Por ?

[NewmanFamily6]

So I see on the info page that Alligator Bayou is the closest to the main building at POR. When I look on the wdw site there are so many choices for rooms : River, Pool, Preferred, Royal. How do you know which is in Alligator Bayou? I tried to open the resort map but it wouldn't open. Our family would like to try to stay there next summer but I know my DH will not want to be in a far off section. Thank you

[BigRedDad]

you can do a Google search to find out for sure. There are many rooms that are far from the main building, but not too bad of a walk either way. The grounds are gorgeous which makes walking very pleasant. You would need to put room/building requests on your reservation to try to get something closer. Otherwise, booking a Preferred room gets you closest to the main building.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

Port Orleans Riverside has two "sections" of rooms, Alligator Bayou and the Mansions. Two of the mansions house the "royal" rooms, which is an upcharge.

Buildings 14-15-18-27 are known as "preferred" buildings and are all in the Alligator Bayou. Booking one of these rooms would guarantee being more close to the main building, but again, there would be an upcharge.

If you go to the resort tab here on intercot you can navigate your way to the Riverside link and then eventually the resort maps.

As far as deciphering buildings, very simple, if the building is a number (ie building 18) it is in the Alligator Bayou sections. If the building is named (ie Magnolia) it is one of the mansion buildings.

If you are a family of 5, you would automatically be placed in Alligator Bayou section.

I don't pay for preferred rooms or views. Our strategy is to simply book standard room, then prior to arriving to place a request for a specific building, not require it, request it. We've always been fortunate enough to get what we've asked for without having to pay the upcharge and if we don't get it, we don't get it.

[buzznwoodysmom]

The rooms you are looking at that are close to the main building would be preferred, and are located in Alligator Bayou. They do cost extra, but are worth it if it means a lot to you to be near the main building. The resort is large, with lots of winding paths and tons of vegetation. It's the only resort on Disney property we have ever had trouble getting around. Got "lost" finding our room there twice. Lol.

[NewmanFamily6]

Thanks everyone! I could not get the map of the resort on here to open up. I appreciate all of the suggestions

[MrPeetrie]

For this resort, I do not wish to be close to the courtyard. The walk in the early hours through the Alligator Bayou is so beautiful, I usually make it twice a morning. I wake up early, shower, dress, leave, and take the walk alone for a coffee. Then I return, wake everyone, and do it a second time with family. It's really picturesque. If you don't get a room close to the courtyard, I feel sure you'll still enjoy your stay. Enjoy.

[larjani]

Im the same way. I like the walk around the grounds. Even though we were far from the main Building, We were close to one of the bus stops. I don't remember which building it was, but for some reason 27 comes to mind.