Step back in time to rural Louisiana with a stay at Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside resort. It is one of our favorites!
Just walking into the beautiful bustling lobby of the Colonel’s Cotton Mill building is a treat. Notice the various ports of call mentioned in the detail of the decor above the check in area. And listen for the fun Louisiana jazz music that fills the resort. It is magical! (If you are a Hidden Mickey hunter, look at the fans in the ceiling!)
This resort is in the Moderate category of Disney resorts – a step up from Value resorts, and just under Deluxe resorts. The spacious and comfortable rooms in the Alligator Bayou cottages continue in the shipping port theme, while some of the stately mansion Magnolia Bend rooms immerse guests in the royalty of The Princess and the Frog theme.
We enjoy the tranquility of walking the peaceful pathways of the Bayou along the Sassagoula River. Bike Rentals are a great way to see more of the resort, and Horse-Drawn Carriage rides are available for a more romantic view of the area!
There are plenty of activities at Port Orleans – Riverside including fishing excursions, playgrounds, the large Medicine Show Arcade, and several swimming pools. The largest pool is located on Ol’ Man Island, a 3.5-acre swimming and fishing hole that has a 95 foot-long waterslide! There is no lack of fun things to do here!
To refuel, stop by the Riverside Mill Food Court where six different food stations are sure to accommodate everyone’s tastes.
Just look for the huge mill wheel, and you will find the food court. We love sitting by the windows and looking out over the marina! Try the Bounty Platter for a southern comfort food breakfast that will jump start your day. Late night pizza delivery to your room is also available from the food court – a great treat for tired little ones.
For a relaxed dining experience, make dinner reservations at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. This is one of our favorite restaurants on all of Disney property. The food is scrumptious, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. John likes the New York Strip with Crawfish Mac N Cheese, and I love the Shrimp and Grits!
If you enjoy a livelier atmosphere, try to catch Yehaa Bob’s nightly piano act at the River Roost located between the lobby and food court next door to Boatwright’s. He keeps the audience laughing and participating in his antics!
Of course there is a souvenir shop! Did you have to ask? Fulton’s General store is filled with a wide variety of Disney and resort themed merchandise, as well as a small grocery section for those forgotten necessities. Be sure to look up at the cute character displays!
As with any Disney resort, guests here will enjoy several perks for their stay on Disney property. Disney theme park FastPass+ service can be accessed 60 days in advance of your trip. That is huge for getting into some of the more popular attractions! The Port Orleans – Riverside resort has two forms of Disney transportation. Bus service is available to all Disney theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. If the weather is nice (as it is much of the time in Florida) embark on a ferryboat ride to Disney Springs! Sit back, relax, and let Disney do the driving.
If you enjoy shopping, but do not wish to carry your packages, have them sent back to your resort. You will be able to pick them up later in Fulton’s General Store.
The magic of Disney is truly felt at the beautiful Port Orleans – Riverside Resort. We cannot wait to go back there, and we would love to hear how you like it!
