Sound off on Port Orleans Riverside

[jmillertime]

I have not stayed at this resort yet and I'm considering it. I read that it's really big? Being a bigger resort does it seem over crowded with people? Please give your feedback. Thanks!

 

[Texas Barbie]

It's so big, it doesn't really seem crowded. We love it and are headed back soon. Nice theme and great food court. A preferred room location might be worth the extra money, though, I always spring for it.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Both CBR and POR are big -- CBR is more spreadout because the buildings are only two stories, however, that is the beauty of these resorts -- they don't seem crowded because there are many places for people to be. My room at CBR was about as far away from OPR as you could be and it was no more than a 10 minute walk. POR has the two distinct sections, AB and Mansions -- at most you would have a 15 minute walk if you were taking your time, and the views and grounds are spectacular.

Tom

 

[jmillertime]

Does the preferred room location get you closer to the main pool, food court or just a better view?

 

[njsmama]

We stay there frequently as a family of 5. We love it. We generally travel at times when it isn't crazy, typically May and September. We have never felt crowded. Sure the pools, food court and buses are busy, but they are doable. If I am at a park and the POR bus line is crazy, we just hop on the French Quarter bus and take the walking trail back to POR. It is a nice 10 minute stroll. If you don't plan on driving to the parks from the hotel, just make sure you get a room that isn't too far from a bus stop. Building 14 in the Alligator Bayou section is a prime location and close to everything. I love it there Also, it has a fairly central location, which makes bus rides to each park about 20 minutes, with the exception of DTD and it seems to take forever to get there, but we prefer the boats for that anyway.

 

[njsmama]

Does the preferred room location get you closer to the main pool, food court or just a better view?

Building 14 is a preferred room location, and it is close to everything.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Does the preferred room location get you closer to the main pool, food court or just a better view?

Building 14 is much closer to the main building (40 seconds) and is a nice location as you can get to bus stops easily from there as well. One thing I loved to do was walk over to POFQ each morning for coffee and a bag of beignets (they don't sell them at POR) - -while the late sleepers were still in bed, I was eating fried heaven.

Tom

 

[Kaewin]

This is our favorite resort. We have stayed there the last 4 times. When we were there a couples weeks ago we had a couple issues with the Cabins and transferred our reservation over to Riverside.

We enjoyed the food at Boatwright's. The food is excellent and the Turbodog Ribs are just amazing. I took my wife to the Roost to enjoy Yeehaw Bob (if you stay you must see him) and just missed out on a late night horse and carriage ride. Old Man Island has a great pool with a bunch of other quiet pools scattered around the resort. In the evenings they have a small fire and you can toast marshmallows.

Even if you don't stay take a trip to look there. Might encourage you to come back for a second trip.


Oh it is also across the road from the Pet Center where my two hounds had their Disney trip

 

[Kaewin]

Some pics

The catch and release pond



Back of Main building


Over at the main pool












The Roost



Boatwright's dinning room

 

[Kingdome8]

We just got back from there. Stayed in building 28. The walk to pool and lobby wasn't bad at all. Actually enjoyed it Didnt seem crowded at all. Loved it there. We are Fam of 5 too and will def stay there again. Loved the pool, food court everything. Even rode the family bike around the river. Very cool.
I actually like it there better then our last trip at kidani. And I really enjoyed kidani.

 

[donnawine]

We just got back from there. Stayed in building 28. The walk to pool and lobby wasn't bad at all. Actually enjoyed it Didnt seem crowded at all. Loved it there. We are Fam of 5 too and will def stay there again. Loved the pool, food court everything. Even rode the family bike around the river. Very cool. I actually like it there better then our last trip at kidani. And I really enjoyed kidani.

I agree with all that too! Stayed in building 27 and loved it!! Liked it even better than Coronado, the theming was just really nice!!!

 

[jmillertime]

If going to see Yee Ha Bob, do you need to get a seat early?

 

[buzznina]

If going to see Yee Ha Bob, do you need to get a seat early?

When we went, we grabbed a table about an hour before showtime and I went and got some food to eat while we waited. I would say about 30 minutes.

 

[rustyanchor]

It is big. It has never seemed crowded to me, but we always go off-season (Feb/March or Sept/Oct). We have stayed in some rooms that were a bit of a walk from the food court, but honestly I didn't mind. It's so pleasant to walk around the grounds. I just love Riverside!

 

[WDWFan06]

Great food court.

 

[Skullcrusher]

I have not stayed at this resort yet and I'm considering it. I read that it's really big? Being a bigger resort does it seem over crowded with people? Please give your feedback. Thanks!

My better half and I love this resort. Yes it is huge but it's designed well so walking when necessary is fun and not a chore. Additionally we are especially fond of the mansion rooms. While I'm sure Disney keeps the rooms maxed out, the way the resort is designed you actually get the feeling of being very alone while walking on the grounds.
Also they make a mean margarita at the old man pool!
Also also ) check out the tree that they moved to old man island and read about the effort to get it moved from the dedication sign.
Also also also, go pee before you take the long boat ride to downtown Disney (its a long trip!)
Very cool stuff at this resort!

 

[jmillertime]

Any good food suggestions from the food court?

 

[Mousemommy1]

I have a friend that checked into POR yesterday morning. While the room was nice, and clean she decided immediately that the resort was too spread out (she was in building 16), and promptly changed resorts and moved over to YC.

The food court there is pretty yummy. We walked over there once while staying at POFQ and enjoyed it.

 

[WDWFan06]

Any good food suggestions from the food court?

Make your own pasta bar!

 

[PixiePoppins]

Love, Love, Love POR!!

Beautiful resort! Don't mind the size one bit, I actually love the walks and they really aren't that long. For tons of details, visit www.portorleans.org

AB is my favorite. I've stayed in bldgs. 14, 15, 36 and 38, and I would stay in any of them again in a heartbeat. I have a trip coming up next March and have just requested AB, and will let the reservation fairies pick me a nice spot. I would rather spend the money for preferred elsewhere, but some find it a must do. Also stayed RR last year, and that was very nice!

You can't miss Yehaa Bob, whether or not you are staying at POR! Such a great show!! Depending on how crowded it is when you go, you may need to be there up to an hour before for a seat. You can also catch his 10:00 or later sets, when the crowds are less.

The boat to DTD is also a great bonus for POR and FQ!

Enjoy!!