Way down yonder in Port Orleans – Disney World

Port Orleans Riverside: image from flickr by mrkathika

 

Port Orleans Riverside Pool: image from flickr by mrkathika

When visiting Disney World there are endless options for lodging. First one must decide between on-site versus off-site. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. On-site is usually more convenient but can be more expensive. Disney has three levels of accommodations – value, moderate and deluxe. None are inexpensive, hence the absence of descriptors like economy, budget, etc. There is a myriad of off-site  options, but always to be considered is proximity to the parks and the associated travel time.  

Where we stayed

She Said:

I’ve been to Disney for the last four years with my daughter Heidi and her family.  It’s always in February. While we’ve considered all the  in-park options, we always end up at the same place. I guess there is something to be said for familiarity!

Port Orleans Resort – Riverside seemed to have the best deals in February.  The first year the price was around $125/night, and the last couple of years the price was around $150-175/night.  We didn’t do the more economical meal plan, because we didn’t want to be restricted, having many other dining experiences we wanted to enjoy. The location of Riverside is also nice.  We could walk to the adjacent, sister Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter for a different menu and we could take the boat into Downtown Disney and eat in even more restaurants and visit the shops.  We also did not have to wait very long for the buses that would take us to the various theme parks. 

It was a wonderful place for both children and adults.  There was a wonderful adult pool close to our rooms, and the children had a huge adventure pool with an attached playground.  They could even fish!

He Said:

For years and years, Disney World has been, at a minimum, an annual ritual for son-in-law Scott and his family. Marriage and the “adorables”, the 1 ½ and 3-year-old grandsons, have drawn Marla into the quest. Port Orleans Resort– Riverside is the choice for lodging due to its convenience, cost and amenities offered.  In that Marla and I were going on a Caribbean cruise that departed from Ft. Lauderdale immediately after the Disney World junket, it seemed natural for Marla to introduce me to the rest of her family while they were all together in Disney World. I was more than happy to join them. Since we were sharing the same quarters, I was asked to arrive a few days after everyone else so, I presume, Marla could do her necessary pre-positioning. Our room, accordingly, was not in close proximity to everyone else’s. I’m sure this was so Marla and I would feel less self-conscious when we retired each evening! As far as the accommodations go, this moderate-range facility met all my expectations. One could justify the added expense over the value spots through the enhanced swimming pools, expanded selections for food, family friendly atmosphere, expansive video game room and on-site aquatic activities.

Category: Disney World, South, United States, where we stayedTags: amusement parks, disney, lodging, stay at disney |