Port Orleans Riverside vs offsite

[melscuba]

Ok, I've got two rooms held at Port Orleans-Riverside for 11/27-12/4, using the BAT discount code. I also have a 3 bdrm condo reserved offsite. I think staying on site is worth it. BUT, I've never even seen Port Orleans-Riverside. I kinda get the impression from the boards it's not their greatest. Will I be happy there with my three small children or should we save a small amount... well, about $300.00, to stay off site but with more room? Help!

 

[232271]

okay, i had wrong resort at first,

by all means the Riverside is very nice and look these photos'
http://allearsnet.com/acc/g_dxl.htm

staying on site has pluses, the buses/boats, and early entry
they have a huge food court at the riverside and fishing, too.

it was a great place to stay --our favorite moderate.
I cant imagine why people wouldnt like it, all I have read is
good stuff.

 

[melscuba]

haven't really heard bad things... just things like they're even getting excited about staying at Port Orleans. Was a red flag for me so thought I'd ask. The more info. the better. I'd love hear people's opinion's.

 

[232271]

Well, I thought the grounds were beautiful and the pool was very nice. (lots of trees and a river with two different bridges)
They have boats to DTD, which is fun.
They have boat and bike rentals, too.
Also, a very nice playground for the kiddos.

The food court is big and seats lots of people and I loved
the relaxing feel of it.

We fished and caught many fish,, which the kids loved.

The buses were pretty easy and came often.

The rooms sleep five with a trundle for the smallest child and
it seemed still big enough.

however, if you like the seperate bedroom idea then go for the condo.

hope this helps a little more.

 

[sunkissed212]

I don't think I would give up the on-site perks for anything!

My boyfriend and I just returned from POR last week. I had been to WDW many times with my family when I was younger but this was my first trip alone (well, with BF) and his first real trip. He had been there before for a one day park day but that's all. So, needless to say, I had to sell him on staying on site for a little extra money. We had originally reserved a room at the Hampton Inn Maingate East. I really wanted to stay onsite and luckily enough he received a postcard offer so I ended up convincing him that it would be worth it to stay onsite.

We absolutely loved POR! We stayed in Bldg 18 room 1839. Standard room. It was very close to the main building for food, shopping, lounge, etc. And there was a quiet pool on the other side of our building which we used every day we were there and there was never more than 3 other people down there so it was very relaxing. We did walk the grounds one day and it really is a beautiful place. Great landscaping, great people and tons of stuff to do. We took the buses daily to the parks. We also took the boat back from DTD one day. It was a nice quiet ride back after a long day of shopping!

I have to admit that I had my reservations about POR at first too. Not because of anything I've read on the boards but for the simple fact that I was totally spoiled as a child and we stayed at the Poly every year. I didn't want to be disappointed. I WASN'T thats for sure!! I really loved it. We are already planning our 2nd trip together for next year.

Good luck and no matter where you end up staying...have a wonderful trip!

 

[sugermouse]

POR is one of our favorites in WDW. We will be staying there for the third time in December. Can't say enough good things about it!

 

[tygerlilli]

Riverside is just wonderful. the grounds are beautiful and the whole atmosphere of the place is relaxing. after busy days and nights at the parks, it was so nice to come "home" to Riverside.

 

[bridgettesmom]

POR is our favorite!!! You get a truly deluxe feel at a "moderate" price. On our upcoming trip, we are staying at the Poly first, then, we are "downgrading" to POR fo the last 2 days.Looking foward to our downgrade,so, that we can take the boat to DD, walk around the beautiful landscaping and hang out at the lounge at night to see Bob perform.He is absolutely hillarious!! You will absolutely love it!!

 

[popeyeohoh]

Have stayed in AB and Mansions. Mousekeeping was great. I have read that (is it 17?) great location but a little worn. My family loves this resort.

 

[DisneyKidds]

I think POR (Dixie Landings as I still like to call it) is the best of all the moderates. It truely provides just about everything a Disney resort experience is supposed to be. Here is how I described it for someone else......

Take POR. The first thing that strikes you is the incredible themeing. You are taken back in time to the old south. The main building is just the start. You have the whole central port and marina area...very well done with the docks, the bridge, the water wheel, etc.. You can meander over to Old Man Island, where the pool is very interesting and fun to sit by.......perhaps relax and have a drink at the pool side bar. Then you can venture further. You can wander past the sprawling mansions of the old south, or adventure through the bayous and back woods. Take a pleasant stroll along the river, watch children fish, watch the boats go by....it's beautiful. And that's just the start. Don't feel like being by the main pool at Old Man Island? Take your pick of the beautiful quiet pools. Want a horse and buggy ride....go grab one for a reasonable $30 bucks or so. Want to head to DTD or PI...hop a boat for a pleasant ride. Rent a bike and explore the river down to POFQ. Maybe wear your bathing suit and try the pool over there, or just take in the atmosphere of New Orleans. Want a quick bite... the food court is great. In the mood for an adult sit down meal in a nice restaurant, you can do that too. There are just sooo many options, all adding to the incredible atmosphere and wonderful themeing. That is what Disney does best, and it's DEFINITELY worth $40 a nite more if you can swing it. To me, a stay at POR is an experience in and of itself, in addition to the experience of being in WDW and going to the parks.

Not mentioned in this description is the very nice playground there is for the kids and the slide at the pool which the kids will love.

It's a lovely resort, and the experience of being on-site is worth the money. Even luxury off-site accomodations are still off-site. When you are on-site you feel like you never leave the magic..........

 

[EsmeraldaX]

POR is my favorite on site resort thus far. (I've stayed at the CR, the Poly, POFQ and POR when it was Dixie Landings).

There is just something so elegant about it. I love it. Every trip there I have had has been amazing.

I can't imagine why anyone would not like it.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

Our first time onsite was POR. We have stayed in both sections and like either one. I think you will love it.

That being said, we have realized that with 3 children, we really appreciate 1250 square feet in a condo. And after this last trip of being spoiled with all of that room, I don't think my DH will ever want to go back to onsite unless it's just the two of us.

Now, I wouldn't trade onsite with just a regular hotel room offsite either. I can see where that would be a let down. Some families have to do that though, and don't mind it. I know the budget is always a concern for most families. It sure is in my family.

We love the WDW resorts. In our 5 stays onsite, we have never had a bad experience. I just think the room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, washer/dryer, jacuzzi......won us over. Oh, and the price too.

But only you know what is best for your family. There is no right or wrong answer, only what YOU like.

Have fun whatever you decide. (And getting TWO rooms at POR is definately a good idea if you are onsite)

 

[yecats]

I love PORS for everything that every poster above stated. It has a very quiet peaceful feel and all the Disney perks to boot. However, I do not have children and frankly, I couldn't see myself locked in one room with 3 children for any extended period of time. If I did have kids, I think that I would go with the condo (sanity wins out) just to have the extra rooms and some peace and quiet.

 

[GlennandAnn]

POR is a lovely resort, and the first on-property resort we stayed at. The atmosphere is so calm and peaceful, and the theming is really beautiful. The ferry to DTD is a great ride, and the food court at POR is really good too. This is the only resort my parents stay at, and we will be heading there again shortly.


Ann

 

[Mortlives]

POR is great, and don't forget the onsite perks you'd be losing if you stay, well, offsite. We did POR last time, and so far, it's been my favourite. Love the landscaping, quiet pools, lounge, etc. And the boat to DTD is great.

Kungaloosh!
Morticia.

 

[melscuba]

you guys are awesome. Keep the opnions coming. It's just solidifying our decision!