Port Orleans Riverside Free Dining?

[sabathamk]

I've been looking into going to Disney World when our baby will be getting close to a year old, either in November/December 2015, or January 2016. I was hoping to go to POR as they have rooms there that accommodate 5 plus a baby in a crib, and the resort looks so gorgeous and relaxing, but we really want to try to go during free dining (mainly because I hate cooking and I am extremely budget conscience... meaning we will not eat much and will be making sandwiches a lot if not on the plan).  I noticed that in 2014 they didn't seem to have POR on the dining plan at all... have they removed it completely?

If we go a different route in rooms, it will likely be a family room in Music, or in Art of Animation (which is WAY more pricey by comparison... depends on how much we can save up by then).  That would give the free quick service, meaning if we would want to go to table service, it would be out of pocket (and likely once or twice only during a 9 night stay).  I was kind of hoping for the regular dining plan that would have been offered at POR for being a moderate resort, but I am thinking they quit offering it completely?

Thanks for your time!

[Dave]

You are so right! POR is a great place to stay. It's one of our favorites. We have never used the dining plan, so I can't answer your specific questions. A lot of Magical Trippers use it often so, c'mon Trippers - any answers?

[McDuck]

I'm not a dining plan user, but have you priced the Fort Wilderness Cabins out vs the Family Suite? Last time I checked they were cheaper than a Family Suite, and they are considered a moderate.

[sydney]

I think that because POR can accomadate 5 that it is more popular than some other moderates, and I've noticed they have less rooms, if any, available when they do promotions like free dining and room discounts. Does that make sense? I would worry that all five of you plus a pack and play or something for the baby might be a bit crowded. I agree with checking Ft. Wilderness. It would give you way more room, and if you get free dining it would be a regular vs. quick plan like at the values. If you don't get free dining you may still get a room discount which would probably be less than a value suite. You'd also have the kitchen at the cabins to save money on breakfasts and some other meals. Plus there's lots of fun things to do at the cmapgrounds for the kids.

[crispy]

Yeah, POR hasn't offered free dining in a while. The good news is that Caribbean Beach is rehabbing rooms that will sleep 5 so that may be an option by the time you book.