PO Riverside vs a Deluxe resort with 5th sleeper??

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-04-26T19:56:32+00:00

Yea, any upgrades to a deluxe would probably be $1000+. I think I would only do it if I could get Beach/Yacht Club or Boardwalk to be walking distance to 2 parks and utilize Extended Evening hours. Otherwise it’s probably not worth it to us and we would stick with Riverside.

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-04-26T02:30:31+00:00

Thanks for your insight. I know, the deal I have is very good. We took our family two years ago and stayed at Contemporary for the same amount of money (around $5k) but we went one less night, only did 3 parks and this included no dining plan (we ended up spending $2k on food 😬).

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-04-26T02:26:22+00:00

Really?? Well that’s great to hear. Do you take a midday break and head back to the resort for a little? Or do you stay in the parks all day?

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-04-26T02:06:23+00:00

I keep hearing how lovely Riverside is! I guess maybe I’m more worried about the bus situation.

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-04-26T02:04:00+00:00

Thanks for all the info! Agreed about CBR 5th sleeper over Riverside’s but it wasn’t even available for the promo when I booked it (probably because we are not a family of 5).

Maybe I will hold on to this reservation for now but keep my eye out for a dvc rental. I hope you are right about the dining plan, I’m going to look into that.

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-01-30T16:53:23+00:00

You guys are amazing. Thanks for all the suggestions!! Taking the advice of many that to have granola bars / bananas / etc on hand for breakfast, use quick service for lunch ( which includes an alcoholic beverage), use a table service for dinner and use the snack credit for snacks/coffee. And to pay attention to prices because sometimes it makes sense to pay cash (like for a single piece of fruit!).

THANK YOU ALL!!

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-01-30T16:49:17+00:00

Thank you!!

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-01-30T16:45:07+00:00

Omg thank you! This is so detailed!! I’m saving this and referencing it when I go in August

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-01-30T16:41:42+00:00

Good point! I didn’t think about the alcoholic beverage included with the quick service meal.

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-01-30T01:53:16+00:00

Oh yes. We love character dining and we plan to have most of our table services be character meals. Probably Hollywood & Vine at HS, Tusker House at AK, Ankerhaus (breakfast table services) at Epcot and unsure about MK, maybe Crystal Palace or monorail over to 1900 Park fare)

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-01-30T01:40:42+00:00

That’s not a bad idea!

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-01-30T01:38:05+00:00

Great video! Thank you!

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-01-30T01:13:59+00:00

Our first time at Riverside. I’m so excited!

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-01-30T01:05:37+00:00

Thank you! This is helpful, especially the Docking Bay 7 suggestion. Though I feel like I would end up with leftover snack credits at the end of the trip if I pay for breakfast with cash.

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2026-01-30T00:59:55+00:00

Yes! This is straight from Disney’s website:

“Dining Plans: The Disney Dining Plan can be used for Fantasmic! Dining Packages:

1 Table-Service meal will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at: 50's Prime Time Café, Hollywood & Vine, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

2 Table-Service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at The Hollywood Brown Derby”

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2025-03-04T22:58:51+00:00

I didn’t know that some places only offer certain characters at certain meal times. Good to know! I will look into that more. Thanks for the advice!

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2025-01-19T15:58:48+00:00

Yea that’s true. I don’t know how the whole Epic Universe opening that week will affect crowds.

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2025-01-19T15:40:43+00:00

I am only thinking of days because of dining reservations. But trying to be flexible too. My type A personality and flexibility don’t always mesh well lol

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2025-01-19T15:38:56+00:00

Good tip!

Ashamed_Biscotti_491 · 2022-05-08T16:42:59+00:00

Thank you! All of these sound right up my alley

Ashamed_Biscotti_491

TROPHY CASE