Anyone been to PO Riverside recently ?

[Ron from Michigan]

We booked AP rates for Nov. 29 to Dec.12 this morning. I would like to know what this resort is like and if there has been anyone stayed there lately. This will be our first trip staying at PO Riversiade. Thanks Ron...

 

[firstmickey]

Dear Ron,

Just back from this resort Aug 18th. We (my best friend) and our 4 kids combined had 2 connecting rooms in the Acadian House mansion section. We really enjoyed the mansion section.
If you have 3 kids, you will need the Alligator Bayou section with the trundle beds.

The food court was efficient, and a short under 5 minute walk.
All of the mansion rooms seem to be close, but Parterre Place is closest to food court, and Oak Manor (smoking) is close also.

My number one tip would be to use any bus stop except the main South Depot in the AM to go to the parks. It was always crowded and stopped there last.

There are alot of thinks for kids to do. Make sure you go see the piano player, Bob Jackson in the River Roost lounge one night (Wed-Sat 7p-12a). My kids loved him.

I thought housekeeping was adequate. Rooms were always clean. I did not think this resort appeared "run down" as you will hear on the boards, but I agree that the refurbishing will be good for it. Never saw any construction while we were there.

CM's were very nice and accomodating.

Overall, we really enjoyed it.
I would be happy to answer any other questions.
If you would be interested in my trip report to this resort, see:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=424941

Don't listen to any bad things, this is really an enjoyable resort.
Congrats on AP rates, I was hoping for AP at CBR or PORbut was unavailable. That's why I am going to the Dolphin!

 

[Robbie Fowler]

We are just back from POR (18/8 to 27/8).

We were in Oak Manor (non smoking room). It was a corner room facing the river. There was about a 5 min walk to the main pool and food court etc (parterre place was nearest of the mansions). Outside our room there were loads of rabbits and squirrals which was nice and we also saw ducks, frogs, all sorts of different native birds and even a water snake in the river!! Our Mousekeeper was great, she left towel animals and the room was spotless. I agree tho that the rooms are getting a bit tired, but thats to be expected as the resort has been open for so long.

The food court was good and never too busy. There was a good choice of food and none of the sections were closed.

The transportation was good. We always got on an off at the main depot. It was not necessarily the last stop. It was often busy for the MK or Epcot buses but we never had to wait for a second bus. I dont recall ever waiting more than 5 mins for any bus. Another plus is the boat to downtown disney. It takes about 20 mins and is really pleasant.

I think it is a great resort.

 

[shady]

I was there 1st week in August. It was great. Spacious room (I wasnt in the mansions), great pools, nice lounge. We found the buses to be a bit slow, but the boat to downtown disney even slower. We drove ourselves after the first night. I'd definitely stay there again.

 

[HamHam]

We were there from August 16 - 20 and we liked it very much. We stayed in the Magnolia Bend building - one of the mansions. The landscaping was gorgeous and there were a lot of bunnies around the grounds. We had a corner room facing the Sassagoula River. Our bus stop was behind the building and was a bit of a walk but it worked out fine. We stayed at this resort three years ago and felft that the bus service wasn't as good this time. We didn't have to wait too long to be picked up but getting a bus back at night was always a long wait and very crowded. We ended up standing a lot and I think that's an accident waiting to happen. Our room was fine and the housekeeper left us a towel animal when I left her a note asking for one. The food court is adequate and expensive but you expect that at Disney. One nice surprise was that they have cold subs, fruit, and salads available in the coolers near the milk and juice area. By the end of our vacation we were so sick of hamburgers, hot dogs and fries!!!!!!! yuck. This is a great resort for the money

 

[msteddom]

We stayed in Parterre Place (the mansions) from 8/12-8/19 and loved it!!! The grounds were beautiful, the room was very clean and the staff was always friendly. You will love Riverside!

Melissa

 

[kinggoofy]

Ron from MI....we just got back from POR. I posted on 8-25.
I will bump it for you.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks everyone for the reply's. We are looking forward to staying here in Dec. for the first time.