Port Orleans Riverside Review

Continuing with the theme of last week's post is today's review of Port Orleans Riverside. Last week, I discussed the ins and outs of Coronado Springs as a runDisney host resort just incase you missed it! :)

Port Orleans Riverside is by far my favorite moderate resort. My husband and I stayed here for our honeymoon and have stayed here several times since.

We love the overall theming and the atmosphere of this place! :)

The lobby is gorgeous! Disney did an awesome job with the design, colors, and southern decor! 

As mentioned POR is a runDisney host resort for many races (check the runDisney website because host resorts vary by race).

A few fun facts about Port Orleans Riverside:

• Broken up into two themed sections - Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend
• A boat to Downtown Disney is available as an alternate mode of transportation
• POR hosts a variety of activities throughout the day including fishing, boat rentals, carriage rides, the even celebrate Mardi Gras!
• Performing at the River Roost lounge, Wednesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 p.m. until is Yeehaw Bob. We attempted to see him on our last trip but it didn't work out (I hear he's hilarious!)
• Four bus stops are located throughout this resort.

As mentioned above, there are two themed sections of rooms at POR, Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. I've stayed in both sides and have to say that I much prefer the Magnolia Bend side vs Alligator Bayou although they are both beautiful. Magnolia Bend is much closer to the lobby/food court area. Our room in Alligator Bayou was in the very back corner of the resort (what gives? guess it's my luck!) and it took a good 15 minutes to walk to the food court/front of the resort. Every time I've stayed here since, I've called and requested a room in Magnolia Bend and my request has been granted.You can also prevent this happening to you by booking a preferred room or a Royal room!

Disney literally wants you to get the feeling that you're staying "down home on the bayou"...I definitely love the overall theming of this resort!

The rooms in Alligator Bayou are themed with the Princess and the Frog decor (I LOVED that part)!

 If you look close, you can see Tiana and Prince Naveen in frog form in the middle of the bedspread!

Louie! 

 This room was a king bed room and housed a pull down murphy bed beneath the TV.

The Magnolia Bend side is themed to look like plantation homes. If you've been following my blog for a while, you know I love to visit plantation homes so this area is right up my alley! 

This was a regular 2 queen bedroom in the Magnolia Bend area. 

During our Honeymoon, we even took a horse drawn carriage ride throughout the resort and LOVED it!

 Gosh we look like babies!! Haha!

A couple of dining options are located throughout Riverside (I love their foodcourt) including table service and quick service options!

• Boat Wright's (table service)
•  Riverside Mill (quick service - includes pasta dishes which are awesome before a big runDisney race!)
  

I love running through Port Orleans Riverside in the early morning! The views are spectacular!

Speaking of running, Port Orleans Riverside is a great place to log those miles!  Two paths are offered - the trail around POR is 1 mile and the trail that includes POFQ is about 1.7 miles. I've run both and loved them!  

Two pools are also available here - the main pool which is located on Old Man Island and a several quiet pools located throughout Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. 

Disney even got their plants correct! I love the azalea bushes that are located throughout the resort! These are very popular in the south (I have a few in my front yard)!

Remember that boat I mentioned as an alternate mode of transportation to Downtown Disney?

 We love to take it! Although it definitely drives at a slower pace, it's a nice relaxing way to sit back and enjoy the sights of the Sassagoula River!

Overall, I love this resort! It's definitely one of my all-time favorite places to stay and a resort that holds a special place in my heart and always will! I can't wait for our next trip (Princess 2016)! It's almost time for the planning to begin!!

If you'd like more information on Port Orleans Riverside as a whole, activities available, or any general knowledge of the resort, check out the Unofficial Guide to Port Orleans Riverside! I've used this website as reference for many trips in the past! 

Have you ever stayed at Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter? What are your thoughts?