Port Orleans Peeps Help!!!

[PersonalizedMouse]

Disney Family usually stay at a deluxe because we are a family of five. Due to things like braces and a broken TV...we thought we were going to have to bag the Disney Vacation Why not just take away my oxygen Truth be told DH doesn't let us stay at the resort that much. Park hours are short in January and he is squeezing every last nickel out of that Disney Dollar

I am thinking to try Port Orleans Riverside as it will shave $1000 off of our bill. I know that we will be squeezed in (DS12, DS 9 and DD 8) but I will suck it up if it means we can go this year. I was going to opt for a preferred room in Alligator Bayou.

I think the property is very pretty. Our bus stopped there last year and I have watched a billion you tube videos.

I was hoping you Port Orleans experts could help me plan the trip. I need pointers. Ie...what is the eating situation like, how close is the preferred buildings to the main, do I need to catch the inter resort bus or can I walk to the main from preferred, how is the bussing (we are going at a dead week in January), are there things at the resort that we shouldn't miss, how is the sit down restaurant on property etc. Any expert insider tips would be greatly appreciated.

I want to go into this with a good attitude. Some people don't get to go to Disney at all. I know we are lucky to even be going

 

[ilovezach33]

Have you thought about renting DVC points?
There is a website that sells points for $13 per point. You can get an animal kingdom studio villa w/savannah view for 123 points for a week.
123 x 13=$1599.
Just wanted to point this out as an option! They even have DVC boards here if you're looking for more info.

If not, I think Port Orleans is a beautiful resort and I'm sure you will still have a great time!

 

[minnie mum]

1, what is the eating situation like,
2. how close is the preferred buildings to the main,
3.do I need to catch the inter resort bus or can I walk to the main from preferred,
4.how is the bussing (we are going at a dead week in January),
5.are there things at the resort that we shouldn't miss,
6.how is the sit down restaurant on property etc. Any expert insider tips would be greatly appreciated.
:

1. There is a full food court that is open from early morning till late evening. There is also a TS Restaurant, a pool bar and a lounge.
2. Quite close
3. No. That's why you pay the fee for a preferred room- because it's close to the main buildings.
4. I have always found it very good.
5. Excellent main pool with kiddie pool and playground as well as quiet pools closer to some of the buildings. Fishing, River Adventure Cruise for children, boat rentals, bike rentals, horse carriage rides, arcade games. There's more, but you can see that there is lots to do if you want. Check out this site:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/resorts/portriverside.htm#rec

6. Not my first choice- lots better places to eat in WDW.

HTH

 

[EpcotBill]

Everything you ever wanted to know about Port Orleans can be found at www.portorleans.org. There's also a great FAQ thread here; http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2904701.

 

[CalicoSky]

There are lots of things to love about Riverside.

I don't think any building at POR is more than a 10 minute or so walk from the main building. Since preferred buildings are very close to the main building, you'll definitely find it an easy walk. I do recommend taking a leisurely walk along the river and maybe through the Bayou area a bit, and check out the exterior design differences between each of the mansions and each of the groups of Alligator Bayou buildings. Plenty of pools scattered around the property if you like swimming or lounging poolside.

I love the variety at the food court, and I give high marks to the design-your-own pasta and salad bars, and the evening dinner entree. If those don't appeal, though, there are burgers, pizza, sandwiches, etc. It can be busy at breakfast, but you're going at a quieter time so that shouldn't be an issue for you.

Boatwright's varied for me...the first time there I didn't find it anything special; on a recent visit I had the Jambalaya and loved it. Very good service both times, and you can't beat the convenience. As another poster mentioned, there are other places at WDW with a stronger menu or more unique experience, but if the menu appeals to you and you want to end your day with a relaxing night at the resort, I recommend giving it a try.

I'm pleased with the bus service but also am not one who must get to a park at a particular time such as rope drop. There always seems to be one time each visit where I've just missed two buses for the park I want to go to and had to wait a bit, but the stops are covered and have seating so it's a pleasant enough wait.

Two things I'd put in the "don't miss" category:
1) The boat ride to Downtown Disney is a convenient and relaxing way to get either there or to French Quarter.
2) Bob Jackson! Talented man with more energy than a classroom full of kindergarteners who puts on a great show and has a real knack for getting the audience involved. Normally he's there Wednesday-Saturday, so check the schedule.

Hope you have a fantastic trip!

 

[closetmickey]

We just stayed at POR in June. In past trips, we have stayed at BC, and AKL. This trip, we did a split stay Poly/POR. Even with all our deluxe stays, and direct comparison with the Poly on that trip, we thoroughly enjoyed POR. It has many wonderful qualities such as the peaceful grounds and boat to DtD. My three girls loved the daily pool games. We found the crowds a bit overwhelming at the food court, but that will not be an issue with your timing. We only had to wait for a bus once during the three days we utilized them. Yes, you may feel a difference in room size (we did) but the charm will help compensate for that. We loved our time there.

 

[Sue M]

POR is our fav moderate. We stay in the mansion section, because it's been either 2 or 3 of us. Mom/daughter trips.

The grounds are stunning. I think it has the best landscaping of all the WDW resorts.

Love the food court. Mostly have breakfast there. Great make your own omelette bar. Lots of seating.

Fun main pool, hot tub, and yes, we've been able to swim in Jan.

Not to miss the boat to DTD, Bob Jackson's show in River Roost. Also has horse & carriage rides, and I like to go visit the Fishing Hole, just because it's a pretty, peaceful spot, and the CM there is interesting to talk to! I don't fish, lol.

It's a great resort, and because of multiple bridges, it's easy to get around. I've never used a bus to get around.

I have no problem going back and forth Between deluxe stays and POR.

 

[autismgoesdisney]

I just wanted to add that we are trying Boatwrights for the first time this trip. We didn't try it our last trip so I can't say how the food is.

But don't forget there is a lovely boat to DTD. So try to plan one (or more) restaurants there this trip!

 

[AJA]

Honestly DH and I both prefer POR to AKL (our 7 year old DD might disagree ) we found AKL beautiful but missed being close to DTD in the evening.

The POR resorts are beautiful, you have the boat to DTD and the sister resort. Don't forget to stop at FQ and try the beignets. In January it might not apply, but if the weather permits you can pool hop between the resorts.


ETA: Not trying to change your mind about POR (really it's a gorgeous and fun property) have you checked Swan and Dolphin? I'm not sure about 5 in a room there? I know it's usually much cheaper than the Disney Epcot resorts and you still have the awesome location.

 

[skriegerjr]

We love Boatwrights, great food, and the boat to DTD gives access to a while bunch more restaurants...including one of our favorites, House of Blues! We've been to POFQ a few times now, we feel like it's our home resort, were going back to the World in August, but FD wasn't offered at FQ, so we are staying at POR for the first time, even though we've visited the resort several times!

Sent from my Toshiba Thrive 32GB using the DISBoards App

 

[nkereina]

Disney Family usually stay at a deluxe because we are a family of five. Due to things like braces and a broken TV...we thought we were going to have to bag the Disney Vacation Why not just take away my oxygen Truth be told DH doesn't let us stay at the resort that much. Park hours are short in January and he is squeezing every last nickel out of that Disney Dollar

I am thinking to try Port Orleans Riverside as it will shave $1000 off of our bill. I know that we will be squeezed in (DS12, DS 9 and DD 8) but I will suck it up if it means we can go this year. I was going to opt for a preferred room in Alligator Bayou.

I think the property is very pretty. Our bus stopped there last year and I have watched a billion you tube videos.

I was hoping you Port Orleans experts could help me plan the trip. I need pointers. Ie...what is the eating situation like, how close is the preferred buildings to the main, do I need to catch the inter resort bus or can I walk to the main from preferred, how is the bussing (we are going at a dead week in January), are there things at the resort that we shouldn't miss, how is the sit down restaurant on property etc. Any expert insider tips would be greatly appreciated.

I want to go into this with a good attitude. Some people don't get to go to Disney at all. I know we are lucky to even be going

We've stayed here twice and love it, but we are just a party of two. We eat at the food court every morning, and think it has the best food court on property. With you coming from deluxe resorts, you will be shocked at how much bigger and better the food court is!

Preferred buildings are close to the main building which means you will likely be using the main bus depot, which is also the most crowded depot. However, there are three other bus depots scattered around so you should be close to another bus stop as well.

There is no internal bus like there is at CBR. CBR actually has a designated bus that just goes around the resort for transportation around the resort only. POR does not have this. I suppose you could get on at one bus depot and get off at another one, but that bus will be going to a park at the end and not looping the resort. I think that everything is walkable, especially since you are presumably not travelling with elderly, infants or disabled.

Boatwrights is the TS restaurant and its mediocre. I wouldn't make an ADR there because, especially in January, you can usually get seated as a walk up.

Just a tip for the new murphy style beds - it would be fine for your 8 or 9 year old, but the 12 year old is iffy especially depending on his/her size. I read on a blog they are designed for age 11 and under. IMO, they are not as convenient as the trundle. So just wanted to give you this heads up so you can plan out sleeping arrangements.