Hi Catherine,
I love Port Orleans Riverside it's such a pretty resort and my family really enjoys taking the boat to Downtown Disney!
POR has 5 laundromats and they're all located by the quiet pools so very handy, I do my laundry whilst my family and I swim so it doesn't seem a chore! It's quite hard for me to suggest a room location for you to request as there are 2 very distinct parts of POR, the Magnolia Bend and the Alligator Bayou. What I suggest you do is have a look at the website
www.portorleans.org, here you'll find lots of information about the resort and lots of photos so you can decide which you prefer. There is also a map which shows the locations of the swimming pools and bus stops.
If you prefer the Magnolia Bend section then good room locations are in either Acadian House or Magnolia Terrace. And in the Alligator Bayou section buildings 18, 24, 25, 36 and 37 are the closest to both laundry facilities and the bus stops. Requests are best made by fax between 3 and 5 days before arrival but please remember they're not guaranteed.
It shouldn't be too late to book some dining reservations but I would recommend you call 407-939-3463 or use the online system as soon as possible and be flexible with your times.
Have a great trip and if there's anything else we can help with please ask again,
Jo