Port Orleans - Riverside

[Wildman113]

I am new to this forum, and am to leave for Disney World in a few weeks - July 10th, to be exact. What I am asking for is any info on Port Orleans - Riverside. Good or... not so good. Any info is helpful.

Also, I have read and heard about refillable mugs. One question I do have about the mugs is if they can also be used in the parks or on the resort grounds only?

This is also my first time staying on the Disney property.

Any other info would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Kyle

 

[RogueHabit]

We stayed there last summer and absolutely loved it. It's pretty close to DTD and not too far from much else either.

The resort grounds are very pretty abd the rooms were above average.

 

[pinkrose]

We stayed there last month in the Alligator Bayou section and LOVED it! The grounds are beautiful and very well kept. There's a water ferry that you can take to DTD and it was something fun and relaxing to do.
We took advantage of the refillable mugs and they were great. You can't use them in the parks, but at the resort, we used them alot. My mom and I are still talking about how we miss going each morning tea. lol The mugs more than paid for themselves.

 

[Imagine20]

riverside, or what used to be dixie landings, has basically been the only place ive stayed in disney except for one trip to the Grand Floridian~ of course, theres no comparison, but we've always been more than happy with riverside...it has a good location and the rooms / pools / grounds are very nice. i'm sure you'll be very happy we've always really enjoyed it!

 

[SnowWhite5669]

We really like Riverside, we've stayed there 5 times now. Last time was in October and we had a waterview that was fairly close to the main building and the quite pool was right out in back. I think it's a very quiet romantic resort. The main pool is great and the food court is very nice. You will enjoy it.

3 days and counting.... I am so excited!!:sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy:

 

[figmentmom]

Port Orleans has been my family's favorite resort for years! You'll love it. If you're relying on Disney transportation, Port Orleans is a short hop from most places, and the bus system is efficient and reliable. The grounds are beautiful, and very romantic to walk around at night. We bought refillable mugs and saved ourselves a LOT of money. Sure, you can't use them in the parks, but you'll be glad you purchased them after just a few trips to the food court! Have a great time!

 

[LivefortheMouse]

Best moderate resort we just love it. The mugs can just be used at the resort but we take them to the parks and fill them up with water that way we dont spend 3.50 buying water bottles. we love water specially in August.

 

[RickEff]

Let me add my thumbs up for Riverside!

I've stayed there a couple of times now, and have been very thrilled with the experience. I'm not sure if it's my favourite moderate or not - I really love Coronado, but it's sure close! I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Rick

 

[MFLetou]

I'll take the one thumb up and double it! It's a great great place. To me, it has the best 'ambience' and themeing of the moderate resorts, and actually I'd stay there over quite a few of the more expensive ones. You really feel like you are on vacation because the grounds are so well kept--worldclass resort level landscaping. Its a perfect place for what can be a hectic place because its so tranquil. There is also diversity within the resort itself. We prefer the mansion section, just a beautfiul area.

I've stayed there three times now and the staff has always been fantastic. I had a travel problem last time with a package being sent to me lost by the Post Office and the staff went way beyond what they had to do to help me. Certain people in the front desk were making phone calls for me without my even asking trying to track the package down, and they all literally knew me my name and every time I'd walk through the lobby, someone would ask if its been taken care of yet. You really don't expect that for a big resort like POR (I still call it Dixie Landings myself), but its typical of what we've seen. They also moved our room once because of some noise concerns with neighbors with no hassle at all.

Anyway, I would highly recommend Port Orleans Riverside. Food court is good--cool atmosphere, and Boatwright's is a nice sit down restaurant (I like it for breakfast), there are a ton of pools-you could always find one that wasn't super crowded. I'm booked there again 10/11 to 10/19 and can't wait.

 

[Stefffe]

Originally posted by MFLetou
I'll take the one thumb up and double it! It's a great great place. To me, it has the best 'ambience' and themeing of the moderate resorts, and actually I'd stay there over quite a few of the more expensive ones. You really feel like you are on vacation because the grounds are so well kept--worldclass resort level landscaping. Its a perfect place for what can be a hectic place because its so tranquil. There is also diversity within the resort itself. We prefer the mansion section, just a beautfiul area.

I've stayed there three times now and the staff has always been fantastic. I had a travel problem last time with a package being sent to me lost by the Post Office and the staff went way beyond what they had to do to help me. Certain people in the front desk were making phone calls for me without my even asking trying to track the package down, and they all literally knew me my name and every time I'd walk through the lobby, someone would ask if its been taken care of yet. You really don't expect that for a big resort like POR (I still call it Dixie Landings myself), but its typical of what we've seen. They also moved our room once because of some noise concerns with neighbors with no hassle at all.

Anyway, I would highly recommend Port Orleans Riverside. Food court is good--cool atmosphere, and Boatwright's is a nice sit down restaurant (I like it for breakfast), there are a ton of pools-you could always find one that wasn't super crowded. I'm booked there again 10/11 to 10/19 and can't wait.

well....

we wil be arriving at Riverside on the 3rd of november....and just can not wait!!! is nice to hear so many good comments....i knew that it would be wonderful...and now im more excited than ever. does anyone know if the pools will be open the first week of november?

thanks...

~stefffe~

 

[Big Pooh]

Originally posted by MFLetou
I'll take the one thumb up and double it! It's a great great place. To me, it has the best 'ambience' and themeing of the moderate resorts, and actually I'd stay there over quite a few of the more expensive ones. You really feel like you are on vacation because the grounds are so well kept--worldclass resort level landscaping. Its a perfect place for what can be a hectic place because its so tranquil. There is also diversity within the resort itself. We prefer the mansion section, just a beautfiul area.

Hi MFLetou :wave: Why do you prefer the mansion section? I'm wondering which rooms we'd like better, and Passporter makes a case for Alligator bayou, so I'm looking for info on the mansion rooms. The last time we were there, we checked out Dixie Landings, and I can't wait to stay there....:sohappy: :king:

Cheers :wave:

 

[lt-hambone]

My Thoughts

Just returned from Port Orleans in April of this year, and my wife and I loved the place! Here’s a few things to keep in mind –

1. Do not bother with a water view room! Save the money! Why? Well, the landscaping is extremely lush in places, and while you may get a room that faces the water, you may not be able to see the water! We were on the third floor of Magnolia Terrace, and we could not see the river from the balcony – we only saw trees!
2. If you do choose a mansion, and have a third floor room, be aware that there is no direct stair case to the third floor! It took us hours to figure out how to get to our room! My advice is to go directly to the center of the building and take the elevator. Once you find your room, then you can figure out which staircases to use.
3. There is a guy who plays the piano at night in the lounge. See him! Very funny, and family oriented. A must do!
4. Carriage rides – yeah, the cost extra $$$$, but if you need something romantic to do, or something for the kids to enjoy, it’s a great idea.
5. Refillable mugs – drink at least four refills, and you’ve broken even.
6. Ride the boat to and from Downtown Disney, and pay attention to the music!
   [/list=1]
   
   Overall, this is the best moderate resort in the area, hands down. One of the best parts is because of its sprawling location, it never feels crowded. You will have a blast here!
   
   
   Good luck – any other questions?

 

[dixiegirl]

love port orleans riverside!!!!!!!!

Well definately stay in the alligator bayou section......it has a really nice homey feel to it......very country....we stay once at the mansion.........way too far from the dinner hall and too far from the bus stops.......plus i love the country feel we get when we stay in the bayou section......our first time there was when it was dixie landings......and we've been hooked ever since.......we even have our favorite room section, i believe it's section or buildind #14 its nice because it's near the dinner hall , one of the main pools and the bus depot..... i get kinda excited when i hear that people are staying there because it is such a nice resort and you definately get your money's worth...oh and definately try to get the bottom floor, much better when you've done a day of walking....and the piano guy in the lounge.....he is really good.......have a great time.........oh and have some kaykigore I think thats how you spell it) in china at epcot..oh sooo yummy.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Hi there I just got back from a stay at PO Riverside. I happen to loe the place. My preference is for the Mansion area also. I think the layout is more straight foward in the Masions while the Bayou section is a bit more winding. I tend to get lost pretty easily so that was a bit of a problem for me!!!
Boatwright's- Let me tell y'all about this place for breakfast. I simply cant say enough good things about it!!! Good portions great service and for not so much more money than you will spend in the food courts!!! You simply must try it. TheBanana Stuffed French Toast is astounding as well as the Blue Print Omlet ( all the ingredients you could ask for). Give it a shot the morning after check in you wont want to eat anywhwere else!!!
My honest opinion is that I have been quite happy at any of the Moderates, but I think that the PO Riverside is the best for pure ambiance and relaxing type of feel to it. Have fun and be sure to let us know how it went for you!!! Belle

 

[wsapooh]

Very pleasantly suprised when we stayed there. Enjoyed it.

 

[pooh071567]

I'm adding a thumbs up for the PO - Riverside. We've stayed there several times and absolutely love it. This last time we rented a boat and took it all the way to DTD. It was a great way to spend an afternoon...beautiful ride! We also love the ferry that goes to DTD. The grounds are beautiful. It's nice to walk the grounds in the early evening...very peaceful.

Have a great time! Let us know what you think and how your trip was when you return.

 

[kellydisney]

I'm dying to stay here. Last vacation, we walked around the resort and it is so beautiful. I would personally stay in the Mansion area, I just loved it. I hear that the boatride to DTD is romantic at night. And if you are a runner, they have a trail around the Sassagoula (?) river. Have fun!

 

[MFLetou]

Mansions

Sorry, I forget to check this board.

Pooh, here's my case for the Mansions vs. the Bayou:

While the more dense shubbery is nice over in Alligator Bayou, the landscaping in the Mansions here is first class. To me, the Mansion buildings do not look like they belong in a 'moderate' resort--it looks more deluxe. They are very stately which big courtyards and nice pools mixed in. Plus, I think that the "rustic" interior for the Alligator Bayou rooms is a little weak...the classier finish of the Mansion rooms is more my style. In short, I think that the Mansions make you feel like you are staying in a more expensive room than you really are, where I did not get that feeling in the Bayou.

The mansions are a little more spread out, but I found them to be quieter as a result. You get some closer in to the main buildings. The whole resort is spread out so there can be some walking, but walking over the bridge in very tranquil and I've never been very far away from the bus stop.

No offense to anyway, but I think that the actual building layouts are pretty straightforward and have no had a problem finding my room (It-hambone: hours? ) Good advice about the staircase though I guess!

By the way, wannabebelle is dead on about Boatwright's for breakfast. Excellent! I like the baguette cinammon french toast myself...makes me hungry just thinking about it. And It-hambone is right about the water view also, not worth it. We've always gotten the standard view, but I can't imagine there's really that much water to view (not like one of the Lagoon resorts or anything). Our rooms have always overlooked the courtyard and you could actually see the river anyway!

Anyway, that's my two cents, feel free to disagree but I think most people agree this is an excellent place to stay and I thinks its the best value in WDW!

 

[Stefffe]

We ...as ive said already....will be staying at Riverside when we get there in November. Im so excited....it doesnt really matter to me which part we are in....Alligator Bayou seems a bit easier transportation wise....but if we end up in the mansions....im sure i can suffer through that

either way...ill be excited just to be there


~stefffe~

P.S.....the pools will be open.....wont they?????

 

[wannabeBelle]

all of the pools will be open and heated to a temperature of 82 degrees!!! Belle