AoA suite or POR Riverside

[lovemy2girls4eva]

We're a family of 5 (my youngest is almost 2 yo) and looked into AoA family suite but now I'm looking at the moderate level hotel such as POR Riverside - Royal Room. Can't seem to decide....anyone have any insight or experience that can help me choose. AoA theming looks really cute but it is pretty pricey for a value resort.

Thanks

 

[Disneyhayes]

Maybe do a room at POR in the alligator bayou that has the murphy bed. Might work better with 5 people

 

[TravelingTotMom]

We have stayed at both (although Alligator Bayou section at POR), and we love both resorts.

Here are some differences:

AoA: The suites have two bathrooms and three "beds." There's a queen in the bedroom, a murphy bed that pulls down over the table and the couch pulls out. There are two separate areas if the kids need to go to bed earlier - and also two TVs. AoA also has one bus stop, as opposed to many at POR.

POR: The Royal Rooms are cool, but you are only going to have one bathroom and two queen beds. The Alligator Bayou section has an additional bench/murphy bed, but a room there isn't guaranteed (you can call and request one though) - and those are a more rustic theme than the Royal Rooms. POR also has multiple bus stops, but you also have the boat transportation to Disney Springs.

Pools/splash pads: AoA has the Big Blue Pool, which is zero entry, as well as a Nemo-themed splash pad (which would be great for your youngest). POR has a pool and a slide (which AoA doesn't have), but there is no splash pad. However, you can also use the pool (w/a dragon slide) and the splash pad at Port Orleans French Quarter.

We love them both, and we tend to go back and forth between them...

 

[Kerriowl]

The second bathroom is really the biggest difference I think. I have stayed in AoA with three adults and 2 kids. The second bathroom was really nice, as was having a table for some in room breakfasts.

 

[lovemy2girls4eva]

Thanks everyone!

I think I'll stick with AoA!

 

[scrappydew]

Can anyone tell me how big the murphy bed is in Riverside?

 

[MichaelWill&Megan'sMom]

The Murphy bed isn't as long as a twin, but my kids never had a problem - I even fell asleep on it one night and slept fine, I'm 5'8".

POR is amazing for families. One of the best food courts, great pool, beautiful grounds and theming.

One suggestion - we always walked to the bus stop by the main lobby every day. Easy walk straight there or over the bridges at ol' man island. Easiest to get a good seat there.

We stayed there with three kids for four straight years. Magical.

 

[dmband]

If money isn't a concern, stay AOA. If it is POR is prob cheaper plus you get the perks of mod vs value.
We have three rooms booked at POR for less then one suite at AOA. The trade offs are worth the savings to me mostly because we littereally don't use the room except to sleep