Magnolia Bend or Alligator Bayou?

[gregsbrat]

Planning on a 7 night stay at Riverside for DH, DS {8} and myself. When I made reservation, I requested Magnolia Bend bc I like the look of it and have stayed there before. However, it seems I have been seeing more positive feedback on the Bayou section...any thoughts and opinions much appreciated

 

[boscov]

It really depends on your preference. Having stayed at both, I much prefer MB to AB. I like the relaxing, southern plantation feel of MB over the backwoods setting of AB, but that's me. Go with your gut. If you like MB, then I highly recommend staying at Magnolia Terrace. It's very close to the pool and an easy walk to the main building.

 

[wdw4rfam]

We just stayed in AB for 8 nights last month, it was wonderful. I LOVED the theme, rooms were new, and nice. But let me tell you, what a hike to get to main building. I run 7-8 Miles at a time many times per week, and I found myself just thinking it wasn't worth it to get a snack or refill mugs. I'd suggest staying anywhere as long as it was closer.

 

[somesong2sing]

i have a question about this too.

i made reservations for a family of 5 for POR.

I know she will NOT care for the rooms that look like they are made from wood sticks. What are those rooms and where are they located?

What about rooms for a fmaily of 5. I was hoping theyd get a room that has the beautiful blueish comformter with the pull out crate that has the Princess and the Frog looking theme.


help?

 

[boscov]

The rooms you are referring to are the Aligator Bayou rooms, and yes, all families of 5 go to these rooms. Now, with the renovations going on, the new AB rooms have the crate with the Murphy bed and the blue bedspreads. However, the princess rooms are in the Magnolia Bend section. I don't believe these accomodate families of 5. Check out http://www.portorleans.org/rehab.php for some rehab rooms and more info on the resort.

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

I prefer AB, for me it has a resort feel and the mansions feel like a motel. Just me. Also a longer walk from the mansions to FC. See map on page one of this thread. For a family of 5 without an infant you will be placed in AB. If you reserve AB16 GV it would be close to all and next to quiet pool and would not have to be booked preferred. One caution: You would book GV then request AB16 and remember it is only a request.

 

[tanyaandallie]

Like someone else said, it REALLY is personal preference. I really loved Alligator Bayou and would choose to stay there again for sure.

 

[goofy4tink]

I prefer the actual rooms in Magnolia Bend. But, I much prefer the surroundings in AB...just love walking around that area.

 

[ARAITHEL]

I've stayed in the AB section in a preferred room. We are staying in the royal rooms in MB this time...loved AB,but decided to try something different.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I had booked POR, but I really hate the looks of the AB rooms. I didn't like the furniture made out of sticks. The more I thought about it, the more I was worried we would get one of those rooms instead of MM. So I canceled POR & went for AKL. AB was too much like camping to me.

 

[Sue M]

I prefer the Mansions. Both Magnolia Terrace or Acadian House are great locations, close to everything. We had a new rooms last Aug, and they are very nice. Beautiful landscapping, along the river path, with gardens, gazebos, they don't look like motels to me
Not a fan of the twig furnature in AB.

For a family of 5, AB is the only choice.

 

[Stini228]

I prefer the actual rooms in Magnolia Bend. But, I much prefer the surroundings in AB...just love walking around that area.

I totally agree. Both areas are wonderful in their own ways.

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

To each their own but enjoy every moment of your vacation! Check out Andre's site or the first posts of POR FAQ thread to find your best fit. We can't tell you what hits you. Only your family will find what suits you. Enjoy!

 

[Paradise18]

I stayed at POR last year. We were in MB and I really preferred the look of that section compared to AB. Wonderful resort BTW.

 

[nkereina]

i have a question about this too.

i made reservations for a family of 5 for POR.

I know she will NOT care for the rooms that look like they are made from wood sticks. What are those rooms and where are they located?

What about rooms for a fmaily of 5. I was hoping theyd get a room that has the beautiful blueish comformter with the pull out crate that has the Princess and the Frog looking theme.


help?

As PP said, with a family of 5 you will automatically be placed in the Alligator Bayou rooms which are the "wood sticks" rooms you are talking about. However - the whole resort recently underwent renovations and the Alligator Bayou rooms do not have that same woodsy decor. I was not fond of that decor either, but after seeing the new rooms, I wouldn't hesitate to stay there now. I believe all of the renovations will be done early summer so if you are going before then, request a renovated room.

The Princess & the Frog theme are in Magnolia Bend which cannot accommodate 5 people. They do not have a pull out crate-looking bed - those pull out beds are in the renovated rooms in Alligator Bayou, which is why families of 5 are assigned to Alligator Bayou.

If you were referring to the Royal Theme Rooms, those are also in Magnolia Bend and do not accommodate 5 people. They are also an upcharge and must be booked under the Royal Room category. They cannot be requested.

OP - I have stayed in Magnolia Bend twice and like it a lot, but as I said above, with the new decor in AB I'd try it. Only downside to AB is that some of the buildings seem pretty remote whereas on the mansion side, they're all right in a row with bridges across the river not too far in either direction. Also remember that if you request Magnolia Bend, you will be in either Acadian House or Magnolia Terrace. The other two mansion buildings are all Royal Theme rooms. I have stayed in both Acadian House and Magnolia Terrace and like them both, but found Magnolia Terrace to be aesthetically nicer.