Riverside Question - Mansion or Bayou Side

foldmama · Post by **foldmama** » Mar Thu 09, 2006 3:02 pm

I just booked my first solo trip last week for the second week of May. I was able to get a good rate at POR. I usually stay of POFQ. For all of you out there that are Riverside fans. Can you tell me which area you prefer and why. I don't want to have to walk really far at night by myself, I was thinking the Mansion side might be better for me, but not sure. Any suggestions.

Mickeymac · Post by **Mickeymac** » Mar Fri 10, 2006 9:12 am

Woohoo! Congratulations! I love solo trips!!

Most likely you will end up in Mansions as they reserve the Bayou side for larger parties. That said, I would ask for Magnolia Terrace so you don't have to walk too far from the amenities. Make sure it is noted on your room reservation, and ask again at check-in.

There are select buildings in Alligator Bayou which are much closer, however. Building 14 & 15, and 18 (which is smoking optional.)

If you would like to see my pictures, try here: http://mickeymac.smugmug.com/gallery/425432 The first series of rooms are in the Magnolia Bend section, while the ones at the end are Alligator Bayou.

Post by **rdeacon** » Mar Fri 10, 2006 10:42 am

I think it’s up to your preferences.

I prefer to stay in the Alligator Bayou. I feel it has more of a rustic charm then the Mansions. The mansions seem plain to me, the bayou has more charm. Yoy really feel like you are in a southern bayou.

The room dimensions are the same. They have different furniture, to reflect the atmosphere of each area.

Check out pictures of each and base you opinion of that. MinnieMac's pics are good and should give you an idea of what expect.

Here site that has some pics and a map.
http://www.disneyzone.net/virtualdl.htm

If you want to stay in the mansions pick Oak it’s the closest to a bridge that takes you to the main building.

Its a great resort..my all time favorites!

Rich

QuickGold · Post by **QuickGold** » Mar Fri 10, 2006 10:42 am

The closer to the main building, the better.

kristen · Post by **kristen** » Mar Fri 10, 2006 1:36 pm

I prefer the room decor of the bayou section but the outside decor of the mansions. It's really a matter of your preferences.

foldmama · Post by **foldmama** » Mar Fri 10, 2006 1:39 pm

Ok, I think I made my decision. I love the look of the Mansion side, but I find the Bayou side really appealing. I was just a bit concerned that it may not be good for a women alone at night. The Bayou side looks so peaceful. I think I am going to ask to stay at the Bayou side closest to the Mansions.

MickeyMac - Thanks for the great photos - It's looks like a beautiful resort. I have stayed at the FQ twice, but never walked over to Riverside.

Rdeacon - The site you sent was extremely helpful. I actually printed out the details about Riverside. Thanks!

Now I just need to get over my nevers of going to Disney by myself. I am planning on doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour and the Backstage Magic tour. I am going to call this weekend for tour reservations. I'm excted and nervous all at the same time.

Thanks Everyone!

disneydreamer58 · Post by **disneydreamer58** » Mar Fri 10, 2006 2:21 pm

foldmama, I am so envious of you. I too am a single woman but I certainly don't have what it takes to travel on my own. I have last year starting going to the movies alone, which I like cause I can have ALL the popcorn to myself! I wish I had the nerve to go to WDW by myself. Major kudos to you, you go gal!!!!! Have a wonderful trip and let me know how it went for a single gal, give me some pointers when you return!

foldmama · Post by **foldmama** » Mar Fri 10, 2006 4:17 pm

Bostoncq:

I love Disney with my sister-in-law and nephew. In fact we are going in the fall. Last May I went with a close friend, but she did not want to do the tours and did not want to do the "kid" stuff. I was extremely upset when she wanted little to do with the Magic Kingdom. So, I decided last year that I would go for 5 days and do everything I have always wanted to do, but was not able to do in the past. I will let you know how it goes. I travel once in a while for work on my own, why not pleasure.

Maybe we will just have to take a single woman trip in the future

Mickeymac · Post by **Mickeymac** » Mar Fri 10, 2006 7:35 pm

Foldmama, I have to go to Disney alone for work alot. It used to really intimidate me. Now I find I have more time to talk with the CM's, and they seem to take more time talking with me. I like going now, since I see so much more than if I were distracted by my kids.

And no one teases me about wanting to see the parades.

foldmama · Post by **foldmama** » Mar Sat 11, 2006 11:27 am

Mickeymac: That's exactly how I feel, a bit intimidated by the whole thing. I find traveling for work by myself to be no problem. I must admit that I am looking forward to spending more time at AK. We ususally run through because the kids just don't want to hang around and really study the animals. Plus, I'm really looking forward to checking out EE. I guess, it's really just the meals at night that I'm worried about. I booked the Keys to the Kingdom and the Backstage Magic Tour this morning. I'm sure that taking the tours will help me feel less alone.

Wish I had to go to Disney for work! My company uses the Boardwalk for conferences all the time, but I have nevered had the chance to go.

disneydreamer58 · Post by **disneydreamer58** » Mar Sat 11, 2006 12:30 pm

Going to any Disney park for work would be fun. I don't have to travel for work. I did when I was a travel agent, and they usually paired you up with someone (not always a plus!) I did have to travel to Boston when I was in Okla. City for my work when we presented an RFP to a big financial clientele up here and I was awarded the contract, that was intimidating for me, but I also fell in love with the Boston area. I guess I should be proud of the fact that my cat and I drove from California to Massachusetts alone when I moved up here =) it was actually kinda fun. I didn't have time to sight see along the way because I had a start date for my new job, but it was serene and nice just kitty and I on the road, no-one yelling at me, and I could stop as many times as I wanted to go potty and eat...ha ha ha but to take an actual vacation by myself, I would have to draw on some inner strength I don't know about yet. Maybe some day......I'm 48 so I can't wait too long to get that strength!! ha ha

I bet you will do great! Have fun!

Mickeymac · Post by **Mickeymac** » Mar Sat 11, 2006 2:09 pm

Fold - I hope you get the chance to go to the Boardwalk for a conference sometime. They do a great job. I'm a Disney-only TA, so have the opportunity to stay all over. I just booked for both our annual meeting and Mousefest, and am over in the Epcot resorts, as a single. I'm looking forward to strolling the Boardwalk and not having to rush to the bathroom. it KILLS me when I'm window shopping. I love my daughter to pieces, just want some alone time!

One thing I've learned to do is start engaging a CM in a conversation. I've met so many wonderful people. I'm still not up to dining in a restaurant by myself, but have no problems going counter service. I just feel guilty staring at the waiting line at TS restaurants if I'm at a table by myself. Also, CM's are pretty good about engaging solo travelers. Make a friend at your resort, too, and it makes it seem much more friendly to come home, too.

Boston - what a cool story!!! I'm glad you like Boston. My brother lives there now (I'm just an hour north) and he keeps threatening to move to CA. It would be so wrong for him to do it, just can't explain. He loves going to Disney too.

I think you guys are right, we should start a Flying Disney Solo support group!

disneydreamer58 · Post by **disneydreamer58** » Mar Sat 11, 2006 5:18 pm

I am all in for a Disney Solo group

I would love to make one of the SubSonic trips at DL or WDW when there is one. What a cool way to meet everyone we chat with on here.
As for your brother moving to California.........I would move back to So Cal if I could make the salary I make here in Boston, but that ain't happenin'! I think most New Englanders would go crazy in Cali because it is so laid back and slow, and here, well you know how it is on the East Coast, hectic and fast paced. But you never know, there are some that love it once they get out there. I love the 4 very distinct seasons back here, and man am I always ready to see winter go, I am not into winter sports!! Loved the 60 degrees today, what a taste of whats yet to come. Tho they are saying snow for next week

Mickeymac do you work for Disney Travel? Back in the day when I was a TA, and I called to book travel through WDW Travel, I loved being put on hold cause they played what I hear here on SubSonic. Now I can just hear it a click of my mouse...VERY NICE!
BTW: Your an hour North of Beantown, and I am about 45 min's South of Boston. And there are definatly North Shore people and South Shore people back here as I have found out...LOL

Mickeymac · Post by **Mickeymac** » Mar Sat 11, 2006 9:25 pm

I'm on the Seacoast in NH. Yes, we have a shoreline.

I know you guys down south don't believe us, but we do. LOLOL!

I don't work directly for Disney, I work for a Disney-only travel agency. I'm on hold with them all day, it seems, but I MUCH prefer Subsonic! LOL!

I'm going to be at WDW for Mousefest (working) and I'm sure QuickGold will be there, have thought we should put something together. It's December 9th.

disneydreamer58 · Post by **disneydreamer58** » Mar Sat 11, 2006 9:41 pm

I will have to look Mousefest up online cause I don't know what it is

I'll take your word for the seacoast

I think if I went to WDW by myself I would stay at the Contemporary (HA like I can afford that!) so I can just hop the monerail and not worry about walking anywhere alone at night. Guess I better save up now for the year 2010..ha ha ha