Port Orleans — Riverside

Port Orleans Logo

I recently spent three nights at Walt Disney World – each night in a different resort. I experienced a value (Pop Century), moderate (Port Orleans Riverside), and deluxe (Wilderness Lodge Villas) resort. I did this so I could update some of the pictures on Allears.net and to gain information in order to write reviews.

But before I start discussing Port Orleans Riverside, I’d like to share with you some of the general differences between resort categories.

The first interesting fact is the “room charging privileges” afforded guests. In each case, I secured my reservation with the same credit card. In the value resort, I was told I could use my room key to charge up to $500 to my account. In the moderate resort I could charge $1,000 and in the deluxe $1,500.

There was definitely a difference in the quality of the toilet paper and the thickness of the towels between the budget and deluxe resorts.

The deluxe room offered shampoo, conditioner, and body scrub. The budget and moderate resorts only provided shampoo.

And of course, room size. The more you pay, the bigger the room.

Okay, onto Port Orleans Riverside.

Construction started in the fall of 1989 and the resort opened on February 2, 1992 as Disney’s Dixie Landings with 2,048 rooms. On April 1, 2001, the resort merged with the nearby Port Orleans Resort. Dixie Landings was renamed Port Orleans – Riverside and what was Port Orleans became Port Orleans – French Quarter.

From this point forward, I will refer to the resort only as Riverside.

Riverside%20001.jpg

The Riverside Resort harkens back to the old south of the 19th century. The place? Somewhere along the Sassagoula River. Sassagoula is an Indian word for Mississippi. A small town has sprung up along the river’s banks and both the wealthy and common folk have populated the surrounding area. This was a graceful era when jawin’ with your kinfolk on the front porch with a mint julep in hand was the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon.

Your stay begins underneath the porte-cochère where bellmen can help you with your luggage and direct you to the check-in desk. Also in this area is the Airline Check-in counter. At departure time, those guests using American, Continental, Delta, United, JetBlue, US Airways, AirTran and Southwest can check their luggage and receive boarding passes at this location and skip the hassle found at the airport.

Porte-cochère

Airport Check-in

Check-in takes place inside the Sassagoula Steamboat Company building. This area was designed after the inside of an actual riverboat. Check-in time is 3pm. If you check in early, you can make arrangements for the front desk to call you when your room is ready to be occupied. Bell Services will be happy to store your luggage until that time.

Check-in Counter

Be sure to check out the ceiling in the check-in area. Circling the room are a number of cities serviced by the Sassagoula Steamboat Company.

Ports of Call

Located off the main lobby is Fulton’s General Store. In addition to the typical Disney souvenirs and clothing, snacks, sundries, magazines, and baby products are available. This shop also has several animated Disney characters worked into the displays.

Fulton's General Store.

Fulton's General Store.

Fulton's General Store.

Next to Fulton’s is the River Roost Lounge. This cozy location offers overstuffed chairs and an inviting fireplace. If you want to mingle with others, have a seat at the bar and strike up a conversation with fellow vacationers and the friendly bartenders.

River Roost Lounge

River Roost Lounge

River Roost Lounge

But the best thing about the River Roost Lounge is “Ye Haa” Bob Jackson. This hilarious guy performs Wednesday through Saturday from 8:31pm to midnight. To call his show a sing-a-long would be a misnomer. It’s more like a bunch a friends getting together for a toe-tappin’ good time. Familiar songs, antics, and audience participation fill the evening – and kids are more than welcome.

I can’t recommend this show enough. Bob has a loyal following and to many, a trip to Walt Disney World without seeing his performance is unthinkable. Plus, the show is free! There is no cover charge and no minimum drink order. So even if you’re not residing at the Riverside Resort, I strongly urge you to head this way one evening during your stay for a knee-slapping good time.

If you’re looking for a quieter, more intimate moment, check out the River Roost Lounge on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday evenings. This establishment is open daily from 4pm until midnight.

I have put together a five minute video featuring some of the highlights of “Ye Haa” Bob Jackson’s show. This will give you a good idea of what’s in store.

The River Roost Lounge is also a good spot to wait for a table to open up at Boatwright’s Dining Hall next door. This restaurant is fashioned after an old ship building facility and actual tools of the trade line the wall. The center piece of the restaurant is the under-construction “New Orleans lugger.” Lugger boats were used to haul cotton up and down the Mississippi River in the 1820s. This authentic reproduction was built by the Brewer’s Ship Yard with plans secured from the Smithsonian Institute. Other sections of the restaurant feature a more intimate atmosphere complete with fireplace. Boatwright’s can seat 208 guests.

Boatwright's

Boatwright's

Boatwright's

I wrote a review of Boatwright’s Dining Hall in July 2008 and you can read it by clicking here. Boatwright’s is open only for dinner. The hours are 5pm to 10pm. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

The other dining option at the resort is Riverside Mill Food Court. This eatery was themed after an old Southern cotton mill and features a cotton press powered by an authentic 35 foot water wheel. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner from five stations and offers a wide variety of options. Everything from pizza, pasta, hamburgers, chicken, custom-made salads, and outstanding carrot cake are offered. In addition, a selection of beer and wine are on hand. I’ve had a number of meals here over the years and have always been pleased.

Breakfast is served from 7am to 11am. Lunch and dinner from 11am to 10pm. The bakery is open from 6am to midnight and a limited night menu is available from 10pm to midnight. The seating area can accommodate 450 guests.

A word of warning”¦ I ventured into the Riverside Mill Food Court around 10am on the morning of my visit. I have never seen such an onslaught of people. The line at each food station had between 15-20 people waiting to order – and the lines at the cash registers were similar. I strongly suggest dragging yourself out of bed early to avoid this madhouse unless you really enjoy standing in line and eating cold food due to the long wait to pay.

Riverside Mill Food Court

Riverside Mill Food Court

Riverside Mill Food Court

Riverside Mill Food Court

The Medicine Show Arcade, located in the Sassagoula Steamboat Company building, offers kids, big and small, a chance to lose themselves for a while in electronic magic. The arcade is open 24 hours a day.

Medicine Show Arcade

Medicine Show Arcade

When you stand back from the main buildings of the resort, you can see that they are designed to look like a small town along the river.

Town along the River

Town along the River

In the mood for a little recreation? Then head over to the Riverside Levee. A number of boats, bikes, and surreys are available for rent by the hour and half-hour. In the evening (6:00-9:30), 25-minute carriage rides are the perfect way to enjoy the resort’s ambiance. The carriages can hold four adults or two adults and three children.

Riverside Levee

Carriage Rides

But for me, nothing beats seeing this resort by foot. Numerous walkways pass by manicured lawns, through the woods, and along the Sassagoula River. It’s very easy to forget you live in the 21st century while strolling along these pathways. Your imagination can effortlessly transport you back to a simpler time. Be sure to notice the leaf imprints in the pavement. These were made by pressing real leaves into the wet concrete and removed once the cement began to set.

Resort Pathways

Resort Pathways

Resort Pathways

Resort Pathways

Resort Pathways

Another wonderful feature of the Riverside Resort is the boat service between here, Port Orleans French Quarter, and Downtown Disney. Service begins each day at 10am and ends at 11pm. The two and a half mile river offers a lovely and relaxing way to travel and the boat ride is an attraction in its own right. I especially enjoy this journey at dusk. The river takes on a whole new magic at this time of day.

Boat to French Quater and Downtown Disney

Legend has it that Ol’ Man Island was settled in 1835 by a young man. This retreat became his home deep in bayou country. As the years passed, a nearby town was settled and prospered. Eventually, the children of the settlers discovered the island and the many wonders it presented. Today, a number of activities can be found here for the young and young at heart. Everything from a fantastic swimmin’ pool, playground, and fishing hole tempt guests.

The pool (12,980 square foot and containing 158,000 gallons of water) offers numerous waterfalls and fountains along with a great slide. Towels are available at the Ol’ Man Island pool. However, the “quiet” pools do not offer this service and you will need to bring them from your room. If you need more, just call housekeeping and they’ll be happy to replenish your supply. There are plenty of lounges, tables and chairs scattered around the pool – some in the sun and some in the shade. Children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult while in the pool area.

Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool

Pool Slide

Pool Table and Chairs

Playground

At the Fishin’ Hole, cane poles and bait are available for some leisurely recreation. Catfish, bass, and bluegill are just waiting to nibble at your hook in this stocked section of the river. Also available are two-hour guided fishing adventures down the Sassagoula River in a pontoon boat. Twenty-four hour advance reservations are required for this event.

Fishin' Hole

Fishing Boat

Need to cool down after a long day in the parks? Check out Muddy Rivers Pool Bar for a cold beer, frozen Margarita, or soft drink. This shady spot is the perfect place to unwind and relax.

Muddy Rivers Pool Bar

While on Ol’ Man Island, be sure to check out the giant live oak tree (Quercus virginiana) located on the back side of the swimmin’ hole. On Earth Day, April 22, 1991, this tree was transplanted to the island. Months of preparation and three days of effort were required to move this 85 ton tree from an area located in what is now Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Giant Live Oak Tree

The guest rooms at the Riverside Resort are divided into two sections, Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. Each section has 1,024 rooms. Although furnished differently, the rooms are all the same size and configuration (315 sq ft). Most rooms sleep four in two double beds; however there are a number of rooms that offer one king. Almost half of the Bayou rooms offer a trundle bed (extra charge) enabling you to accommodate another child. Both resorts feature “quiet” pools that may be closer than Ol’ Man Island and definitely more peaceful. Ice and vending machines are plentiful and self-service laundry facilities are available at each quiet pool.

The rooms at Magnolia Bend have been cleverly incorporated into what looks like stately plantation mansions that were once plentiful throughout the old south. Here, grand staircases, stately white columns, and intricate railings create a regal atmosphere befitting a wealthy gentleman and his lovely lady. The grounds have been planted with azaleas, oaks and magnolias with the occasional fountain to be found within the manicured lawns.

Magnolia Bend

Magnolia Bend

Magnolia Bend

Magnolia Bend

Magnolia Bend

Magnolia Bend

Magnolia Bend

Magnolia Bend

Alligator Bayou is located in “cajun country” and features small cottages or “villages” that would be indicative of the rural bayou regions of Southern Louisiana. Once again, numerous guest rooms have been cleverly incorporated into large, weathered wood buildings with tin roofs. The buildings’ massive size has been ingeniously masked by the numerous trees and vegetation that encircle each structure.

Alligator Bayou

Alligator Bayou

Alligator Bayou

Alligator Bayou

Alligator Bayou

Alligator Bayou

Here are several pictures of the interior of a bayou room. Although Disney is currently replacing all of their tube TVs with flat screen models, the room I stayed in had not yet been changed over. Note, the shower and toilet area has a door; however the vanities can only be separated from the bedroom with a curtain.

Alligator Bayou Room Interior

Alligator Bayou Room Interior

Alligator Bayou Room Interior

Alligator Bayou Room Interior

Alligator Bayou Room Interior

Other room amenities include high-speed internet access ($10 daily fee), safe, iron, ironing board, refrigerator, coffee maker, and hair dryer. Disney is also promoting “green” behavior. On the back of the room door is a sign asking you to check that the television and lights are turned off, to make sure the faucet isn’t dripping, and suggest that you use your towels an extra day.

Keep it Green

Transportation to the four theme parks and Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon is available via Disney buses. Four bus stops are positioned around the resort for your convenience.

Bus Stop

Port Orleans Riverside is a physically large resort. Some rooms are definitely further from the Sassagoula Steamboat Company and its facilities than others. If mobility is an issue for you, be sure to note this when you make your reservation and again when you check in.

I like this resort. And I’d have a hard time choosing between staying at Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. Both are unique and offer so much beauty in entirely different ways. The elegance of the “mansions” is compelling, but the simple charm of the Cajun cottages beckons as well. There is no wrong choice. No matter where you stay, you’ll fall in love with is graceful resort.

I have created a nine and a half minute video covering most aspects of the resort. Since I know someone will ask, the music selections are as follows: Let the Rain Pour Down (from Disney’s Song of the South), Shenandoah, and Banjo Clog. Enjoy.

Related Links:

Port Orleans Riverside FAQ
Port Orleans Riverside Photo gallery
Port Orleans Riverside Reader Reviews

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60 Replies to “Port Orleans — Riverside”

  1. This review is so informative, even almost a decade later! I’d love to see it updated, but perhaps I’m not looking in the right place and that’s already been done. Either way, the detail and history of this resort is rich and compelling. If I were not already booked here then I’d wish I were! This review just further served to excite me for my visit!

  2. When you book a room at Port Orleans Riverside, can you specify that you want a Magnolia Bend room? I’m not a Alligator Bayou type of girl? I really don’t want them choosing for me. Thanks!

    Jack’s Answer:

    You can REQUEST a room a room in the Magnolia Bend section, and Disney will do all that they can to honor that request, but they will not guarantee this section. You should make your request at the time of your initial reservation and then again when you check in.

  3. Are you allowed to pool-hop between Riverside and FQ? Thanks for all your wonderful, informative blogs!

    Jack’s Answer:

    Yes. You can pool hope between the Riverside and French Quarter. They are both part of the Port Orleans resort.

  4. Wonderful report, Jack.
    We stay at POR every time we visit WDW.
    I don’t want to stay at the Value resorts and I cannot justify the cost of the Deluxe resorts although, I think I would prefer the better tp. I swear next year I will tote along my own roll of Charmin, hehe

  5. ahhhh….just re-read this blog and now I know why I miss Disney World so much! POR is my absolute favorite place to vacation. Thanks for all of your hard work on these great blogs.

  6. Jack,

    First of all I’m leading with the fact that this will be my first time staying at Riverside (we stayed at Caribbean Beach when I was a kid and eventually transitioned to the All-Stars from 1995 and beyond–as an adult I’ve only stayed at Movies, Music and Pop) so I’ll most likely be reading this blog a billion times and bombarding you with comments (sorry).

    For now my question is do you know if you can do the Sassagoula Cruise one way to Downtown Disney OR can you only do it round trip from Capt Jack’s Marina?

    Kait

    Jack’s Answer:

    The boat that travels between Downtown Disney and Port Orleans is meant to be transportation. You can most definitely take it one way.

  7. Just a quick question Jack, we have an ADR for Boatwright’s while on our next trip. We would like to get there by parking at Downtown Disney and then taking the boat along the Sassagoula River. Is this possible if we are not staying on Disney property? We thought this would be a nice way to get to see Port Orleans Resort.
    Thanks in advance for any info you can give us and keep up the good work with your wonderful blogs.

    Jack’s Answer:

    Good news. You do not need to be a Disney guest to enjoy the boat ride along Sassagoula River. I love this journey. It’s extremely peaceful and relaxing. Have a great time!

  8. Jack – love the blog. We’ve stayed @ many resorts over the years including Pop (most recently), AKL, Allstar Sports & Movies. Got spoiled with AKL. Thought we’d try a moderate this time. With your help I think Riverside is the way to go. I’ve researched the Disney web site, allears (my favorite hands down), and PORS website trying to decide. The size of the resort & transportation issues worried me, I won’t lie. But your blog has helped me put that aside and take a chance on what I believe will be a wonderful stay @ the World. Thank you.

  9. Thanks Jack,
    Great information as usual. We have a family of five, and have been contemplating PO Riverside. This helps a lot. My wife and I stayed in one of the mansions in 2001, and loved it. It will be a nice place to unwind after a busy Disney day. Can’t wait for next year.

  10. Great Info! I had one question, though. Do POR & POFQ share a bus system, or are they separate now? Thanks!

    Jack’s Answer:

    Sometimes. It depends on how busy the resorts are. I slower times the buses are generally shared. In busier times, the French Quarter has its own bus.

  11. Wow! Can’t believe I missed this one.

    Jack, I can’t say enough about the food court at Riverside. We always try to end our weekend Disney trips with dinner at Riverside, and did so just last weekend.

    They have a station there where you can get cooked-to-order pasta, and it’s as good an any we’ve had at much ‘fancier’ places. We love it.

    Absolutely great writeup, and I was blown away by the video of the singer! We’ve got to check that out.

    Cheers. JH

  12. Our family of 5 have visited WDW 7 times and going again in July but only 4 of us this time. We have stayed at POR every time, we just love the resort!!! This resort just makes us feel right at home.

  13. Jack – I couldn’t agree more!!!! I will be arriving with my family in 3 days our first time sharing Riverside with our 4 and 2 yr old boys. WE love this resort!!! 4th time we will be staying here and its a great place to escape from everyday life. I have always loved Mark Twain and this resort makes you feel as if you have stepped into one of his novels!
    Jim B.

  14. Jack,

    As usual another great blog–thanks! My family and I have stayed at Riverside and French Quarter and enjoyed both. I was sad to learn that the Boatwright’s Dining Hall no longer serves breakfast (as of February 2009). In the past we’ve had some awesome Banana-stuffed French Toast there. That said, with some of the current discounts that Disney World is offering, a Room at either Port Orleans resort may be just a few dollars per night more than a room at the value resorts. And as you noted so well, with the great walking/jogging path between Riverside and French Quarter, the Surrey rentals, the Sassagoula Riverboat to Downtown Disney and the available carriage rides (etc.), this moderate resort has a lot to offer. And I’d better not forget Bob Jackson–you can’t get his show anywhere else!

    Neil

  15. Jack,

    You mentioned that “There was definitely a difference in the quality of the toilet paper and the thickness of the towels between the budget and deluxe resorts.” But were these bathroom items at the Port Orleans closer to the value resort in quality or closer to the deluxe? It is a personal thing, but I am curious.

    Thanks for your detailed review and photos!

    Jack’s Answer:

    I intentionally did not mention the towels and TP at Port Orleans because by the time I stayed there (third resort in three nights), my senses were on overload. And even though I made a conscious effort to make this determination, I couldn’t. I just couldn’t decide. But my gut told me that they were closer to the budget resort.

  16. Wow! I have a new love for Riverside. I’ve been toying with the idea of staying there and this help me decide. I can’t wait to actually get there! You do an amazing job!

  17. WONDERFUL video! Absolutely loved it! I wish my “home movies” were that good! LOL!
    I believe we have stayed here three times in the past and have always been in Oak Manor. I truly love this resort. It is one of our favorites because it is so peaceful and like others have posted you can escape the “high intensity” Disney for a while but you still know you are IN Disney. It was nice to see the Alligator Bayou from the inside out. Thank you so much! Keep the videos coming!

  18. Okay, Jack! It must be a rough life…getting to stay at Disney resort after Disney resort…:-)

    You have gotten me so excited. We will be staying at POR in July for the first time! We stayed at PO French Quarter last year and loved it, and thanks to your blog about POR, I know we are going to love it, too!

    Thanks for a great Friday night read on the back porch…I am sure I will have sweet dreams of Disney tonight!

  19. What a wonderful tour – descriptive copy, endearing photos and a memorable video. I just had to share your “world view” along with mine. Thank you for bringing us all such great stories.

  20. WOW JACK YOU DO KNOW HOW TO HIT A HOMERUN ! THE “PORT” IS MY DVC. REFUSE TO STAY ANYWHERE ELSE. MY BUDDY BOB JACKSON ALWAYS BRINGS A SMILE TO MY FACE.THREE OF MY FAVORITE CASTMEMBERS WORK @ THE PORT . JOHN & HOLLY IN RIVER ROOST LOUNGE & JOANN @ BOATRITES . THESE PEOPLE ARE MEMBERS OF OUR DISNEY FAMILY & WE MUST SEE THEM EACH TRIP ALONG WITH BOB.

    MY BEST , DUSTY

  21. Thanks — I love the entry and the video! Beautiful job!

    And perfect timing — I am just this week getting photos into the albums for our December 2006 visit to Port Orleans Riverside.

    (Yes, I know I am a bit behind — but it, along with Jack’s blog, gives me a great chance to relive my vacation!)

    Thanks again!

    Liz

  22. My family stayed at POR three years ago and we are headed back in October! When we decided to plan our second trip, there was no question that we would return to Riverside (we even requested the same room-fingers are crossed). It is a beautiful, peaceful resort and we couldn’t have been happier with the ease and convenience of every aspect! Great food court, beautiful grounds, fun (uncrowded) pools, ease of transportation…etc! We didn’t even mind the walk to busses or the food court, as the grounds are such a treat in themselves-especially with the soft music piped in throughout! This trip, we plan to take advantage of even more time relaxing at the resort, and hopefully even a horse and carriage ride! Thank you for the wonderful pictures and video-we are more excited than ever for October!!!

  23. This Was the first Resort I stayed at when we started going to Disney. Now I have a hard time saying yes to a different resort. I Really do love the simple beauty of Riverside. I have had the privilege of staying at other resorts even in the deluxe category that I don’t like near as well as Riverside. For some reason I think It is just Positively Perfect in every way.

  24. Jack

    I’ve been a long time reader, but this is the first time I’ve commented. My wife and I stayed at Port Orleans Riverside for our honeymoon, which was our first trip to Walt Disney World. We absolutely loved the resort, and when we came back the following year with my family we decided to try the French Quarter. It was nice as well, but Riverside is still our favorite. Maybe we’re biased since it was our honeymoon, but it is so rich in theming, so beautiful, and so relaxing we wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again. Thanks for bringing back so many nice memories.

  25. Jack,
    What a great blog! We absolutely loved the video. We stayed at Riverside in November and we absolutely loved it. We were in the Parterre Place section and everything was just beautiful. Disney does a great job of making you feel “grand” when you are in those areas. The landscaping was beautiful. We all loved the boat ride to Downtown Disney- what a relaxing way to enjoy a differnt aspect of Disney. Yes, the buses do stop at both Riverside and FQ, but even in November during Thanksgiving, everything ran smoothly and there was never much of a wait. Thanks again for great memories- can’t wait for our next trip in a few weeks- (this time we’re trying AKL)

  26. Hi Jack. Great blog, again! We have AP’s and have used the discounts to stay at Movies, POP, Caribbean, FW Campground, and POR. Of the five,POR is, agreeably, the most beautiful and we loved having the trundle bed. However, we did have some issues. First, smoking areas are everywhere and people light-up even where they are not. My family gets sick around cigarette smoke and we couldn’t take a walk without having to hold our breath. Second, when we went last year the buses went to both POR and FQ. It took close to an hour or more to get to or from the parks. (POP has only one stop and the All Stars buses mostly only stop at the individual hotel. At worst they are only three stops.) Caribbean is, though, our least favorite. The walks to the bus stops and the resturant were very long. Our Verizon cell phones had no signal in our room. And, they did not have Root Beer at the drink refill stations. Still, though, despite all of this, we love staying at Disney and will continue as long as we can work it out. Thanks for listening (er, reading).

  27. Hi Jack. Thanks for doing a report on this hotel, it brought back good memories of our stay. I agree with you, both areas have their charms. I asked for Alligator Bayou and ended up at Magnolia Bend and loved it. The river view from our balcony with the sounds of the boats going up and down it completely relaxed me after a day at the parks. The food court’s selection of food, woodsey, cool interior and water wheel outside made it my favorite fast service resort restaurant so far.

  28. Hi Jack,

    Thank you for your wonderful blog on riverside. This is my husband and I favorite resort. It makes me sad that we will be staying at the All Star Movie Resort (kids favorite) in a few weeks. We stayed in the Alligator Bayou section with the trundle bed in November. Worked great for our family of 5. Although our room wasn’t very clean, we still enjoyed our stay. Our favorite rooms are the Magnolia Bend section. The grounds are so beautiful there.

  29. Great videos! And yet again, you’ve brought up something I’ve never heard about–the “Yee Haw” Bob Jackson show. As always, good job and thank you!

  30. Thank you very much, Jack, for the beautiful video. My friend and I are staying at POR in September for 10 days, for our first trip to WDW, and we are VERY excited. Choosing a resort was hard, but this video makes me believe we chose the right one for us! Your blogs are always fantastic and have been a great tool in planning this vaction. Thanks again.

  31. Another great blog, Jack! I had stayed at this resort in 1997 when it was still Dixie Landings and I absolutely loved it! Your blog gave me a chance to relive some of those wonderful memories and beautiful surroundings. Thanks!

  32. Riverside is our favorite resort! We have stayed there 18 times and still counting. Never miss Bob Jackson and never miss going to Muddy Rivers Poolside Bar to see our favorite bartenders Lee and Ken. We love the pictures and video you took. Makes me homesick for my home away from home.

  33. Thank you for the great info on this resort! Great video! My sister,2 neices and myself will be staying at POR next week! Now I am even more excited about our trip! Thaks again!! 🙂 Have a magical day!!! 🙂

  34. Thanks for the great review and the nice memories.
    My family had gone to WDW a few times before but my Mom, Dad and I stayed here in 2000 and it was the very first time we stayed on Disney property. We knew it was probably my Dad’s last trip to Disney so we decided to splurge. We stayed at the Magnolia Bend section and thought it was just so beautiful. We were only going to stay a couple of days but liked it so much we extended our stay for a few more. We were right near one of the quiet pools and had it mostly to ourselves, and were amazed at the huge food court and the variety of foods. My Mom was amazed at how pretty the rooms were. I have stayed at many of the other resorts since (the POP and the AKL are great) but I think the next time I go to WDW I will go back to this one… for old times sake.

  35. Jack, thank you so much for this incredible review. My first visit to Disney World will be in June and I’m so excited. We will be staying at Riverside, and your review, photos, and videos have increased my excitement ten-fold. I’ll be 55 in July, and thought this might be my only visit, but I can see how one wants to come back again and again. Thanks again! Incredible!

  36. Jack –
    This video sure brought back memories. We have stayed at POR and POFQ and love them both. They are so charming. We loved POR and spent many evenings wandering the lovely grounds. I agree with you; the boat ride to Downtown Disney is a wonderful excursion. For years, when my boys were little, they thought it was another “attraction”! 🙂 We may have to take a break from staying at the Grand Floridian and plan a stay a this wonderful place again.

  37. Jack,

    This will be my family of 5 very first trip to Disney World ever.We are staying at alligator section, and this video makes me feel great about our choice. Thank you so much for doing this, and WOW what a great job.I think that I am excited more than anyone, and I am 38 years old..

    Shane Walker…..

  38. We stayed at riverside for a week in August 2009. My daughter and I surprised her 2 kids with the trip. My grandson celebrated his 9th birthday while we were there. We really enjoyed our stay. I am semi-handicapped and rented an ECV for the length of our stay. We we in building 18 at Alligator Bayou. we were close to everything and I had no trouble getting around. Cannot wait to return. Thanks for your video.

  39. Perfect timing, Jack! We are off to WDW in 30 days staying at POR for the first time. I LOVED POP last trip and was worried that POR would just be too much- but thanks to your blog, I think it will be a different kind of favorite resort for us! Now I am REALLY excited to be on our way! Thanks for the video!!

  40. This is by far our favourite resort. We always stay in the Alligator Bayou section. We’ve stayed at All Star Music, Riverside, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge but Riverside is the one we all call home.

    Thanks so much for the pictures and videos. We love Bob Jackson. You ended your video right at the point we always have to leave with the kids (American Pie). You’re right, a trip to Disney requires a visit to see Bob.

    We’ll use this blog from now on to show people why they should stay at Riverside.

    The Crober and Howarth families

  41. Hi Jack,
    Your videos were lovely and we have stayed at Riverside and the French Quarter and we like the smaller FQ so that is where we will be staying in Dec. When we stayed at Riverside we were far out in the woods!

  42. Jack Jack!

    I finally watched the 9 minute video. What a joyous presentation you put together.

    I especially loved the water elements – i.e. the boat ride.

    Kudos my man.

    Maybe next time you can toss in a carriage ride, too.

    Thanks again.

    Dave

  43. Port Orleans Riverside was the second on-property hotel I stayed in, and the first that I stayed in for a length of time. We stayed in Alligator Bayou because we have five people and needed the trundle bed. It was absolutely fabulous, and it holds a special place in my heart. When taking a walk in the evening, it’s hard to believe that you’re in the middle of WDW because it’s so peaceful and quiet.

    Thanks for bringing back these memories with your fabulous pictures, Jack!

  44. Your video is so beautifully done, made me fall in love with Port Orleans Resort all over again!! Enjoyed yur blog post today!!!

  45. as far as the bus transporation service, approximately how long does it take to get to the various theme parks from riverside?

    Jack’s Answer:

    It takes the bus about 8-10 minutes to stop at all four stops within the resort. From the resort it takes about 10 minutes to get to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, 12-13 minutes to get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and about 15 minutes to get to the Animal Kingdom. The buses depart approximately every 20 minutes.

  46. Jack-

    Thanks again for another excellent blog post! You bring the Magic to me when I’m outside of the World 🙂

  47. hey jack
    thanks for another great blog. My family and I have always stayed in value resorts in order to save money however, being that Port Orleans is a moderate resort it looks absolutly beautiful. Maybe one year I can experience this resort for myself. Can’t wait for your next blog and as always keep up the great work.

  48. Have stayed here twice and at French Quarter twice, back in the day when it was Dixie Landings we joked that this resort were the “Dixie Dorks” because the bus would pick us up at Franch Quarter and if not full, would go onto Dixie Landings.
    Now they both have their own buses. Such a nice resort filled with great sights!
    Once again all the DETAILS that Disney puts into it to make you feel like you have been transported to the Old South.
    Thanks again Jack!

  49. Jack, great job as usual. My family of 5 stayed at Riverside – Alligator Bayou last November. It was our first trip to WDW. We loved it, and your blog brought back a lot of great memories of the resort.

    We are planning another trip this fall and I think Riverside will be our destination. Because there are so many great things to do at the resort, we want to spend a day at the resort. No parks that day, except for Epcot for dinner.

  50. We love Port Orleans Riverside – it’s one of our favourite resorts. We always stay in Alligator Bayou. My parents are visiting The World with us in 2012 for the first time, and we’re planning splitting the holiday over two resorts, with one of them, definitely being Riverside.

    Cara
    Portsmouth, England

  51. Hey Jack,

    Thank you for writing about my favorite WDW resort! Although I haven’t stayed at many of the resorts, “Dixie Landings” is by far my favorite.

    The peacefulness is unprecedented. Like you wrote, you truly feel like you are in another time. When I was younger, I remember eating breakfast at the Riverside Mill and being captivated by the huge wheel outside the window. LOVE this place!!

    -Kirstin

  52. Jack Jack!

    Awesome stuff!

    This is one of the few resorts we haven’t stayed at, yet. Do you like it better than Caribbean Beach?

    Jack’s Answer:

    Absolutely!

  53. Hi Jack – thank you for the wonderful blog. It makes me happy and sad at the same time. Happy to read about my most favorite place in the world, and sad knowing that I won’t get back there for a while. I don’t know what I would do without your blog and the allears website. Thank you so much, enjoy your summer!

  54. Hi Jack,
    Love this blog entry! My hubby and I honeymooned at Dixie Landings 17 years ago this month–we still can’t get used to calling it Riverside. So, no wonder it’s one of our favorites. I even have a Dixie Landings pin that I purchased there way back when; I’m waiting for it to become a priceless collectible. : ) I love this resort because you can lose yourself in the atmosphere and landscaping and decompress from a high-intensity theme-park experience. Because you can’t see any other park or huge feature from another hotel, the theme of the resort can play itself out uninterrupted; very relaxing! It’s just delightful!
    Diane

  55. Jack, this was excellent. Being a DVC member we don’t get to see the other resorts. I really enjoyed the video, alot!!

  56. Thanks Jack yet again for a great post – this time about my favorite resort. You made me miss it and I can’t wait to return. It’s my home away from home!

  57. That brought back good memories! I love your videos. You should have a DVD compliation available.

  58. We have been to The World twice. We stayed at All Stars the first year, and Riverside the 2nd. Because we are a family of 5, Riverside was perfect with the trundle bed. We have already decided that on our next trip we will be staying at Riverside. There is a reason why this resort gets high marks on just about any website you visit. It is very relaxing and carefree. And the scenery is beautiful! And while it doesn’t scream Disney, like All Stars, you know you are at a Disney resort from the meticulous attention to detail, and the great service your encounter. I would recommend Riverside to anyone visiting The World.