PO RIVERSIDE pros/cons?

[linck7421]

What are the some pros/cons of this resort?

 

[I Run Long]

Have you checked out portorleans.org? It's a great unofficial guide to the resort as well as POFQ. We love both resorts so I don't think I'm a great one to ask for cons. Many people say POR is really spread out but I've never found that to be a con.

 

[Missytara]

What are the some pros/cons of this resort?

Check out the official thread. You were not very specific about what you were looking for as compared to what, so it is best to read the info on the thread and ask a more specific question, then we can help.

By the way, I am posting this at the Muddy Rivers bar, right next to the main pool at none other than POR.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

We have stayed three times at POR in the AB section and really loved it. I would say the Pros are: Beautiful landscaping and theme, several pools (many times we were the only family swimming in the one near Bldg 24), the boat to DTD is a must, food court with lots of variety - something for everyone.

I would say the Cons are: Depending on what building you are in, you could have a very long walk to the Food Court/Lobby/Main Dock. Also, the buses were no joy for us -- LOTS of stops at the different stops all the way around the resort and many times they share with POFQ so stops there as well, so not ideal transportation in my mind.

In the future when DH and I take trips on our own and have a bit more of a leisurely trip planned, we will probably stay at POR again.

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

We didn't find any cons on any of our stays at POR. We had no issues at all with the buses during our 2 stays in April. We didn't share with POFQ at all. We used the boat to DTD a lot. Very nice & relaxing. We also enjoyed the carriage ride throughout the resort. Hoping to go back in November again.

 

[JennyDrake]

We have stayed three times at POR in the AB section and really loved it. I would say the Pros are: Beautiful landscaping and theme, several pools, the boat to DTD is a must, food court with lots of variety - something for everyone.

I would say the Cons are: Depending on what building you are in, you could have a very long walk to the Food Court/Lobby/Main Dock. Also, the buses were no joy for us -- LOTS of stops at the different stops all the way around the resort and many times they share with POFQ so stops there as well, so not ideal transportation in my mind.

VERY well stated!

 

[Missytara]

We didn't find any cons on any of our stays at POR. We had no issues at all with the buses during our 2 stays in April. We didn't share with POFQ at all. We used the boat to DTD a lot. Very nice & relaxing. We also enjoyed the carriage ride throughout the resort. Hoping to go back in November again.

I have to tell you we were at the concierge desk yesterday and a guy was screaming that he waited 2 hours for a bus to AK yesterday. We have been here since Saturday and the longest I waited was 8 minutes for an Epcot bus at the main depot (south) because I had just missed the other one by 1 minute.

 

[Shaden]

There are no Cons, people will talk about busses or walk distance, these are largely overstated, unless you have some diability. But really the farthest walks to the mains building/foodcourt are about 500 Yards, and the bussing is pretty great, sure you might experience an off ride/day, but generally its very well done.

 

[Missytara]

There are no Cons, people will talk about busses or walk distance, these are largely overstated, unless you have some diability. But really the farthest walks to the mains building/foodcourt are about 500 Yards, and the bussing is pretty great, sure you might experience an off ride/day, but generally its very well done.

As an architect, I like the fact that the layout is more round, as compared to CBR. Also, once you get to the building, you are undercover from the walkway above, out of the sun. CBR, you have to walk all the across the parking lot and it is very hot.

 

[Mollymum]

Stayed at POR - AB over Memorial Day weekend. We loved "choose your" pasta in the food court: lots of ingredients to choose from, cooked fresh to order, huge portion. Pools were enjoyable. Never had more than a 10 minute wait for a bus. Out of 5 days, only once did the bus hit all 4 or 5 POR stops, the other times it went straight to wherever it was headed. We had a "preferred room" and it was great to be steps away from food court/bus/pool. Parked our car right in front of our room, that was nice.

Only con I can think of is that we waited for half-hour or so for a boat to DTD and finally gave up and drove there.

Would definitely stay there again.

 

[Shaden]

As an architect, I like the fact that the layout is more round, as compared to CBR. Also, once you get to the building, you are undercover from the walkway above, out of the sun. CBR, you have to walk all the across the parking lot and it is very hot.

I am no Architect (although my wife and I both had/have a passion for drafting and design), but I totally agree about the layout and structural design of the POR. We absolutely loved the grounds, the slow bends that give long views that seem to disappear around the bed in the distance, but that keep going as you advance down the trails. Loved the tree coverage along the paths in Mansions and AB. The building coverage was also nice, even our room at the end of a Magnolia Terrace wing facing the water was covered and nicely shaded.

Generally an outstandingly designed resort. But I haven't been to CBR, only CSR, which is also beautiful, but much more open, I think I would give the edge to POR between the two.

 

[Angieandsteve]

Just checked out of POR yesterday after a week long stay. We were in a royal room. I purposely paid extra for the pool view room as it is closer to the bridge to the food court, etc. it did cost a fair amount more but I found it to be worth it.

Pros: Food court was good. Sometimes the lines were extremely long but you have to either get there before or after the super crowded times. Food was good. They had a large variety of choices. Kind of sick of eating it after a week but that would be the case there or home. A few of the food court workers were a bit crabby but I can see why after seeing rude and obnoxious behavior from some kids and parents.

Room was small but really cute. Our 6 year old daughter loved the princess theme. We did fireworks at night on headboard over and over again. The note from Tiana was cute. Room was pretty clean. Bathroom area with toilet and tub was extremely tight but honestly only one person was in it so it wasn't that bad. Sink was double which was great! Hazel cleaned our room and did a terrific job. My daughter loved the towels she made and special things she did with daughters animals. Really special and exciting for daughter! I saw absolutely NO roaches, bugs, of any sort in our room as I had read on here ( and worried about prior to arrival) even with a ground floor room.

The bus situation could be a con depending on your expectations. Truthfully we never waited more than 20 to 25 minutes for a bus going to or from a park and usually it was less. Even leaving magic kingdom at closing the wait wasn't that bad however, and this is why I think I see so many complaints, when you have been on your feet for hours and they are hurting and blistering the last thing you want to do is wait 20 minutes on feet again to get bus. With 20 minutes standing in line,15 minutes standing on bus (we had to stand about 75% of the time) and 5 minute plus walk back to the room it is pretty bad at the time. The bus situation can be frustrating but thinking back it probably wasn't that bad. At those moments of exhaustion it just felt that way. I do however think next time we would rent a car and drive to the parks.

Overall I think POR is a nice place. Plenty of extra activities for kids. Not too far from the parks. Boat to Downtown Disney was nice. Workers for the most part were extremely nice and helpful. Buses were ok if you keep a positive attitude and accept that there are going to be waits as with any other resort. Grounds are really pretty. Pools are nice. The grounds are large but plan in advance and pay extra if location of room/ walk time to main area is that big of a deal.