Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter Room Request Fax Thread

[Amth]

We live about 45 minutes away from Disney and go every other weekend in the cooler months, which our four year old loves. This will be our second stay at riverside. We are very excited, very! And yes Floridians have to stick together.

 

[Venomhatch]

We live about 45 minutes away from Disney and go every other weekend in the cooler months, which our four year old loves. This will be our second stay at riverside. We are very excited, very! And yes Floridians have to stick together.

I am about 15-20 mins south in Kissimmee.

 

[mvirtue]

I'm just curious...do people ever get upgraded to a royal room from a garden view room? We arrive on Monday 11/11. Is it too late for me to send a fax? Thanks!!

 

[Venomhatch]

I'm just curious...do people ever get upgraded to a royal room from a garden view room? We arrive on Monday 11/11. Is it too late for me to send a fax? Thanks!!

They do upgrade. I tell guests all the time. It doesn't hurt to ask is there a chance of getting a water view, aka pool or fountain, or river view. It does happen quite a bit.

 

[mvirtue]

They do upgrade. I tell guests all the time. It doesn't hurt to ask is there a chance of getting a water view, aka pool or fountain, or river view. It does happen quite a bit.

Thanks Venom! I requested a room on a top floor in Magnolia Bend when I reserved the room last spring. Should I send a fax tomorrow or just wait & ask when I arrive on Monday? The more I look at the maps I think I'd much rather have a corner room with a water view than a royal room.

 

[Venomhatch]

Thanks Venom! I requested a room on a top floor in Magnolia Bend when I reserved the room last spring. Should I send a fax tomorrow or just wait & ask when I arrive on Monday? The more I look at the maps I think I'd much rather have a corner room with a water view than a royal room.

Why not all those requests? I requested similar and got all you can mention it there if you feel uneasy about faxing them. I recommend faxing now if you arrivree Monday.

 

[andrewilley]

They do upgrade. I tell guests all the time.

It does indeed happen, but could I suggest that ASKING in writing for a complete class upgrade (e.g. from standard to a Royal Room) might not be beneficial, as the CMs tend to prefer to do those sort of things as 'pixie dust' upgrades, to spread a little extra random magic, rather than upon request.

Instead, it might be better to put yourself on their radar (so to speak) by explaining that you have a couple of very excited young princesses who are really looking forward to all the wonderful magical things that Port Orleans has to offer on your long-awaited visit... maybe mention a favourite princess character they like to dress up as, or other bit of personal trivia that points towards why a Royal Room would go down well.

Don't make it too wordy though (someone has to read all these daily after all) but just kinda make your family "stand out" a bit from the crowd. I won't suggest any specific wording, just be creative. (They recognise templated faxes from the internet a mile off - they're not daft, as soon as a regular fax format turned up a few times they Googled it to see where it was originating from)

Oh, and don't send any faxes which might require a category change of any sort any earlier than 5 days out, as they don't generally swap people between different booking categories any further out than that.

Just my thoughts on the matter anyway, there are no real rights or wrongs, this isn't a science.

Andre

 

[Venomhatch]

It does indeed happen, but could I suggest that ASKING in writing for a complete class upgrade (e.g. from standard to a Royal Room) might not be beneficial, as the CMs tend to prefer to do those sort of things as 'pixie dust' upgrades, to spread a little extra random magic, rather than upon request.

Instead, it might be better to put yourself on their radar (so to speak) by explaining that you have a couple of very excited young princesses who are really looking forward to all the wonderful magical things that Port Orleans has to offer on your long-awaited visit... maybe mention a favourite princess character they like to dress up as, or other bit of personal trivia that points towards why a Royal Room would go down well.

Don't make it too wordy though (someone has to read all these daily after all) but just kinda make your family "stand out" a bit from the crowd. I won't suggest any specific wording, just be creative. (They recognise templated faxes from the internet a mile off - they're not daft, as soon as a regular fax format turned up a few times they Googled it to see where it was originating from)

Oh, and don't send any faxes which might require a category change of any sort any earlier than 5 days out, as they don't generally swap people between different booking categories any further out than that.

Just my thoughts on the matter anyway, there are no real rights or wrongs, this isn't a science.

Andre

Yeah I agree don't obviously book a standard room then request a river view royal room. That most likely wont happen. I could see one maybe two levels of upgrade within the type of room area: Regular Magnolia Bend Rooms, Alligator Bayou Rooms, or Royal Rooms.

Request Fax Changed so we can have an all new one.

 

[bewel4]

I'm not sure if my PM reply went through or not! Thanks for the feedback on my Room Request letter! Very much appreciated! Will fax this off today. Thanks again!

 

[1GR8DISNEYFAN]

Hi There! I am sorry to ask this really dumb question, but are we to send our fax directly to the resort fax number listed on the first page of this thread? I will be sending mine on Tuesday for our arrival day next Saturday at POR, and I just don't want it to end up in the "round file" because I sent it to the wrong place. Thank you!

 

[Venomhatch]

I'm not sure if my PM reply went through or not! Thanks for the feedback on my Room Request letter! Very much appreciated! Will fax this off today. Thanks again!

Yes I got a series of PM messages I will look at shortly. Being a guest services cm I get a little busy.

Hi There! I am sorry to ask this really dumb question, but are we to send our fax directly to the resort fax number listed on the first page of this thread? I will be sending mine on Tuesday for our arrival day next Saturday at POR, and I just don't want it to end up in the "round file" because I sent it to the wrong place. Thank you!

Yes the fax number is listed with each resort. No problem hope everyone gets their magic!

 

[momofboyz3]

Thank, Thank you all very much! I am saddened today for I had to help make arrangements for my friend. Long story short before anyone judges reading this. Not saying anyone does. But We were heading towards Planet Hollywood to eat when someone not familiar with the area pulled out suddenly and struck my friends bike going over him almost. He didn't survive the accident. I don't want to describe further about the hows and what ifs. But we were not fooling around on the bikes or acting stupid when this happens.

I am not asking for support or pity. Just explaining where I have been away on and off. But will try to be on as soon as possible.

I peek in on this thread every so often & today was the day. Venom you were one of the ones who helped make my trip such a success, back in May. So, I just wanted to add my condolences. A close friend of mine is a motorcycle cop & he also rides his Harley for fun often. I worry all the time that a car will pull out suddenly or speed or something will happen to him.
Motorcycles are everywhere people need to be aware!
You are in my thoughts.

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

It does indeed happen, but could I suggest that ASKING in writing for a complete class upgrade (e.g. from standard to a Royal Room) might not be beneficial, as the CMs tend to prefer to do those sort of things as 'pixie dust' upgrades, to spread a little extra random magic, rather than upon request.

Instead, it might be better to put yourself on their radar (so to speak) by explaining that you have a couple of very excited young princesses who are really looking forward to all the wonderful magical things that Port Orleans has to offer on your long-awaited visit... maybe mention a favourite princess character they like to dress up as, or other bit of personal trivia that points towards why a Royal Room would go down well.

Don't make it too wordy though (someone has to read all these daily after all) but just kinda make your family "stand out" a bit from the crowd. I won't suggest any specific wording, just be creative. (They recognise templated faxes from the internet a mile off - they're not daft, as soon as a regular fax format turned up a few times they Googled it to see where it was originating from)

Andre

Andre, I wondered if they knew the source as I was trying to come up with wording and did not want to make it sound too much like the "template".

I will be finally sending my fax in on Monday evening for my Friday arrival. I'll let you all know how it works out!
Thanks for all the advice!

 

[mvirtue]

Why not all those requests? I requested similar and got all you can mention it there if you feel uneasy about faxing them. I recommend faxing now if you arrivree Monday.

How does this look?

Hello and good evening to you!

In just two days (11/11/13) my mother, 11 year old daughter and I will be visiting Walt Disney World at your Port Orleans Riverside resort. I adopted my daughter, Jennifer, in August 2011. She has never flown before and it will be her first trip to Disney. When I was getting to know her I asked who her favorite princess was. She nervously told me Mickey Mouse. It was at that moment I knew this little girl had to be mine so I could share the magic of Disney with her. If you asked her today about her favorite princess she would confidently tell you, Rapunzel and Tiana. I would be most grateful if you could possibly accommodate a few requests for us. We would really like to stay in the Magnolia Terrace Building so we can be close to a bus stop and the food court. We have a paid for a Garden View Room as part of our reservation but a Water View would be magnificent! If at all possible we would love to have a corner room on the top floor so we could sleep in a little since we are planning to stay at the parks until close each day. We would truly appreciate any pixie dust we were lucky enough to receive! We understand that these are requests but if you can help us out to the best of your abilities we would be ever so grateful. We will be arriving at your resort very soon, and would greatly appreciate any assistance you can provide in making our wonderful vacation more enjoyable and magical.
• Magnolia Terrace
• Top Floor
• Corner Room
• Water-View
• Fridge

 

[Venomhatch]

I peek in on this thread every so often & today was the day. Venom you were one of the ones who helped make my trip such a success, back in May. So, I just wanted to add my condolences. A close friend of mine is a motorcycle cop & he also rides his Harley for fun often. I worry all the time that a car will pull out suddenly or speed or something will happen to him.
Motorcycles are everywhere people need to be aware!
You are in my thoughts.

How does this look?

Hello and good evening to you!

In just two days (11/11/13) my mother, 11 year old daughter and I will be visiting Walt Disney World at your Port Orleans Riverside resort. I adopted my daughter, Jennifer, in August 2011. She has never flown before and it will be her first trip to Disney. When I was getting to know her I asked who her favorite princess was. She nervously told me Mickey Mouse. It was at that moment I knew this little girl had to be mine so I could share the magic of Disney with her. If you asked her today about her favorite princess she would confidently tell you, Rapunzel and Tiana. I would be most grateful if you could possibly accommodate a few requests for us. We would really like to stay in the Magnolia Terrace Building so we can be close to a bus stop and the food court. We have a paid for a Garden View Room as part of our reservation but a Water View would be magnificent! If at all possible we would love to have a corner room on the top floor so we could sleep in a little since we are planning to stay at the parks until close each day. We would truly appreciate any pixie dust we were lucky enough to receive! We understand that these are requests but if you can help us out to the best of your abilities we would be ever so grateful. We will be arriving at your resort very soon, and would greatly appreciate any assistance you can provide in making our wonderful vacation more enjoyable and magical.
• Magnolia Terrace
• Top Floor
• Corner Room
• Water-View
• Fridge

Thats not too bad. Send that and let me know via PM what you hear back. If you need further help you can PM me and Ill see what we can do.

 

[Mom2darlingboys]

It does indeed happen, but could I suggest that ASKING in writing for a complete class upgrade (e.g. from standard to a Royal Room) might not be beneficial, as the CMs tend to prefer to do those sort of things as 'pixie dust' upgrades, to spread a little extra random magic, rather than upon request.

I need professional help! I think I NEED to upgrade a couple of categories for our trip in December and am not sure how to go about it.

I originally booked a standard view room at Riverside. I've since been researching room views on that site that recently launched (because I wasn't sure to request AB or the Mansions) and found a couple of views I really love. In addition, we won't be arriving at the resort until 10 p.m. (we usually get there in the morning) so I'm worried that the best rooms will already be assigned and we'll be stuck overlooking a parking lot with a standard room.

I'd be happy to pay to upgrade to either a pool view room in building 18 (its so lush and beautiful here) or a courtyard fountain view Royal Room room Oak Manor (pretty in an entirely different way). What do I do? Call the resort and try to upgrade? Send a fax a week out and offer to pay for the appropriate upgrade? And, what are my chances I will get the view I am looking for (I know building 18 is tougher, but how about a room on the river-side 'H' of Oak Manor if I request a Royal Room?

Problem is I'm not keen on just any pool view, preferred room, or Royal Room. Any thoughts on what I should do to improve my chances of getting these requests?

HELP.

 

[Cindee75]

Just sent our fax request for building close to south depot and main building - I know we will be in AB as we are a family of 5. I requested building 16 or 17 as we have a garden view booked. I guess we will find out on Friday when we get there if they were able to do this. And if they can't not a big problem. Thanks for Venom and Andre for all the great advise you both give. I chose POR based on all the helpful feedback I read from you guess on these threads. You both get a big from me.

 

[LisaTC]

I need professional help! I think I NEED to upgrade a couple of categories for our trip in December and am not sure how to go about it.

I originally booked a standard view room at Riverside. I've since been researching room views on that site that recently launched (because I wasn't sure to request AB or the Mansions) and found a couple of views I really love. In addition, we won't be arriving at the resort until 10 p.m. (we usually get there in the morning) so I'm worried that the best rooms will already be assigned and we'll be stuck overlooking a parking lot with a standard room.

I'd be happy to pay to upgrade to either a pool view room in building 18 (its so lush and beautiful here) or a courtyard fountain view Royal Room room Oak Manor (pretty in an entirely different way). What do I do? Call the resort and try to upgrade? Send a fax a week out and offer to pay for the appropriate upgrade? And, what are my chances I will get the view I am looking for (I know building 18 is tougher, but how about a room on the river-side 'H' of Oak Manor if I request a Royal Room?

Problem is I'm not keen on just any pool view, preferred room, or Royal Room. Any thoughts on what I should do to improve my chances of getting these requests?

HELP.

Well, call ME crazy, but even the parking lot views aren't awful. Everything is so wooded and landscaped and pretty and you aren't looking out your window. Hate to tell ya, but you aren't! First you don't have time...at least we didn't. I even mentioned to DH that I wouldn't be adverse to a parking lot room - convenient to car/buses. That said, each location has it's pluses and minuses. We've stayed poolview in the Mansions and Royal Riverfront in Oak Manor. So many opinions that run the gamut.

Let me just say, the grounds on the entire POR property are beautiful. Except for the main, large parking lot, all of the parking areas around each building are what I would say are considerate of the surroundings, landscaped and tucked in. Unless you are staying at the resort and not doing parks, then you won't miss the perfect view. We stayed Royal Riverfront for DD. It was nice. No more nice than the garden view in Magnolia and no more or less convenient.

If you just booked standard only and want to upgrade to preferred (building 18) or Royal room, then you'd need to call. You couldn't expect to put that in a fax and "hope for the best." You can certainly, then, request by fax your "preferred locale" (ie., building 18 (for preferred) or Oak Manor (top floor, nearest footbridge, for example) in hopes that you'd get it.

Good luck and have fun no matter what you decide!

 

[Venomhatch]

Just sent our fax request for building close to south depot and main building - I know we will be in AB as we are a family of 5. I requested building 16 or 17 as we have a garden view booked. I guess we will find out on Friday when we get there if they were able to do this. And if they can't not a big problem. Thanks for Venom and Andre for all the great advise you both give. I chose POR based on all the helpful feedback I read from you guess on these threads. You both get a big from me.

Here is to hoping you get sprinkled with plenty of magic!

 

[andrewilley]

I need professional help! I think I NEED to upgrade a couple of categories for our trip in December and am not sure how to go about it.

My first piece of advance is to take a deep breath and relax. Chill. This is a vacation at Disney, and wherever you get placed you will still be at Port Orleans and in Disney World, and that can't be a bad thing, right?

You have booked a Standard View room, and so by rights you really should probably be expecting to get a room which looks out towards a parking lot. Even though there may well be some pretty courtyards or trees in between making for a nicer view, you do run the risk of looking directly over the parking lot. You need to accept that is what you have actually paid for. Requests might help of course, but you should always go into it expecting to receive what you have paid for, and then anything extra is a lovely bonus.

If you feel strongly enough about your room location, you could call the Reservations Center now and see if they can upgrade your booking up to a different category. You can only ever be assured of getting a category of room though, not any specific location - although again, putting in an extra request might well help.

Some thoughts on a few category choices (more are listed in detail at www.portorleans.org/room-requests.php):

Garden View: Bayou or landscaping/woods/courtyards views, but not parking lots. These can be located pretty-much anywhere though, and some of them are a fair distance from the main buildings (although closer to the outer bus stops).

Preferred Location: Guarantees you a short walk to the main buildings and main bus stop, but the view could be either standard (i.e. parking lot) or Garden (bayou).

River View: Great views, and all located fairly close to the main buildings as they face inwards to towards the section of the river around Ol' man Island, so giving a shortish walk to the main buildings too. This is my favourite category to be honest, and I don't think there are really any bad rooms within this type.

Royal Room Pool View: All rooms are located facing the quiet pool between Oak Manor and Parterre Place, so a nice view and also close to the footbridge leading to the main buildings and the main bus stop.

But if you stay with Standard View you should go into it expecting to get a general parking lot view - and then anything extra (such as locations you might get via a request fax) is a plus, but you won't be disappointed either way. But if you going into it thinking that only a particular building or specific courtyard view will make you happy, then you are just setting yourself up for disappointment if that doesn't happen.

Good luck anyway, hope it works out well for you.

Andre