Port Orleans Riverside versus the Polynesian

[Ontario Lion]

My wife and I are insane and excitedly planning a trip for September 2004. We've been fortunate enough to have stayed at the Polynesian in 1990 on our Honeymoon and again in 2000 for our 10th Anniversary (with kids and grandparents). We love the Polynesian. It makes us go Aaaahhhh! from the moment we get there. So, we don't need to be sold on the Polynesian. In fact, my wife visits Tikiman's website when she needs a lift! (Thanks, Steve!)

We've decided to try and save some money this trip as there are many other wonderful places in our great country that we would all like to visit (including Disneyland, of course!). That brings me to our dilemma. Where to stay?

We'll probably be there for 8 days and are considering the following options. Staying the whole trip at the Port Orleans Riverside in one of the mansions (they look georgous) OR splitting 4 days at the All Stars Movies (our son just loves Buzz) followed by 4 days at the Polynesian. I've been following the debates about the All Stars since a couple of years BEFORE our trip in 2000 (I said I was insane, didn't I) and have no desire to stir that up again. We accept its uniqueness. We'd only stay there for the kids. Staying the whole time at the Port Orleans Riverside would be cheaper overall. I know that the French Quarters will be reopening soon, but that resort just doesn't appeal to me quite as much as the Port Orleans Riverside.

Now, what concerns me and what I really would like to know is how spread out the Port Orleans Riverside is versus the Polynesian, since that is my only real point of comparison. As I said, we've been to the Polynesian twice. I also think that the pictures of the Port Orleans Riverside are beautiful and think it might really be nice to stay there, it's just hard to tell from them how big and spread-out the Port Orleans Riverside really is. Has anyone stayed at both resorts? Can anyone tell me the spatial differences in the two resorts and the how that would affect our trip?

Thanks!

Ontario Lion

 

[schwaa]

I've stayed at Riverside. I've only walked around the Polynesian. If you are styaing on the Mansions side of the Riverside, it is no more spread our than the polynesian. They are all a pretty quick walk to the food court and the bus stops. I stayed in Magnolia Terrace and it was a very quick walk to the food court. 3 minutes maybe. It's such a beautiful place that you don't mind the walk.

IMHO, I think you should stay 8 days at the Riverside. It is such a wonderful place. The food court is excellent. They have a really good game room, better than the polynesian imho. The mansions are really elegant, and the landscaping around them is so beautiful. There are even bunnies that hop out of the bushes and ducks in the river.

There are 6 pools at the Riverside. Plus you can walk to the French Quarter and have another really cool pool, plus another food court and game room.

I vote for the riverside. (especially since you've already stayed at the Polynesian).

 

[CamColt]

I would split my stay 4 ASMO and 4 POLY. Those are my 2 favorite resorts so there is no contest for me there.
I have also stayed at DxL 2x, but after staying at ASMO, I would have a hard time going back to a moderate. ASMO is just perfect for our kids. There is no way they would prefer nice landscaping and a river over a giant Buzz & Woody, hockey rink pool, etc... The transportation was much better at ASMO too. And if staying there would allow me to spend a few days at the Poly, then its even more worth it.
As for the lay out of the resort, thats probably my biggest complaint about DXL. I walk and jog every day so the distance isnt a problem for me in general, but when you are pushing a carriage, with bags and a ton of stuff, it gets tough. Also, its very confusing. I always sent DH to refill our mugs because I was afraid I would get lost. Poly & ASMO are so much easier to navigate.

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I think you are going to end up getting opinions that are split about 50/50. I personally would do POR the whole trip, just cause I dont like to switch hotels and have to get "re-acquainted" mid-trip.

Check out some maps of the three resorts to help you figure out who spread out things are, and which buildings you would request...

Asmo

POR (aka DxL)

Poly

 

[dcedwards]

Since you've stayed at the Poly I would vote for PO-Riverside. I like the food court area at Riverside better than the one at Poly. And, even though you aren't on the monorail, we never found transportation to be a problem.

Allstars, while perfect for some, isn't our favorite. The difference in room size, to us, is noticeable. Having all the pools plus Old Man Island is very nice. And, if the kids want to play on Woody and Buzz, why not hop a bus and go over there for an afternoon. Grab a coke and let them play.

We just prefer PO over All Stars, so I'm not really giving you an unbiased opinion.

 

[halfway there]

When I first read your thread title, I thought "Poly, hands down"! After reading that you've already been there twice, I had to think a little. I'm all for a change of pace so I would suggest splitting your visit between Riverside and All-Stars and getting the best of both worlds (save even more money too). If you went to Riverside first and really loved it you could always find out about continuing your stay once you are there. Otherwise you would have the "movies" to look forward to.
I agree that the rooms are much smaller at both these resorts than what you are used to at the Poly but you'd be trading space for atmosphere and variety. If you're concerns are about the size of the resorts, remember that you will never get the convenience of the Poly at Riverside, Movies is not too bad, I hear (We stayed at Sports and the walk was nothing - there's so much too look at - it makes time pass). I must tell you I've never stayed at Riverside but one of the things I hear worst about it is how spread out it is and confusing to find your way. That could all be pure rumour though so compare the maps as suggested above.
Have fun where ever you end up!

 

[Ontario Lion]

Thanks to everyone who has shared their thoughts, so far. I'd still like to hear from anyone else who has stayed at the Polynesian and the Port Orleans Riverside on whether either resort requires significantly more walking than the other.

Thanks!

Ontario Lion

 

[Kallison]

I've stayed at Riverside it's pretty spread out. I would do the split, and save the MK and Epcot parks for when you are on the monorail line. I'm sure your son will love the All Stars themeing and you can revisit your honeymoon resort. Sounds like perfect planning to me, I never think of splitting to save money. What a great idea.

 

[NO1BALOO]

Since you love the Poly, and don't forget they redid the pool since you have been there. You may want to stay four nights at the POR and the Poly for four nights, and have both experiences..............You only live once
and ENJOY!

 

[Disneydenise]

I have stayed at the POR and the Poly many times. I like bot resorts. We loved the food court at the POR and we haven't found it difficlt to navigate but we all have a good sense of direction. When our children were younger we loved the POR and the size of the room was not an issue. As the children grew it did become difficult and I am a light sleeper so the noise of the room was another issue. I have just returned from a quick trip to the World and we stayed at the CBR. It is huge and since we were only there 4 days I never really got my bearings. We only ate at the food court once. It was nice. The pool looked great. The rooms were unbelievably quiet. The AC wasn't noisy and I have been bother by that at the POR. The food court at the POR is much better I think but that is just an opinion. MY DD went to Disney for her senior trip and they stayed at the All Star Sport. She loved it. It was easy to navigate and the food court was great for her. My favorite resort is and will most likely always be the Poly. We went there for our honeymoon. If I needed to be economical I would probably try the CBR and the Poly but that was not exactly what your question was right. Ithink that if I could even spend just one night at the Poly I would do it. The monorail is ou most favorite ting about being in Disney. If you want more info from a POR/Polt frequenter feel free to email or PM me. I'll be happy to answer more specifc questions. Denise

 

[Disneydenise]

I have stayed at the POR and the Poly many times. I like bot resorts. We loved the food court at the POR and we haven't found it difficlt to navigate but we all have a good sense of direction. When our children were younger we loved the POR and the size of the room was not an issue. As the children grew it did become difficult and I am a light sleeper so the noise of the room was another issue. I have just returned from a quick trip to the World and we stayed at the CBR. It is huge and since we were only there 4 days I never really got my bearings. We only ate at the food court once. It was nice. The pool looked great. The rooms were unbelievably quiet. The AC wasn't noisy and I have been bother by that at the POR. The food court at the POR is much better I think but that is just an opinion. MY DD went to Disney for her senior trip and they stayed at the All Star Sport. She loved it. It was easy to navigate and the food court was great for her. My favorite resort is and will most likely always be the Poly. We went there for our honeymoon. If I needed to be economical I would probably try the CBR and the Poly but that was not exactly what your question was right. Ithink that if I could even spend just one night at the Poly I would do it. The monorail is ou most favorite ting about being in Disney. If you want more info from a POR/Poly frequenter feel free to email or PM me. I'll be happy to answer more specifc questions. Denise