Disney's Port Orleans resort is divided in to two sections, the smaller French Quarter and the larger Riverside. My husband and I chose to stay at the Riverside location. I chose it because of a few factors: 1) It was a reasonable price for the weekend we were looking to go 2) I had seen a few pictures and heard feedback that it had a lot of recreation activities and beautiful landscaping.
Arrival
We drove up to Orlando from our home in south Florida early on a Saturday morning. We arrived at Port Orleans around 8:00am. We wanted to activate our Magic Bands before heading over to Blizzard Beach. We parked at the main Riverside building. They have 30-minute Check-In parking so that you don't have to search for a spot in the general parking. Those reserved spots are right up front so its not . We went inside and "checked-in" for the weekend. Our room was not ready that early, but we were not interested in a room at that hour! Everything was taken care of in under five minutes and we grabbed a quick bit from the food court, covered later, then we headed off to Blizzard Beach.
The lines were short at the waterpark, so we finished at about 1:30pm. We decided to head back to the hotel, shower, and relax for a bit. While we were in the waterpark, I received the text letting us know our room location! We were assigned to the Alligator Bayou section, I was secretly hoping for one of the mansions. We were in building 35, which is also one of the furthest from the main building. For us it wasn't a big deal because we had our own car with us and we always snagged a front spot by our building. For people traveling without a car, this could pose as a challenge. The main building would be a far walk from here.
The lines were short at the waterpark, so we finished at about 1:30pm. We decided to head back to the hotel, shower, and relax for a bit. While we were in the waterpark, I received the text letting us know our room location! We were assigned to the Alligator Bayou section, I was secretly hoping for one of the mansions. We were in building 35, which is also one of the furthest from the main building. For us it wasn't a big deal because we had our own car with us and we always snagged a front spot by our building. For people traveling without a car, this could pose as a challenge. The main building would be a far walk from here.
I have to say, I think the theming is adorable in Disney hotels. Even though I was hoping for a Mansion room, these had their own unique charm to them! I felt like I was staying in a rustic cabin, minus the dirt. The room was clean and fresh upon arrival. We booked a King room and that is what we received . There is a pull-down bunk directly across from the king bed, so if there was a family of three this room would be sufficient. We also had a corner room, which meant double windows! The photo came out terrible, but I placed it below so you can get an idea of what it was like in the room. The refrigerator is the box below the small coffee maker. My husband used this both mornings for a quick cup of coffee, Joffrey's Coffee was the brand and they were single serve pouches of fresh grounds that go in to the machine.
Dining
Boatwrights
This is a table service restaurant that it just outside of the Riverside Mill Food Court. It serves southern and cajun style recipes. We did not have the opportunity to try it, but it looked like the menu had some good choices on it. Feel free to check it out here: Boatwrights Menu
Riverside Mill Food Court
This quick-service, food court style venue had a variety of options and plenty of seating. We grabbed a quick breakfast here earlier in the morning. We shared a breakfast platter and croissants. We returned to this venue for lunch. Because we had the Disney Dining Plan we ended up with a lot of food! We both went for the Make Your Own Pasta bar, which came with a bread stick. The serving was large and it was decent considering it is fast food. The Dining plan also entitled each of us to a dessert and an additional drink (beyond the refillable resort mug). So we grabbed a water and Powerade to bring back to the room for later. For dessert, my husband got an oatmeal cookie and I had a Magic Bar. If you've never had a Magic Bar, you've been missing out. Think of every sweet, tooth rotting, baked good and throw it together. There's coconut, chocolate, butterscotch, graham cracker, and more! My mom used to make them when I was a kid and it brought back a slice of childhood! Riverside Mill Menu
This is a table service restaurant that it just outside of the Riverside Mill Food Court. It serves southern and cajun style recipes. We did not have the opportunity to try it, but it looked like the menu had some good choices on it. Feel free to check it out here: Boatwrights Menu
Riverside Mill Food Court
This quick-service, food court style venue had a variety of options and plenty of seating. We grabbed a quick breakfast here earlier in the morning. We shared a breakfast platter and croissants. We returned to this venue for lunch. Because we had the Disney Dining Plan we ended up with a lot of food! We both went for the Make Your Own Pasta bar, which came with a bread stick. The serving was large and it was decent considering it is fast food. The Dining plan also entitled each of us to a dessert and an additional drink (beyond the refillable resort mug). So we grabbed a water and Powerade to bring back to the room for later. For dessert, my husband got an oatmeal cookie and I had a Magic Bar. If you've never had a Magic Bar, you've been missing out. Think of every sweet, tooth rotting, baked good and throw it together. There's coconut, chocolate, butterscotch, graham cracker, and more! My mom used to make them when I was a kid and it brought back a slice of childhood! Riverside Mill Menu
Recreation
After lunch we decided to walk around so I could get some pictures of the grounds. We decided to rent a surrey bike, @ $19 for 30 minutes, because the property was so large. The bikes are harder to use than we anticipated, but it wasn't terrible. The only challenge was going uphill in some sections of the property. Select the first photo in the set below and you can click on the arrow to shuffle through them in larger form.
Pools
Port Orleans-River side has multiple pools. The main pool is directly behind the main building on Ol' Man Island. This is where the activities director will host pool side games. There is a water slide at this pool, kiddie pool, Muddy Rivers pool bar, hammocks, and lounge chairs. We did not use the pool area because we had a packed weekend, plus we spent half a day at Blizzard Beach. We were in the area when the Activities Director was hosting games and it was a lively atmosphere. Kids were excited, adults were excited, and everyone seemed to be happy!
Port Orleans-River side has multiple pools. The main pool is directly behind the main building on Ol' Man Island. This is where the activities director will host pool side games. There is a water slide at this pool, kiddie pool, Muddy Rivers pool bar, hammocks, and lounge chairs. We did not use the pool area because we had a packed weekend, plus we spent half a day at Blizzard Beach. We were in the area when the Activities Director was hosting games and it was a lively atmosphere. Kids were excited, adults were excited, and everyone seemed to be happy!
Playgrounds & Activities
The resort has, quite possibly, one of the largest arcades I have seen on property. Many types of machines were available in a large room just off the Reception Desks. The playground fits well in to the theme of the resort with a wheel that matched the mill wheel by the food court. As with all of the resorts, there was a board by the pool area that listed the times and activities available each day. It lists the Movies Under the Stars, pool games, campfire hour, and more! Speaking of campfire hour, there is a permanent fire pit just off the side of the pool area, behind Muddy Waters. Each evening an activity cast member will be there with marshmallows and roasting sticks. We did not partake in this activity, although I wanted to. When I stayed at the Yacht Club, one month earlier, I did it and it was a fun activity!
The resort has, quite possibly, one of the largest arcades I have seen on property. Many types of machines were available in a large room just off the Reception Desks. The playground fits well in to the theme of the resort with a wheel that matched the mill wheel by the food court. As with all of the resorts, there was a board by the pool area that listed the times and activities available each day. It lists the Movies Under the Stars, pool games, campfire hour, and more! Speaking of campfire hour, there is a permanent fire pit just off the side of the pool area, behind Muddy Waters. Each evening an activity cast member will be there with marshmallows and roasting sticks. We did not partake in this activity, although I wanted to. When I stayed at the Yacht Club, one month earlier, I did it and it was a fun activity!
Adult Venues
There are two bars on this property. One, Muddy Rivers, is located on Ol' Man Island, for pool-side refreshments. It had a good amount of patrons there when we walked by one afternoon. The other, River Roost Lounge, is located just inside the lobby. After our day at Epcot and browsing Downtown Disney in the evening, we returned to the hotel and had drinks at River roost. My husband had a few Coronas and I had a Mai Tai. My drinks was good,typical Mai Tai and decent amount of alcohol in it, not too cheap :) There were approximately 8 other patrons in the lounge. We had to hurry with our drinks because the lounge closed at 11pm, that was the only downfall.
Something Unique
Both Port Orleans resorts have a boat that will bring you to Downtown Disney. I regret not trying this out, but we went to see a movie at DTD and we didn't want to be stuck there past the hours of operation. It's a nice, scenic, way to go there that eliminates the hassle of the bus system or fighting for parking with your own car.
Overall Impression
Port Orleans Riverside is a nice resort with a little of everything. I don't think you could go wrong choosing this location. Young or old, there is something for everyone.
Please feel free to contact my if you're interested in booking a Disney vacation!
(561) 702-2096 or [email protected]
Please feel free to contact my if you're interested in booking a Disney vacation!
(561) 702-2096 or [email protected]
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