Port Orleans Riverside vs. Polynesian

[thruthelookinglass19]

Ok - planning our "third annual" trip to the World this October. Can someone who's stayed at both hotels tell me the ups and downs of both? And what is your preference? We (my mom & I) have previously stayed offsite and then two years ago started doing the Magic Your Way packages. First year we stayed at Pop and last year we stayed at POFQ. Loved both...I'd like to stay at a Deluxe this year (and eventually at every hotel! ). I think if we can't stay at Poly this year, I'd like to stay at POR.

Thoughts? Suggestions??

 

[boymama]

ooh I would love to know too as we are a family of 5 plus infant considering these options!

 

[KatMark]

We haven't stayed at POR (although we have visited and walked the grounds and dined there). We have stayed at the Poly a couple of times and would pick the Poly in a heartbeat. On the monorail, restaurant choices, layout, landscaping, etc., are just part of the reasons I would pick it.

 

[MD DisneyFreaks]

I don't fit your criteria as someone who has stayed at both resorts, but I've been to Poly many times and I think you're going to be hard pressed to find someone who would recommend staying at POR over Poly. As I think about it, you probably won't find anyone who would stay at a moderate over a deluxe.

My vote...POLY

 

[KatMark]

I don't fit your criteria as someone who has stayed at both resorts, but I've been to Poly many times and I think you're going to be hard pressed to find someone who would recommend staying at POR over Poly. As I think about it, you probably won't find anyone who would stay at a moderate over a deluxe.

My vote...POLY

Actually, I am in same boat as you...never stayed at POR, but have stayed at Poly. However, I have and do stay at a moderate over a deluxed. We always stay at CSR because it has all that we want in a resort, and with two boys in college--one just graduated, but is now going back for his masters, a deluxe is unrealistic for us. Actually, my DH offered me the Poly this year for our 25th, but I love the CSR and am at "home" there.

 

[MD DisneyFreaks]

Actually, I am in same boat as you...never stayed at POR, but have stayed at Poly. However, I have and do stay at a moderate over a deluxed. We always stay at CSR because it has all that we want in a resort, and with two boys in college--one just graduated, but is now going back for his masters, a deluxe is unrealistic for us. Actually, my DH offered me the Poly this year for our 25th, but I love the CSR and am at "home" there.

I guess I was coming at this as "...all things being equal and $$ is not a factor..."

Good to know about CSR, My DW and I are staying there 8/7-8/16 for the first time!

 

[eeyoresmomthree]

We have stayed at both, six times at POR and once at Poly ($179 with a code). We love POR and it fits our budget, request building 14-18 in Alligator Bayou, near bus depot and food court. Bus rides are easy. But if money were no object or I got a great rate I would pick the Poly in a heartbeat. The rooms aren't much bigger or nicer but being on the monorail for MK and Epcot are wonderful. Still need bus for AK, studios etc.

 

[MKFan-PR]

I haven't stayed at POR, but have at POFQ (like the OP), and have been over to POR quite a few times (not counting te shared bus trips! ). I have stayed at the Poly twice.

I'm assuming that POR is your "backup", in case the Poly is not available. Here is a small comparison:

Poly:

Pros:
1) Monorail
2) MK View (watching Wishes from the beach is great)
3) Good onsite dining choices (Ohana and Kona)
4) Close to MK
5) Large rooms
6) Short walk to TTC puts you on your way to Epcot faster than the bus
7) Boat rentals for trips around 7 Seas Lagoon or Bay Lake (that's always a pro for me!)

Cons:
1) Bus transp. to other parks / DTD, etc. not very good (usually shares with other deluxes and takes a while)
2) Counter service (Captain Cooks) options not as varied as the Mods.
3) Can be a little hectic at busy times.

POR:

Pros:
1) Good Food court
2) Beautiful grounds
3) One of the best Food Courts at WDW
4) Nice boat ride to DTD
5) Beignets at nearby POFQ!

Cons:
1) Smaller rooms
2) Quite a walk to the Food Court, depending on room location
3) Only bus transportation to the parks.

All things being equal, I'd choose the Poly. You'll love it. But I wouldn't be unhappy if I couldn't find availability and have to "settle" for POR.

 

[lemondog]

We went thru this same dilemna a while back when planning our trip. As a family of 5, POR was our only mod. choice. We ended up going with Poly for several reasons, but 3 of the main ones:

1. Poly has queen beds...POR has double. After years of sleeping in a king, there is NO WAY DH and I could sleep together comfortably in a double.

2. Trundle bed vs. daybed. None of my kids would have been thrilled about the trundle bed at POR, and I could see this being a daily fight. They are happy to rotate sleeping in the daybed, though.

3. My DH does not like theme parks (esp. in hot, sticky July) so we plan on spending a good amount of time at the resort just hanging out, swimming, etc. We liked the pool, conveniences of the Poly better than those at POR.

Good luck! It's a tough decision, but in the end comfort and convenience won out for us over the price difference.

 

[mickeynut1]

We've never stayed at POR but we had our first stay at the Poly in September and we LOVED it . You can't beat the convenience of the monorail, the beach to watch the fireworks, the great restaurants, and the overall theme of the resort is great . Good luck and have a great time planning .

 

[shyjade]

This may not be a big deal to most since nobody has mentioned it yet, but it is important to us to have a balcony when at Disney, which is something the Mods don't offer. Being from WI, we really enjoy being able to slide open that door and enjoy the FL weather. Then again, we don't go in summer anymore....

 

[let'sgo]

I have stayed at both, and either one you chose you will like. They are both great, and have their good points. The Polynesian has the monorail to MK or Epcot which makes it very convenient. The view from the beach is fantastic. You can watch the electrical parade from the beach, and the fireworks from MK. There is a pool with zero entry.

The theming with POR is wonderful. It was just so peaceful and relaxing there. There is a boat to DTD and POFQ is a short walk away. I was surprised when my mother said she preferred this resort over the Poly. I felt the same way.

You can't go wrong with either resort, they are both fabulous.

 

[luvtig]

We have stayed at both resorts - POR (2005) and Poly (2006) and although both resorts are very pretty and relaxing, I do prefer the Polynesian. POR is so big and spread out that is was quite a walk from our building to the lobby, food court, etc. The boat to downtown Disney was great and Piano Bob on Saturday night was a hoot! What we loved about the Poly was having a balcony and the beach to sit and watch Wishes. We were very close to the pool and lobby (Samoa longhouse) and being on the monorail was a big plus also. I think you will enjoy staying at either resort, both are beautiful in their own right.

 

[Tam1067]

We've stayed both places (PO before kids), and we like both.

Port Orleans is really quite relaxing and beautiful. We enjoyed the food court. The double sinks are convenient. The theming is great.

Now we stay at the Poly because with kids, we need the extra space, and we've become very spoiled by being on the Monorail. The location at the Poly is just superior to Port Orleans, and the rooms are significantly bigger.

I'd say that if you will be spending a lot of time at your resort and want to dine there or in the other monorail resorts, Poly is worth it. If you are spending more time at the parks and don't care about having lots of restaurants in close proximity to your room, then Port Orleans is certainly fine.

Of course, the cost differential is significant.

 

[PrincessNoelle'sMom]

I have stayed at both resorts, as well as all of the others, and Poly is by far better than POR (IMO). As a matter of fact - it is my favorite resort.

Good Luck choosing.

 

[twinklebug]

One thought to consider - hurricane season is June 1 - November 30 (most active in Aug/Sept) & although chances are slim to none that you'll experience one, you might want to consider staying in a resort that offers smaller walks between your room & where you need to go (bus stops, food etc)

I love POR, but will never stay there again in hurricane season... unless of course I'm looking to re-live that sort of adventure. (where's the soaking wet/blown to pieces smiley?)

 

[jce2]

I know I am awakening an old thread but i have a similar question. I currently have a junior suite reservation at SoG for June 2013 but if they offer the military discount next year i have a delemna. Firsat the demographics: there are four of us: My wife and I, my 21 year old normal size duaghter, and my 19 year old 6'3" son.
If the discounts come thru I am considering a) staying put at SoG junior suite b) moving to two rooms at POR (we have loved it in the past when the kids were smaller) or c) splurge and get a single room in the Poly. I have always dreamed of staying at Poly but fear with the kids all grown up a single room may feel too confining (my daughter would sleep on the day bed). Thoughts?

 

[eeyoresmomthree]

Wow, I haven't been on here in 3 years (SAD). We have stayed at POR several time and love it. However, about 7 years ago I took my 14 year old daughter, my 24 year old daughter and her boyfriend (all normal size) and we stayed at POLY because we got an amazing code. We LOVED IT!!! THey still talk about if we go back they would like to stay there if we can get a good price. THe room is bigger and beds are fine. We also used the daybed and had a cooler and food without feeling cramped. The transportation (check WDW website) is so easy and fun. So check with the kids and see what they say but my 3 travelers would jump at the chance to go there again. Have fun!

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

I know I am awakening an old thread but i have a similar question. I currently have a junior suite reservation at SoG for June 2013 but if they offer the military discount next year i have a delemna. Firsat the demographics: there are four of us: My wife and I, my 21 year old normal size duaghter, and my 19 year old 6'3" son.
If the discounts come thru I am considering a) staying put at SoG junior suite b) moving to two rooms at POR (we have loved it in the past when the kids were smaller) or c) splurge and get a single room in the Poly. I have always dreamed of staying at Poly but fear with the kids all grown up a single room may feel too confining (my daughter would sleep on the day bed). Thoughts?

I have never stayed at the Poly, but I would love to stay there one day!

As a young adult, I stayed with my sister, her husband, and my nephew at the Contemporary Resort. I think the room sizes are similar to the Poly. It never felt cramped. I took the daybed, like your daughter would do. And my nephew (who is actually about the same age as me) took the second bed. We did this every other year during the 1980s, and it was great.

Lots of times, my sister and her husband would go to one park, and my nephew and I would go to another park. Sometimes the three of them would go do something, and I would stay in the room (or vise versa). Also, we had the balcony, so there was a little extra space there. We always had plenty of room.

I say, if you want to experience the Poly, give it a try. Life is short, and if not now, when? I think your kids would love it, even being a little older. It has a really special Disney feel, that you just don't get at Shades of Green (I love Shades of Green, too, but it is not the same). The POR is a nice choice, but I say go for the Poly this time. From your post, I think you want to give it a try! I sure would.

To me, the feel of a deluxe resort, all the amenities, and access to the monorail are worth sacrificing the extra bathroom at POR.

 

[AudreyLovesTheMouse]

Hi!
We have stayed at the PO Riverside and the Poly. I would choose the Poly. (in fact, we liked French Quarter over Riverside). Poly Transportation is much more convenient. We loved the dining options. Ohana was fun, and Kona Cafe was DELICIOUS!!! Love having a "real" balcony. Great pool. Lovely grounds. Room feels spacious. Our standard view was really quite nice.