Need some Guidance regarding ressies at POR

[MontiD]

HELP! It's our first trip (land/sea pkg) to WDW and book thru TA (CruisesOnly). My question is: Can I call directly to POR to request what area our room preference is in? Any suggestions on an area that is best to request (traveling: DH, myself, DS1-15, DS2-13). Would probably like to be decent proximity of food/buses, but not too close where we get alot of traffic past our window. Just dont want to be way the heck in the "north 40"

Also, do the rooms have hair dryer? coffee maker? I'm sooo confused as to the transpertation system around WDW! If we want to be at any certain park within the suggested arrival time of opening (40 min early?), how early should we get the the pick up spot from the hotel? Are they very crowded? We will have a rental car also, so which would be easier? Can you tell I'm stressing? lol

Regarding the above question about being able to call POR/WDW directly about the ressie I made thru the TA, can I call directly, or MUST I go thru the TA (trying to avoid that). Thanks!!

MontiD (DMom)

 

[safetymom]

I would relax about the room request. All the areas at POR are close to bus stops. When you get to the resort you can make a request to the CM while you are checking in.

Disney is very eager to please and I don't think there is a bad room at POR. We have stayed there several times and loved it.

 

[KELLIE JONES]

MontiD, take a deep breath!! and relax. we went in october this year so i dont know about the crowds. but when we went we also stayed in the POR and requested the alligator bayou, which are the smaller more down home buildings. they also have the mansions. we really liked the bayou.. its beautifull there with trees and alot of shrubs and a little pond. very relaxing!!! however, we were stuck in the back 40, and i would strongly suggest you request to be as close to the food court as possible!!! we went for a week and ordered the crappy pizza several times because we were sooo tired and didnt feel like walking 40 min round trip from our room ( no kidding ) to get something to eat. also, the food court is not all that. its just like the food in the parks. but everything you would want is up by the lobby, so aim for that!!! the gift shops, food court, lounge, bus stop, boat to downtown disney,( would deff not miss the boat, its very peacefull and try to take it at night if you get a chance.. ps, you can take drinks from the lounge on the boat. ) i really wish someone would have told me to ask to stay close to lobby!!

as for the traffic, i never notice much. you can call them and make your request, and if they dont have a certian room avalible, then they will make a note. they did have hair dryers, but no coffee pots ( you can buy a refillible mug )

i would say use the busses. we had no problems at all with them and even met alot of great ppl in line or on the bus. the boat is great too!! ( loved the boat, can you tell ?? ) i have seen the parking lots, and after a LONG, LONG, LONG day at disney you want to walk as little as possible.

i would think you could call directly as long as you have your confermation number. i called disney and made request after i had booked with no problem but i booked everything myself.

if you have any more questions, feel free to pm me and i will be happy to answer anything i can!! or you can e-mail me at unit13@direcway.com if you want.

ps, you have got to tell me about your cruise when you get back!!! this will be our first cruise, so i have lots of questions ( that is if you dont mind!! )

 

[safetymom]

We love driving our car when we go to WDW. If we are going to park hop we park at Epcot. Then we can go to MK, MGM, and Epcot in one day.

It is well marked to get to the parks. Building 14 is great if you don't want to walk far to the food court. We didn't find the walk long from anywhere in POR to the food court.

 

[klh999]

I am going to POR on 1/23. Cant Wait.
I requested Building 18. According to the unofficial guide, its close to the food court area and pool and bus stops but a little more insulated from foot traffic than building 14. I will let you know how we liked it when I get back.

 

[R & B]

We've stayed at POR a couple times and have always loved it. When we stayed there as part of the cruise package, we faxed our room request in just like we did on other trips but unfortunately were assigned a room way at the back of the resort, where it would have been a very long walk to the food court. The CM at check in explained to us that all the cruise package guests were automatically assigned a room in the back section. However, if there were closer rooms available at the time of check in, they would (and did!) move us to a closer room. I'd say your best bet of a good room is to check in as early as possible.

As far as the hairdryer and coffee maker goes, both are available on request. Just call housekeeping as soon as you get to your room. The coffee maker is 4 cups. They only give you a one use package of coffee. I premeasured coffee into ziplock bags and brought my own filters with me, worked great.

Have fun, wish it was me going again!