After experiencing Port Orleans French Quarter this past November, Dan and I decided to check out FQ's sister resort, Port Orleans Riverside, to see how it compared. Port Orleans Riverside is a moderate WDW Resort that boasts of its southern charm and brilliant theming. From Alligator Bayou's charming backwoods' cottages to the dignified white-column mansions of Magnolia Bend, Port Orleans paints a romanticized picture of life in New Orleans.
Upon arrival, one of the first things we noticed is that Port Orleans Riverside is much larger than its' sister resort, French Quarter. Riverside is large enough that it was divided into two separate sections: Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. The mansions of Magnolia Bend are surrounded by perfectly manicured lawns, gorgeous gardens, and peaceful fountains. Meanwhile, Alligator Bayou provides a stark contrast with rich wilderness in an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're floating down the Mississippi in a wooden raft. These two sections offer some thematic variety within the resort that is executed quite well.
We stayed in the royal guest room in Magnolia Bend for our daughters birthday and she felt like a true princess with all the magical disney touches! The bed frame even has its own firework show with the press of a button. The royal rooms are the only princess themed resort room on property and are deserving of its own review (which we will post in the near future!)
The main lobby area is themed as a steamship, providing an excellent transition between the two individual sections within the resort. Inside, there are a number of shopping and dining options to choose from. There are also plenty of recreational activities guests can participate in at the resort as well.
There is an activity for everyone in the family to enjoy at Riverside. The resort's youngest guests will enjoy activities like campfire on de' Bayou and Movies Under the Stars. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the Fishin' Hole at Ol' Man Island, where guests can try some cane pole fishing (catch and release only.)
Riverside has five pools. The main pool is located on ‘Ol Man Island in the middle of the resort. Located nearby, there is a playground and a fishing dock.
Dan decided to go fishing while we relaxed by the pool for a few hours. During that time, Aubree got to enjoy several pool games that were fun for kids and parents alike! The CMs even hand out prizes to participants.
By time Dan returned to us, he was thrilled to have caught several fish and Aubree had the chance to show off the fun prize she had won during one of the pool games. I was glad to get some undisturbed relaxation in before dinner!
Riverside is a short walk to French Quarter, where we went to get some of the famous mickey beignets! One of the many perks of staying at a Port Orleans resort is that you can use the accommodations at either resort! This includes the pools! It is also a quick walk from one resort to the other. We were able to get those beignets within ten minutes of leaving our room in riverside!
Port orleans french quarter and riverside both have river boat transportation to Disney Springs. We like to take advantage of the boats every time we stay at Port orleans resorts! We only wish there were more options like this for transportation to the parks.
Overall, this moderate resort is full of southern charm and is a great moderate resort option. It is not our favorite resort, but definitely makes the top five. It is resort we would go to again if we ever needed to do a resort-only stay for a night or two. If we planned on doing multiple park days, we would stay at another resort with more convenient transportation options (skyliner, anyone?)
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