P. O.-riverside

[opsomyo]

Hi my DH, DD3, DD6 & myself will be staying at the Port Orleans Riverside Nov.17-21 (then 3 days on the wonder) I was wondering, anyone stayed there? Any comments? We are driving, I read parking is free, is it easy to navigate & find parking? Also I red there are 2 different style rooms? Possibly Boyou? & mansions? Any suggestions? I think you can specify what type.
Can a barely 3yr old use the slide at the pool? I know there is a kiddie pool but I know she isn't going to be able to use the slide on the ship. I think we are going to do Magic Kingdom, Mgm, Animal Kingdom & country something water park. Any specific order? better to do somethings on certain days? First trip to Disney. I know we can't see everything so I am trying to pick the best ones for my family. We booked the 7 day Land/sea so we have admission to all the parks. I figured one park a day. the day we spend at the w.p. wouldn't be a whole day but we could enjoy the resort & shop that day.
Thanks for any input!

 

[reggie92762]

Love it, Love it....Stayed there twice with my sons. First time for 7 days and the next three days before our 4 day cruise. This resort is comfortable, beautiful and centrally located. The rooms are all the same but the units look different. As for your 3 year old using the slide how adventurous he/she is. I saw many little ones walking up with their parents. I also remember going down the slide with my children. You will have a wonderful time here. it is very informal and as usual Disney at it's best. The restaurant is cafeteria style which suited us just fine as we had been eating out quite a bit. Coming in late we could get a soda and pizza or icecream.... Parking is ample and all over each area of rooms. If your going for the first time hit the Magic Kingdom first. Then I would vote for MGM (shows and exhibits on Muppets and Honey I Shunk the kids) and Animal Kingdom for may 1/2day (maybe if possible later in the day).

 

[opsomyo]

I thought it looked beautiful! I am so excited. I figured the M.K. first day because my DD5 ( 6 by then) is going to flip when she sees it. Mgm looks awsome alot of shows. I saw something on Muppets, Playhouse disney live, The little Mermaid, All my kids favorites! I am open to any advice on anything. Thanks!

 

[reggie92762]

When I first took the boys they were 6 & 8, I covered their eyes when we first got in and walked them over to the center of main street entrance. When they opened their eyes the castle and main street were right in front of them. That was Magic!!!

The books all tell you to do everything left to right because most people are right handed and tend to go right!!! You will also have the Epass for the rides that are too crowed (Buzz Lightyear!) is a definite hit!!!

A great restaurant in MGM is the 50s Prime Time Cafe (where you as adults are now considered children) lots of laughs call for priority seating. Don't miss the muppets 3D show it's a blast! There character breakfast is also very good at MGM.

Animal Kingdom don't miss the Lion King Show!!! phenomenal. This message board is the best for any questions. You will be a pro by the time you go!!!!

 

[Parrotheader]

You'll love Port Orleans. Even though it's a "moderate" resort, I personally think the grounds are the nicest of any Disney resort, deluxe or otherwise . . . well maybe the Beach and Yacht club are a bit nicer . . . but also about 2 to 3 times as expensive! You can see some pictures from our Port Orleans vacation by following the link in my signature file below.

A lot of people like the Bayou area although I personally think the Mansions are beautiful and give you a little more upscale feel (so you feel better about all the money you're spending.) Once you're inside Port Orleans it's easy to navigate. However, I must confess that I thought it was an absolute nightmare driving around inside of WDW and I have a great sense of direction. The park is so big now it has it's own highway system with all sorts of confusing on-ramps, off-ramps, etc. And the signs don't do a good job of indicating the direction of a road, they just give you a name or number. Once you get there I'd HIGHLY recommend using WDW's transportation as much as possible. Try to catch the bus at the main terminal at Port Orleans since they'll sometimes fill up before going to the stops at the back of the loop. And do yourself a favor and take the boat ride to Downtown Disney from Port Orleans (or vice versa.) It's a pretty ride, day or night, and most of the drivers make it fun. The people at the cruise line kiosk in the Port Orleans lobby can give you detailed directions to Port Canaveral.

Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and MGM are the parks I'd choose with kids. Animal Kingdom is the smallest of those 3 although a lot of the stuff at MGM caters more towards adults (movie history, thrill rides) so those two might be considered about even if you're planning for a family. Little kids will definitely want to go to the Magic Kingdom first. Just play the other two by ear. Of the waterparks, I'd personally recommend Typhoon Lagoon unless you're just really wanting to go to River Country.

Check out all of the boards here. They can give you TONS of advice on the parks, restaurants, the resorts, etc. And these people here might be able to help you with a question or two about the cruises

 

[Luv2Roam]

I'll be there bearer of gloom and doom.
We stayed there seven nights in May. It was okay. We liked POR the least of our on-site stays and probably would not stay there again.
Nothing bad in a major way. But we experienced Terrible bus service, unclean room, and a few others things.
Nothing to spoil a vacation. But certainly nothing to make us want to return.
Very nice grounds and the boat to DTD was a plus.
Hope your trip is great.

 

[Tesabat]

Just thought I'd mention - River Country is closed and there are no plans for it to reopen this year. So, if it is a water park you want - you have a choice between Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

POR is a very nice resort, very pretty landscaping. The Old Man River section with the slide was a lot of fun. It goes pretty fast - I'm not sure about a 3 yo, but it depends on how much of a daredevil she is.

I also prefer the Mansions to the Alligator Bayou section as it also seems more "upscale" to me. I like the furnishings and the ambiance of that section better.

Tagging on to what Luv2Roam said about the rooms - we were originally given a room in the AB section that was not fit to be occupied by anyone. Very dirty, very large stains on the floor - they had just tried, unsuccessfully, to clean the largest stain (the housekeeper was there when we got to the room and we had to wait outside while he finished up) and the room reeked of very strong chemical smell that instantly gave us all headaches. Most of the knobs were broke off the drawers on the armoire, and - I'm not making this up - someone had been ill in the wastebasket, and it had not been cleaned well. It was very disgusting.

We asked to be moved - it was not a problem, had no trouble getting another room. I was quite prepared to go to the room WITH a mgr. if need be and stand my ground. There was NO way I was sleeping there! We emphasized to the CM who made the room change at the front desk how really, really bad that room was - but she blew it off like we were being fussy. We sometimes thought - did they actually give that room to someone else?? Yikes! So - if you DO get a room that you are disappointed in, just remember - ask to be moved!

Just in case it doesn't sound like it - we enjoyed this resort despite our rocky start. The place totally won us over. We met a lot of nice people and CM's, the food court was good, the pool was fun, the lounge was great. There was a lot to do and see right there at the resort. We had a great trip. We would try it again...but in the mean time, there's always "another" resort I want to try...so I'm not sure when we will make it back for anything other than a visit.

Have a GREAT trip!

 

[JulesMom]

We have stayed in PO-R twice--once in Magnolia Bend and once in Alligator Bayou. I didn't think i would like Bayou, but we liked it better.

We have an easy time driving around WDW--just follow the signs. Sometimes it seems like it's taking you in the wrong direction, because you are turning away from where you think the park is, but it will get you there without a problem.

Take the bus to MK, but we drive to all the other parks. It's a lot faster than waiting for the bus.

We enjoyed the food court and my kids are picky eaters

One thing we did this time that was a lot of fun, was go canepole fishing! It was about $14 for 4 poles and 30 minutes. It was a great way to start the morning. It's right by Alligator Bayou.

Have a great trip!!

 

[dalt01]

no offense but im not so sure our welcomed guest DISNEYTRAV has posted appropriatly. it looks a lot like a business advertisement

 

[WDWalways]

Originally posted by JulesMom
We have stayed in PO-R twice--once in Magnolia Bend and once in Alligator Bayou. I didn't think i would like Bayou, but we liked it better.

Just wondering why you preferred AB?? I always request MB because I think the room furnishings are so much nicer!!

Also, on a side note -- how do you get the writing under your name in colors???? Thanks!!

 

[Patrick IL.]

dalt01 Thanks, I took care of it

 

[dcedwards]

We stayed at Riverside once and the other stays have been at FQ. We really like the foodcourt at Riverside but since the one at FQ was just rennovated that may not be the case anymore. Suppose to be similar to Riverside.

We stayed in the AB room primarily because we wanted to be closer to the first bus stop and food court. I agree that I like the theme in the mansions better but the rooms are identical in size and have the same "type" of furniture in them as mansions - just different decor.

Remember, too, that you can use the pool at the FQ. The slide is a bit "tamer" than the one at Riverside. At 3 my son was so light that he kept being "turned around" by the slide at Riverside as he came down so he could end up coming down back first. They will let adults go down with kids here if the kids are small enough. The slide at FQ was perfect for him the year before. He is a fish and loves the water. He also liked the "decor" of the pool at FQ.

You might also want to check out the entertainment in the lounge at Riverside. He is a hoot. I think he is back, now. Good family entertainment but you need to get there early if you want a seat. Otherwise you can listen and watch without a problem.

I agree that if you get a room that isn't acceptable ask to be moved. I have done that on more than one occassion. I was thinking that the deluxes must not be that way until I read a post about the Grand Floridian having stains on carpets, nicked furniture, and housekeeping not doing a great job. So, I guess it happens everyone. Remember the squeaky wheel tends to get the oil...shouldn't be that way but...afterall you are paying for a product and if it doesn't meet your expectations Disney should do something about it.

Another thought...I think the playground at FQ is also more suitable for younger kids (2-3) than Riverside. The older kids, though, seem to really like the one at Riverside. And, my son loved the fishing. It can get hot out there so be sure to bring suntan lotion and a hat with you. There isn't much shade. And, of course there was never any where my son wanted to fish.

You'll enjoy the resort I'm sure.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

We always ask for Mansions. We love Magnolia Terrace the best, then Acadian. They are each nice in different ways. Check out pictures of the resort and decide what you prefer. We love the Foodcourt there and the ride by boat to DTD. Kids love the pool and arcade too. Bus to MK, but drive to the other parks! Will you book a character meal? It is a must do with us! Character's will visit the resort on select days also.
WDWalways, go to the community board and ask(via post) the "Tag Fairy" nicely to give you color sayings , it works everytime BUT they write what they want , so watch out! They know everything...

 

[GaDisneyDad]

We had our second stay at POR back in mid-June and loved it. It's our favorite resort. We too like the mansions section, but I honestly can't compare it with the Bayou, since we've never stayed there. The mansions in general seemed more centrally located than the Bayou - Magnolia Terrace is our favorite, and is just across the bridge from the pool and food court, and has a bus stop just across the parking lot in back.

Our kids are older, so my judgement for a 3 year old may be a bit rusty, but I would say your 3 year old probably would be a bit small for the slide by himself. I would try riding it with him first and see how he does.

I have a few pictures of POR from our trip as well on my website (click on the Riverside link):

http://www.geocities.com/nrkwsmith/Disney02.htm

I would also recommend the boat ride to DD if you're in no hurry (the bus is faster but not as scenic), and they have surrey bikes for rent there as well. That was a lot of fun.

Have a great trip!

 

[TwinMom7]

Another vote for PO - Riverside. You'll find a lot of people with a lot of different view points, but I think you'll find that most of us who have been there, absolutely love the resort and return again and again. As for us....we'll be there two weeks from tomorrow for our 4th visit.

We've always stayed in the Bayou - personally I love the seclusion of this area. I am tempted though, to give the Mansions a try on this upcoming trip, especially after reading all of these great reports.

I have visited nearly every resort on Disney property, and I feel that this resort wins the top prize as far as the beauty of the grounds. In fact, I read that Riverside wins repeated awards for their groundskeeping. The Bayou area is full of little ponds with lily pads and frogs and rabbits and squirrels, weeping willows hanging with spanish moss, lots of foliage and bayou dwellings tucked back within the trees. The Mansions abound with manicured lawns, gazebos, fountains and fresh magnolias. No matter which area you stay in, make sure that you take a stroll through the other area.

We have NEVER had a problem with Disney transportation - never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus, and never had a problem with the cleanliness of our rooms. Housekeeping has always been great!! All of the CM's have always greeted us with a smile and a "good morning".

The boat trip to Downtown Disney is not to be missed.

I guess that's about all I can think of at this time. If you have a few minutes, please click on the website link at the bottom of my reply. This will take you to my DIS site - which I've basically dedicated to this resort. Lots of information and photographs. I haven't updated it in a while, but what's there is still pretty accurate.

Have a great stay!!