Today we are taking a trip to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort; this is my favorite moderate resort. French Quarter and Riverside have very different personalities, but they both have so much to offer. While I was enjoying the resort, I created a list of five reasons why you should stay at this resort, and I think it’s time I share that with you. Again I love the two different parts of the resort. It’s hard to say which is my favorite because it changes all the time, but today Port Orleans Riverside is my favorite. Anyway, let’s get into this list.
Several Dining Locations
Between the two resorts, there are two quick-service dining locations, a table-service restaurant, and two lounges that serve small bites. Currently, my favorite restaurant on Disney property is located at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, shocking, I know. Boatwrights Dining Hall has a special place in my heart. I’ve dined there several times in the past six months, and every time I leave, I talk about how I can’t wait to go back.
Enough about how much I love Boatwright’s; let’s move on to the other show-stopper. Over at French Quarter, guests can find the iconic Mickey-shaped Begients. Not only is this snack Instagram-worthy, but it’s also that great midday sweet snack. If you are like me, it’s a great treat to end the day with. I recently wrote a full guide to dining at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, that goes more in-depth regarding all the delicious food.
Beautiful Walking Trail
Between French Quarter and Riverside, there’s a gorgeous walking trail that goes along the river. I don’t recommend walking this during the summer months, but in fall and winter, I highly recommend it. This also makes the resorts easy to get to, or if you enjoy taking morning walks or jogs, this is the perfect place to do it.
I personally love this area because it’s picture-perfect; I love stopping on this path and taking photos, especially by the bridge. The walk isn’t treacherous by any means. It’s a 15-minute walk from French Quarter to Riverside. There are smaller walkways that branch off the main path, and that’s where I usually see the runners go because those spots have more shade.
Fun Pools
Both hotels have fun-themed pools, but my favorite one by far is the one at French Quarter. This pool is just so colorful and unique. I used to visit this one a lot when I was in college. It was the best way to decompress after being in class on a summer day. That’s how I found out that the pool bar here is wonderful. The theme of this area is Mardi Gras at Doubloon Lagoon! There is also a 51-foot-long snaking sea serpent slide.
I recently stayed at Riverside and got to enjoy the pool over there. The main pool on that side felt bigger and had some more interactive features in the water, like a small waterfall. It’s themed to an abandoned sawmill and has a 95-foot-long rustic waterslide built into the millwork. Riverside is a much larger hotel, so there are smaller pools sprinkled throughout the property, but they aren’t highly themed.
Boat Transportation
I love when a resort has more than one mode of transportation. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort is very close to Disney Springs, which is why I love staying here. Both sides of the resort have boat transportation to Disney Springs, which is very helpful, especially when you’ve had a long night at the shopping and dining district.
When I was visiting, the boats were down due to inclement weather that was in the area, which is very common during the summer, but I have used them on previous trips. They also have buses that go to Disney Springs if boats aren’t your thing.
Great Cast Members
There are great cast members all over Walt Disney World, but every time I go to either of these hotels, I feel like I am transported back to the mid-2000s. The Disney service we all know and love is there and thriving. On this day trip, I came into contact with several cast members just because they wanted to interact with anyone and everyone in the lobby.
My favorite cast member from this little day trip was one that decided he wanted to be in a photo I was taking of the lobby. It was just so sweet. Any time I’ve dined at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, I’ve had exceptional service. Each time I leave, I find myself opening the My Disney Experience app to leave a cast compliment for our server.
I hope this list helps you plan your next trip and convinces you to stay at this dreamy resort. If you’ve stayed here before, do you agree with these five reasons? Also, if you’ve been to the resort before, tell us about your experience in the comment section!
The post The Top 5 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort first appeared on DIS.