Carib Beach or Port Orleans Mansions?

[princssdisnygina]

I need some help deciding between staying at the Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans Riverside (Mansions). I have stayed at both before and don't really have a preference. The only minor difference is that I have a mug from Port Orleans that I can use again. Can anyone help me out and tell me your preferences and why?

Thanks, Gina

 

[n2mm]

They are both great as we have stayed in both many (many) times. The only thing I want to note is that staying in the Mansions is a preference, not a guarantee. We want to stay in the Mansions on many trips, but only get them about 50% of the time. So keep in mind that if you choose POR (Dixie Landing), there is a chance you would be in the Aligator Bayou. (I can never understand why we get put in AB, since there is usually only 2 of us--I would think that DL would want to keep the larger groups in AB).

 

[Disneyolic]

We stayed at both also before we had kids. We liked POR better than CBR. We found it to be more peaceful and liked the decor better. We did, however, enjoy our stay at CBR.

~DawnMaree

 

[princssdisnygina]

Disney did guarantee us the mansions because we have 2 rooms, one with a king bed. The only thing they said they couldn't do was guarantee an adjoining door but that the rooms would be next to each other. They are the same price of both and they are guaranteeing me poolside mansions rooms. I just can't decide. HELP!! I am so confused. I have stayed at both but never in the mansions.

Gina

 

[ripleysmom]

The Mansions are beautiful. I would stay there.

 

[n2mm]

If they guarantee the Mansions then that's what I would choose. I had a ressie for a King bed in the Mansions during one visit, but got put into AB because there were no King bed rooms left when we checked in. I love the Mansions and will take 2 doubles if I have too. We check in on Thursday this week.

 

[safetymom]

I think it all comes down to the theming. We have stayed several times at POR in the AB section but have stayed many more times at CBR. You can't go wrong with either choice.

If you have never stayed in the Mansions and you would like that go for it. If they are saying for certain then I would try the Mansions.

 

[halfway there]

We just returned from our first stay at POR in the AB section. I think these bldgs are a lot like CBR but the mansions are definitely different enough to warrant a stay there as well! Magnolia Terrace was the prettiest, IMO. Go for the mansions if you're guaranteed that and poolside to boot!

 

[princssdisnygina]

Will Someone refresh my memory though? The ferry's that go back and forth to downtown Disney, do they run all day in December? How and when do they run? I took them last year when I stayed on the French Quarter side but can't remember when they run. Thanks.

Gina

 

[halfway there]

The boats to DTD leave every hour on the hour from POR up until 4pm then it's every 15 min after that. They leave from DTD on the half hour and start running every 15 min after 4:30pm. Not sure how early they start, maybe noon? I'm assuming it's the same year 'round since the sign looked like a permanent fixture.

 

[princssdisnygina]

Thanks so much! For some reason I thought they only ran in the evenings. We want to be able to get back and forth to Dntn Disney on our free days without catching the bus. Thanks again!

Gina

 

[2MuchOhana]

We would love to try the mansions at POR even though we enjoy staying at CBR. Like you we have mugs for CBR; so, that is where we will be staying again. It saves a little money; so we will have more to spend while we are there. If you can get the mansion room and you have the mug stay at POR.

 

[princssdisnygina]

BUMP...would like to hear some more opinions about this! I still can't decide! I need to decide by tomorrow! They have guaranteed me a mansion pool side room (2 side by side). But at the Carib Beach they guaranteed me poolside king bed in one room and 2 doubles pool side (side by side) in the other. Are the mansions a far walk from the food court area? What about the ferries? Are they close or far from the ferry boats that go to Downtown Disney?

Thanks, Gina

 

[LT Hambone]

Originally posted by princssdisnygina
BUMP...would like to hear some more opinions about this! I still can't decide! I need to decide by tomorrow! They have guaranteed me a mansion pool side room (2 side by side). But at the Carib Beach they guaranteed me poolside king bed in one room and 2 doubles pool side (side by side) in the other. Are the mansions a far walk from the food court area? What about the ferries? Are they close or far from the ferry boats that go to Downtown Disney?

Thanks, Gina

Gina –

My wife and I spent four wonderful days at POR last April, and we loved the place!

Magnolia Terrace and Oak Manor are a short five minute walk to the food court and docks. The other two mansions – Acadian House and Parterre Place are at least a ten minute walk. We only used the ferry once, and it was at night, so I can't give you any advice for the daytime. In any case, the walk is not far, and is very convenient.

I would take the POR poolside rooms for the following reasons –

1) The quiet pools at POR are very quiet – you will be very close to the pool and laundry and not even know it!
2) The landscaping and scenery are second to none
3) You will be very close to a bus stop if you get either Acadian House or Magnolia Terrace
4) They offer carriage rides at night around the resort – very romantic
5) The buildings are just downright awesome!

Some helpful hints if you do go to POR and get a mansion –

1) If you get a third floor room, find the elevator in the middle of the building ASAP! There are no direct stair cases to the third floor, and you don't want to be lugging suitcases around trying to find your way up!

2) If you drive, parking can be interesting. Until you get a feel for where your room and stairs are located, park in the middle of the parking lot and go directly to the center of the building and use the elevator. Once you get a lay of land, you'll be able to find a better parking spot closer to your room.

3) Busses should not be an issue since FQ is closed

4) There is a piano player in the lounge – DO NOT MISS HIM!!!! He is a hoot!

5) Be a Mug Person!


Best of luck – go with POR!

 

[halfway there]

Keep in mind that a poolside room at CBR will NOT be near the main pool. It will have to be around one of the quiet pools so you could end up in a section the furthest from the food court etc if you don't request otherwise.

The marina at POR is between the bridge from the main pool area and the bridge from Oak Manor/Parterre Place. Magnolia Terrace/ Arcadian House have to cross a bridge to the main pool area first before heading across the bridge to the main bldg/marina etc.

Let us know what you decide!

 

[Starz723]

I absolutely love POR Mansions.. Ive stayed there 3 times. Its a gorgeous prop. I like the ambience, the boatride to DTD and the food court and restaurant is really good. Dont forget the piano man in the lounge. So much fun!! Im leaving for WDW tomorrow, staying at WL, but POR Mansions is my fav moderate.

I would go with the mansions..I loved it there.

 

[princssdisnygina]

From all of this talk and talking with my DH and parents, I think we are going with the Mansions. We have never stayed in the mansions so we have decided to take a chance. I have only been disappointed once in a disney hotel and it was the all star. The all star is good if you have kids, but we are adults (kids at heart) and want something a little more inviting, if you know what I mean.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Gina