RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

How was your stay at Riverside? Leave your comments or full trip reports here. Photos welcome.
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This forum is for Port Orleans RIVERSIDE Trip Reports, not for general questions. Please try to keep your reviews relevant, informative and useful to other visiting families. Thanks!
The_Walking_Dead_1
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Joined: September 13th, 2014, 11:05 pm

Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by The_Walking_Dead_1 »

Day 5 - Resort Day/Shopping. Well the weather was still pretty cool so my son didn't want to go on a Surry Bike ride today but I will say that the grounds at PORR are as advertised, its one of the most beautiful resorts around. all of the buildings, trees, floral arrangements, fountains and smallest details fit perfectly together. Take a walk over to Ol' man island and view the resort to gain a different perspective The boat ride to DD is another great way to view parts of the resort although it doesn't pass Alligator Bayou. Boatwright's Dining Hall was the best surprise of our trip, the Jambalaya was awesome!!! We have friends that order in seafood from N'Orleans and this restaurant is the closest thing to there home cooking. Riverside Mill is a pleasant food court and again the made to order your own pasta was a great meal and you wont go away hungry. So we had a cool surprise when we returned to the lobby and found that they had put up the lobby Christmas Tree!!!!!!

Kids will love the arcade, one game you should try is the Air Hockey game, is a different version with multiple pucks at once on the table. You and your family will love it!!!

IF YOU CAN CARELESS ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE I WRITE AS A PARENT READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We spent a little time at the pool for our son and one boy came down the slide and my guess is he swallowed some water, I saw it and even though it was only 3ft of water he struggled swimming for a second the lifeguard watching the slide area had blown his whistle and was in the water (tennis shoes and all) there helping that kid. In this 10 second period all the lifeguards had shifted positions so even though one LG was in the pool they rotated to maintain full pool coverage. My point here is Disney has excellent lifeguards and you can tell they practice this scenario over and over and it was very apparent in this case.

Shopping!!!!! We left late morning and went Pandora shopping at the Grand Floridian, Contemporary and Beach Resort for the elusive "sold out" charms and found one at the Beach Club. So for those who are insistent in finding the one they want. Here's what we learned, even though Cast Members will tell you that a certain charm is "sold out" that doesn't mean that the resorts are sold out of that charm, so if you are one of those who have to have it, go hunting and you may find it :)

While shopping the Grand Floridian had their Gingerbread House up and it is something to see, pictures don't do it justice, if you have the time stop by and see it. The Beach Club has a cute train set that kids and train lovers will love.
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MardiGroggy
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Joined: August 11th, 2013, 10:30 am
Location: North Florida

Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by MardiGroggy »

I've been a bit late getting to this thread, but have enjoyed reading your reports. I wish more folks would take the time to post about their visits. It is obvious that you are making the most of your time, and by sharing your experiences maybe others will realize that people get out of their WDW visit what they put into it. There are occasional glitches, but they can usually be fixed with a little effort and some flexibility. Sometimes people don't "do" Disney as much as Disney "does" them, and they seem disappointed that everything is not always perfect. You folks, on the other hand, are finding and making your moments and memories, rather than just letting them happen. Well done. Oh, and sorry that our FL weather has been a bit off lately, but I have been at WDW when the weather was oppressively hot and humid, so just trust me when I say that you are just getting some extra "holiday" ambiance as they start gearing up for the Christmas season. :P

Hope the rest of your visit goes smoothly and you have a safe trip home!
MardiGroggy
Aka: Steve

"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"
The_Walking_Dead_1
Posts: 31
Joined: September 13th, 2014, 11:05 pm

Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by The_Walking_Dead_1 »

Thanks SWD!!!!! We try to make the most of everything because you never know what life can bring your way. I was reminded of this when we were in line to meet Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates and I heard someone make a rude comment about a family who was escorted to the front of the line, I took a quick look and saw the Make a Wish pins, and loudly let that person know why they were escorted, you could have heard a pin drop from that side of the line for the next 10 mins.

But thanks again for the comment and hope your next trip and the following trips are fantastic and as Disney would say magical!!!!!
The_Walking_Dead_1
Posts: 31
Joined: September 13th, 2014, 11:05 pm

Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by The_Walking_Dead_1 »

Day 6 - Magic Kingdom!!!!!

Today was the 1st issue that I would really make with transportation. We always try to be at the bus stops 15-20 mins early as a just in case so this really didnt effect us but saw how it effected other guests. It was Early Magic Hours and all week we noticed a double bus would go to the Magic Kingdom.....now you would think that it would be the same for EMH....no, they sent a single bus for double the guests....bad on the Disney Transportation Center. While I'm on my soap box, why do Disney buses drop you off at one stop but pick you up at another?!?!?!?!?!?!? Well I asked, Disney has a system where they monitor how long its been since a bus has been to a certain stop. So when a bus is en route to a stop they are notified where to go next to keep the times as close as they can for their guests.

A few notes on Magic Kingdom - Why doesnt MK open the whole park during EMH? That was frustrating for us since we had a whole route planned out to match our Fast Pass selections, we adapted but still you would think they would open up more than Fantasyland and Tomorrowland during that timeframe. This was the 1st time we rode Peter Pan and although it was a cute ride, I wonder if its worth it to parents that stand there for an average of 50 mins......we had a Fast Pass.....exactly 1 min wait. If you decide to do the 7 Dwarf's Mine Train without a Fast Pass, do it during the fireworks, you are right under them with explosions on both sides of you......awesome view!!!!! If you havent seen the new Festival of Fantasy Parade make sure you catch it, we saw it twice!!!!! Our 2nd time we sat right next to Pecos Bill Cafe and had Splash Mountain as a back drop for our pictures and Chip, the jester/clown from Tangled, Grumpy and one of the "dragon like" costume cast members who handled the dragons tail all came up and played with our son, extra magic points!!!!!
The_Walking_Dead_1
Posts: 31
Joined: September 13th, 2014, 11:05 pm

Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by The_Walking_Dead_1 »

Day 7 - Disney Studios!!!!! Absolutely no issue with transportation today.

Today was the 1st day I saw guests being stupid in the park. Why would you run and risk injury to you, your family or someone else's family? Yes Disney fans there are still idiots out there so be careful. TOY STORY MANIA is still very popular, we went straight there and we were on the ride within 5 mins and when we got off it was already a 50 min wait!!!!!!!

We have always wanted to try the SCI FI DRIVE IN and this trip we did. All of us loved it!!!! I would recommend it to anyone that would like a nice sit down lunch. The old movie clips and cartoons are priceless and the food is above average for Disney Parks.

We had Fast Passes for Rock & Roll Rollercoaster and Star Tours so today was an easy day and crowds were low today, unfortunately all good vacations must come to an end and we go home tomorrow :(
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Admin
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Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by Admin »

Sorry you're heading home tomorrow, but I've been really enjoying reading all your reports. Thanks so much for taking the time to post, and enjoy your last day at Disney.

Andre
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- The Unofficial Visitor's Guide to the Port Orleans Resorts in Orlando, Florida -
The_Walking_Dead_1
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Joined: September 13th, 2014, 11:05 pm

Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by The_Walking_Dead_1 »

Andre, thanks for reading them, I just hope it will help someone have a great trip like we do!!!!!

Cheers!!!!
The_Walking_Dead_1
Posts: 31
Joined: September 13th, 2014, 11:05 pm

Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by The_Walking_Dead_1 »

Day 8 - Check Out Day :(

We woke up to a very nice THANK YOU message from the GM of PORR and grabbed our luggage and headed downstairs. The PORR Cast Members handling or luggage and boarding passes were awesome!!!!! Less than 5 mins from start to finish!!!!

We were sked for the 0830am bus but the 0800 driver let us know he had more than enough room for us on his bus, so we headed to the airport early for some last minute shopping and breakfast there.

As I have stated before, we are fortunate that Southwest has a direct flight to VA for us so only 1h 50mins in the air.

I had 2 separate emails in my inbox when we landed, our receipt and a Thank You for Staying.

My last post for this thread (unless any one has questions) will be what, in my opinion, Disney can do better at PORR.
The_Walking_Dead_1
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Joined: September 13th, 2014, 11:05 pm

Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by The_Walking_Dead_1 »

Our vacation at PORR was a blast and we have no major complaints!!!!!!! The following is a list of what I would change at WDW or PORR if I was GM for the day :D

1. Install many more hand dryers. Disney does a great job keeping the whole WDW area clean, but I am surprised there arent more hand dryers to save on paper towels.
2. Install Microwaves in every building (not room but building) so guests dont have to walk to a main or central building to utilize one or at least install them in the laundry rooms around the resort.
3. Install 1 more trash can in the rooms, these are very small and fill up very fast. I dont know why the recycle can is in the bathroom, but we moved our out by the trash can where is could be utilized better.
4. Install time monitors at the various bus stops at the parks and DD, if they are at the resorts, then they should be at those other places.
5. Have a suggestion box/vote for Cast Member of the Month box around the resorts. I would like the option to give Cast Members the credit they deserve when they go above and beyond. Most of the time GM's get nothing but complaints, it's a nice change of pace to get compliments.

Again these arent complaints, but IMO ways to improve guests vacations.
pdrazine
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Joined: October 13th, 2011, 3:13 pm

Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by pdrazine »

I totally agree about the trash can suggestion. We didn't even have a recycling can in our room this last trip.
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MardiGroggy
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Location: North Florida

Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by MardiGroggy »

Thanks again for all your effort and information. Great reports from your visit!

I agree totally with the trash can thing also. It is always a pain for us as well.

Any suggestions that you want to make to Disney, including cast member compliments, can be sent to:

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

I have done that several times and I always get a reply, even a phone call sometimes. They apparently at least read the suggestions, even though they do have some "canned" answers for what must be the common suggestions. I figure it is always worth a try, 'cause you never know what others may be telling them also. They seem particularly responsive to compliments, especially about cast members. It seems to be worth the extra effort to write the email to them.

Hope you had a smooth and safe trip home.
MardiGroggy
Aka: Steve

"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"
The_Walking_Dead_1
Posts: 31
Joined: September 13th, 2014, 11:05 pm

Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by The_Walking_Dead_1 »

Thanks to PDRAZINE and SWD.

I wrote Disney to get that link you posted for me. I am writing them today to compliment 3 different Cast Members who did an awesome job while we were there.

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and will have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Looks like we are taking a Disney Cruise next year and will find a website to post that trip on!!!!!
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Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by Admin »

I loved reading your trip planning and report posts, glad you had such a good time overall.

Just wondering, did you get any response from Disney about the feedback you sent?

Andre
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- The Unofficial Visitor's Guide to the Port Orleans Resorts in Orlando, Florida -
BeckyBee
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Joined: August 20th, 2015, 8:00 am

Re: RIVERSIDE - From Start to Finish

Unread post by BeckyBee »

I know this thread is a little old but I just wanted to say I enjoyed reading your trip report. My first stay at POR is in just a few weeks so this helped get me excited.

I just wanted to add a tip based on something you said. I'm actually a WDW cast member and I was so happy to hear you were so pleased with the cast members you met. I just want everyone to know that at any time you can give a positive report about specific cast members. You can do this at the front desk at resorts, guest relations in the parks or just ask to speak to a manager. Take a note of the CMs name and hometown so they can be identified. If you don't think to do it during you vacation, you can definitely wrote a letter or email too. Whenever a guest gives positive feedback about a specific cast member, the cast member will receive a card of recognition, their leaders are notified and a note is made on their permanent record. As a CM it is a huge deal when this happens and it really makes our day. So definitely make the effort because Cast Members live knowing that we're helping make your stay so magical :)
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