Here’s Why We Wish Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts Would Reopen

Dear Disney World,

We have a request. Just one small, simple ask of you:

Please, please, please re-open the Port Orleans Resorts. 

Photo: Disney

You’ve opened just about every deluxe resort. You’ve given us three value options. 

When it comes to moderate resorts, though, there are only two options! We’re pretty much losing sleep over this.

Photo Credit: DisneyFanatic.com

So we need Port Orleans. Right now. And here’s why:

We love the location.

There are two Port Orleans Resorts: Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter.

Photo Credit: PortOrleans.org

Both resorts sit along the Sassagoula River and offer boat service to Disney Springs.

This is a major perk for guests planning to take advantage of the shopping and dining options here.

We love the theming.

Photo: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside

These resorts are beautiful. From the Sassagoula River to the beautifully landscaped grounds, you will be enveloped in Southern charm.

At Port Orleans – Riverside, you’ll find the “Magnolia Bend” and “Alligator Bayou” sections.

Magnolia Bend is themed to resemble southern mansions with white columns and picturesque gardens.

Alligator Bayou buildings are themed as backwoods-style cottages that bring forth the rustic feel of the rural, bayou regions of the south.

Looking for a room fit for a prince or princess? Then your family will love the Royal Guest Rooms located in the mansion buildings.

At Riverside’s sister resort, Port Orleans – French Quarter, guests will feel like they’ve entered the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans.

You’ll walk down cobblestone street lined with gas lamps, and you’ll be greeted by wrought-iron balconies and magnolia blossoms. 

Image Credit: Disney

We love the size.

Another bonus of these resorts is the size of the resorts, specifically Port Orleans – French Quarter.

Whereas the grounds of Riverside are on the larger side, French Quarter is small, quaint, and easily navigated.

Photo: Undercover Tourist

No matter the room category, it’s a short and manageable walk to the main lobby, quick-service location, and bus stop. 

French Quarter is the only moderate resort that isn’t immense. That’s a huge perk in our book!

We love the rooms.

Did you know that these resorts feature refurbished rooms? That’s right! 

Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter underwent room refurbishments a while back. But it looks as though the rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside are also upgraded! 

Disney’s website now shows renovated rooms for both French Quarter and Riverside.

We’re big fans of the hard flooring, so we enjoy that all Port Orleans resort rooms have done away with the carpeting.

We love the pools.

The Port Orleans Resorts have great pools! Best of all, these pools are accessible to guests of both Riverside and French Quarter!

Photo: Disney

Have you ever wanted to slide down a giant sea serpent? Well you can at French Quarter! The Doubloon Lagoon makes you feel like every day is Mardi Gras! 

You might also like Ol’ Man Island at Riverside. This water area features a rushing waterfall and a 95-food waterslide.

But don’t forget the splash pad! This aquatic play area opened in 2016 and is perfect for little ones who love splashing around in the water. You can find it at French Quarter.

We love the food.

Beignets, anyone?

Yep. You can order Mickey shaped beignets at Sassagoula Floatworks Food Factory on the French Quarter side. They are so good!

Over at Riverside, you can enjoy the Riverside Mill Food Court. Or you can make reservations at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, which we think is a hidden gem in the table service dining category.

We love Yehaa Bob.

Please tell us you’ve heard of Yehaa Bob Jackson! He is famous all over Disney World, but especially at Port Orleans!

Yehaa Bob was furloughed last year, and we really miss him. He is famous for his piano playing and singing at River Roost, a cozy club at Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside.

We love the price point.

Source: PortOrleans.org

We think the Port Orleans Resorts come in at a good value in the moderate resort category. Pricing typically falls between Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach Resorts. 

So, Disney, please re-open Port Orleans! We cannot wait to stay here again!

Source: PortOrleans.org

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