Stephanie,
Thanks for your question!
Let me start with the room options at
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside. Of the
four choices, I would opt for the Garden View. Here is why;
- Pool View: I avoid these rooms because the noise created by the guests taking an afternoon swimming break can interrupt our afternoon naps or quiet time back in the room.
- River View: The views are great, but the extra daily charge adds up across a long vacation. Since we don't spend a lot of time in the room just looking out the window at the view, it does not seem worth it to me.
- Standard View: The savings you enjoy with these rooms is nice enough, but the noise coming from the parking lot can sometimes be bothersome, especially at night with people returning from the parks in their cars. Also, while I don't want to waste a lot of money on a view I may not look at often, staring out at a parking lot or other less desirable part of the resort can cut in to the magic of the trip.
- Garden View: I think that the minimal extra daily charge (vs. a Standard View room), paired with the reduced noise level and improved view make this a good balance of the different options.
To your other questions, no, this resort does not have suite options like at
Disney's Art of Animation Resort.
As for the difference between a Royal Room and the standard room, yes, the 5th sleeper option is nice, but that bed is only 5' 6" long. As such, it may not work for some families if the 5th person is particularly tall. You will know what works best, with the basic tie breaker being if you have a party of 4 or fewer, or if you have 5.
Write me back if you have any other questions!
Have a Magical Vacation!
Doug