Riverside & Tour Questions

[foldmama]

Hi Everyone:

I am taking my first solo trip to WDW May 8th thru May 12th. I am staying at POR, I have never stayed at Riverside before, but I have been at the FQ twice (which I absolutely love). My question to all of the Riverside fans out there is which would be an ideal location for me to stay. I would like to be near enough that I don't have to walk too far, but far enough away where the noise level is low. I just want to make sure that the area I stay is safe enough for me to walk alone at night.

I am also planning on taking a few of the WDW tours. I am definitely taking the Keys to the Kingdom tour. Has anyone taken any of the tours that they would highly recommend? Has anyone taken the AK tour of the backstage area where they care for the animals. Any idea would be most welcome. Thanks.

 

[Enderikari]

I highly recommend the Keys to the Kingdom tour, I have had a lot of fun and learned a lot every time I have been on it.

Also, the Segway around the World tour at Epcot is just pure fun, with a little bit of learning tossed in, comes highly recommended as well.

Wild by Design is for the true Animal Kingdom buff. Some amazing Imagineering went into the construction of DAK, and this tour will give you a peak into it.

 

[kal1484]

Don't know about the tours, but when you check in, ask to be in Alligator Bayou. There isn't really a noise problem around these buildings, or really anywhere in Riverside, however, I like Riverside better because it seems to be closer to everything.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

You may want to check in the review section on this site, a number of us who have taken tours have posted reviews there. You may want to PM any of those folks if you have additional questions. Also, you can go over to allears net for a good summary and reviews:

http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/tours.htm.

I agree with Enderikari that for a first tour, Keys to the Kingdom is really special. I have been on it twice and learned different things each time.

Segways are fun, the Seeds tour at The Land is fairly short and inexpensive, so it's a fun quicky.

If you're looking for something a little different, consider AquaTour in the Living Seas. You don't need scuba, you will stay on the surface, but it's exciting to be in the tank.

 

[GoofyGuySouthFl]

In my opinion there really isn't a bad section in riverside. And I haven't noticed a noise problem any of the times we have stayed here (about 8 times in the past couple of years).
Enjoy your trip you'll be there on my b-day. Wish I was going. =(

 

[shoppingnut]

I happen to like the Mansion side better because it is smaller and the bayou some of the buildings can be really far from the main house. Definitely have breakfast at Boatwright's, I love the banana stuffed french toast.

 

[foldmama]

Thanks Everyone for the helpful info. Sorry you will not be there on your birthday GoofyGuy!

Now, I just need to get over my nerves of being at Disney by myself!

I am also checking out Riverside for a big family vacation in October or November.