Hi Connie!
A Carriage Ride at
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside, on Christmas night, sounds just heavenly! What a fabulous plan you're putting together for your family's vacation!
Your best dinner options that evening would include dining locations in Epcot or Hollywood Studios. In Hollywood Studios, I'd highly recommend Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano to please the whole family. In Epcot, Coral Reed would keep your children mesmerized by floor-to-ceiling ocean life while you dine. After dinner in the park, board a bus to Port Orleans Riverside.
Other alternative locations for dinner could also include
Boatwright's Dining Hall at Port Orleans Riverside or even one of the many
Dining Options at Downtown Disney, which is just a short boat ride down the Sassagoula River from the two Port Orleans resorts. If you choose to dine at Downtown Disney, board the boat for the short ride up to Port Orleans Riverside.
Given the age of your youngest, I'd suggest dining first and then heading off to enjoy the carriage.
After you've enjoyed your carriage ride, your best route back to Disney's Art of Animation Resort would be to take the boat to Downtown Disney and then board a bus directly to Art of Animation.
Christmas Day dining will be popular, so be sure to start reviewing menus now and then make your
Disney Dining Reservations Online as soon as you reach 180 days from arrival at Walt Disney World Resort!
Thanks for visiting the Moms Panel with your great question.
Wishing you a simply Magical time as you celebrate the holidays with your family at Walt Disney World Connie!
Kirsten