[dab]

I have a ressie for PO Riverside but am considering the Hotel Royal Plaza. Downtown Disney is a little farther than I'd like to be from MK but would consider staying there since they have great rates $79/night and incl. a mini bar and a sofa bed. Any opinions out there? Also, I know it is technically on Disney property but not a Disney resort... do you still get to do the surprise mornings or is that for WDW resorts guests only.

[trishb]

We stayed at the Coutyard by Marriott at Downtown Disney. It was not like staying in the WDW Resort, but nice nonetheless.

The most enjoyable part of staying at a Downtown Disney Resort was the proximity to Downtown Disney. It is just a short walk. They have buses that pick up and drop off at regular intervals or you can walk to DD and catch a bus anywhere.

[Cinderellafifi]

I have stayed at Hotel Royal Plaza twice and will be there again on December 28th.

The first time we stayed there was for our honeymoon and we had an Executive Suite. It was beautiful!! The room was spacious and well laid out. The service they gave us was impeccable that stay.

The next time we went was for Fourth of July. We got a ground floor room. The sliding doors opened to a small patio which was right at the pool. It was great - especially at that hot time of the year.

When we go in two weeks, it will only be for one night but we are staying in the Executive Suite again. It is a bit pricey right now compared to other times but, to us, well worth it to have an extra day and night at Disney.

Don't forget your proximity to Downtown Disney and the bus service provided to all the parks, too. I think you will be very happy with HRP!

[dab]

Thanks for the input.

So if you had to choose between Port Orleans Riverside and Hotel Royal Plaza (HRP is only $7 / night more) which one would you choose? Here is what I'm torn between... POR is closer to the parks and is a WDW resort... HRP is still conveniently located and seems to be a nicer room (more for the money). Also still concerned about the early entry days. I guess I won't get to do that if we stay at HRP.

[Cinderellafifi]

If you have never stayed in a Disney resort (sorry, I don't remember what your other posts mentioned), then I would say stay at PO. The only other issue would be the early entry which would not be available with RP.

Remember that early entry is not every park every day. So, you may not be missing out if you have a set schedule.

RP has convenient bus service and is in the heart of the excitement. You are close to MGM and pretty close to EPCOT, too.

I guess the only other way to see what is best for you is room size. As you probably have seen, RP has room photos on-line and I would imagine that Disney.com has some of PO.

I love "problems" like these!!! :) :D

[dab]

I've stayed at the Polynesian and Caribbean Beach as well as off site. I prefer deluxe resorts and on property but since this is our 4th trip within 15 months, we really need to try to economize as much as possible. Both POR and HRP look like nice places and fit within my budget so it makes the decision tough. I saw room photos online for both (wdwig.com has great wdw resort photos). Both look like nice places but the room at HRP looks larger and has more for the money (mini bar, free breakfast daily, kids eat free) So I would get more bang for my buck at HRP... hmmm :hmmm . I know... personal decision. But you guys are so good at helping me see both sides of a delimna. Thanks for all the input!!

Trish... looks like we will be there the same time.