We got back from our 10-night POR stay early Sunday morning and all I can say is WOW! This was our first on-site stay and I had originally picked POFQ because of its smaller size but when
free dining came out and only POR was available we took it ~ Im so glad we did. We loved it! Even my dh and ds16 who didnt want to stay on-site were converted. Here are a few of our experiences:
Check-In: I had done online check-in a week or so before we left. We got there at 11:00 am on Wednesday (11/20/13) and, much to my surprise, our room was ready. All of my documents were already printed out and in a nice, tidy folder. The CM explained everything to me (including magic bands) and asked if I had questions. I had him show me our room on a map and off we went.
Our Room: We had reserved a Royal Guest Garden View room, which is what we received. I had also requested riverside of the mansion building (was hoping for Oak Manor but didnt ask for it), close to the main building and upper floor. We received those requests and as a bonus got a corner room. Our room was #9263 which was very convenient, kind of center to the areas we used (laundry, quiet pool, ice machine, bus stops, main building). Our mousekeeper was great and we came home with tons of Mickey soaps, shampoo and conditioner and several towel animals.
The Grounds: One word ~ gorgeous! The grounds were very well kept and the fountain areas were so pretty. There were lots of poinsettias and other flowers around. It is a beautiful resort!
The Pools: My dd6 only used the quiet pool between Oak Manor and Parterre one time but she loved it. She is a timid swimmer, doesnt like a lot of splashing, so it was perfect for her. After a day in the parks, the warm water felt good to my achy feet
The Buses: We never waited more than 15 minutes for a bus and mainly used the South Depot. We did use the East for going to Magic Kingdom a couple times but never when returning. We were there during Thanksgiving Week so the buses were standing room only a couple times but I only stood one time. Thankfully, one gentleman and a young boy gave their seats to me. I initially refused but they insisted so I accepted.
Food Court: We used the food court three times (one 2:00ish lunch and a couple 7:00ish dinners). While it was a little chaotic, everything went pretty smooth for us. Once we reviewed the menus for each station, we would divide up and get the meals we wanted and meet up in the middle to pay. Sometimes one person would get the entrees while the others would get the desserts and beverages. We used our mugs daily and never had any issues (other than the fact you only get 3 cubes of ice at the time, that was aggravating).
Overall, we had a wonderful trip ~ never had any issues with our Magic Bands or anything else. On the way home I asked dh where hed like to stay on our next visit and without hesitation he said POR ~ he loved not having to drive to the parks. I asked if hed like to try another resort and he said no, that he really liked the feel and layout of POR so I guess hes sold now. Please feel free to ask questions.
After staying at Riverside my verdict remains the same, I prefer French quarter. It was just a little crowded and sprawled out for me. I really enjoy the more laid back atmosphere of FQ. The dining hall in particular was a bit too much for my taste, lots of people, half of which standing around looking sort of lost. I can see the draw for families or people who want more to do but as I said before we rarely use the amenities outside of the quick service dining hall and that held true this trip. We didn't swim, only used the playground for about 20 min one morning to let the baby stretch her little legs and that was really it. The grounds are equally pretty at both resorts and while I haven't seen the newly renovated rooms at FQ I imagine they are pretty much the same, unless you spring for the Royal rooms at RS. I'm sure you'll be happy with either choice but it comes down to crowded and sprawled but more to do closer or slower and quieter but a hike if you want more entertainment. Good luck!!
