If you are looking to stay at a Moderate Disney World Resort, two of your options include Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside and Disney's Port Orleans - French Quarter. (Both are amazing!) This particular pair of Resorts can be found side by side to one another in the Downtown Disney area in Lake Buena Vista, Florida!
Each and every Walt Disney World resort is built around a particular theme. The theme of Port Orleans pays tribute to the old South and of course, Southern hospitality. Port Orleans French Quarter plays on the history and legends of New Orleans with iron clad balconies and a touch of French Flair. Port Orleans Riverside is a bit more relaxed life along the Rivers and bayous.
Disney's Port Orleans Riverside was originally known as Disney's Dixie Landings Resort and opened February 2, 1992. The pool at this Resort features a sawmill slide that will land you in an old-fashioned swimmin' hole. There are also five smaller pools for guests to enjoy as well. Adults will love the hot tub and Muddy Rivers Bar near the big pool. The Lounge, River Roost, is another great place to unwind at the end of the day with friends and loved ones. At this Resort you can add some extra magic to your vacation by renting a fishing pool to use at the Fishin' Hole, renting bikes/surreys to ride along the waterfront, enjoy a story around the campfire (complete with s'mores), or by booking a Royal Guest Room. Port Orleans Riverside is divided in to two sections, Alligator Bayou has 16 buildings that hold 1,024 guest rooms and Magnolia Bend has four buildings that hold 1,024 rooms. In 2012 about a fourth of the rooms of the 2.048 rooms located at Riverside were made in to Royal Guest Rooms. This particular guest room is a great option for a special birthday surprise for your child or spouse!
Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter is themed after New Orleans and opened as just Disney's Port Orleans Resort on May 17, 1991. The pool at this Resort features King Neptune with a giant sea serpent whose tongue makes a unique slide for guests. Adults can also enjoy the bar, Mardi Grogs, and the hot tub near the pool. Be sure to check out French Quarter's Lounge, Scat Cat's Club, as well for some extra relaxation and fun. If you are looking for a little extra magic at this Disney Resort, perhaps a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride at night can be added to your vacation package. There are 1,008 guest rooms at French Quarter, which are located in seven buildings that are each three stories high. Even if you are not staying at either of the Port Orleans Resorts you can still make a reservation at Boatwright's Dining Hall, which is located at Riverside and serves American food. For a quick meal, check out Riverside Mill Food Court or Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. These resorts feature Playgrounds for the kids, Arcades, and a Jogging trail!
You can walk from Riverside to French Quarter and vise versa! Downtown Disney is just a boat ride away or you can use the bus transportation. French Quarter has one bus stop and Riverside has four bus stops. It can be frustrating during the holidays and busy times when you have to wait for the bus to make all the stops for the Port Orleans Resorts, but you may find that the relaxing atmosphere provided by these resorts allows you to go with the flow of your magical vacation.
Trundle bed rooms here offer a great option for families of five. One of the many tips we suggest to our clients that stay here is to upgrade, especially if you have small children. Port Orleans is SO large that it could mean a lot of walking, especially for families with small children. After a long day in the park extra steps could mean extra hassles. Also if you have a little princess on board an upgrade could include one of their Royal Rooms.
If you'd like our help booking the perfect Disney World Vacation for your family, contact Becca Bell at Becca@vacationkids.com for all her insider tips and more.
