Port Orleans Riverside Q&A Thread 2013, Part Two [Thread now FULL and closed]

[JVig]

Ask to be close to a bus stop.

However, that means you are further from the main building, etc. but would be very little difference. You are better off not worrying about requests if you don't already have some type of preference. You already know your general location.

I think I'll just not send in a request and we'll see where we end up.

 

[jcemom]

Well, I'm actually not very happy about this added stop at Downtown Disney to pick up the same guests who could have boarded back at the resort. The bus leaving from Port Orleans to the airport already picks up PO first, then stops at both Old Key West and Saratoga Springs before heading to the airport. It is often a full 30 minutes from pick up at Port Orleans to actually leaving Disney property. That trip is tedious enough without adding another stop at Downtown. I did send a quick email to guest services to let them know that while this might bring more shopping revenue, it will really take the magic out of Magical Express for me.
I will be using Magical Express the last week of August so I really hope that this has been cancelled by then!

Did they say they will be using the same bus to make all those stops? They usually route the buses to make three stops each (at least most of the ones I have been on have been scheduled for three resorts). I was under the impression that DtD would just be treated as another stop to be put on a route. So a bus might go to OKW, SSR, and DtD. Or, it might be DtD, Pop, AKL. Or POFQ, POR, DtD. Whatever. I didn't read it that they were adding a stop to the current POR route so that each bus would be making an additional stop.

 

[Rvillediser]

Does anyone know if the otters are still around?

 

[ChristineOH]

Does anyone know if the otters are still around?

We saw them a couple of times at the end of May.

 

[1GR8DISNEYFAN]

Can someone please tell me how long the boat ride is from ROR to DTD. Thanks!

 

[HiMagicFan]

60 days, and I got my DME packet today. They are getting those out earlier and earlier! I'm excited b/c we get to try something new because we're arriving in the daytime; we get to have our bags magically brought to our rooms. Oooooh.

I did online checkin and I figure in, oh, 52ish days I'll send a fax in with an area request.

Hmmm i am at 46 days and have not gotten my DME packet yet... Should i be worried?

Also another separate question but how crucial is it to fax requests? I dont have access to a fax so would need to find one. I did ask my TA to put the requests on our ressie

 

[4butlers]

60 days, and I got my DME packet today. They are getting those out earlier and earlier! I'm excited b/c we get to try something new because we're arriving in the daytime; we get to have our bags magically brought to our rooms. Oooooh.

I did online checkin and I figure in, oh, 52ish days I'll send a fax in with an area request.

I couldn't believe it. We got our DME packet last week and we are over 80 days out!!

 

[lmhall2000]

Hmmm i am at 46 days and have not gotten my DME packet yet... Should i be worried?

Also another separate question but how crucial is it to fax requests? I dont have access to a fax so would need to find one. I did ask my TA to put the requests on our ressie

Just got ours today and at about 34 days out..but we just paid in full last week, you may want to double check your ressie to make sure they have you down for ME? I set it up originally but called back once we had our airline information and they had never set it up the first time

 

[bumbershoot]

I keep reading about faxing in room requests. I wasn't planning to do this. Am I missing something? We have RR Standard....I figured I'm getting one of two buildings and they're both about the same distance from everything. Am I wrong - is there something I should request? It would be nice to decrease the walk to the bus, what would I ask for?

You're right, the RRs are only in two buildings. And a standard room, I imagine, will be closer to bus stops anyway, right?

I really really really want to be put in one of the two (non-Royal) Mansions buildings, so that's what I'll be faxing about. Port Orleans is pretty much the only set of resorts that still takes faxes, so although I did NOT send a fax for our first stay there (which was a Royal riverview room, and I requested Corner room in online checkin, and we got that and it was awesome) I'm going to do so this time.

Well, I'm actually not very happy about this added stop at Downtown Disney to pick up the same guests who could have boarded back at the resort. The bus leaving from Port Orleans to the airport already picks up PO first, then stops at both Old Key West and Saratoga Springs before heading to the airport. It is often a full 30 minutes from pick up at Port Orleans to actually leaving Disney property. That trip is tedious enough without adding another stop at Downtown. I did send a quick email to guest services to let them know that while this might bring more shopping revenue, it will really take the magic out of Magical Express for me.
I will be using Magical Express the last week of August so I really hope that this has been cancelled by then!

I'm not sure they would then put yet another stop onto something that already has 3 stops. I bet they'll split it up like the previous poster said.

I think of all the changes they have been making this last nearly-a-year, this is the best one.

Hmmm i am at 46 days and have not gotten my DME packet yet... Should i be worried?

I wouldn't be worried about it not being here; after all, you are still in the normal timeframe for NOT having it. I think it's weird to get it so early; I definitely haven't paid the balance yet! I have a package through rundisney for the Tower of Terror 10-Miler (a weird package...no park tickets, but minigolf "tickets" that the CM put in there in place of a ticket since we have APs) and I just went ahead and used the website for requesting DME b/c it's easier for me. (www.disneysmagicalexpress.com) Describing what I have and what I did just to give a better idea of what I did, I suppose.

I just wanted people to know that getting super-early DME packets is happening.

 

[HiMagicFan]

Ah did not know there was a website! Thanks and appreciate your sharing. Just getting too excited i guess! We are doing the tower too but didnt go thru rundisney. Thats what i love - everyone sharing their experiences. Thank you.

 

[ProudMomTo3Boys]

Hi all, checked in last night!!! I made only 1 request when I made my reservation, and that was to be on a bottom floor. I paid for a preferred room. I did online check in and added a corner room, ground floor to it. I got both requests. Our room is just a hop skip and a jump to the river. There really isn't much storage space for our clothes but we just kept some in the suitcase until we need them. We do have a working refrigerator.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Hmmm i am at 46 days and have not gotten my DME packet yet... Should i be worried?

Also another separate question but how crucial is it to fax requests? I dont have access to a fax so would need to find one. I did ask my TA to put the requests on our ressie

Don't worry about the packet! I just got mine at a little over 30 days. I paid off the trip a little before 45. I wouldn't want to get it 80 days out. It makes a nice one month to go exciting step anticipation builder.

Many people put important requests on their original reservation and/or at online check-in and get the requests just fine. The fax is an additional way to help get your requests but isn't necessary. If you aren't set on getting into your room right away, you could skip online check-in, and make a request in person, telling them you are in no hurry for the room. Of course all of these are requests and not guaranteed. It all depends on the type of request and the circumstances when you are checking in.

 

[KarenMac72]

Hmmm i am at 46 days and have not gotten my DME packet yet... Should i be worried?

Also another separate question but how crucial is it to fax requests? I dont have access to a fax so would need to find one. I did ask my TA to put the requests on our ressie

I had to pick up my DME packet from my TA. Maybe that is the case for you.

 

[KarenMac72]

I am pretty sure they can also do a special room cleaning for peanut allergies if you call ahead of time and have it added to your reservation. I had called and asked about some special allergy cleaning for dustmite and fragrance allergies and the CM specifically asked me if I was also allergic to peanuts as they have a special cleaning for that too.

Thanks for this info!

 

[KarenMac72]

I am no expert by any means, but I did read on here that you can request a "deep clean" because of allergies. Explain about your son, and I bet they will accommodate you.

I also read that room requests should be faxed in about 48 hrs ahead of arrival (there is a number here on Disboards for the room request fax line--someone more savvy--help please?!) with the requests prioritized as to importance.

I think a ground floor would help with strollers. We stayed at CBR several years ago with our 2 year old grandson, and between the walking from the bus stop and then carrying the grandson and stroller upstairs when everyone is pretty beat it was kinda

But the view was nice!

There are pros and cons to everything, but this time we are staying at POR and requesting a room closer to things and a first floor. If we get it, great, if we don't, we'll manage and there will be something else to compensate for it, like the view being better from the second floor!

Thank you! I'm going to request a ground floor room, but if we don't get it, no worries. At least we're at Disney!

 

[Patience]

60 days, and I got my DME packet today. They are getting those out earlier and earlier! I'm excited b/c we get to try something new because we're arriving in the daytime; we get to have our bags magically brought to our rooms. Oooooh.

I did online checkin and I figure in, oh, 52ish days I'll send a fax in with an area request.

39 days out for me and no DME package for me yet. If I don't have it by the end of this week, I'm going to call and ask about it.

 

[ldoogie]

I have a question but please forgive me if it has been asked in this thread already. I read on another website that the bedspreads are only washed prior to check in if it is requested, is this true? Seems kinda crazy to me!

 

[andrewilley]

Can someone please tell me how long the boat ride is from ROR to DTD. Thanks!

About 20 minutes.

I have a question but please forgive me if it has been asked in this thread already. I read on another website that the bedspreads are only washed prior to check in if it is requested, is this true? Seems kinda crazy to me!

I would be very surprised if the bedspreads were washed even that often. They are thick quilted over-bed 'comforter' style covers, not duvet covers. The sheets would be washed between guests obviously, and presumably at some point during longer stays too (maybe weekly? Not sure).

Andre

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

About 20 minutes.

I would be very surprised if the bedspreads were washed even that often. They are thick quilted over-bed 'comforter' style covers, not duvet covers. The sheets would be washed between guests obviously, and presumably at some point during longer stays too (maybe weekly? Not sure).

Andre

I think standard hotel practice is to wash the sheets every third or fourth night during longer stays unless you request otherwise. Bedspreads not included. Some hotels are starting to use duvets that are washed in between guests, but Disney does not.

 

[ldoogie]

So can I request I get bedspreads/comforters that have been washed before we get in the room? Would I fax it in?