Online Check-In Questions POR

[SplashMountainMama]

We are leaving for POR in a few weeks and I have searched the boards, but can't seem to locate answers to these questions. In previous trips I didn't do online check-in, but was thinking of trying it this trip. Because I have 6 kids, we are in 2 rooms at POR. 2 of my kids are in a room with my parents and I'm in the other room with the other 4 kids. Our reservations are linked and I have access to both through the Disney website. When I tried to do online check-in and got to the part where it asks for special requests the only option given is to check off for a pack n play (which we do not need). Am I missing something? I thought I would be able to put in other requests like ground floor or specific buildings. We are staying in a river view room and since we have 1 room with 5, I'm assuming we will be in AB. So here are my questions:

1) Should I do online check-in without putting in special requests? Should I call the resort?
2) Are there still rooms POR without a fridge? My son has Type 1 diabetes and we will require one for his insulin. I didn't mention it at the time of reservation because I assumed all rooms would have one.
3) Since our reservations are linked, will I be able to check in for both rooms? I want to check in early the first day, but I'm not sure my parents want to be up at the crack of dawn. I would like to make sure I can access the tickets for the 2 kids on my parents reservation.

Thanks!

 

[mskermit]

We are leaving for POR in a few weeks and I have searched the boards, but can't seem to locate answers to these questions. In previous trips I didn't do online check-in, but was thinking of trying it this trip. Because I have 6 kids, we are in 2 rooms at POR. 2 of my kids are in a room with my parents and I'm in the other room with the other 4 kids. Our reservations are linked and I have access to both through the Disney website. When I tried to do online check-in and got to the part where it asks for special requests the only option given is to check off for a pack n play (which we do not need). Am I missing something? I thought I would be able to put in other requests like ground floor or specific buildings. We are staying in a river view room and since we have 1 room with 5, I'm assuming we will be in AB. So here are my questions:

1) Should I do online check-in without putting in special requests? Should I call the resort?
2) Are there still rooms POR without a fridge? My son has Type 1 diabetes and we will require one for his insulin. I didn't mention it at the time of reservation because I assumed all rooms would have one.
3) Since our reservations are linked, will I be able to check in for both rooms? I want to check in early the first day, but I'm not sure my parents want to be up at the crack of dawn. I would like to make sure I can access the tickets for the 2 kids on my parents reservation.

Thanks!

I had the same issue too! I have a handicap daughter and that is listed on our reservations, but I wanted to add a celebration to our ressie. im pretty sure I did it last year, but now its only those 2 options. did you book thru Disney or a travel agent ?

 

[nkereina]

1) Should I do online check-in without putting in special requests? Should I call the resort?
2) Are there still rooms POR without a fridge? My son has Type 1 diabetes and we will require one for his insulin. I didn't mention it at the time of reservation because I assumed all rooms would have one.
3) Since our reservations are linked, will I be able to check in for both rooms? I want to check in early the first day, but I'm not sure my parents want to be up at the crack of dawn. I would like to make sure I can access the tickets for the 2 kids on my parents reservation.

Thanks!

1. Online check-in does not allow you to type free-form requests. You also cannot call the hotel directly. All calls are routed to a centralized customer service number. Just call the main reservations number BEFORE doing online check-in, and ask them to notate any further requests you have. The Port Orleans resorts also accept faxed requests if you have access to a fax machine. The fax numbers and details are in a separate thread on the resorts board - try a search for this.

2. Not sure about the current fridge situation, but I would add that to your reservation when you call as well. They are supposed to guarantee it for medical needs, however if I were you, I would feel more comfortable knowing it was noted on my reservation beforehand.

3. To my knowledge, the lead person on each reservation would need to be present. If both reservations are under your name, then you can check into both. Also keep in mind that online check-in, for both rooms, requires a credit card number to be entered for charging privelages. You can have it removed or changed when you arrive, but you'd have to enter a credit card (can be yours for both) on both reservations to complete online check-in.

 

[mskermit]

yes you can call the hotel directly, I did it twice last week and also asked for the front desk. according to a post the fridges had an issue and they took them all out except for AOA and I think some other hotels it also said they will provide one for medical needs. if you book thru aaa or a travel agent the front desk cant see your reservation until about a week before your arrival date.

 

[nkereina]

yes you can call the hotel directly, I did it twice last week and also asked for the front desk. according to a post the fridges had an issue and they took them all out except for AOA and I think some other hotels it also said they will provide one for medical needs. if you book thru aaa or a travel agent the front desk cant see your reservation until about a week before your arrival date.

No. Even though you think you are calling the hotel directly, the number you call is associated with a hotel and is routed to a central call center. Based on the number you dial, the person at the call center will answer with the corresponding hotel name. If you think about it, do you ever see front desk employees at resorts answering phones? They have an internal system among employees at the resort, but all calls from guests are routed externally. Even if you call from your room.

Also, no matter how one books, upcoming reservations aren't reviewed until their room assignments need to be done a day or two prior to arrival. So, either way, they would see the fridge request at the same time. Its worth calling to notate it on the reservation so they can ensure one is in the room ahead of time.

 

[mskermit]

they were still helpful and transferred me right to housekeeping at the hotel. central reservations cant answer too many specific hotel questions

 

[nkereina]

they were still helpful and transferred me right to housekeeping at the hotel. central reservations cant answer too many specific hotel questions

They have the ability to transfer you to the hotel, but rarely they will. You're right - the call center can't answer many hotel specific questions, which is why they are notorious for providing misinformation and no one recommends calling. They will either give you misinformation or put you on hold for ages while they try to find out and in a pinch, will connect you if only necessary. I think they may even be discouraged from connecting people because they want the CMs in the resorts to focus on "in-person guests" and not be on the phones. That's what the call center is for. I also don't think it's central reservations - the call center who fields resort calls are separate from the ones who make the reservations.

 

[mskermit]

your so right, there have been times they couldn't answer and I have been "disconnected" ! LOL