Magnolia Bend or Alligator bayou?

[Glennwood]

Which is preferable? Looking for quiet but not too far from busses, ect.

 

[snowgooseltd]

Magnolia Bend.....hands down!! I guess it depends on the situation. I understand that the AB rooms are a bit larger but the quiet and charm of MB surpass the extra room we might need. There are two bridges that connect you to the pool area and food court. Each building, in MB, has it's own quiet pool. I don't think that is the case with AB. I think the only pool access is the main pool. The bus stops are within a short walk for MB. I think, again, that the front bus stop services all of AB. Can you tell that we've never stayed on that side? We stay at DxL two or three times per year and always request MB. Just MO........Happy Holidays!!

 

[texnmickey]

Nothing compares with Magnolia Bend. It is beautiful. We just returned and stayed in Acadian House and were right next to the bus depot but on the courtyard side, so it was very quiet. We had a corner room which was very large and we were on the first floor. The only think I didn't like was how spread out this resort is, but in the end there were some very romantic spots and you felt like you were the only one there in your own personal GWTW movie set. My favorite thigs about this resort were the rabbits and squirels that played about, and the calming river that was just beautiful at sunset.

 

[BevS97]

I didn't like AB, but I can correct a few facts. There are a number of quiet pools, and there are a few bus stops that service the area - there are 4 bus stops at POR, one at the Front, 2 that service AB and one that services Magnolia Bend.
you can see the bus stops and pools on this map
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/port-riverside.htm


I wouldn't stay at this resort if you will be unhappy in the wrong area, we requested Magnolia Bend but we got Aligator Bayou, and I was very disappointed with it - I'd been thinking Gone with the Wind and we got Swampland (it's not that bad, but when you are expecting one thing and get something so totally different it's disappointing).

 

[TwinMom7]

Well, for us it's Alligator Bayou! We've stayed at this resort 4 times, and each time in the Bayou. I personally like the rustic, secluded feel. For us, the Manor homes seem too much like a hotel.

I guess that everyone has a different opionion, but we like the bayou. We've always been lucky enough to have a quiet pool very near, and we've been a short walk from the food court, and the main pool.

Have fun - you'll LOVE this resort!

 

[diswedwish]

We've stayed in both and prefer AB. For our honeymoon we were in Acadian House and loved it, I never even considered AB, we'd walk past the outskirts of that side and I'd think "yuck". The second time we wanted to upgrade to a King room, and that was only available in AB. Then we were really in love Try checking out pictures of both sides so you can get an idea. HTH

 

[swilphil]

You can go to www.allearsnet.com, and look at the pictures of both. AB does not appeal at all to me, and I'm crossing my fingers for Magnolia Bend. I'd rather stay at POFQ than AB.

 

[OKW Lover]

AB is the way to go. In MB, all the rooms are stacked up on top of each other and you wind up with a lot of noise/foot traffic. Plus you have to park further from your room.

In AB, the rooms are more spread-out so you won't have that much noise and foot traffic outside your door. You can often get a parking spot only steps away from your room. Request buildings 13-15 to be near the food-court.

 

[Momto8]

Magnolia Bend.....hands down!! I guess it depends on the situation. I understand that the AB rooms are a bit larger but the quiet and charm of MB surpass the extra room we might need.

AB and MB rooms are both the same size. I've stayed in both and I would definitely pick MB over AB. But that is JMHO as I like the theming and the looks of MB much better than AB.

 

[DisneyPete]

Seems to be a very personal matter of taste. We all loved AB and would rather stay there than the mansions any day. It didn't feel at all like swampland, I thought the landscaping was lovely and the winding trails were a joy to walk through.

I also believe AB is more convenient. It has more bus stops and they are first pick up / drop off. Most of the rooms are closer to the foodcourt and the main pool area.

But pick what suits you best.

 

[sugermouse]

We prefer AB and plan on staying there in three days!!!!

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

AB is beautiful!! We stayed there twiice and LOVED it!! Looks like we may be staying there again in May!!

PS: In NO WAY does it look like a swamp land!!

 

[eeyore0062]

We have stayed at both, and are partial to AB. We loved building 14, very convient to the bus stop, food court, but very secluded feeling. Try to get a corner room, if you can.

At MB, we have stayed in Magnolia Terrace and Partiere Place. We preferred Partiere Place, again for the convenience. Just over the bridge from the main building, but still a feeling of being away from it all. Request a view of the main gardens in the back. The fountains are beautiful!~

 

[Snoozan]

Just stayed for the 3rd time in Parterre Place in MB. It's my absolute favorite location at POR. We request "quiet pool" side so we're just steps away from the bridge going over to the food court/main bus stop, but also just steps away from the parking lot, which is great for us as we use our car quite a bit. If you're looking for a "romantic" setting, MB is definitely the place!

 

[Yacht Club Guy]

Mangonia bend. I honestly do not like POR, but love POFQ.......
Oh well....... Its DISNEY! How could it be bad!?
'Rock On'
Bye Now....

 

[Kelmag]

A few years ago we stayed in AB, building 34. That was really private - with the West Depot only about 200 yards away and a quite pool right there. The only downside was that the food court was a hike to get to, but it was such a beautiful walk I didn't mind.

 

[kar313]

We have also stayed in both AB and MB. We were in Acadian House in MB for our honeymoon and it was perfect! close to everything but also felt private and quiet. We stayed in AB last time w/ DS13, DS8 and DD3, and had a room in Bldg 14 which was great! Closte to everything while still feeling secluded. For our last night we moved to Bldg 38, this was a little far to the parking lot and/or bust depot but OK to main pool and food area. I would recommend AB w/ kids and MB if its just adults. JMHO.

 

[All Aboard]

Alligator Bayou is one of the best themed Disney resort environments. Hands down winner for us.

 

[BelleChick]

I have had the chance to stay in both. My first trip was in AB and my second in the mansion areas. Both are beautifully themed. I personally liked the mansion theme better; however, my mother loved AB. I really depends on the theme you want to spend your vacation in. If you like the rustic, woodsy feel (quilted beds, etc) go for AB. If you like a more luxurious theming, go for one of the Mansions. Magnolia bend is very close to the main pool and the hot tub (which is a big plus in my book); however, if you are going in the summer time, AB has many more shaded walkways. It really depends on what you like best. Regardless, I think you will enjoy either one.

 

[dadog]

bump