Port Orleans is broken up into 2 Resorts, Port Orleans – Riverside and Port Orleans – French Quarter. Both Resorts have the feeling that you are stepping back in time to the old South. French Quarter has a distinct New Orleans feel, while Riverside is is filled with stately mansions and rustic cottages.
Recently we had a chance to stay at Riverside and I have safely say that of the Disney Resorts I have stayed at, this is now my new favorite.
Port Orleans – Riverside
To say that this Resort is beautiful is an understatement. Port Orleans Riverside is filled with southern charm and natural beauty. Wherever you turn, you’re greeted with the sight of the Sassagoula River and trees.
Lodging
The resort is made up of 2 different areas, Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou.
Magnolia Bend is the area of the Resort that looks just like old Southern Mansions, complete with wrap around porches. If you’ve ever seen pictures of the Royal Guest Rooms with Disney princess touches all around the room, these are where those rooms are located.
Alligator Bayou is the area that has more of a rustic feel. If you’re like us, and have kids who would prefer not to sleep next to each other, or you have a family of 5, you will want to book a room in this part of the Resort.
Why? Because Alligator Bayou is the only set of rooms in the Resort that has 2 Queen Beds and a Murphy Bed. The Murphy Bed isn’t very large (I would say it’s shorter than a traditional twin bed), but it’s adorable and the perfect price range for families that need that extra room without wanting to pay the Deluxe Resort pricing.
Related Post: Affordable On-Site Resorts for Families of 5 at Walt Disney World
Relaxation
Because the Resort is so large, no matter how many Guests were walking around or how many were in the pools, the place just always seemed calm and relaxing.
There are also activities you can do at Riverside that is not always available at other Resorts. Go fishing, rent a bike, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or just hang out on a hammock.
They’re all available when you need some times to relax, away from the hustle and the bustle of the Parks.
Related Post: Things To Do At Walt Disney World That Does Not Require A Park Ticket
We also had the opportunity to swin in 2 of Riverside’s pools. Like all Moderate Resorts, the main pool, ‘Ol Man Island, features a water slide and fun theming. This is where all of the activities of the day and music will be, so it will be the most crowded. However, it’s large enough that you can freely swim around and not feel like you’re going to bump into other Guests.
If you’re looking for something a little less crowded, the quiet pools are also available around the Resort. We did some laundry, which was located right next to the quiet pool in Alligator Bayou, while we swam for awhile one night.
Restaurants
Boatwright’s Dining Hall is a table service restaurant, open only for dinner. Themed after a rustic shipyard warehouse, this is where you can find some good New Orleans cooking.
Of course, if you’re not an adventurous eater, the kids menu has traditional american food like macaroni and cheese, pizza, and cheeseburgers.
My boys (who are over 9, so pay the adult price for them), have even been able to get an adult portion of a children’s menu item in the past. So, don’t get discouraged if the entrees aren’t to your liking. Disney is the most accommodating place I’ve ever been.
Open all day long, the Riverside Mill Court is the Quick-service Restaurant on property. With a much more traditional, american menu, you will easily be able to find something for everyone here.
The ever-entertaining, Yehaa Bob, can also be found at the River Roost, a lounge located in close proximity to Boatwright’s Dining Hall and the Riverside Mill Court. While you can’t get a full menu, you can get some appetizers and drinks.
If you’re at the ‘Ol Man Island pool, Muddy Rivers serves up specialty drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Click the link above to see the menus and/or make dining reservations.
After solely staying at Value Resorts, I’m glad we took the plunge to “try something new” this time around.
Have you ever stayed at Port Orleans Riverside?
