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

[Venomhatch]

Just returned home from a lovely 9 night first time stay at POR.

When we originally booked with Free Dining our TA was not able to secure a Royal Room but we did book a River View room. I used Venom's wonderful room request template (and I *might* have drawn stick figure princesses of my daughters!!) to see if a Royal Room was available. I offered to pay any extra fee... We were incredibly glad to find out upon arrival that we were upgraded to a RRGV corner room in Oak Manor, they did not charge for the upgrade!! It was wonderful an my three year old was thrilled!

We did not receive a working refrigerator, so I sent my husband to the front to inquire about the $15 per night credit. They gladly gave us the credit and apologized for the inconvenience. Not 20 minute later a working refrigerator was delivered to our room. It was completely unexpected!! Somehow we ended up with both credit and fridge in an upgraded room... Now that's pixie dust!!!

The resort was beautiful. We never had any trouble with transportation (always from south depot) and we found the food to be decent. I rather enjoyed the muffaletta flatbread, while my husband enjoyed the customizable pasta. Our room was always clean and the cleaning staff was wonderful at arranging my daughter's toys in funny positions for her to enjoy after a long park day.

It was a very successful trip, thank you for all the wonderful insight all the regulars!!!

Yes you never know who may be watching here. I am glad you got so much pixie dust during your visit! Glad the fax went through for you and your children got surprised with a RGGV room.

 

[ferret42]

So excited....in seven days I can do online check-in!! I'm going to have a million questions now about POR as we've never stayed there before. I'll only ask a few for now lol.

When you take the boat from POR to DTD, where does the boat dock when it gets to DTD? Is it closer to Pleasure Island, Marketplace or the West Side?

Can we take the boat from POR to POFQ to visit that resort or do we need to walk there? Can we rent bikes at POR and ride to the French Quarter?

Thank you kindly!

Make sure you tell then you want to go to FQ. We tried to do this but didn't know to tell them and they went right past it because noone was waiting. I thought there was a second dock or something, so by the time i said something to the captain i felt bad making him turn around, so no beignets for me :-(

 

[LisaTC]

Just returned home from a lovely 9 night first time stay at POR.

When we originally booked with Free Dining our TA was not able to secure a Royal Room but we did book a River View room. I used Venom's wonderful room request template (and I *might* have drawn stick figure princesses of my daughters!!) to see if a Royal Room was available. I offered to pay any extra fee... We were incredibly glad to find out upon arrival that we were upgraded to a RRGV corner room in Oak Manor, they did not charge for the upgrade!! It was wonderful an my three year old was thrilled!

We did not receive a working refrigerator, so I sent my husband to the front to inquire about the $15 per night credit. They gladly gave us the credit and apologized for the inconvenience. Not 20 minute later a working refrigerator was delivered to our room. It was completely unexpected!! Somehow we ended up with both credit and fridge in an upgraded room... Now that's pixie dust!!!

The resort was beautiful. We never had any trouble with transportation (always from south depot) and we found the food to be decent. I rather enjoyed the muffaletta flatbread, while my husband enjoyed the customizable pasta. Our room was always clean and the cleaning staff was wonderful at arranging my daughter's toys in funny positions for her to enjoy after a long park day.

It was a very successful trip, thank you for all the wonderful insight all the regulars!!!

That's pretty awesome. I've never found POR to be anything but awesome. The registration CM's have always been stellar, housekeeping has always been great, all the CM's have been terrific. Even when the food court is insane, I've always gotten a smile or a good morning from all the CM's. Very polite, professional and helpful. I know it isn't always this way for some, but I'm appreciative of good service and have always had it at POR...now other parts of the world have been sketchy at times. Glad your got your royal room. Aren't they delightful? POR is just beautiful. I could live there.

Here is the sanctioned "sticky" thread from the Transportation forum where using DME for luggage but not for people is discussed. It can work, it has worked. It might not work. Take your chances or don't.

I vote in the NOT column. It isn't designed to be a luggage transportation system and I wouldn't want to skirt the rules. If one person uses ME in your party, then your luggage could go, I suppose. I like to stay with my luggage for as long as I can. HOWEVER, if you read this post in mousesavers...

http://www.mousesavers.com/disneys-magical-express-resort-airline-check-in/#resortairlinecheckin

there's still an option for checking your bags...

 

[CareHeartsDisney]

SSR and FW are 21 Oct, and the Grand Flo Villas will open with the system running on 23 Oct.

And yes, the current tests officially run until 31 Oct - but can you really see the brand new Grand Flo Villas only having them for 7 days? I think not! Extensions into November (or maybe even it will be 'fully live' by then) will happen sometime early in October I believe, but I don't have a date as yet.

Andre

Sometimes I think TAs are more out of the loop than people here on the DIS especially with help from people like yourself and Venom. That's why I like reading these forums. I feel like I'm keeping up better with all the new things going on. Thank you to everyone who contributes!

Disney didn't post the list of resorts that are testing until 9/12! And there's been no mention on the Disney Travel Agents site about BOG lunch ADRs. I called Disney to find out for a client who is staying at CSR if her family could make an ADR and was placed on hold while the CM checked. She didn't seem to know much about the lunch ADRs. Of course, my client doesn't qualify since MB's aren't being tested until after her dates at CSR and she would need her MB#. Also, I've heard here on Disboards that some people used their DME#. Her family is not taking DME since they're staying with family in FL before and after their trip.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

If we decide to come a day early we would do a room only reservation for that night -- no dining plan, no park ticket. We will only be staying 3 nights total, so do you think they would move us after the first night? Or would we be able to stay in the same room for the duration?

If they move us to a new room will we have to check out and check back in?

I really want to make the most of the 2 full days we're there by adding the travel day in. We probably won't get to POR until after dinner the day we check in. But, this will give us more time at the resort on our second day.

However, if we have to go through checking out & in, it might not be worth it... suggestions? Experiences?

Thanks.

 

[CareHeartsDisney]

Only have 2 questions....

What's the benefit of online check in.

We originally planned to take ME. But now we've rented a car. We have the yellow luggage tags...will disney still get our bags for us?

Like others have said, no you can't send your luggage with DME if you're not taking the bus. However, you can send it back to the airport even if you're driving. I had read that I could do this before my trip here on the DIS. Back in Feb. while staying at POR, I went to Bell Services the morning of my last day and asked if I could send my luggage to the airport even though I was not taking DME. I was told that it was no problem. They also printed my boarding passes. You do have to check your luggage in by 1pm (I believe, correct me if I'm wrong anyone).

 

[DonaldDuck77]

And there's been no mention on the Disney Travel Agents site about BOG lunch ADRs. I called Disney to find out for a client who is staying at CSR if her family could make an ADR and was placed on hold while the CM checked. She didn't seem to know much about the lunch ADRs. Of course, my client doesn't qualify since MB's aren't being tested until after her dates at CSR and she would need her MB#. Also, I've heard here on Disboards that some people used their DME#. Her family is not taking DME since they're staying with family in FL before and after their trip.

From a thread about November check ins looking for magic bands and fast pass +, I found out how to do the Be Our Guest lunch FP+ reservation. Log on to your Disney MDE account, then from your reservation, hover (not click) over the link to either checkin online or modify checkin. This will show at the bottom of the screen the 12 digit number you need to log on to https://beourguestlunch.disney.go.com/ and get your FP+. Since I was able to do that, and I have no access to MB and FP+, I can only assume that this will not have any effect on other FP+ you want to reserve. Someone with a September or October checkin may be able to tell you otherwise.

 

[Skampigirl]

Wanted to thank everyone for all of the amazing information about my favourite resort! I'm checking in on November 7th and am still a little confused about MagicBands. I can't see anything yet on MDE (other than to link my MB). What should I be looking for? Will there be a notification in MDE, or should I receive an email? If in MDE, where do I look?

I'm hoping to be able to customize ahead of time to choose colour, etc. and don't want to miss my chance.

Sorry if I'm having a blonde moment Just want to be prepared (as Scar said )

Thank you!!

Laura

 

[leshunlenese]

Will I still be able to request a fridge if our room does not have one? Do i call before hand or just wait to ask at check in? we have someone coming who is a diabetic and needs one for their insulin.

 

[ALD85]

Wanted to thank everyone for all of the amazing information about my favourite resort! I'm checking in on November 7th and am still a little confused about MagicBands. I can't see anything yet on MDE (other than to link my MB). What should I be looking for? Will there be a notification in MDE, or should I receive an email? If in MDE, where do I look?

I'm hoping to be able to customize ahead of time to choose colour, etc. and don't want to miss my chance.

Sorry if I'm having a blonde moment Just want to be prepared (as Scar said )

Thank you!!

Laura

Have you done online check-in? Most people who completed online check-in had the magic band customization come available.

 

[CareHeartsDisney]

From a thread about November check ins looking for magic bands and fast pass +, I found out how to do the Be Our Guest lunch FP+ reservation. Log on to your Disney MDE account, then from your reservation, hover (not click) over the link to either checkin online or modify checkin. This will show at the bottom of the screen the 12 digit number you need to log on to https://beourguestlunch.disney.go.com/ and get your FP+. Since I was able to do that, and I have no access to MB and FP+, I can only assume that this will not have any effect on other FP+ you want to reserve. Someone with a September or October checkin may be able to tell you otherwise.

That's interesting. I completed online check-in for my client, maybe she'll have to redo it to have that number show up when hovering over the link. Thanks for sharing!

 

[CareHeartsDisney]

Wanted to thank everyone for all of the amazing information about my favourite resort! I'm checking in on November 7th and am still a little confused about MagicBands. I can't see anything yet on MDE (other than to link my MB). What should I be looking for? Will there be a notification in MDE, or should I receive an email? If in MDE, where do I look?

I'm hoping to be able to customize ahead of time to choose colour, etc. and don't want to miss my chance.

Sorry if I'm having a blonde moment Just want to be prepared (as Scar said )

Thank you!!


Laura

I think it's too early for Magic Bands for November dates. Currently, testing is through Oct. 31. You'll want to keep checking since testing may be considered to be completed at that point and the official roll out may very well be Nov. 1.

Will I still be able to request a fridge if our room does not have one? Do i call before hand or just wait to ask at check in? we have someone coming who is a diabetic and needs one for their insulin.

You should call Disney and have it noted as a request on your reservation. Be sure to tell them about the medical need. In addition you can fax your request 5-10 days prior to your trip. There's a very helpful fax template on page 1, post 2, that Venom created.

 

[Skampigirl]

Have you done online check-in? Most people who completed online check-in had the magic band customization come available.

Thank you! Yes, I have completed online check-in (though occasionally I see that the MDE is giving me the message "check in now!", however when I click on the icon, it tells me I have already checked in.

I think it's too early for Magic Bands for November dates. Currently, testing is through Oct. 31. You'll want to keep checking since testing may be considered to be completed at that point and the official roll out may very well be Nov. 1.

That makes me feel better - thank you! Nothing like Disney to create OCD with these new features!!

Staying in a King Riverview for the W&D 5K and Half. Haven't specified a request for Magnolia Bend or AB. Will be happy with either. My only request is high floor.

Thanks again everyone - I SO appreciate all of your help!

Laura

 

[andrewilley]

Staying in a King Riverview for the W&D 5K and Half. Haven't specified a request for Magnolia Bend or AB. Will be happy with either. My only request is high floor.

Not quite sure what you mean by a 'King Riverview'? You can book a King Bed room and then request one of the rooms that also happen to overlook the river (there are not too many though, and most are in the mansion buildings, and remember that it would not be guaranteed). However if you've booked a River View room, then none of that actual category of room feature a King Bed...

Andre

 

[Skampigirl]

Not quite sure what you mean by a 'King Riverview'? You can book a King Bed room and then request one of the rooms that also happen to overlook the river (there are not too many though, and most are in the mansion buildings, and remember that it would not be guaranteed). However if you've booked a River View room, then none of that actual category of room feature a King Bed...

Andre

Sorry - yes, I booked a King and requested riverview/high floor. I am definitely having a blonde day November 7th can't come quickly enough at this rate!

Thanks again!

 

[ALD85]

Thank you! Yes, I have completed online check-in (though occasionally I see that the MDE is giving me the message "check in now!", however when I click on the icon, it tells me I have already checked in.

That makes me feel better - thank you! Nothing like Disney to create OCD with these new features!!

Staying in a King Riverview for the W&D 5K and Half. Haven't specified a request for Magnolia Bend or AB. Will be happy with either. My only request is high floor.

Thanks again everyone - I SO appreciate all of your help!

Laura

Try re-doing your check-in, I know a few people re-did theirs and they were able to customize! Good luck.

 

[Skampigirl]

Try re-doing your check-in, I know a few people re-did theirs and they were able to customize! Good luck.

Thank you!! Will give it a try later today and hopefully will have good news to share later!

 

[andrewilley]

Try re-doing your check-in, I know a few people re-did theirs and they were able to customize! Good luck.

It's a November thing, the systems (especially FP+) have not been extended to operate that far as yet. I very strongly suspect that the system will be extended into November and beyond within the next few weeks, but I really can't say anything more definite just now...

Andre

 

[Sydnerella]

Friends of our stayed at POR a few Octobers ago and their DDs got their hair done with extensions/feathers/beads at POR according to their mom. Is this still happening and if so, when/where can we do this at the resort?

Thanks,
Sydnerella's Mama

 

[webstah]

Friends of our stayed at POR a few Octobers ago and their DDs got their hair done with extensions/feathers/beads at POR according to their mom. Is this still happening and if so, when/where can we do this at the resort?

Thanks,
Sydnerella's Mama

They do hair wrapping outside the food court near the Marina. You'll see the location all set up. I don't know the hours though.