Also, there is tonnes to do at POR for kids - fishing, bike rentals, games in the pool all week long, pirate cruise, campfires, movies on the lawn... Our DS7 loved it. He's still talking about the pool slide!
Definitely NOT boring for the kids. POR has so much more to do than Pop. The pool is better and has a slide, hot tub, fishing, sea racers, the boat to DTD, you can rent bikes, and plus it has an arcade just like Pop. And then there are the campfires and movies outside. Plenty to do. Don't equate the change in atmosphere to being boring. Definitely not. Love this resort! We have stayed at POp 3x and last two times at POR. I will not return to values as long as I can help it. The few hundred extra bucks was well worth it to us.
I'm not sure I saw how long your trip is for, but I would go for Port Orleans Riverside. You'll need the extra space. Though I guess you are technically a family of 4 + baby (2 year old), I would request a room in the Alligator Bayou section so you have the option of using the pull-down bed for one of the kids. At Port Orleans, you'll get the extra sink and more storage space for suitcases, strollers, etc. As far as stuff for kids, I'm sure they'll love having a water slide at their hotel We just stayed at Port Orleans Riverside in December 2012, and are staying at Pop Century in April 2013. It's just two of us though and we're going for a short trip, though. I would go for the slightly larger room if I were you, no question.
Finally booked our POR vacation for April!! This was a last minute change from POP. My MIL was interested in staying at a different resort (we have stayed at all stars, CBR and POP in the past). From the bits and pieces I have read, I am concerned over what would be the most convenient areas to stay so that my in laws aren't walking miles to get to a bus stop or the main food area. They will be doing plenty of walking in the parks so making it easier at the hotel is important. I too, was also worried about the difference in atmosphere between POP and POR. Our kids are 17, 15, 12, and 5. The older two DD'S won't care as long as they have a pool, this is the 5yr old DS 1st trip so he won't know the difference but my 12 yr old DS may feel like it is too grown up for him. I will hope that the great pools they have at POR will make up for all the whimsy at POP!
We have stayed at POP several times, and ASM once. We did stay at POR last summer for 2 nights, to try out a Moderate. Basically DS 17 & I are up at 6am every morning, not back to our resort until late evening. DS likes to go for a swim when we get back at night. I can't see paying for a more expensive hotel, when all we do is sleep/shower. It was nicer for sure...decor, grounds, main building, store, food court. A woodsy feel to the grounds. You could walk the paths and not hear a sound at times. I could tell the difference between a value and a moderate. The bus area was nicer (at POR you are waiting for a bus under a covered area.) We also didn't have to walk as far to get the bus from the park to the resort. The POR bus was closer to the park. I would rather pay for a value, seeing that we don't spend much time there, but if I get a good deal like free dining, next trip we might stay at a moderate longer. Someday I would love to stay at AKL in a savanna room but it is so expensive to do so.
I didn't know how else to word it. Yes POR has a lot of things going on with the bike rentals, fishing, boat ride, etc. But Pop looks more fun for the kids because of the other sized characters/items. Pop has an outdoor movie now too which was cool because the 1st time we went they didn't do that. I think MY kids will have fun regardless, it's just an observation from the pics. I love the "in your face" theming of the values but POR looks beautiful.
Honestly, we started our booking at AoA & ultimately ended up switching to POR . There were a few deciding factors in the change to our rez. One, bigger bed size. Given that it will be myself & my kids, 20 & 16 I didn't want to squeeze into a full size bed with anyone! I want to make sure I sleep comfortably. Two: Ummmm JACUZZI! No jacuzzi at the values (that I'm aware of). At the end of a day on my feet AND given that I am on vacation, I feel the need to soak & unwind for a bit. Three: The boat to DTD. So cool! Four: Since the kids are older I figured we may spend more time on property. Whether it's relaxing on a carriage ride or jet skiing. It's the little extras we/they may appreciate. My daughter has already said she isn't wanting to go to DW as much for the rides but more for the atmosphere. (yes, hate that she is becoming so grown up!) I'm hoping to bring her back to little-girl-ville while at DW! Lastly, I think they will love the choice in going over to "the other side" to the dragon pool. Just a little bit of extra magic. I know the decision isn't easy since I had a Little Mermaid fan on my team but between the room type & the history/story behind POR, all three of us were in agreement to stay at POR. I'm sure no matter where you stay, you will be happy! After all, you are going to Walt Disney World!
