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The sound of clip-clopping hooves, washes over me, as the carriage glides along the tree-lined paths, at Port Orleans Riverside. A family, each member expertly dressed as a character from The Little Mermaid, waves to us, as they set off to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary party. Instead of setting off full-steam ahead, at plane’s landing, we choose to start our special, Disney-versary trip, with a mellow activity. The grittiness of daily life, is replaced with the tranquil, giddy, internal glow, that the few minutes spent in the Disney bubble initiates.
Grounds
There are many reasons to choose Port Orleans Riverside for a Disney World resort stay, but the grounds make it a top contender.
There are calm, winding water ways. Wispy moss draped trees, line well-manicured paths.
The churning sounds of water from the boats and water wheel, tickle your ears. If you need a moment to catch your breath, visit Port Orleans Riverside.
Rooms
At Port Orleans Riverside, rooms are located in the bayou buildings or the mansion buildings. Our room resides in the mansion section.
The room is located towards the back of the resort, which requires a leisurely stroll, to the main buildings. As a Disney adult, I prefer a room with a scenic walk. It provides a quick dose of centering, before setting off on the day’s adventures.
The room has enough space, and the bed is comfortable.
There is enough theming in the room to be fun, without being overdone.
I always appreciate the sink/mirror, being a separate space from the toilet/shower. One item that I didn’t know I needed, but applaud, is the extra hooks for hanging things. Have a hoodie, need somewhere for your pjs, to quickly grab at the end of an exhausting day? It’s nice to have additional organization.
Food
Quick Service- Like all Disney World resorts, Port Orleans Riverside provides a quick service to grab a convenient meal or snack. I only visit in the morning, for coffee and oatmeal.
Riverside Mill Food Court, is well organized, with plenty of seating. It feels less frantic than other resort quick service eateries.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall-After a 2021 overhaul and reopening, the Port Orleans Riverside, sit-down restaurant, went from a disaster to a diamond in the rough.
Guests dine on Louisiana inspired dishes. Getting the pimento cheese fritters, is a must-eat.
Our whole party thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Unlike certain resorts, that have easy access to the parks, most people don’t visit Riverside just to eat, making Boatwright’s a terrific restaurant for a last minute reservation.
River Roost Lounge-This cozy lounge, is best known for being the home of the Yehaa Bob Jackson show.
If you don’t have time for a full meal at Boatwright’s, you can grab the pimento cheese fritters and an assortment of appetizers, desserts, and/or drinks from the bar.
Transportation
Though all Disney resorts offer bus transportation to and from the parks, it’s nice to have choices. One of the bonuses to staying at Port Orleans Riverside is the additional boat transportation to Disney Springs.
The ride is peaceful. The scenery is beautiful.
We witness people visiting Disney Springs, taking the boat ride for a nice, serene, break in their day. If you are staying at Port Orleans Riverside, I recommend the boat ride, even if you don’t intend to spend a day at Disney Springs.
Special Activities
With the resorts offering plenty of entertainment, it is possible to have a park-free trip. Port Orleans Riverside has multiple activities on offer.
Campfires- Still on our Disney bucket list. Though we’ve stayed at several Disney resorts, the nighttime campfires continue to elude us. Watching the flames and roasting marshmallows evoke images of a charming way to end the day.
Carriage Ride-Port Orleans Riverside is one of two resorts that offer horse-drawn, carriage rides. It is an ideal activity to ease into a trip, and get a tour of the resort.
It’s a chance to slow down and unwind.
Surrey Bike-Another way to get a scenic tour of the resort. On observation, plenty of groups enjoy peddling around Port Orleans Riverside.
Pool-It’s not a Disney resort without at least one, imaginative, pool.
Though we did not partake of the pool, with the surrounding nature vibes, a day at the pool would be a worthy pursuit.
Fishing-We didn’t see anyone fishing during our stay at Port Orleans Riverside, but with the abundance of water, the activity is available.
Yehaa Bob Show-For the serious Disney Parks fan, seeing Yehaa Bob Jackson at least once, is a bucket list experience. Yehaa Bob Jackson has performed his show at Port Orleans Riverside’s River Roost Lounge, for over 20 years. It’s a high energy, interactive show. Bob is an excellent musician and performer. Be sure to check the lounge’s website for Bob’s schedule.
Click here to read about our full Yehaa Bob experience
Picking a resort to stay at during a Disney World trip, can be a daunting task. The choice is up to individual needs. Our two favorite resort amenities are a peaceful place to return to, after a crazy day in the parks, and a form of alternate transportation, other than the buses. Port Orleans Riverside checks both boxes. Due to its more low-key environment, the resort is a good option for first-time Disney trip guests. It allows the opportunity to get used to the daily hustle of park going, while having a subdued place to catch your bearings. It’s worth consideration if you are planning an on property stay, at Disney World.
Special Thanks to our Disney Travel Agent at Dream is a Wish. You can contact Julie at adreamisawish16@yahoo.com for all your Disney trip booking needs.
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