Hi Susan,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I am thrilled that you brought this question to us!
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside and
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter are my favorite Walt Disney World
Moderate Resort hotels. They are both gorgeous properties with lovely landscaping. With the
Royal Guest Rooms, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside feels like Princess Tiana is just around the corner stirring up a nice pot of gumbo. I absolutely adore the elegant decor in these rooms.
This resort captures the beauty and spirit of New Orleans with stunning serenity. On my last visit, I was attending a conference and our conference transportation departed from Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter. The walk along the river to the transportation location was quite peaceful. Even when we returned in the afternoon, I always felt like the calm of the resort embraced us. Since the two resorts are so close, we dined and enjoyed the pools at both. Of course, we had to venture over to Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter to the
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory for some beignets. For dinner, my favorite restaurant is Boatwright's Dining Hall located at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside. I love that this fabulous restaurant is located at the resort hotel and accepts advanced dining reservations. The Riverside Mill Food Court was quite good as well. I particularly enjoyed breakfast!
After enjoying some of those beignets, I am sure you would enjoy a dip in the pool at Ol' Man Island. The rustic waterslide is delightful. Although I have not yet taken one, the horse-drawn carriage rides looked so relaxing. The
Camp Fire on de' Bayou and
Bike Rentals also might interest you.
As much as I adore this resort, I always must point out that it is expansive. So, choose your room location carefully. I always find a resort map online and select a building near the dining hall so that when we need to eat, it is not such an endeavor to get there. I loved the Magnolia Terrace Building. It was an easy walk to the main pool and dining area yet far enough away that I appreciated the quiet location. Since this resort is so expansive, you will also need to allot plenty of time for transportation to and from the theme parks. The resort offers bus transportation to the theme parks and
water transportation to Disney Springs.
Susan, my husband and I spent our honeymoon at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter and I remember walking the paths through both resorts after the craziness of planning a wedding and getting married, so these resorts always seem to make time stand still. We started our lives together there and now, 20 years later, I still cherish the joy that comes from this very special place. No matter what occasion you may celebrate while visiting, I trust that you will love Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside.
Magic and memories,
Donyell