned about the buses though. We have stayed at French Quarter before and enjoyed it but I just remember the buses being really long. TIA!

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

Bump... no POR fans out there?

 

[Worfiedoodles]

When I look for photos I go to allearsnet.com, they have some pretty good ones. I believe there may also be photos on AndreWilley's site, you'll have to scroll back to one of his posts for the link.

I have also stayed at both CSR, POR and POFQ -- If your son has his heart set on the CSR slide, he will be disappointed by the POR and POFQ slides. Just not as dramatic. I actually prefer POR/POFQ for a child his age because of the boat ride to DTD, and the easy access to everything there. You've already stayed at CSR so I won't comment on that food court, but I will say POR is much easier to understand, and I find the food to be delicious. I think the resorts are comparable as far as asthetics -- both have beautiful grounds and comfortable rooms.

Maria

 

[duffy]

Checking in to POR 2 weeks from today!!