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

[andrewilley]

If I do online check in, should I just leave the room request section blank? I am planning to send a fax about 5 days before we leave.

Although it should be fine, the general consensus is to leave that section of online checkin blank if you have already made some requests on your original booking. Your fax will supersede it later anyway though, so don't worry too much.

Andre

 

[bigmac5]

I know I read this somewhere but at the time i read it I wasn't ready.

Is there any advantage to not doing online check-in. and we still do the fax about 5 days before. We are at day 51 and just paid off in full. When do I expect Micky mail and what all will be included?

could someone please answer or give me a link and I am sorry because I know it has been said before.

 

[Suzanne74]

Do faxes still work? I thought they phased that out.

 

[Patience]

Although it should be fine, the general consensus is to leave that section of online checkin blank if you have already made some requests on your original booking. Your fax will supersede it later anyway though, so don't worry too much.

Andre

Thank you, Andre. I'm not one hundred percent sure that I'm going to do online check in but it's nice to know how to do it. We have never been to POR before so I may want to do traditional check in.

 

[jewelsb]

So we returned from our first visit to POR a few weeks ago and we absolutely LOVED it. Everything was so beautiful, the photos really do not do it justice. Every cast member was pleasant and helpful. The food court could be pretty crazy at times, but we found the food to be good. Never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus and usually less than that. We requested AB, but were given a room in Acadian house and turns out, we loved it. It was a second floor, river view and a perfect location! Everything was just a couple minute walk. The kids loved the pool and all the activites, of course!

Sadly, three days into our 9 day trip, my father in law passed away and we needed to make arrangements to come home. The kids were crushed and it was a really difficult time. I spoke to a girl at the concierge desk and she was so nice and so helpful and did everything she could to try to make things ok for us. I wish so bad that I had gotten her name, because I really want to let someone know how wonderful she was. Unfortunately, I was so shook up over everything, that I just completely forgot! For some reason I think it was Annie, but how could I even find out?!? Disney was also really great about everything. While we were in the airport waiting to board our flight, guest services called my cell and let us know that they refunded us our unused resort nights and gave us vouchers for our unused park days. Had it not been for that, there would be no hope of us being able to take the kids back anytime in the next few years to give them the trip we had worked so hard to afford in the first place.

We are already saving in hopes of being able to go back next summer and get our "Do-over" first Disney trip. We will definitely be going back to POR. There is just something so relaxing and peaceful about the resort. Coming back to POR after a crazy day at the parks is like a vacation from your vacation! Thanks to Andre and Venom for all the info on this board. It was so helpful with our planning and I'll stay tuned til we go again next year!! (I hope!)

 

[Dani C]

I'm sorry for your loss. *hugs* I hope everything goes well and you make it back next year.

 

[Venomhatch]

Do faxes still work? I thought they phased that out.

Yes we still do accept faxes.

 

[Suzanne74]

So we returned from our first visit to POR a few weeks ago and we absolutely LOVED it. Everything was so beautiful, the photos really do not do it justice. Every cast member was pleasant and helpful. The food court could be pretty crazy at times, but we found the food to be good. Never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus and usually less than that. We requested AB, but were given a room in Acadian house and turns out, we loved it. It was a second floor, river view and a perfect location! Everything was just a couple minute walk. The kids loved the pool and all the activites, of course!

Sadly, three days into our 9 day trip, my father in law passed away and we needed to make arrangements to come home. The kids were crushed and it was a really difficult time. I spoke to a girl at the concierge desk and she was so nice and so helpful and did everything she could to try to make things ok for us. I wish so bad that I had gotten her name, because I really want to let someone know how wonderful she was. Unfortunately, I was so shook up over everything, that I just completely forgot! For some reason I think it was Annie, but how could I even find out?!? Disney was also really great about everything. While we were in the airport waiting to board our flight, guest services called my cell and let us know that they refunded us our unused resort nights and gave us vouchers for our unused park days. Had it not been for that, there would be no hope of us being able to take the kids back anytime in the next few years to give them the trip we had worked so hard to afford in the first place.

We are already saving in hopes of being able to go back next summer and get our "Do-over" first Disney trip. We will definitely be going back to POR. There is just something so relaxing and peaceful about the resort. Coming back to POR after a crazy day at the parks is like a vacation from your vacation! Thanks to Andre and Venom for all the info on this board. It was so helpful with our planning and I'll stay tuned til we go again next year!! (I hope!)

I am so sorry for your family's loss. I was once in your shoes. We planned for 2 years a southern Caribbean cruise and we just touched down into San Juan when I received a phone call that my mom suddenly passed away. It was gut wrenching. Not only had to tell the kids the horrible news but we had to fly back home first thing in the AM. I am sure it was so hard for your kids and I am glad to hear Disney worked their magic during a difficult time.

I would still write an email explaining how wonderful the concierge was. I am sure describing her and giving the date/time, they could track her down. Wishing you lots of healing.

 

[RachelTori]

So we returned from our first visit to POR a few weeks ago and we absolutely LOVED it. Everything was so beautiful, the photos really do not do it justice. Every cast member was pleasant and helpful. The food court could be pretty crazy at times, but we found the food to be good. Never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus and usually less than that. We requested AB, but were given a room in Acadian house and turns out, we loved it. It was a second floor, river view and a perfect location! Everything was just a couple minute walk. The kids loved the pool and all the activites, of course!

Sadly, three days into our 9 day trip, my father in law passed away and we needed to make arrangements to come home. The kids were crushed and it was a really difficult time. I spoke to a girl at the concierge desk and she was so nice and so helpful and did everything she could to try to make things ok for us. I wish so bad that I had gotten her name, because I really want to let someone know how wonderful she was. Unfortunately, I was so shook up over everything, that I just completely forgot! For some reason I think it was Annie, but how could I even find out?!? Disney was also really great about everything. While we were in the airport waiting to board our flight, guest services called my cell and let us know that they refunded us our unused resort nights and gave us vouchers for our unused park days. Had it not been for that, there would be no hope of us being able to take the kids back anytime in the next few years to give them the trip we had worked so hard to afford in the first place.

We are already saving in hopes of being able to go back next summer and get our "Do-over" first Disney trip. We will definitely be going back to POR. There is just something so relaxing and peaceful about the resort. Coming back to POR after a crazy day at the parks is like a vacation from your vacation! Thanks to Andre and Venom for all the info on this board. It was so helpful with our planning and I'll stay tuned til we go again next year!! (I hope!)

I am so sorry for your loss.

I know you have many other things on your mind, but when you get the time, you should send an email to Disney, letting them know of the CMs wonderful service. If you can include the date and approximate time, that she was working the Concierge desk, and even that her name might have been Annie - they might be able to figure out who this helpful CM is!

 

[Hoosier Mom]

By any chance, does anyone know if the POR gift shop sells loaves of bread? Coronado did not, but Wilderness Lodge gift shop did. Last time we made a special trip over to Wilderness Lodge to pick up a loaf.

We take Jif PB for our son and buy a loaf of bread each trip. He's a picky eater and sometimes pulling out a Jif to go, and a couple slices of bread comes in really handy. And I see from that the food court has toasters so we could even make PB toast for him for breakfast.

Thanks in advance for the info.

 

[Suzanne74]

By any chance, does anyone know if the POR gift shop sells loaves of bread? Coronado did not, but Wilderness Lodge gift shop did. Last time we made a special trip over to Wilderness Lodge to pick up a loaf.

We take Jif PB for our son and buy a loaf of bread each trip. He's a picky eater and sometimes pulling out a Jif to go, and a couple slices of bread comes in really handy. And I see from that the food court has toasters so we could even make PB toast for him for breakfast.

Thanks in advance for the info.

I don't know about POR but I know that OKW and SSR do so you could head there if needed.

Actually now that I think about, I think only the hotels with kitchens (DVC) will have food like that.

But I did read you can buy bread at most food courts and counter service. Bring a ziplock and buy like 10 slices at first breakfast. Keep them fresh in your room.

 

[Hoosier Mom]

Thanks!

 

[lmhall2000]

Sadly, three days into our 9 day trip, my father in law passed away and we needed to make arrangements to come home. The kids were crushed and it was a really difficult time.

I am so sorry for your loss I hope you are all able to return again soon and thanks for taking the time to share how Disney tried to alleviate worries for you during this difficult time...

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Sadly, three days into our 9 day trip, my father in law passed away and we needed to make arrangements to come home.

I am very sorry for your families loss and that it had to happen at such a time. Prayers are on the way for your family. I hope you get to go next year!

The magic is extra special at such a vulnerable time. I'm glad to hear they were so helpful. I agree with the others. email Disney and explain everything including dates and approximate times. They will know who it was.

This is the best way to return the favor as it is very valuable to a Disney employee to receive commendations from visitors.

 

[siskaren]

Actually now that I think about, I think only the hotels with kitchens (DVC) will have food like that.

No, other resorts do too. Check out this post from easywdw.com:

http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorized/port-orleans-riverside-resort-mill-boatwrights-river-roost-boats-ol-man-island-magnola-bend-alligator-bayou-part-1/

 

[andrewilley]

Is there any advantage to not doing online check-in. and we still do the fax about 5 days before

I don't see any reason why not to do it to be honest. Some people say to avoid filling in the special-request tickboxes if you have already got more detailed verbal requests on your original reservation, but it is meant not to remove older stuff. See also www.portorleans.org/faqs.php#Online.

Do faxes still work? I thought they phased that out.

Yep, they do at some resorts anyway. I can't speak for anywhere else, but I do happen to know the person who generally reads them at POR/POFQ and I can assure you they do get noticed. Requests are still not guaranteed of course.

By any chance, does anyone know if the POR gift shop sells loaves of bread? Coronado did not, but Wilderness Lodge gift shop did. Last time we made a special trip over to Wilderness Lodge to pick up a loaf.

Yes, lots of nice goodies in the shop, including bread:

Sadly, three days into our 9 day trip, my father in law passed away and we needed to make arrangements to come home. The kids were crushed and it was a really difficult time. I spoke to a girl at the concierge desk and she was so nice and so helpful and did everything she could to try to make things ok for us. I wish so bad that I had gotten her name, because I really want to let someone know how wonderful she was.

I'm so very sorry for your loss, and for you and your kids' much-anticipated vacation to have been so sadly curtailed. If you could maybe PM me with the rough time and date that you spoke to the CM at the concierge desk (I'm sure that the date is etched on your mind; I know the date that my own father passed away is etched on mine) I'll see if I can find anything out for you.

Andre

 

[bigmac5]

Andre
Thank you for the link. I knew I saw it somewhere. I am dyslexic and reading through the threads takes me forever. I will do my online tonight(home alone with no one to bother me hehehe) We are 50 days and counting!!

 

[Venomhatch]

Andre
Thank you for the link. I knew I saw it somewhere. I am dyslexic and reading through the threads takes me forever. I will do my online tonight(home alone with no one to bother me hehehe) We are 50 days and counting!!

I have been recommending guest to do the check in also to save time. But As andre has mentioned I am one to say dont check all the tick boxes at the bottom about room request specifics if you have already done faxed or verbal requests.

 

[Marsheliz]

What building to request? I had a package booked at CBR but cancelled it... Just looks too big for me. I am going to book if free dining comes out like everyone is anticipating. I really don't care for the look of the alligator bayou rooms.... Any POR experts can help me out?

 

[eeyore29]

Andre, I see there's PB&J along with the bread. How about tuna and mayo?