POR Riverside...not what I expected although nice

[safetymom]

DMRick, sorry to see that people aren't understanding what you were trying to say about the resort.

The beauty of WDW is the fact that there are different themed resorts for everyone. Everything from rustic to elegant.

You just shared your trip report and for that I am grateful. So should the others.

This board provides a service so that we travel to WDW we are better informed. We don't all like the same things so when looking at trip reports it helps us to make a decision.

If someone wants to stay at All Stars and another wants concierge at the Grand Floridian who am I to say that you shouldn't stay there?

I am sure that we need to remember that we will all have a great time no matter where we stay onsite at WDW.

To each his own as my Mom used to stay. As far as garish I can't wait for Pop Century to open. It looks like fun.

You also make me want to try All Stars. It's not like I am making a lifetime commitment, it's probably just for a week.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I too am very glad you posted and started this thread. We all need to read first hand reports that do more than just sing praises.
And as you stated, POR was nice, it just wasn't what you expected.
Thanks again for the thread.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by DMRick

Do you have kids Duck?
I think not. Because I thought I was making it clear that I was commenting on this stay with kids in mind..and they happen to like "kids" motels. If you have kids, do they think the same thing about the AS as you do? [/QUOTE]\

Yup, I have a son. He's now 16, but when he was younger (8, 9, 10) we stayed at the AS Resorts a few times. He thought they were "OK", but he much preferred the Beach Club, POFQ, and BWV. He used to complain about the noise at the AS resorts. I can't blame him. He much preferred the pools at the other resorts also.

Anne

 

[WolfpackFan]

Personally, I'm the complete opposite of DMRick. We've stayed at the All-Stars as well as several of the moderates and am getting ready to stay at AKL in June. I found the All-Stars to be very tacky and cheap looking IMO. I much prefer the themeing at the moderates and deluxes. As far as bathroom size, couldn't care less. You're going to find the smoking problems anywhere you go. My main complaint about the All-Stars though is I don't think you get the same level of service as you do at a moderate or deluxe. Our last stay at ASM, housekeeping didn't even bother to clean our room one day. Just completely skipped over us. Beds unmade, no clean towels, trash not emptied, nothing. We complained to the front desk and they didn't seem to be concerned at all.

 

[safetymom]

Ducklite, it sounds like your son is used to the finer more expensive properties. Not the place a lot of us could afford to stay.

I wouldn't try to compare when your tastes run to the higher prices resorts.

 

[n2mm]

I enjoyed reading this post. I stay at the All Stars and POR all of the time and enjoy both in different ways. Sometimes I get bored of one and stay at the other. Each has negatives and positives. If I could combine all of the positives of both, I would have MY perfect resort.

I could never understand why the beverage bar is always a mess a POR while at ANY of the A/S the CMs are constantly cleaning it. There does appear to be many more CMs working at the A/S food courts than at POR. I have spoken to the Manager at POR in the food court several times and have expressed ways that I THINK would improve the food court (include a sink and rootbeer).

We were just at the A/S Music 2 weeks ago for 15 days and leave next month for 10 days, but will be at POR. While I have no real problem at the A/S, I won't stay there in the summer anymore. The tour groups are too much for me to handle, so will only stay at a moderate. Since POR is the only one I like (yes, I've stayed at the others) that is my only choice.

I enjoyed the honesty of the poster because I have felt that same way many times. While I've stayed at POR and everything was perfect, I've also stayed there when things were not perfect (rude CMs, wallpaper falling off of the wall, cig. butts all over the pool area and getting stuck to your feet, dirty rooms, trash around the resorts, and the ever constant construction/roofing). I also love the quietness of POR, the wildlife, Boatwrights' dining hall, the lovely Mansion rooms, the quiet walks by the water and the closness to all of the other Disney World amendities.

I find the All Stars to be the ONLY resort with a Disney Theme, whether you are staying on "a boardwalk" or in a "old Floridian style resort" so find nothing wrong with the themeing of the Old South of POR/Dixie Landing.

 

[eeyore0062]

Personally, I am very glad that there are no Mickey's at the pool at PO-R...that is NOT what PO-R is about... there were no Mickey's back in the Old South. So the theming is being true to the time it represents.

As for PO-FQ, that is representitive of New Orleans with a Mardi Gras theme, so fanciful themes, such as dancing aligators are right at home there. I hope you like it better.

 

[Threehearts]

I also was pleased to read an honest opinion of a resort experience. We have stayed at POR and really enjoyed it but there were some things that bothered us(mostly related to bus situation and sit-down rest.). We would stay there again. I am writing re: 'only 2 pool lounges for 5 people' at the pool. We always travel with 2 adults and 2 kids and NEVER take more than 2 chairs at a busy poolside area. Do all the little kids in the party need their own lounge? We have certainly given up 1 of our 2 lounges in the past for a family who came later and had no place to put their belongings. I hope people don't expect to take a chair for every member of their party when little ones can easily share with the adults. Threehearts

 

[EUROPA]

Originally posted by safetymom
Ducklite, it sounds like your son is used to the finer more expensive properties. Not the place a lot of us could afford to stay.

I wouldn't try to compare when your tastes run to the higher prices resorts.

I'm sorry this just does not make sense...just because you can't afford to stay at a nicer places dosn't mean that you would not like it or like it when you do get a chance to stay there.

By your logic you're saying that you woiuld always perfoer the Motel 6 over the Ritz Carlton.

 

[smjj]

That is what these boards are all about and no one should be flamed for giving their opinion.. We are staying at POR for the first time this coming Dec. and would like to and have searched for all opinions on this resort. We try and stay at different resorts each time because they are so different and enjoy that diversity. That is what makes WDW so special for us. Keep the reviews(both positive and negative) about the resort coming..smjj

 

[mrsltg]

DMRICK- How dare you post an independent thought!!!! You should know better by now! LOL

I really appreciate your honesty in your trip report. I am glad that you are standing up for what you said (not that you should have to defend any of it).

I think that it should be obvious that everyone has different tastes and that they are entitled to their opinions. Many times this basic idea gets overlooked on these boards!

That small kids love the All Stars should not surprise anyone. That they're not impressed by the other hotels shouldn't be astounding either. I'd actually find it a little odd if a small child preferred the GF or Poly (or the mods except for the pool areas)to the All Stars. It would suggest to me that either they hadn't been to the AS or they were parroting their parents' views. What little person wouldn't love to see larger than life, over-the-top characters from their favorite movies? Your average kid is not going to appreciate the victorian architecture and ambiance in the GF or the Polynesian flare in the resort given the same name. What they are going to appreciate is the DISNEY (think fantasy) theming that runs rampant throughout the All Stars. Obviously all of the resorts are themed, but what I appreciate as an adult is clearly not on level with what my DD thinks is spectacular. And being that Walt dreamed of these places for the kids, I think I'll go with what makes her eyes light up as opposed to what makes mine! Dh and I haven't brought her to WDW yet (she's 17 mos old), but we figure that once she is old enough to understand Disney, we'll be regulars at the AS's.

And just an FYI for those of you not aware... most families can't afford the extravagance of $300+ per night hotel rooms! Going on a WDW vacation is a tremendous expense that they have to work hard to save for. Perhaps slamming the AS resorts as being less than your average Motel 6 is a little harsh? Thank whomever you choose to thank for the good (financial and otherwise) fortune that you have in your life that you are able to make continuous trips to a place that many only get to dream of going too.

 

[babus1]

I think the crowded pools depend on what time of year you go and the weather. We went in Sept. 14-23 and the pool was fairly quiet. It was around 82 degrees while we were there. I would think November would be a slow time too. There is not as much shade at the FQ as at Riverside, but it is still very nice. A lot smaller of a resort with a closer city type atmosphere. There are small garden areas that are nice, but we didn`t spend any time in them, just walked by on our way to the busses. The food court was not as busy as Riversides, but we were there late compared to some. 8 AM and 8PM usually. My kids loved POFQ, but they had never seen the All Stars. I am not of a mind to go to a hotel that lures kids by the thousands. My own two are enough for me. While we did see families at FQ the place was not overrun with them. I am sure any adult would find the FQ very quaint and adequate, but would definitely love a deluxe.

 

[binness]

i was just reserved our stay for the por for 5 nights at aug. the rate is fair ($121) for family of 5 and we are tourists out of state, coming with our 3 kids for 1st time. i couldnt find a near hotel for a rate less then $90-100 and that is why i figured it is a good deal. my major concern was that since the resort is what you call "insite", it is great with kids that get exhosted - just a quick stroll back for a nap or refreshment, and back to business.
am i right with my thoghts? what do you mean "the park is not themed enogh" (hope i spelled it right)? we are on low budget ang thinking of eating outside the resort? would i be saving on it?
and generally, should we cancell our stay there?

 

[yepod]

Thanks DMRICK for your honest report!

I love the way it stirs people up, when you're just trying to give your opinion LOL

Hope POFQ works out for ya on your next trip

 

[Threehearts]

binness- I think that your kids will love this resort. You can use the food court to budget lower priced meals or less expensive still, eat off-site. The only thing that I would perhaps not agree with is that the resort is just a quick stroll back(I assume that you mean form the different parks). The bus ride is neither short nor long and you may have to wait for a bus. I still think that there are SO many more plusses to staying onsite that you will find your dollars well spent. What a lovely treat for your children. They will love it!! Susan

 

[married2grumpy]

I find this thread very entertaining! People take it so personally if someone posts something negative about their favorite resort.
I thought the original post was well written and I'm thankful that DMRICK was willing to share his experiences with us. I have never stayed at POR but will someday. I like to experience everything for myself and like to form my own opinions. My kids loved ASMO and I think they are a good value for an on site property. I wish we could afford to stay at a deluxe or moderate every time we visit but we can't. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to take our kids to Disney every year regardless of where we stay. Some people aren't able to go at all. I just sometimes think there are some "resort snobs" on this board who make you feel as if you must have no taste and be low class to stay at a value resort. I think you can stay at a motel 6 from he** (if that's what you want to call it) and still have a great time with your family. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

 

[DMRick]

'only 2 pool lounges for 5 people at the pool. We always travel with 2 adults and 2 kids and NEVER take more than 2 chairs at a busy poolside area. Do all the little kids in the party need their own lounge?

No, but us three adults would have each liked having a chair...one sitting on the end was uncomfortable. Just so there is not another misunderstanding, there were 3 adults and two children in our group...I guess I should have mentioned that. We did pay extra for that third adult. The lounges were plentiful..and without people, but lots of stuff around and on the lounges. ..many with just towels. I asked the lifeguard if I could remove them and was told it was not a good idea. Most times no one came back to the chairs...prob moved to the other side and got fresh towels
Even so, when the kids got out of the pool, it would have been nice for them to have a chair to sit on and dry a bit, and I wouldn't have felt bad about them having a seat, if they were using it.

 

[Threehearts]

DMRick- I stand corrected on the adults/kids ratio. Threehearts

 

[pooh6890]

DM...in that situation you have just moved the towels to the next closest empty chair so all three of you would have a seat. If the people returned I would then just say sorry didn't know you were coming back and easily move and share, but chances are they would have picked up their towels and just moved. That is what we have noticed at the pools in the past. That is better than the bus situation which was really terrible on our visit to PORS. The bus location is really bad at all the parks, especially Epcot (even farther than the AS). It irks me that I wait in line for 20 to 30 minutes for a bus back to my hotel and then people cram in like sardines instead of waiting for the next bus. Then expect my daughters to give up their seats. Isn't is first come first served usually? They are not safe standing and getting shoved around because those people decided not to wait for the next bus. That is probably my biggest pet peeve while there.

 

[Jodi1980]

Please...If you ever have a complaint about a resort, let them know at that time - if we don't say anything, nothing will change or get better. I just got back from POR-Riverside and areas were very dirty - I went to the front desk and also called them while I was there. Ok, the area was still dirty the next day but I do plan on sending Disney a letter. The lady at the front desk said she never heard anyone complain about the resort being dirty!