Pro's & Con's of Saratonga Springs/Port Orleans FQ and Riverside

[Princess Clayre]

Hello Everyone,

We've just started trip planning for our next trip and were originally planning on going back to POP as we're on a budget. However because there's a free dining offer on, the Port Orleans resorts or Saratonga Spring are better value for money. The problem is we just can't decide which to go for.

The things we love about POP are the fun theming, it's fairly compact and our little boy loves the pools and goofy splash zone. The bus service is also great as you do not have to share with any other resorts.

Our thinking is that SSR is of a better standard and would give us the full dining plan at the same price as QS dining at PO. The downside might be the second bed would be a sofabed and am I right in thinking you do not get daily maid service at DVC properties?

I would be grateful of any feedback on the bus services, food courts for breakfast, pool areas and any general pro's and con's of these resorts.

Both look to be quite spread out; how far away are some of the furthest rooms from the food courts/pools/bus stops etc.

Thank-you in advance

EDIT: The price for the SSR with DDP is the same as POFQ/RS with QSDP and both are less than POP with QSDP

 

[DisneyMom4]

I would say go for Saratoga Springs. I've stayed at both resorts and love Port Orleans. However, for the price and dining plan factors SS is your best bet. The rooms are lovely. One bed would be a pull out, but it's very comfy. The other advantage you have is that there is a small kitchen area (microwave, small fridge and sink).

You do get daily maid service at DVC resorts if you are paying cash and not using points.

Make sure that you ask for a building close to the main pool for your best experience. I've had rooms so far away you had to catch a bus to the main area.

Oh, and there is a great water play area for the kiddos. Also, there is an excellent large slide and a small ADA slide that is perfect for the little ones. It is okay for them to play on it.

Enjoy! You'll love the atmosphere!

 

[scottnj1966]

I always loved Port Orleans. Just do pretty and quiet.
Saratoga Springs is more expensive then PO.

Here are some pics from our last visit.

http://www.bigfloridacountry.com/disneyportorleans2009.htm

 

[ThinkTink721]

Never stayed at Saratoga Springs.
Have visited POFQ.
Stayed at POR in 2006 & loved it!
We are planning to stay at POR again this year.
:wave:

 

[drossjr]

Staying at Riverside for the 3rd straight year! Have stayed there 2 other times in the past when it was called Dixie Landings :sohappy:

Never been a big fan of French Quarter, always felt corny to me and the food court the few times I have been there always was messy. :wave:

 

[jen2009]

We always stay at POFQ. If you want a nice, small and quiet resort than this would be it. The pool is nice and big and has a slide for the kids. All the buidlings are close to the food court and bus stop. As for the food court, it is nice and the food is good. It does get messy just like any food court would be if they get hit with a huge crowd of people all at once. We have visited POR and found it to be to big for our taste. The buildings are so spread out and good luck if you get a building in the back.
I would suggest doing a little research on all 3 resorts and make a list of the things you like and dislike about each. It never hurts to try a new resort. If you don't like it you will know for next time.
By the way, my parents have always stayed at POP until our wedding in March. They visited our room and decided they would never stay at POP again. Our room was more comfortable than what theirs was and it came with a queen and not a full size bed. That was just their opinion, but they have stayed at POP over 2 dozens times.
Have fun planning!:wave:

 

[Princess Clayre]

I would say go for Saratoga Springs. I've stayed at both resorts and love Port Orleans. However, for the price and dining plan factors SS is your best bet. The rooms are lovely. One bed would be a pull out, but it's very comfy. The other advantage you have is that there is a small kitchen area (microwave, small fridge and sink).

You do get daily maid service at DVC resorts if you are paying cash and not using points.

Make sure that you ask for a building close to the main pool for your best experience. I've had rooms so far away you had to catch a bus to the main area.

Oh, and there is a great water play area for the kiddos. Also, there is an excellent large slide and a small ADA slide that is perfect for the little ones. It is okay for them to play on it.

Enjoy! You'll love the atmosphere!

Thank-you for the advice. Think were between SSR and POFQ now but SSR is definitely the best deal.

If we were to end up in the far rooms how fequent is the bus that loops the resort? Also do the bus to the park's every get caught up in the Downtown Disney traffic or do they have there own route?

 

[DisneyMom4]

Thank-you for the advice. Think were between SSR and POFQ now but SSR is definitely the best deal.

If we were to end up in the far rooms how fequent is the bus that loops the resort? Also do the bus to the park's every get caught up in the Downtown Disney traffic or do they have there own route?

I think you'll love SSR. It really is very nice.

If you get a room far away you can take any bus to the main area. All buses stop at the main area before they leave the resort. However, I would recommend you as for 'The Springs' area. It is an easy walk over to the main area.

You can do a nice Garden Grocer order to stock your kitchen area and have lots of nice snacks!

Have a great time!