Port Orleans Riverside Q&A Thread 2013, Part Three (NOW CLOSED, see 2014 thread)

[RoboticNerve]

We're heading to WDW on Sunday 22nd. So excited! I've been reading on this thread as well in a few other places that the Magical Express may take ages for your luggage to arrive. Can you just skip that part if the service and take the luggage with you?

 

[mickeyd78]

Yes you can. Don't put the Magical Express tags on your bags. Collect them yourself at the carousel and take them with you to the bus.

 

[Sue M]

We're heading to WDW on Sunday 22nd. So excited! I've been reading on this thread as well in a few other places that the Magical Express may take ages for your luggage to arrive. Can you just skip that part if the service and take the luggage with you?

Yes, you can just pick up your luggage and take it on DME. But it's kind of a hassle. Your bags should arrive from DME at your resort in 3 hrs. I would suggest to pack your carry on with what you'll need immediately. And let DME deliver your luggage.

 

[RoboticNerve]

Thanks Sue M & mickeyd78. This is our first time down there and with the magic bands and fast pass+, it's been quite a planning journey. The hotel looks and sounds so good.

 

[Sue M]

Just as a bit of a heads-up, as it might have an impact how people choose to request rooms, refurbishment work on the roof of the Oak Manor building (building 90, Royal Guest Rooms section) will begin on 19 January and continue for about 6 months.

They will only be working on one wing at a time, so the majority of the building will remain open - but of course there may be visual impact from other parts of the buildings with some scaffolding, daytime noise, etc.

Andre

Thanks for the info! We arrive Jan 29, so I hope it doesn't affect my chances of getting mansion section. I didn't book a Royal Room, just GV room with request of Acadian or Mag. Terrace. Fingers crossed.

 

[vdoucet78]

How comfortable are the pillows? Are they at least a down alternative?

Just standard pillows and quite thin. I use a Brookstone memory foam pillow at home and I really missed it!

 

[horse11]

Bummer!!! I may have to pack my pillow with me.
I have also been looking at the pics. I seem to like the looks of the AB section better but the kids like the look of the Royal Rooms which is what I booked. I so wish they had more gardens around the Mansion buildings. If they added some cottage gardens that would make me feel better about my decision to stay at this resort vs the Poly. Unfortunitly the Poly is out since they are remodeling the pool. I am getting nervous and hope we will love our stay here.

 

[andrewilley]

I saw recently that biscuits and gravy were added to the breakfast menu. At other resorts, these are considered a snack credit. Can someone currently at POR confirm?

Yes, the biscuits and gravy count as a snack credit if you wish.

Thanks for the info! We arrive Jan 29, so I hope it doesn't affect my chances of getting mansion section. I didn't book a Royal Room, just GV room with request of Acadian or Mag. Terrace. Fingers crossed.

Oak Manor is a Royal Room area, the work won't have any effect at all on the standard mansion buildings (well, maybe you'll be able to see some workers from the southern end of Magnolia Terrace, but that'd be it)

Andre

 

[mandolynn13]

Bummer!!! I may have to pack my pillow with me.
I have also been looking at the pics. I seem to like the looks of the AB section better but the kids like the look of the Royal Rooms which is what I booked. I so wish they had more gardens around the Mansion buildings. If they added some cottage gardens that would make me feel better about my decision to stay at this resort vs the Poly. Unfortunitly the Poly is out since they are remodeling the pool. I am getting nervous and hope we will love our stay here.

Our room actually had some thinner pillows (which made my hubby happy) and some fluffier pillows (which I liked). The beds themselves were not the most comfy, but adequate for a week's stay.

The landscaping around the mansions is so beautiful...I think you will like it! There are trees everywhere, and lovely fountains, bushes, flowers...the overall effect is quite lovely. I've never stayed at the Poly, but the beauty of POR made me happy every day!

 

[katielafave]

We're heading to WDW on Sunday 22nd. So excited! I've been reading on this thread as well in a few other places that the Magical Express may take ages for your luggage to arrive. Can you just skip that part if the service and take the luggage with you?

We did this. Our flight arrived around 7 pm and we grabbed it ourselves. I didn't think it was much of a hassle. We have two little kids and wanted to get them settled in bed ASAP for their big first day. I was worried one of us would have to stay up later than we wanted waiting for the luggage. We also already had pretty full carry ons and wouldn't have had room for all their nighttime stuff (stuffed animals, pjs, toothbrushes, etc).

 

[Maraena]

Yes, the biscuits and gravy count as a snack credit if you wish.

Thanks, Andre! We were having issues figuring out snack credits since we're not big sweets eaters. I won't even get into the dessert requirements for the TS and CS but suffice it to say we'll be eating a lot of fruit and probably won't need more.

But hey, free dining was the best discount we could get at this time of year so I'll take it.

 

[maxiesmom]

Don't forget if you choose to grab your bags and take them with you on the ME bus, it is customary to tip the driver for stowing and unstowing them.

 

[maxiesmom]

We were at POR 12/1-12/11 and had just the white triple sheeting, which I actually loved despite the bare appearance. It was plenty warm for me and I'm always freezing. More warm than the old bedding because I always removed the comforter and just had a sheet and blanket. (There was another fleece blanket on the closet shelf but I never needed it.) It was sheet, fleece blanket, sheet, plus another sheet on top all white with subtle pattern. I just wanted to add that our last 2 days there we saw Housekeeping making up rooms with the new bed runners made from the old comforters. We never got one in our room or I would've taken a picture. I guess they were just adding them when a room was turned over for new guests.

I like the look of the rooms too. However, I did have to put the extra blanket on the bed in order to be comfortable. But that may have more to do with my nephew, who had the air set to 67 each night and the ceiling fan on.

 

[PrincessKyleigh]

Your luggage usually arrives within 4 hours of when you check on at the resort. When you land doesn't factor.

Yes, I realize this. But even if we get to the resort two hours after we land - that would mean our luggage should be at our room around 11 or even midnight - not 3am!!

 

[PrincessKyleigh]

In less than 24 hours we will be at POR!! We did the big reveal for the girls tonight and it went better than I expected. I knew they'd be excited, but their squeals of joy for an hour were precious. It will be the first time my younger dd has flown so she is just as excited about that.

I have been planning this trip and for a year and half. This thread has been invaluable to me and I wanted to thank all of you for your wealth of knowledge, especially Andre and Venom.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

 

[su_A_ve]

A couple of more days and we head south arriving at POR on the 22nd. Faxed my request on Monday since I could not do it last Friday. Then again, it was in between what Andre and Venonhatch suggested.

Although as you can see from my sig, we've been there many times, this is our first time at POR. In fact, we have never even got a chance to tour it. It is five of us this time so we'll be a little tight on one room.

Ready to embrace all the new changes that FP+ and MBs are bringing. Hopefully no last minute surprises like this week's AK removal of FP- machines.

 

[horse11]

Our room actually had some thinner pillows (which made my hubby happy) and some fluffier pillows (which I liked). The beds themselves were not the most comfy, but adequate for a week's stay.

The landscaping around the mansions is so beautiful...I think you will like it! There are trees everywhere, and lovely fountains, bushes, flowers...the overall effect is quite lovely. I've never stayed at the Poly, but the beauty of POR made me happy every day!

Oh Thank You! That makes me feel much better!!!

 

[RnbwSktles]

Can someone tell me what water options the general store sells and their prices? Trying to see if the prices are really high enough to justify shipping water or going to Hess. Thanks!

 

[Katelly]

Can someone tell me what water options the general store sells and their prices? Trying to see if the prices are really high enough to justify shipping water or going to Hess. Thanks!

The only one I remember was Dasani and it was $2.50 per 16oz bottle. We ordered a case of water from Garden Grocer and had it delivered.

Went to Hess once for a case of beer and it was an hour round trip. Twenty minutes on the boat (not counting the wait for a boat), ten minute walk to Hess from DTD ten minutes back to DTD and twenty minute return trip on the boat. Not too bad if you're saving some money but it's a pain in the neck to do.

 

[lillykat]

The only one I remember was Dasani and it was $2.50 per 16oz bottle. We ordered a case of water from Garden Grocer and had it delivered. Went to Hess once for a case of beer and it was an hour round trip. Twenty minutes on the boat (not counting the wait for a boat), ten minute walk to Hess from DTD ten minutes back to DTD and twenty minute return trip on the boat. Not too bad if you're saving some money but it's a pain in the neck to do.

They do sell cases of dasani...BUT they were the kid size bottles not the 16 ounce regular size. I didn't buy it my father bought one because we shipped 2cases for our two rooms and finished them. He picked up one case to split towards the end. I remember he said it was more than the costco water and they were only small bottles. I would ship and buy there if you run out.