POP or POR?

[MinaFemme]

So, my partner and I are excitedly planning on visiting WDW for the week of Halloween this year. We have a baby boy, who will be two years old by then. We are going around this time because it is for our son's and my birthday a few days apart. This is actually our first vacation as a couple in the 9 years we've been together, so this is long over due!

I haven't been to WDW since 1996, so I know a lot has changed! My question is, which resort would you recommend, Pop Century or Port Orleans Riverside? I am indecisive between the two.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

[fredtom]

Port Orleans Riverside is a beautiful, charming resort and so well themed. The grounds are peaceful and beautiful and so pleasant to walk around.

There are two sections to Riverside-- Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. We stayed in Alligator Bayou, which has smaller buildings similar to ones at Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach Resorts. It's very rustic and has a secluded feel. Magnolia Bend's buildings are large manor houses along the Sassagoula River that resemble classic Louisiana plantations like Oak Alley and Laura Plantation, etc. The room decor of the two sections is entirely different also... one being more vacation lodge or cabin like, and the other upscale ante-bellum. There are water views along Alligator Bayou as well-- not of the river, but smaller "bayou" looking ponds.

Riverside is a huge resort and spread out like CBR and CSR.

 

[kmb584]

If it were me, I'd opt for POR! The price difference isn't that much and while one doesn't typically equate a 54 square foot difference (260 at POP compared to 314 at POR) as much, it is.

In June 2010 I took my then 15-month-old, ALONE, to WDW and we stayed at POFQ. It was my first stay there and quickly became a hotel favorite of mine. We took the boat over to POR pretty much every night because DD loved the Clydesdale's and I loved the feel of the resort. The room size was great for us and when my best friend came to stay for 3 nights we still had ample room to move about. The privacy curtain between the room and bathroom was fantastic too. It allowed DD to "sleep in" while I got ready in the morning. It's the little things in life.

I stayed at POP, or attempted to at least, this past April with DD and couldn't do it. It was too small despite the fact that it was just the 2 of us. We lasted 1 night before I called and upgraded to CBR. An extra 54 sq. ft. made a world of difference (again) and the sliding doors between the bathroom and main room was even better than the curtain. So, in short, if it were me I'd go with POR!

 

[tluvstink]

I haven't stayed at Pop so I can't comment on that but I love POR We had a room in the AB section and found it to be very relaxing. I also love the food court. There was a great selection and the CMs were very friendly and helpful. I would stay there again in a heart beat!!

Oct is a great time to go.......have a great trip

Terri

 

[MinaFemme]

Thank you all for the advice! After much thought, I booked Pop Century this evening, because the five hundred dollar difference between the two will cover our airfare, and money isn't flowing right now so it will help. Since we have never stayed on site, we may find the Pop to be okay--at least I hope!

 

[Ihave3daughters]

I've stayed at POP four times, and POR once... I love them both, but have always considered POP my 'home resort'. Love the theming, the feel, and the look of the resort. The grounds are beautiful and sparkling clean. The pools are fanatastic, always a hit! POR is nice, but POP is just fun! Really gets me in the Disney groove...

Bus service is great, but I have a bad feeling they'll be sharing with the new Art of Animation resort when it goes on line...

One other thing, I've never, in 7 trips in the last 5 years, ever put in a room request for any of our trips. It seems like a lot of extra stress in addition to everything else, and I have always just left it up to 'fate'... I've never been disappointed. Also, at POP I have always gone with a 'non' preferred room. I don't mind a little extra walk. Folks on the board sometimes make a big deal about the walk, but it's really not that bad, even in some of the rooms I've had in the 50's section...

I hope you all have a great time! You won't be disappointed!!!

-Eric