Help with Port Orleans Riverside Please.

[WDmommyof4]

Okay so I just booked our trip last night, and finially got into the Port Orleans Riverside Resort, but have some questions. I have only ever stayed at the value resorts when I have gone to Disney, so I don't know anything about this resort. Is it nice, how long does it take to get to each park, how do you travel to each park (bus, monorail, ferry), and is it kid friendly. I would also like to add that this is the first time I have been able to afford a Disney Package, and actually I think it is a great deal. Last time I went my oldest I had to pay for, but my second oldest was 2 almost three so he was free and I was the only adult, so I put a package together my self, this time my finace is going, I ahve to pay for two children and my third son is 3 almost 3 so he will be free, and the package is a great deal. We got 5 nights at Port Orleans Riverside with a water view room, 3 days magic your way ticket which I will upgrade to a Florida Resident Seasonal Pass for a total of $10 extra dollars once we get there, and the DDP for $1995. I am a Florida Resident though and they said they gave me some kind of discount, so I am so excited to stay at a nicer hotel, but would like to know a little bit more about it. Thanks in advance for your help! You guys are great, and I love it here.

 

[PlutosFriend]

I love POR. It is my favorite mod We always rent a car, so I can't comment on other means of transportation. The landscaping is gorgeous. I think that is part of the draw for me. Have you looked at any pictures of POR on All Ears website?

 

[windi622]

POR is also my favorite Mod. The transportation to the parks is convenient. You will travel by bus to all parks. To be honest, I just relax, so I am uncertain how long the trip is. I would say 15-20 minutes max. There is a boat to DTD (also a bus, if you don't want to ride the boat). I really like the boat. I think the resort is kid friendly. It may not have an atmosphere that they really understand (I belive old south is harder for a kid to understand than Disney Movie). But it still should appeal to them...and you will probably like it more. I love the way the buildings are situated around a beautiful river. And the main pool...Ol Man Isle is really fun as well. You also have access to quiet pools. I think you should really enjoy your time...have a great stay!

 

[mickeyholic]

This is a very nice hotel and is kid friendly, not to mention peaceful and beautiful. We always travel by our own car to/from the parks. Enjoy your trip!

 

[ffugitive]

Big fan of POR here. We always rent a car too. In my view, this saves an incredible amount of time and frustration. But we have taken the busses from POR on occasion as well (e.g., when we do drinks around the world at Epcot). The system is fairly efficient - you need to stop at POFQ though. Probably 20-25 minutes to any park (including wait time). There are several stops around the property.

POR is great for the youngins! They have a great themed pool with a slide, playgrounds, boat rental and an excellent arcade. Also, there is quite a lot of animal life around the resort, which the little ones like. But for my boy, the highlight is the giant waterwheel and the network of gears that are turned by the waterwheel inside the dining hall.

Enjoy!

 

[Lucky'sMom]

Just returned from POR. Had great bus service, never waited more than 5 mins. Almost always got a seat, too. Absolutely beautiful resort, wonderful, relaxing theming.

 

[hogwartsdropout]

We just booked POR last night too! We've stayed there twice before and it's beautiful.

 

[lovethattink]

POR is my family's favorite mod! There is so much to do at the resort itself. If you are there on a Wed-Sat, be sure to catch the piano show at the lounge. It's a great show, audience participation, and the kids will love it as well as the adults. The boat ride to POFQ and DTD is great fun too! My oldest loves to go pole fishing each day. He also thinks the theme pool is his 2nd favorite on property, 2nd only to Storm along bay.

 

[drag n' fly]

We are staying REAL soon! What are the boat hours to Downtown Disney and back? I know I could search but I am too lazy and tired today lol

 

[armomof3lvsdisney]

POR is our fav. resort We always go during Spring Break and have never had any problems with the buses, have always been impressed with how well everything runs. We always drive to Disney, and after 18 hours in a car with 3 kids and a HUSBAND I don't want back in that car until we leave for home. So we always use the Buses. And have never had one complaint. This resort is beautiful and my kids DS14, DD11 and DD9 love it, in fact when they found out we going back in March DD11 said we are staying at POR aren't we and I said yes and she had a look of total relief She's so much like me it's scary. Anyway sorry to be so winded, to sum it up you'll love POR!

 

[kat3668]

We are staying REAL soon! What are the boat hours to Downtown Disney and back? I know I could search but I am too lazy and tired today lol

I believe they start running at 11:00 am and go till 11:00 pm

 

[a1tinkfans]

Our FAVORITE resort!!!! Have a wonderful magical vacation. Be sure to take the boat (which runs every 20 minutes or so) to downtown Disney, a great Lego place for the kids to play and climb a bit, stores, see the jumping water fountains too!
Stop in at the Rain Forest Cafe/shop while at downtown Disney (even if you don't eat there), the "rain" goes off periodically and its a very fun place for kids to visit. There's also a fish tank that kids really enjoy. The food is over priced and not on the dining plan, but my son loves it ( go figure) so we almost always have to grab a bite!
Consider a stop at POFQ which is a stop on the boat ride. Their resort itself also has a theme pool (large dragon) and younger kids love it too. There are carriage rides at POR and bikes to rent, a Surrey/bike for the whole family to fit in and just a beautiful atmosphere. You'll likely see the ducks and other small animals by the water. Lucky you, enjoy your time at Disney

 

[tlstyxx1]

Love it!! We have stayed at PORS twice and are hoping to be able to do it again this summer (depending on $$). My DD14 and DS20 both asked if we were going to go back there. Surprisingly they like the quietness of the hotel (quiet pools, river, fountains). This doesn't mean there isn't anything to do, its just the surroundings are much more serene. I think they are in overload after a day at the park & they like to unwind. The pools are awesome and weren't crowded the two times we stayed there (both times in July). Buses are crowded during the summer months but thats to be expected. Our favs - riding the boat to DTD and taking a bike ride around the resort. Oh yeah...and swimming late at night. ENJOY!!

 

[battalion51]

The bus system at Disney is manageable, but keep in mind, it is public transportation. Ask Cast Members what times they see the buses getting full so you can beat the rush. As long as you are patient, it is manageable. Also keep in mind there are four bus stops at Riverside, with three of them much closer to room locations.

When you check in I'd also recommend asking for a room in one of the mansions. The mansions are much closer to the lobby area, and all have elevators. The mansions are also a little more scenic in my opinion.

 

[WDmommyof4]

I would like to thank everyone for all the great advice. I am so excited to be going I can't wait only 4 more days!! Are the mansions water view, because the woman I booked the reservation with put us in a waterview room. It really would be better to be closer to the bus stops since we have little feet DS6, DS5, and DS2. Thanks again!

 

[Hopefully]

You said you just booked your trip and you are on the Disney Dining Plan (DDP) Do you know that you will most likely need ADR's (Advanced Dining Reservations) for your TS (Table Service) meals? They can be made up to 180 days before your trip, so you may find that some of the times and/or places you want to eat are not available.
Look at the menus here on the DIS and also at allearsnet.com and see where you might like your sit down meals to be. Then call ASAP to make some ADR's.
It would be a shame if you found that you could not get into any TS restaurants, even though you are on the DDP.

 

[lovethattink]

I would like to thank everyone for all the great advice. I am so excited to be going I can't wait only 4 more days!! Are the mansions water view, because the woman I booked the reservation with put us in a waterview room. It really would be better to be closer to the bus stops since we have little feet DS6, DS5, and DS2. Thanks again!

Water view is kind of a relative term at POR. Water can be a pool, the river, etc. Many water views are obstructed by shrubs and trees. You might want to research which rooms have an unobstructed view.

As mentioned above it's best to arrange your dining in advance. Often I see them turning away stand-by people from popular disney restaurants.

The mansions at POR have elevators. The alligator buyou rooms do not. If it's the mansions you want, you should definately request them.

 

[pha1226]

It is a really nice resort. My only complaint was I found the layout to be confusing. Our room was quite a walk from the pool and restaurant. The sideways are windy and I continually got lost! Could just be me, though!