For what it's worth, and to put the other side of the argument, we do tend to book River View at POR. I agree it's probably not technically worth $30 extra in the cold light of day, but once it's booked I somehow don't notice that incremental cost.
There are several reasons for liking River View, none of them perhaps compelling on their own, but they do add up.
First, the locations of the river view rooms are generally among the best at the resort (even better than some of the Preferred Location rooms). The easy access to the riverbank pathway means that whatever building you are in, you've got very easy access to the main pool area and the main building, plus pretty good access to the South bus stop (though not so much to the other stops).
Second, we're not 100% commando park touring types, and we do tend to spend plenty of time lazing around the resort. Even sitting in the room, the view really is very nice and much better than staring out over a parking lot. Because of the separated raised access walkways, which have many different access points, there honestly is VERY little foot traffic immediately past the rooms, so we mostly keep the blinds open when we're in the room.
Finally, it's nice to be able to step outside of the room from time to time, just for some fresh air and to enjoy the scenery. I'll often do that first thing in the morning, before everyone else wakes up, and just lean on the railing and watch the river, wildlife, the odd jogger running down the riverbank pathway, etc. It really is an amazing relaxing place to be.
Sometimes of an evening we'll pull a couple of chairs outside into the little recessed alcove section and have drink. I know it's not a "private" balcony as such, but as I said the foot traffic is very limited around each immediate room location, and anyway it's kinda nice to say hi to your neighbours anyway. I love watching the boats and the evening horse & carriage rides going past from the mansion buildings.
As I said, I suspect none of these are worth $30 directly on their own, but given that the rooms already cost the best part of $200 anyway the extra charge somehow doesn't seem such a jump.
However I can also see the argument that if you're going to keep the blinds shut all the time, and be out at the parks from 8am until 10pm, then there's really no point in getting anything other than the cheapest option. That's just not us though.
Andre
I told my hubby that if I must turn 40 I wanted to do it in my favorite place in the world. What a great guy to agree!
