AK v’s Port Orleans Riverside

[Help123]

We are planning a trip in May next year and are looking at AK or POR. We have two children aged 9 & 4. This will be their first trip to Disney.
We can only get a Royal Rm at POR which we aren’t so keen on.

Any advice on which resort would be best for the kids would be much appreciated!
TIA X

[darsch1982]

We decided to go for AK we have 2 teens but the dining aswell as the beautiful hotel just swayed us

[Help123]

Thank you! Like the AK but a little swayed by the boat ride to Disney Spring in the evening from POR Its supposed to be lovely x

[GezzasGem]

Stayed at both, both with their own merits but AK for us - our DD was also 4 when she went and absolutely loved it

[Help123]

Thank you!
What were your thoughts on POR.? Any downsides?

[DM275011]

Both are lovely but AK wins hands down. The rooms are bigger, the hotel, simply, one of a kind. The experience of looking out of the window and seeing the animals is truely special.

[GezzasGem]

Originally Posted by Help123

Thank you!
What were your thoughts on POR.? Any downsides?

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It is very scenic and the boat to DS great, but food wise the restaurants at AKL are better (although I appreciate some prefer the QS offerings at POR). For us the advantage of a balcony at AKL is quite important, especially when DD fallen asleep.

[Potterer]

Only real downside to POR is no balcony, but AKL restaurant choices were less desirable for us as a family.

The boat to DS is just wonderful, POR as a resort is stunning, and if you can only get a royal room and don't have princess loving children I can see why you would opt for AKL.

Just be aware it is the furthest out from all the parks except AK so be prepared for longer journeys.

[Shooby doo]

With young kids, I'd pick AKL everytime, yes the boat to DS is good but IMO DS is more adult orientated now, so if it was for a couple I'd say POR/POFQ IYKWIM. AKL is simply stunning plus the advantage of the animals, fire pits with rocking chairs, pool is way better. Savannah view is great but personally I don't think it's worth the extra, we've just gone with a Standard, having had a Savannah last year
SD

[squishy]

Stayed at POR with 10 and 6 year old girls (in a Royal room, which was really lovely! ) - only used the boat to DS once in 2 weeks (never in the evening); we were too busy in the parks or chilling in the pool. I’m sure either is a good choice; no downsides at all to POR (nice and close to Epcot
and MK, which is where we spent most of our time) but I’m not sure the boat would be the thing that swings my choice. AKL is lovely!