Port Orleans Riverside Or Gran Destino Tower?

[Once.Upon.A.Time]

POR was our first resort we ever stayed at, GDT was the last one. Liked them both, but GDT was so much more luxe... it was incredible with subtle Disney theming. We LOVED it! I think you should try GDT.

Thank you. I think we are leaning towards GDT.

 

[disneyseniors]

Sounds like you have made your mind up for the tower. We've never stayed there, but we have stayed at POR several times. We loved the theming of the AB section with it's winding tropical pathways and small bridges. We felt like we were in a tropical jungle, LOL. They have quiet pools inside each section which are fantastic. They are usually really quiet without many people in them with lovely surroundings.
We loved The Mill QS restaurant's theming and the large section of good food. There is HeeHawBob's show in the lounge. The resort store is huge and has everything you want. Wandering around the grounds is fun and the Mansion section has manicured garden like settings. There are carriage rides you can go on which go up to POFQ and around the Mansions.
We love the boats to DS which we go to at least 2 or 3 times while at POR/ POFQ.
It all depends on what you like. We have stayed at CSR before and it was nice, but we didn't like the conference like atmosphere. If you love that atmosphere, then the new tower might be just the thing for you. Good luck

 

[Once.Upon.A.Time]

Sounds like you have made your mind up for the tower. We've never stayed there, but we have stayed at POR several times. We loved the theming of the AB section with it's winding tropical pathways and small bridges. We felt like we were in a tropical jungle, LOL. They have quiet pools inside each section which are fantastic. They are usually really quiet without many people in them with lovely surroundings.
We loved The Mill QS restaurant's theming and the large section of good food. There is HeeHawBob's show in the lounge. The resort store is huge and has everything you want. Wandering around the grounds is fun and the Mansion section has manicured garden like settings. There are carriage rides you can go on which go up to POFQ and around the Mansions.
We love the boats to DS which we go to at least 2 or 3 times while at POR/ POFQ.
It all depends on what you like. We have stayed at CSR before and it was nice, but we didn't like the conference like atmosphere. If you love that atmosphere, then the new tower might be just the thing for you. Good luck

You would think so, but we are still confused. We have never stayed in a deluxe before, so I like how the tower is kind of a deluxe "feel", but than again we haven't stayed in POR either.

 

[disneyseniors]

You would think so, but we are still confused. We have never stayed in a deluxe before, so I like how the tower is kind of a deluxe "feel", but than again we haven't stayed in POR either.

There is a site where you can check all things POR/POFQ. I think it's called Port Orleans.org, but I'm not sure? Does anyone know the site? Andre Wiley runs the site and it is full of good information, pictures, and of course reviews. It has been very helpful in our choosing Port Orleans. We weren't really interested in that theming at first, but we got a good deal and tried it. We found that we loved POR, so you never know. Good luck with your choice, and either way, its Disney

When we stayed at CSR, it did feel a little more upscale but felt that was due to the convention business.

 

[cobright]

Thank you. There’s a skyliner now at CSR?

/Facepalm I could have sworn ... There was an update I read, just found it, that said it would go to CSR but I missed it being a secondary project.

My bad. I'll own it.

 

[Once.Upon.A.Time]

There is a site where you can check all things POR/POFQ. I think it's called Port Orleans.org, but I'm not sure? Does anyone know the site? Andre Wiley runs the site and it is full of good information, pictures, and of course reviews. It has been very helpful in our choosing Port Orleans. We weren't really interested in that theming at first, but we got a good deal and tried it. We found that we loved POR, so you never know. Good luck with your choice, and either way, its Disney

When we stayed at CSR, it did feel a little more upscale but felt that was due to the convention business.

Thank you. I'll look into it.

 

[savemycamera]

GRAN DESTINO. HANDS DOWN. Especially if you haven't stayed at the tower, it's totally different than the regular CSR. The artwork is amazing and the rooms are beautiful. Yes at times you kind of feel like you are not at Disney, but then the upscale Walt artwork or the crazy awesome hidden Mickeys remind you. I would go back there in a heartbeat if I didn't want to stay at new places as well. Lol.

 

[Once.Upon.A.Time]

GRAN DESTINO. HANDS DOWN. Especially if you haven't stayed at the tower, it's totally different than the regular CSR. The artwork is amazing and the rooms are beautiful. Yes at times you kind of feel like you are not at Disney, but then the upscale Walt artwork or the crazy awesome hidden Mickeys remind you. I would go back there in a heartbeat if I didn't want to stay at new places as well. Lol.

Thank you. I think my husband would prefer the tower as well.

 

[nkereina]

We love both CSR and POR. But is Gran Destino tower only $100 more total for your trip? Or per night? If its just $100 total, I would go with that. The tower feels more like a deluxe and you already know the resort has great dining options and amenities. I also think CSR has a better main pool than POR does.

If its $100 more per night, that would be pricier and I'd be inclined to go with POR in that case. The boat to Disney Springs is a nice, relaxing option - better than the bus, which can be a long ride from many resorts. POR also has the best food court on property IMO, better than El Mercado at CSR.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Prior to GDT, I had zero interest in staying at CSR. The theme just doesn't interest me. But, I stayed at GDT last year and absolutely loved it! It definitely feels like a deluxe at a moderate price. I loved the "rooftop" restaurant with fireworks view. And, there are good quick service options at CSR. I would choose GDT over POR anyday.

 

[Farro]

Well, we haven't stayed at either of your choices, we usually stay Yacht or Beach.

We are trying Gran Destino next year and are beyond excited!!! It looks gorgeous, the grounds around the hotel look gorgeous, the restaurant on the lake...not even worried about the buses. If it's that bad, we can take an Uber.

 

[Once.Upon.A.Time]

We love both CSR and POR. But is Gran Destino tower only $100 more total for your trip? Or per night? If its just $100 total, I would go with that. The tower feels more like a deluxe and you already know the resort has great dining options and amenities. I also think CSR has a better main pool than POR does.

If its $100 more per night, that would be pricier and I'd be inclined to go with POR in that case. The boat to Disney Springs is a nice, relaxing option - better than the bus, which can be a long ride from many resorts. POR also has the best food court on property IMO, better than El Mercado at CSR.

It’s $100 more for the stay.

 

[tguz]

I have said this before and received a lot of pushback but remember this is my own opinion.....to me, Towers do not feel "Disney". When I think Disney, I think clusters of buildings with with trees, shrubbery, flowers and other theming. To me, I think Grand Destino Tower, Riviera and the Contemporary would fit nicely in the Hotel Zone in Cancun.

 

[nkereina]

It’s $100 more for the stay.

That sounds like a good deal to me. We've priced out the Tower before and found it significantly more expensive compared to other moderates. So I would go with that.

 

[Pooh2]

It's been a few years since we've stayed at POR so not familiar with if they've been renovated?
We just stayed at the Grand Destino Tower in December and loved it.
It felt very upscale and new and clean.
Typically when staying in a moderate, we have the shades drawn most of the time for privacy even during the day.
In the tower, we had the curtains wide open and it felt sunny and bright for our afternoon break. Only birds passing by our windows!
For only $100 difference, I would definitely go with the tower.

 

[Once.Upon.A.Time]

It's been a few years since we've stayed at POR so not familiar with if they've been renovated?
We just stayed at the Grand Destino Tower in December and loved it.
It felt very upscale and new and clean.
Typically when staying in a moderate, we have the shades drawn most of the time for privacy even during the day.
In the tower, we had the curtains wide open and it felt sunny and bright for our afternoon break. Only birds passing by our windows!
For only $100 difference, I would definitely go with the tower.

Thank you.

 

[firefly_ris]

If it's only $100 more overall I'd give the tower a try. Wish we could but they can't accommodate my party size there.

 

[ncc1701]

It's been a few years since we've stayed at POR so not familiar with if they've been renovated?
We just stayed at the Grand Destino Tower in December and loved it.
It felt very upscale and new and clean.
Typically when staying in a moderate, we have the shades drawn most of the time for privacy even during the day.
In the tower, we had the curtains wide open and it felt sunny and bright for our afternoon break. Only birds passing by our windows!
For only $100 difference, I would definitely go with the tower.

POR was in the process of being renovated before the World stopped. I think only the Royal rooms still needed to be done. The website a PP mentioned is www.PortOrleans.com. Great source of info for both Port Orlean's resorts.

 

[BellaBeast787]

Port Orleans is so beautiful. I think its way more romantic and the grounds are breath taking. My husband prefers this moderate to all others. The vibe is very relaxing and there's just something about strolling along the river with the mansions in view. I vote try something new!