We had a lovely time last week. We got home Sunday morning at what felt like 4 a.m. to us, so now that I've caught up on some sleep I thought I'd share how things went for us.
First off, our group was two empty-nester couples who have each been to WDW many times, including a few trips there together, dating back to 1981, when we stayed together in a Lake Buena Vista Villa. We linked our reservations, but didn't make any requests. We had a rental car, and booked standard rooms as we knew we would be happy anywhere, as long as we were placed reasonably close. Our last stay at Riverside together we were in connecting rooms without even asking for them.
We arrived in the early evening Saturday the 23rd. There was no line at regular check-in. The CM told us the resort was completely booked for the night, but that we'd been placed as close together as possible, which turned out to be across the courtyard from one another in building 80 in Acadian House. She told us that we might be able to be moved closer the next day when things would open up a bit. That was fine with us, we just didn't unpack much the first night. Our rooms faced the fountain in the courtyard. For my husband and I, this was the third out of five trips that we were assigned to Acadian House.
We stopped at concierge immediately after checking in, to see if we could put our
AAA park tickets on our room keys. The first CM told us they couldn't do that at the resort, but then she asked another CM where to send us for that, and he corrected her and taught her how to do it. We were very glad to have KTTW that worked in the new turnstiles, although after they changed rooms our friends tickets had to be scanned in for every entry. We really liked the tap-to-open room keys, and for the most part the touch-to-pay pads, except the buttons on the pin pads are very tiny.
Our room was very clean and in great shape overall. It was a quiet location and mid-week we never heard any neighbors to speak of. The weekends were just a tad bit noisier.
The room my husband and I were in had a connecting door, so when we woke up the first morning we called to see if by any chance that room might become available. By luck it was, so the CM on the phone told us they could switch our friends into that room and they could even keep their original keys and just use them for the new room later that afternoon. Of course it didn't turn out as easy as that after all, but eventually they got settled into the room right next to us. We enjoyed having the connecting door enough that if we ever stay here again we'll be sure to fax that request ahead of time.
We used the busses for Magic Kingdom, and for anytime we planned on enjoying a few adult beverages. It was a quick walk to the North Depot and we never had a long wait for a bus. More than one bus arrived there empty. It was never crowded and we always got a seat when leaving the resort. The only time we had to stand was coming back from the MK after the fireworks one night. Even then some young men around us offered me their seats, but I'm reasonably fit and I thought those young daddies probably needed those seats more than I did! We had about a half hour wait to get on a boat to Downtown Disney on Sunday night, and no wait coming back. While coming and going we could see the Oscar viewing party they had at the outdoor movie area.
The temperature was perfect most of the week, and we enjoyed an uncrowded main pool early in the week. Friday and Saturday were chilly with a breeze, but we were comfortable in fleece jackets or windbreakers over sweatshirts.
We stopped in for a drink at the lounge at about 9:30 one evening, and there was one table available. Very much enjoyed singing along with Yee Haw Bob, especially the one about Sarah, who all day long just sits and shifts. I sang a little louder with each sip of my chocolate martini. I got you, babe.
I lost an earring down the bathtub drain. We called and they sent a plumber, who arrived very quickly. He was very pleasant as he told us he didn't expect to have much luck retrieving the earring, but luck was with us and he was able to get it out.
Overall this was another fun and happy trip. We've stayed at many WDW resorts and I've loved everyone of them, but Riverside is my favorite moderate. We've got our two daughters weddings coming up this summer and next ($$), but after that we plan to be back to WDW as soon as possible!
