Help me choose: Port Orleans Riverside or Saratoga Springs?

[banna]

My family of 4 + grandma + cousin are heading to Disney for Christmas for 1 night. We’re thinking of booking either connecting rooms at POR or a 2 bedroom suite at SSR. Both are around the same price. My mom and grandma will stay at the resort and probably head to DS while the rest of us head to the park. The theming at POR looks better in my opinion but SSR is a deluxe resort and closer to DS so I’m not sure.

 

[teawar]

My family of 4 + grandma + cousin are heading to Disney for Christmas for 1 night. We’re thinking of booking either connecting rooms at POR or a 2 bedroom suite at SSR. Both are around the same price. My mom and grandma will stay at the resort and probably head to DS while the rest of us head to the park. The theming at POR looks better in my opinion but SSR is a deluxe resort and closer to DS so I’m not sure.

IMO At Saratoga, in a 2 bedroom, you would also have a living room, laundry, and full kitchen, which is great for people to gather and enjoy time together. That gives you a lot more room than just 2 connecting hotel rooms.

 

[smrice95]

Agree, if price is about the same you will have a lot more room at SS. Either resort you can take a boat to DS but depending on your location at SS you can walk there. Can't go wrong with either, but I would recommend SSR for the comfort with the extra space.

 

[Wood Nymph]

My family of 4 + grandma + cousin are heading to Disney for Christmas for 1 night. We’re thinking of booking either connecting rooms at POR or a 2 bedroom suite at SSR. Both are around the same price. My mom and grandma will stay at the resort and probably head to DS while the rest of us head to the park. The theming at POR looks better in my opinion but SSR is a deluxe resort and closer to DS so I’m not sure.

I think that if you are going to put grandma in a queen bed in the 2nd bedroom than SSR would be very nice. But if you plan to put her in the living room than I would choose POR instead.

 

[peabody58]

My vote would be SSR.

1. SSR has elevators in all building. POR only has elevators in the Magnolia Bend Mansion Buildings.
2. SSR has balconies, POR doesn't.
3. Access to DS easier at SSR.
4. Deluxe vs. Moderate. Huge difference especially if you are not going to the parks.
5. 2 BRs have kitchen, W&D and more room.

What do your guests prefer?

 

[banna]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I think Saratoga Springs is the way to go.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Saratoga Springs for sure! With that group, I think you'll love having the living room for hanging out and visiting, plus the balcony.

 

[robinb]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I think Saratoga Springs is the way to go.

I am a long time DVC owner and there is one thing you should be aware of: check in's at DVC resorts are after 4:00 pm and check-out's are at 11:00 am. My villa is very rarely available before 4:00 pm and I usually book studios which are easier to clean than a 2-bedroom. If you are there for only ONE night, you're actually only there for a maximum of 19 hours. Yes, your mom and grandmother can use the facilities both check in and check out days, but they are quite likely to be "homeless" in the common areas instead of enjoying the room for most of their waking hours.

Regular WDW resort rooms are usually available sooner than 4:00 pm but they have the same check-out time. I believe that your mom and grandma would have more time in the room at POR.

Unless you are planning to go to the park on one of the Extended Evening Hours days, (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/extended-evening/) I would go with Port Orleans so you can have the room(s) for longer. If your park day is a Monday or Wednesday (EEH days), I would stick with SSR.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

oh--I missed that it's only for one night. That might change my answer too. I think I agree with RobinB on this one

 

[mamatohaleybug]

I have very recently stayed at both resorts and would choose SS. No question. POR has nice theming OUTSIDE but the rooms feel cheap and motel-like to me. I was very disappointed. SS rooms are lovely! Plus amenities are better and you'd get extended hours in the parks. I don't think the possibility of a little extra time in the room would sway me. We've had DVC rooms ready as early as 11 am and almost always ready before 4. *shrugs* Saratoga Springs is very nice! It would definitely be my choice.