Just back from 4 days at Riverside...

[jaguar9748]

and an abbreviated stay at the Contemporary.

Riverside has been our favorite resort for years and it did not disappoint. We had a magical stay - I always have and continue to highly recommend this resort.

On the other hand, our stay at the Contemporary was not magical for many different reasons. We left 2 days early and will be certain not to stay at this resort again.

A quick note - it was VERY hot and very crowded (I thought) in "the world". I thought prices were up for food and souvenirs (probably to combat the steep resort discounts).

Any questions about Riverside or our trip in general, please ask away.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I'm so sorry you didn't have a good stay at the Contemporary. Would you mind telling us what happened?

Anyways, I'm glad you liked POR!!! Do you like the mansions or bayou? Welcome home!

 

[luvdisney14]

I was very glad to hear that you are pleased with this resort. We
are staying there in 5 days, first time. We need to stay in the
bayou section because 5 of us. Do you have any suggestions or
tips. I requested building 14 but I think it is getting painted. Where did you stay? I am going to still try to get a building close
to main pool and foodcourt. Were you upgraded because we have a standard room. Did you send a fax with requests to them.
Thank you for any information.

 

[n2mm]

Will also be at Dixie Landing in 5 days (Mansions) and can't wait. We were there the last week of June (yes about 5 weeks ago) and the resort is running as well as I remember it before all of the turmoil this past year. Being hot and crowded is what I expected. Sorry to hear the CR was not good. Please share why?

 

[hallie]

Where did you stay at the POR? Could you please recommend a building number to us? We're thinking about requesting the Bayou, any other tips about the resort? Thanks so much!!

Welcome back!!

 

[ScottOKW2K]

We were at Riverside in the early part of june, and one of the parts of the resort that I enjoy most was not working - the water wheel. The CM's indicated that it had a mechanical problem that needed to be repaired. Was it working at the time of your stay ?

 

[jaguar9748]

We stayed in the Bayou section. I stayed in the mansion section once with my mom - it is lovely - but the 4 of us always stay in the bayou for the trundle bed.

We had originally requested building 14, but found out just before we left that buildings 14 and 15 were closed for painting. We were then scheduled to be in 16. When we arrived the resort was very busy with cruise line checkout and the room cleaning was very backed up. My DH and DD had a concert to go to in Orlando and my DH wanted me to be in a room before he left. He spoke to the front desk several times and they finally found us 2602 (Building 26). We had never been this far into the bayou (stayed at 14, 15 and 16). It was about a 3-5 minute walk to the main building - very picturesque. We saw lots of bunnies and ducks (they love bread!). We were just a short walk to the quiet pool and laundry. 2602 is one room from the corner. The corner room next to us (2601) has a king bed. It was unoccupied for our entire stay. Our room had a lovely garden view, a lovely view of a pedestrian bridge and a view of a small pond. It was a wonderful room - very quiet and well maintained.

Technically this could be considered a water view. Personally I would not upgrade to a water view. At POR many of the water views are pool views and since the quiet pools are open 24 hours, I would definitely not want a pool view room! I heard from someone at the laundry room that there were people swimming at 1 AM in the quiet pool one night and they were quite loud.

The water wheel was working during our stay. We love to sit in the back of Riverside Mill and watch the water wheel.

Bus transportation was excellent. Only had one issue when the MGM buses were delayed by an accident on the main road to MGM. All buses came in 10 minutes which was very important because it was quite hot!

Any other questions, please let me know.

 

[Jazzy]

Hi There!
My 14 year old son and I will be staying at PORiverside from December 19th-26th. This will be our first time to stay on the property and we are really looking forward to our trip. This looks like a very nice resort and it was my son's choice of resort to stay at. We would like to stay in the Mansion area. Any suggestions on building request for this area? We don't have to be real close to everything. If the weather permits, I'm sure my son will be swimming as much as he can. Thanks for any information you can offer.

Jazzy

 

[jaguar9748]

Magnolia Terrace seems to be the mansion that most people request. It is very pretty. I like the look of Oak Manor the best. I stayed in Parterre Place and it was very nice. Arcadian House is the farthest mansion and my least favorite. I would go with Magnolia Terrace and Oak Manor. Your son will love this resort - my teens love it! It's a good value for the money and a beautiful resort!

 

[RobinMarie]

We stayed at Magnolia Terrace and I loved the whole resort. Then again, I am always happy with the room location the first time - it's when I return a SECOND time and have a BETTER room that I think, 'holy cow I thought the LAST place was good."

One thing I found: the buildings are HUGE! You could be IN the building you want but STILL have quite a walk from wherever you want to go. We chose second floor for less foot traffic but you might like first floor for quick access. You could be close to your parked car OR you could be close to the bridge over to the theme pool. I don't think there is a 'bad' place to be honest.

I loved walking around the resort so I would probably never choose a spot near the food court. Magnolia Terrace was convenient to: theme pool, bridge, butterfly garden, gazebo and quiet pool. I think I would choose based on garden preference and theme. I loved the formal gardens, gazebos and manicured lawns. We wandered over to the other section and marveled at how Disney pegged the theme via vegetation. It's very impressive.

 

[Jazzy]

Thanks Jaguar and Robin Marie for your input on the Mansions part of PORiverside. It sounds like you both like Magnolia Terrace. That is the building I was considering or Oak Manor. I'm sure we will enjoy whatever building we have. Do the Mansions have two or three floors? I was thinking that it would be best to stay on the top floor. Thanks again for the information!

 

[jaguar9748]

Jazzy - The mansions are unique in that they have 2 and 3 stories. The 3rd story is in the main part of each building. The wings have 2 stories. I would ask for a 2nd story in a wing close to the river. Your walk will be better.

Rose Marie is correct in that Magnolia Terrace is closest to the bridge that takes you to the main pool and then on to the main building. If I was going to make a request I would request Magnolia Terrace, 2nd floor, wing, close to the river and then Oak Manor as a second choice.

One caveat, in the morning take the bus to the theme parks from the main (South) depot. You will have a better chance for a seat!

Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. This is our FAVORITE resort!!

 

[debknight]

Still wondering, what was your negative experience at CR?

 

[carone0318]

My dh and I are coming down for an adult's only trip in Dec and we are staying at POR (got an AP rate of $87 per night - wahoo!!!) I requested Magnolia Bend, we also are paying for a standard view. Could anyone who has stayed there previously describe what a standard view might be. I am not expecting a water view, but was wondering if there is a lot of parking lot view or will I be pleasantly surprised? Thanks for your help, regardless, we will have a great time.

 

[jaguar9748]

Standard view will be anything from a parking lot view to a garden view. There are many more garden views. I would call back and have them put on your reservation that you do not want a parking lot view, just to cover your bases. The garden views are lovely - we had one this past week - very peaceful!

 

[epcotfan]

Originally posted by debknight
Still wondering, what was your negative experience at CR?

Yes I would like to know as well.

 

[Jazzy]

Jaguar,
Thanks for the information on the Mansions buildings. I didn't realize that these buildings had both three and two story buildings. I think I will go with your suggestion and request a room in a wing on the 2nd floor. I really appreciate your help and suggestions. I also think I am going to request Magnolia Terrace.
Thanks again. We are really excited about staying at PORiverside!

Jazzy

 

[AlicesAdventures]

Glad you had a good time. Can you tell me if the Sassagoula River cruise to the Downtown Disney Marketplace is still running?
Thanks!

 

[jaguar9748]

Alice -

The river cruise is definitely running. The first cruise begins at 4 PM. The last cruise back from the Marketplace is 11:30 PM. Buses run as well, as usual.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Where did you stay at CR? Wings or Tower?
We love POR too, Magnolia Terrace is our favorite.