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

[RoboticNerve]

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).

Thanks Katie

 

[cadale]

Sorry if this has already been answered but does the store sell only Desani water or does it sell smart water also?

Thanks.

 

[Robbi129]

Sorry if this has already been answered but does the store sell only Desani water or does it sell smart water also? Thanks.

. There is smart water at all of the resorts and in the parks.

 

[castledweller407]

Sorry if this has already been answered but does the store sell only Desani water or does it sell smart water also? Thanks.

You can buy SmartWater everywhere, but know that it's priced at a premium. If I recall correctly, about $1 more per bottle than Dasani.

 

[jcyoung]

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.

I'm not sure if this is true or not, but I read somewhere that you can substitute an appetizer for a dessert on the dining plan. I think you just have to ask the server to do it. I read that on a food blog or thread, I can't remember where, so it may or may not be true. But...it can't hurt to give it a shot!

 

[Venomhatch]

Testing something and Good Evening POR Fans!!!

I took my visits down, I guess I don't need them up since I visit everyday I work!

 

[mollyseven]

We're heading back to POR January 30th for a week.....last Christmas we stayed at CBR and now we finally get to go back to my favourite place.
Anyhow....Does anyone know where the campfires are held and are they every night?
Also....where are the movies shown?
Any updates on room reno's or anything the last couple years? We like to stay in the Magnolia Terrace area....anything we should be aware of?
Oh....are the coffee makers the kind with the pods or can you still bring a filter and coffee to make your own?
Can't wait to be back!!! 6 weeks today!

 

[buzznina]

We're heading back to POR January 30th for a week.....last Christmas we stayed at CBR and now we finally get to go back to my favourite place.
Anyhow....Does anyone know where the campfires are held and are they every night?
Yes, adjacent to the kids playground on Ol' Man Island
Also....where are the movies shown?
Oak Manors court yard
Any updates on room reno's or anything the last couple years?
Oak Manor and Parterre Place are strictly Royal Guest Rooms
We like to stay in the Magnolia Terrace area....anything we should be aware of?
See previous answer
Oh....are the coffee makers the kind with the pods or can you still bring a filter and coffee to make your own?
Pods
Can't wait to be back!!! 6 weeks today!

 

[mollyseven]

Thanks Buzznina!! That's great info.
super excited.

 

[carmelhp]

Oh....are the coffee makers the kind with the pods or can you still bring a filter and coffee to make your own?
Can't wait to be back!!! 6 weeks today!

They use filter packs, not pods. Housekeeping left filter packs of Joffrey's every day.

 

[buzznina]

They use filter packs, not pods. Housekeeping left filter packs of Joffrey's every day.

Aren't the filter packs called Pods? My neighbor has them and he calls them Pods also.

 

[EpcotBill]

They use filter packs, not pods. Housekeeping left filter packs of Joffrey's every day.

Most of us refer to the filter packs as pods.

 

[Gorechick]

I'm not sure if this is true or not, but I read somewhere that you can substitute an appetizer for a dessert on the dining plan. I think you just have to ask the server to do it. I read that on a food blog or thread, I can't remember where, so it may or may not be true. But...it can't hurt to give it a shot!

Unfortunately, you can't substitute an appetizer for a dessert. However, I think you can get a piece of fresh fruit instead.

 

[dreamseeker9]

I just booked today! I'll be at POR for my birthday, next Sept. 26 - Oct. 3. I reserved a river view. What was strange was that when I booked it online through Disney, I didn't see anywhere for me to write in requests - there were only requests for connecting rooms, nearby another guest's room, or a crib request.

So do I wait and then make my request for a mansion room when I do online check-in, and send a fax for backup 5 days out? Or should I call Disney reservations now and ask that it be added to my reservation now?

ETA: This will be my first time at POR, I'm so excited!

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

You can buy SmartWater everywhere, but know that it's priced at a premium. If I recall correctly, about $1 more per bottle than Dasani.

If I remember correctly the places that did have SmartWater were selling it at $4 a bottle when I was there in November.

 

[andrewilley]

I just booked today! I'll be at POR for my birthday, next Sept. 26 - Oct. 3. I reserved a river view. What was strange was that when I booked it online through Disney, I didn't see anywhere for me to write in requests - there were only requests for connecting rooms, nearby another guest's room, or a crib request.

So do I wait and then make my request for a mansion room when I do online check-in, and send a fax for backup 5 days out? Or should I call Disney reservations now and ask that it be added to my reservation now?

Unfortunately, you can't add any free-form text requests using any of the online reservation or checkin systems, so you'll need to phone the Reservations Centre to get your requests added to your booking. You can fax 3-5 days before arrival if you like too. See info in first FAQ post.

Andre

 

[cadale]

Thanks for the info on smart water. Just trying to make up my mind if I should see about ordering stuff from garden grocer or just buy it at the store.

 

[Venomhatch]

I just booked today! I'll be at POR for my birthday, next Sept. 26 - Oct. 3. I reserved a river view. What was strange was that when I booked it online through Disney, I didn't see anywhere for me to write in requests - there were only requests for connecting rooms, nearby another guest's room, or a crib request.

So do I wait and then make my request for a mansion room when I do online check-in, and send a fax for backup 5 days out? Or should I call Disney reservations now and ask that it be added to my reservation now?

ETA: This will be my first time at POR, I'm so excited!

I would definitely send the fax back up at 5 days out minimum. I would mention in the fax the items you may seek like mansion room, closer to this or that, etc.

 

[buzznina]

Most of us refer to the filter packs as pods.

Thanks I do not drink the stuff but I wanted to make sure I at least had the terminology down

 

[dreamseeker9]

I would definitely send the fax back up at 5 days out minimum. I would mention in the fax the items you may seek like mansion room, closer to this or that, etc.

Thank you! And thanks to Andre as well- I'm familiar with the fax template, I will definitely use that when the time comes. Just 274 more days!