Port Orleans, Riverside and French Quarter alike, is a super cute resort. The theming is adorable and pretty immersive just like Disney usually is. We stayed at Riverside about a year ago and had a pretty good time, but it was definitely a mixed bag.
Use this pros and cons list to consider whether or not staying at Port Orleans is for you!
Use this pros and cons list to consider whether or not staying at Port Orleans is for you!
First, the Pros:
- Reiterating -- the ambiance of the resort is great. If you plan to spend a lot of time at the resort (rather than in the parks, for example), then this is a big plus.
- The food is very decent, and priced about the way you'd anticipate.
- The pools at both Riverside and French Quarter are really neat. But again, the value of this is dependent on whether you'll be spending your time in the parks or at the resort.
- There are several bus stops across the whole resort which makes getting to one pretty easy no matter where your room is.
- Some of the buildings and rooms are GORGEOUS. Between this and theming, you probably get the most "beauty" for your "buck" staying at Port Orleans.
- The entertainment, Yehaa Bob at Riverside, is awesome.
- The biggest potential con -- if you aren't going to be spending several hours enjoying what the resort really has to offer, then you aren't going to fully experience the ambience, the pool, or the entertainment. You really would probably need to dedicate the greater part of a whole day to get your money's worth in that sense. You have to take the time to explore the resort, you have to go to Yehaa Bob's show, etc. If you do plan to set aside the time for getting the most out of the resort, then forget about this con
- The resort is HUGE. Now, this could have some positives (if you plan to jog along all the paths maybe?), but by and large this is actually kind of a drawback. It means that depending on where your room is, you are a 10 minute walk away from your dining options.
- The buses make this list as well... While it's not hard to get to a bus stop, getting on a bus is a different animal altogether. RS and FQ share buses, and the drivers always seem to take the same route. So if the bus fills up after the second stop, the folks at stops 3 and 4 are going to be waiting for the next bus -- assuming IT doesn't fill up after the second stop AGAIN. Honestly, we've had much better luck at other resorts with the buses.
- While some of the buildings and rooms are beautiful, as of a year ago there were many still in need of a face lift. Our room, for example, basically looked just like a room at Pop Century but with a prettier vanity and headboard. Now, there's NOTHING wrong with Pop Century (it's one of our favorite resorts for a whole slew of reasons actually, but that's for another post!), but if you're going to be paying 2-3 times as much money then you should be getting a room that is 2-3 times better, right? After seeing the beautiful pictures of some of the rooms and buildings at Port Orleans, you may find yourself very disappointed if you end up staying in a less spectacular one.
"Bask in the grace of the Antebellum South when you stay in the white-columned "mansions" at Magnolia Bend, featuring elegantly landscaped grounds, arched walkways and stately fountains." Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Final Tally: This resort has a +2 rating on the pros/cons scale, and could be rated even higher depending on your priorities.
Closing Thoughts:
Closing Thoughts:
- Port Orleans is a gorgeously themed resort with excellent entertainment, arguably the finest on property relative to the cost. If you plan to spend ample time at the resort, that is to say you plan to spend a significant portion of your time not in the parks, then Port Orleans would be an excellent choice for your stay.
- Tips to get the most out of Port Orleans:
- Splurge on the Royal Guest Rooms if they are available, especially if you have kids. They are among the cutest and most magical rooms on property, and well worth the small nightly upcharge from the standard room. If this isn't super important to you, ask about it at check-in! You might get a deal if they have some that aren't filled.
- Getting to the parks in a timely manner from this resort can be an issue. We would suggest either driving yourself (you get free parking if you stay on property, so don't worry about this expense) or taking an Uber (just take a bus back at the end of the day).
- If long walks are an issue for anyone in your party, make it clear at the time of booking and again at check-in. This person would not enjoy their trip if they ended up in a room very far from the main resort building (as happened to our poor Grammy when we stayed here).
- Go see Yehaa Bob! Time for a reality check: The guy isn't getting any younger and is one of the most talented entertainers at Walt Disney World. Seriously, everyone loves him. He is a living legend. Someday you're going to feel really sad if you missed out.