First time at PO-R--need help with room selection

[DeeCeeSW]

Hi everyone,
My husband and I will be bringing our toddler to PO-Riverside (first time at PO-R, second time at WDW) in November. Our son will be 22 months by then. Does anyone have suggestions regarding what part of the resort we should stay in? It's important that we be closer to the food court and general store in case we need to get milk, etc. We have already requested a non-smoking room which has been guaranteed. Is it reasonable for me to request a corner room based on the fact that I have a small child and don't want to disturb my neighbors (plus we won't mind the extra windows)? Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Dawn
New Jersey

 

[SuzyQue]

Well first you have to decide whether you want to stay on the Alligator Bayou side or the Mansion side. On the AB side buildings 14 & 15 are the closest (non-smoking) to the food court & main building with store etc. By all means go ahead & request a corner room (we did, love the 2 windows), you don't need to give a reason. ~~

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Thanks for the advice Suzy...my dilemma is whether I should ask for AB or MB at the resort. I understand that there are few elevators in the AB section. My husband has asthma, so this is a big factor. Have you stayed in both?

Dawn

 

[SuzyQue]

No sorry, we've only stayed in AB, all the buildings have 2 floors with outside steps, no elevators. I'm sure someone else will be able to help you with the mansion side. ~~

 

[eeyore0062]

Personally, I would request a 1st floor room in Alligator Bayou, building 14. It is very close to the food court and general store, as well as the bus stop and quiet pool. There is only one or 2 steps up to the 1st floor, and it is so wonderful to step right outside your door and see the little rabbits and ducks. Also, building 14 doesn't have a parking lot view, so you can book a standard room and still have a nice view!

As for the Mansions, I would request Magnolia Terrace. It is the most central. We had a 1st floor water view...but the walk to the food court was decidedly longer.

 

[eeyore0062]

Personally, I would request a 1st floor room in Alligator Bayou, building 14. It is very close to the food court and general store, as well as the bus stop and quiet pool. There is only one or 2 steps up to the 1st floor, and it is so wonderful to step right outside your door and see the little rabbits and ducks. You might want to let them know that your husband has asthma, and can't handle the stairs, so you can have a good chance of getting that 1st floor room. We have never had any problems with that. Building 14 is non smoking, as well! Also, building 14 doesn't have a parking lot view, so you can book a standard room and still have a nice view!

As for the Mansions, I would request Magnolia Terrace---it is non smoking. It is the most central. We had a 1st floor water view...but the walk to the food court was decidedly longer.

 

[Wonderlandmom]

We have stayed in Magnolia Terrace and Acadian and LOVE both!
Both have elevators in the center of them. We stayed upper floor near the center and had a beautiful courtyard(standard) view each time. We had an inner corner room at Magnolia Terrace and there is NOT 2 window's here as the hall to the elevators was beside it. We never heard a peep in either location. Very quiet. Both were non-smoking. I know MT building is entirely non-smoking. AB may be closer to the food court for you though.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Thank you so much for your responses! So, would it make sense for me to call back Disney reservations once I make a decision, or should I just fax a room request prior to our trip?

Dawn

 

[yesdisneyfool]

Call back and make all your request to the CRO. From what I've been told was that the request are taken in the order of the resevation (first come, first serve method).

If it makes you feel better (and it does me), send a nice friendly fax 4 days before you arrive to the Resort with your request.

 

[yesdisneyfool]

Ops, the fax # is 407-934-5777

A sample letter would be:

We would like your help in securing the following for our special trip, can't wait 4 more days.

We will be arriving on....and departing on ...

We are treating......to a magical stay and we have heard so many nice things about Riverside and its beauty that we have decided to stay with you at PO Riverside.

If at all possible, may we request a room in the .....section on the ...floor...nonsmoking and in building....

Thank you so much for takign the time to make our wishes come true.....

 

[jaguar9748]

For you, I would recommend bayou 14 or 15. Both buildings are so close to the main building and the main bus stop which would be a big help at the end of a long day. When your child is older, try the mansions.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Thanks again for the wonderful responses and info.! It's looking a lot like we should request AB since it is so close to the main building and the bus stop. I do like the look of the mansions, tho, but from what I've read on this site, AB is quite nice as well.

Just one more question :0)
Are the first floor rooms generally quiet or can you hear people walking above you, toilets and showers, etc.? If yes, maybe I will request a second floor room--my DH says he could handle two flights alright!

Dawn

 

[jaguar9748]

You could hear things beside you or from above. Just depends. To be very honest, the rooms are very quiet. We always have the 1st floor and it is just great!!