Anyone ever stayed solo at Port Orleans Riverside ?

junipertree5

Swan Boats Alumni
Joined
Feb 16, 2008
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Hey everyone ;) !!

Im considering doing my first solo trip in late March 2010. I want to stay in a Moderate and am thinking POR. I will be using Dis Transport and really want to go the way of the Dining Plan. Anyone have any experience?

Also, since Im used to having my own transportation, Im a little nervous dealing with the Disney Transport system. How easy or hard is it? :confused3

Any imput at all is cool by me :hippie: Thanks!!
 
I stayed solo at POR in June. It is a beautiful, relaxing resort.
Disney transportation is great in my opinion. (Others may not agree.) The busses get me to where I want to go. There is a combined route of POFQ/POR in most cases. If they are combined, POFQ is the first stop. There are 4 bus stops at POR. At POR, some busses stopped first at the South Depot (by the main building) and others went to the West Depot (Alligator Bayou). The busses are supposed to run about every 20 minutes or so. The worst part of taking the bus is having one pull away right as you approach the stop.
There is also boat transportation to Downtown Disney. The ride is about 20 minutes.
If you are doing the dining plan, you may be traveling to other resorts. This can take a bit longer because you have to transfer at a theme park. If you give yourself enough time, it's not a big deal.
Enjoy your trip!
 
I stayed solo at POR in June. It is a beautiful, relaxing resort.
Disney transportation is great in my opinion. (Others may not agree.) The busses get me to where I want to go. There is a combined route of POFQ/POR in most cases. If they are combined, POFQ is the first stop. There are 4 bus stops at POR. At POR, some busses stopped first at the South Depot (by the main building) and others went to the West Depot (Alligator Bayou). The busses are supposed to run about every 20 minutes or so. The worst part of taking the bus is having one pull away right as you approach the stop.
There is also boat transportation to Downtown Disney. The ride is about 20 minutes.
If you are doing the dining plan, you may be traveling to other resorts. This can take a bit longer because you have to transfer at a theme park. If you give yourself enough time, it's not a big deal.
Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for sharing you experience and advice, Figaro 8398 :thumbsup2 !
 
I stayed solo at POR at the end of April. I was in the Mansions area. I loved the look of the room and I spent time sitting in a Gazebo relaxing for part of one afternoon and part of another sitting by a fountain.

The main pool area felt small but that might just be because it was the middle of the afternoon and it felt like everyone was there. I did get a chair and found some space in the pool which was all I cared about. :thumbsup2

The buses were easy to use and I took the boat back from DtD one evening after supper at Boma. It was very relaxing. The only issue I had was my stop was the East Depot and very often I was the only one getting off the bus really late at night. Crossing the parking lot by myself was a little nerve racking the first time. The parking lot was well lit but after the crowds in the park it just felt strange.

I spent some time at the bar and really enjoyed relaxing there with a few drinks in the evening.

I took a cab to Boma because I didn't want to mess with bus transfers. I took the bus from AKL to DtD and that was easy. All of my other meals except for breakfast were at the parks.

I ate Mickey Waffles at the food court and the breakfast platter. Both were good. But it was crowded if you got there around 8am. Most times I was there right when they opened and had my choice of seating.

I liked POR. I'm thinking of trying to get POFQ next time just because I have never stayed there.
 

I stayed at POR solo in 2008. I loved it. I was in the mansions. The grounds there are really peaceful and it's a great place to relax. The bus service was great and I never had any trouble with them. If you have ever thought that you might like to stay there, but haven't, you are in for a real treat. :thumbsup2
 
I stayed at the Port Orleans last year and stayed in a Water Room and it was magnificent! I would highly recommend the hotel to any single person traveler - the pool was nice and quiet (although I did travel in "value" season) and the hotel transportation was good. Overall it was a nice stay, quiet, pleasant and relaxing - good for a quick stay (I only stayed 3 nights), or a long one if you so choose :goodvibes !
 
I stayed solo at POR at the end of April. I was in the Mansions area. I loved the look of the room and I spent time sitting in a Gazebo relaxing for part of one afternoon and part of another sitting by a fountain.

The main pool area felt small but that might just be because it was the middle of the afternoon and it felt like everyone was there. I did get a chair and found some space in the pool which was all I cared about. :thumbsup2

The buses were easy to use and I took the boat back from DtD one evening after supper at Boma. It was very relaxing. The only issue I had was my stop was the East Depot and very often I was the only one getting off the bus really late at night. Crossing the parking lot by myself was a little nerve racking the first time. The parking lot was well lit but after the crowds in the park it just felt strange.

I spent some time at the bar and really enjoyed relaxing there with a few drinks in the evening.

I took a cab to Boma because I didn't want to mess with bus transfers. I took the bus from AKL to DtD and that was easy. All of my other meals except for breakfast were at the parks.

I ate Mickey Waffles at the food court and the breakfast platter. Both were good. But it was crowded if you got there around 8am. Most times I was there right when they opened and had my choice of seating.

I liked POR. I'm thinking of trying to get POFQ next time just because I have never stayed there.

I stayed at POR solo in 2008. I loved it. I was in the mansions. The grounds there are really peaceful and it's a great place to relax. The bus service was great and I never had any trouble with them. If you have ever thought that you might like to stay there, but haven't, you are in for a real treat. :thumbsup2

Thanks You Guys !! I reviewed all of the value and moderate resorts and this one seemed to fit my want for a mostly Mickey-free atmosphere ( Although I love love love Mickey as much as the next Dis'er ) and also the least likely to be overun by families with lots of kids. Again, don't get me wrong, I love kids too, I have two of my own that Im taking in two weeks for a family vacation. But for just this once, I NEED some heavy-duty ME time. I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past 2 1/2 years while trying to get through nursing school and gosh darn it...well I don't really have to explain myself to any of you who have children of your own while trying to reach certain goals at the same time. ;) Thanks again :worship:
 
Before buying DVC, POR was my solo resort-I stayed there solo 4 times. I always loved it there, although just one time they assigned me a room I felt uncomfortable in and asked to move. It was on the first floor, facing the rear, with lots of big bushes nearby. However, they moved me to a second floor room facing the river and were very nice and understanding when I asked to move.
 
I stayed at the POR solo for a week back in March. I really liked it. I had a great time.

I had a rental, but I also used Disney's Transportation as well. I took the boat to Downtown Disney. It is definitely a very nice and relaxing ride. I just wish I had brought a jacket. I had to end up getting one while I was there. This was my first time in Florida in March. I had no idea it would be that cold. I also took the bus back from DT Disney once and I doubt I will do it again. It was way to crowded. I guess it depends on where you get on and off. I decided to just drive to the parks since I had free parking.

I didn't do the dining plan, but my friends went in April and purchased a dining plan. They said they really liked it and it worked for there family. My package included a $200 disney gift card, so I didn't really need it. I ate at the Food Court quite a few times and the options were good. I also bought the unlimited refills cup my first day.

Also, the location I had was great. It was Room 1625 in the Alligator Bayou. I could have been a little closer to the main building, but it really was a nice quick walk. The room was very clean and peaceful. Typically I would never do a first floor room at all, but I really felt completely safe and comfortable.

I will definitely stay there again.
 
Do it every year. It is my resort of choice. I love the mansions; you expect to see Scarlett O'Hara come out of the building some days. Here's what I do:

I get up around 3:00 am and go dangle my feet in the quiet pool.

I walk over to POFQ and get a beignet, then ride the water taxi down to DTD almost every night. I leisurely stroll through the stores, sit at the bar at the Rainforest Cafe in the evening and meet lots of interesting people, or get a sundae at Ghiradelli's - then go back to the lounge and finish off the night with a glass of wine.

I walk the grounds slowly on the way to the food court each morning and try to get a table outside. It is wonderful to watch the ducks in the morning on the River, as the fog is rising.

I sit at the benches facing the marina and watch people get their hair braided or watch the boats go in and out of the marina.

Sometimes I spend the whole entire day in the room watching TV and reading and just go out to get food and drink. Or I will sit at the pool while everyone is at the parks.

Enjoy!
 
Everything everyone said already!
Except what Missytara said. But I'll do all that this September!:thumbsup2
----I was actually just wondering this AM (about 3am in fact) if the quiet pools were open/lit 24 hrs. Just sitting with my feet in the water sounds pretty relaxing! (better with a beer and a book... or cup of tea and ipod...or all 4...).

I did have the dining plan, but after the trip added things up, and decided it didn't really work for me. (I would tend to have appetizers over dessert, and certainly not dessert for every meal. Also prob would not have had that many table service meals.). It was close tho. This trip I got a discount on the room that was worth more.

I stayed 1 wk solo at POR Magnolia Manor ground floor last September.
I had the same reasons as you for picking POR over POP, and the same experiences as the other posters.
So, will be there again in Sep, 7 days with cousin then a few days solo.
Have requested not to be on a ground floor.
The buses worked well for the most part. There was 1 time when it was just me and Mr. Bus Driver from the South Depot to the East Depot late in the evening, and that felt strange... my room was just across the parking lot, so I hustled it across.

I used both bus and boat to get from DTD back to Resort, and definitely prefer the boat, as long as there was not a long wait.

Didn't try the quiet pools but did swim/relax at the main pool a few times. They supply towels there, so no need to bring one from room.

I think it's a lovely place to stay and relax. Hope you enjoy it!
 
Everything everyone said already!
Except what Missytara said. But I'll do all that this September!:thumbsup2
----I was actually just wondering this AM (about 3am in fact) if the quiet pools were open/lit 24 hrs. Just sitting with my feet in the water sounds pretty relaxing! (better with a beer and a book... or cup of tea and ipod...or all 4...).

I did have the dining plan, but after the trip added things up, and decided it didn't really work for me. (I would tend to have appetizers over dessert, and certainly not dessert for every meal. Also prob would not have had that many table service meals.). It was close tho. This trip I got a discount on the room that was worth more.

I stayed 1 wk solo at POR Magnolia Manor ground floor last September.
I had the same reasons as you for picking POR over POP, and the same experiences as the other posters.
So, will be there again in Sep, 7 days with cousin then a few days solo.
Have requested not to be on a ground floor.

Great to know that my instincts about POR were right!! :banana: I was kinda nervous about the end of march since that is my college spring break, and I know that ALOT of others share that same week (March 20-27).

Thanks everyone for your continued advice and best wishes :hug::thumbsup2
 
Hello all.

I'm a single guy, 46, who is a huge Disney geek and I'll be staying solo at POR the week after Thanksgiving, always, I've found, to be a great time to be at the parks. The crowds are at their lowest, the Christmas decorations are up, it's just great!

I'd love to meet some fellow Disney geeks during my stay, and if you are planning to be there during this time and would like some company, email me. I'd love to discuss the movies and/or the parks over one of my Dining Plan meals.
 
Hello all.

I'm a single guy, 46, who is a huge Disney geek and I'll be staying solo at POR the week after Thanksgiving, always, I've found, to be a great time to be at the parks. The crowds are at their lowest, the Christmas decorations are up, it's just great!

I'd love to meet some fellow Disney geeks during my stay, and if you are planning to be there during this time and would like some company, email me. I'd love to discuss the movies and/or the parks over one of my Dining Plan meals.

Have you posted on this thread? Solo and Adult Travelers thread
 

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