[kylsha]

Hi, haven't written in awhile. Had a lot of family illness so had to postpone our first DW trip to Oct. 15-22. Booked POR per several suggesstions. Our children are/will be by then 7 and 8. Hoping POR is the best choice. We booked for a 7 day hopper with dining plan. Any suggesstions would be appreciated. Booked through Mousekettrips, again per suggesstion. Has anyone used the dining plan; 1 sit-down, 1 counter and 1 snack. How does it work to upgrade to character meals. And any thoughts on POR and how to work the 7 day hopper. I know this is a lot of questions but just trying to figure it all out. Sorry to sound like such a newbie!

[Dana]

No apologies....we are here to help. I don't know anything abou the new dining plan, but cinderbella, who just got back from WDW using that plan, will be able to shed some first hand light on that for you. You can try pming her or she will eventually see this thread and respond.
As for POR, I have heard excellent reviews about that resort, so I think you will be safe with your choice. Keith and Scott and Mouseketrips will take excellent care of you. They rock and I will book with no one but them at this point. They are that good at what they do.
Have you thought about doing the Mickey's not so scary Halloween party while down there? They run it most weekends in October and I'm told it's awesome! You will probally be able to see exact dates for that around May and be able to get tickets for it then.
If I am not mistaken, the character meals can be used as a meal option. They aren't considered an upgrade to the best of my knowledge. Only the fine dining restaurants are considered and upgrade or require multiple wishes or whatever they are calling them now. AS for the pass, you will be fine with it. Did you get the plus option? If so, you should read throgh that information carefully so you know exactly what places are involved and how often you can use them.
What character meals are you considering? Crystal Palce with Pooh and Friends in the MK is tons of fun if you are looking for a good one. They do all meals there. Best of luck with your planning and no worries about asking questions and sounding like a rookie....you know we all live to help on here.

[PrincessJill]

I just stayed at POR on my last trip. It was gorgeous. We didn't spend much time there - we only had few days so we were in the parks from opening till closing - but we really liked it. We had an Alligator Bayou room. The room was nice and big (as compared to our usual All-Star rooms... I don't know how they compare to other moderates) and everything was clean. I really liked the setup of the main buildings on the dock - I wish I'd had more time to look at everything in there. Overall me and my whole family really liked it. I think you'll have a great time there.

[Cavey]

If I understand correctly, a character meal counts as one sit-down meal.

[BuzzLightyear]

Originally Posted by caver_jeffery

If I understand correctly, a character meal counts as one sit-down meal.

Yes, this is correct. A character meal, be it breakfast, lunch or dinnner counts as one table service (sit-down) meal.

[rlb]

I found a pdf file on disney.com that list the restaurants where the dinning plan can be used. There were some character dining listed and some dinner shows. The dinner shows used two sit down meals. I will try and find the link.

[rlb]

Here is the link to the dining package which list the restaurants that participate. http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/me.../MYWDining.pdf

[kylsha]

You guys are awesoem! thanks for all the great info. I will check that link rlb. And thanks, Dana for the Halloween suggestion. We love Halloween around hear and my son is a bit fearful, he has a sever visual impairment and scares easiley if things aren't within a few feet of him so this sounds great. I'm glad POR is a good choice. And Keith at Mouseketrips has been unbeleivable---I will never book Disney elsewhere. thanks all.