Top Twenty Tips for Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Top Twenty Tips for Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Top Twenty Tips for Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort (POR) sits alongside the Sassagoula River in Walt Disney World. As a moderately priced hotel, Port Orleans Riverside is a popular lodging choice with WDW visitors.

Top Twenty Tips for Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort.

Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Top Twenty Tips
Find out my top twenty tips for guests staying at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Twenty Port Orleans Riverside Resort Tips.

Here are my top twenty tips for guests staying at this gorgeous resort:

Splurge on a Royal Room

In March 2012, Oak Manor and Parterre Place mansion buildings debuted Royal Guest rooms. Underneath the royal themeing, guests will notice that the amenities are similar to standard rooms at the moderate resorts.

Yes, these rooms may be a bit too princesss-y for some guests. However, the headboards that burst with a fireworks display add a touch of whimsy that will likely appeal to the whole family. See how many princess mentions your family can find. The beautiful Tiana definitely holds court here.

Royal Guest Room Port Orleans Riverside

Princesses will feel right at home.

Take a Carriage Ride

The rustic ambiance of Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside can be viewed from a horse-drawn carriage ride. For $45 ($55 starting October 1, 2017), you’ll receive a 25-minute ride for up to 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small children.

Make reservations up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Disney's Port Orleans Riverside

Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Hang at the Muddy Rivers Pool Bar

Muddy Rivers is a serene watering spot near the Ol’ Man Island pool. Refreshments are served up by an attentive bartender. Seating is shaded!

Muddy Rivers Pool Bar located at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside.

Sip a beverage at this relaxing bar.

Visit Disney Springs via the Riverboat

The leisurely boat ride from Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside to Disney Springs takes about 20-25 minutes with a brief stop at French Quarter. Operated by the Sassagoula Steamboat Co., the boats along this route sail under a yellow flag. Plus, this ferry service is complimentary!

Sassagoula Riverboat at Port Orleans Riverside.

Float down the river on a ferry boat.

Walk to Port Orleans French Quarter

For additional shopping and dining, take a leisurely stroll around the riverbend to Port Orleans French Quarter.

Of course, you’ll want to get some beignets while you’re there.

Beignets at Sassagoula Floatworks at the Port Orleans French Quarter resort.

Messy but good!

Take Breakfast to Boatwright’s

In the morning, diners can take their quick service breakfast from the Riverside Mill food court to the dining room in Boatwright’s. It’s a quieter, less chaotic location.

Boatwrights Port Orleans Riverside Tables

Eat your quick service breakfast in Boatwright’s.

Look for Hidden Mickeys

I love looking for Hidden Mickeys!

Hidden Mickeys Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Railing

Look closely at the mansion railings.

Hidden Mickeys in Lobby at Port Orleans Riverside.

Look up high for Hidden Mickeys.

Alligator Bayou Room’s Murphy Bed

Families with young children will appreciate the pull-down Murphy bed.

Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Alligator Bayou Room Murphy Bed

Pull down child-size murphy bed.

Stop by River Roost

For musical entertainment, stop by River Roost in the evenings. During the day, this is a quiet place to wait for your Disney’s Magical Express return bus to the Orlando International Airport. For charging your electronics before your departure, look for electric outlets along the wall.

Recommendation: Order an Albita Purple Haze on tap.

River Roost at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside.

River Roost.

Go Fishing

Fishing excursions include fun amenities, including an experienced guide, rod and reel, tackle, artificial and/or live bait, non-alcoholic beverages, and one year BASS (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) membership, which includes 11 issues of Bassmaster Magazine (one membership per excursion).

Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-BASS. Choose between 2 and 4 hour trips!

Walt Disney World Fishing Excursions

Fish for largemouth bass.

Look for seasonal events

The Beignet Dash Fun Run takes place Sundays at 8AM at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. Check-In begins at 7:30AM with a cost of $15 plus tax. You’ll receive a race bib, finisher’s medallion, a small goody bag, and a certificate for an order of three beignets at the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory.

Beignet Dash Fun Run Port Orleans French Quarter

Join in a Fun Run.

Fulton’s General Store

Fulton’s carries necessities such as sundries, rain ponchos, and beverages. It’s also a relaxing spot to browse through the latest Disney merchandise. We love finding resort-specific goodies.

Fulton's General Store at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside resort.

Stop by Fulton’s General Store.

Compare prices! A bottle of Dasani Water was $3.19 in the Riverside Mill food court compared to $3.00 in the General Store.

Online Check In

If you check-in online (and have a MagicBand) before your WDW arrival, you’ll be able to skip the Registration Desk. Watch for a text indicating that your room is ready; I love getting this text!

Room Ready Text Walt Disney World Online check-in

Your Resort Room is Ready.

On our most recent trip (August 2017), we arrived Riverside at 11:30AM. By the time we had lunch and walked around the resort for a bit, we had already received the “Your Resort Room is Ready” text at 10:07AM.

Riverside Mill Food Court

During prime dining hours, it gets crazy in here. Dine early or late for a less chaotic meal.

The pasta dishes here are satisfying. For dessert, get the chocolate cake. When you’re craving a snack or light meal, nosh on the breadsticks with marinara sauce.

The Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside resort.

Riverside Mill.

Bus Transportation

Buses can be a tad bit aggravating at this resort. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside often shares bus transportation with nearby French Quarter resort. Depending on what stop is nearest your building, you may find that exiting the bus at French Quarter and walking to Riverside is quicker. (I’m not kidding.) You’ll also want to line up near the blue line where the motor coach stops for a better chance of finding space on the next bus. This is a large resort and buses can be packed full during theme park rush hours.

Bus Transport Disney's Port Orleans Riverside

Bus Transportation Arrival Times.

Poolside Fun

Fashioned after a Bayou swimming hole, Ol’ Man Island’s pool is a refreshing oasis for adults and kids of all ages.

The pool on Ol' Man Island at Port Orleans Riverside.

Cool off at Ol’ Man Island.

Recreation Calendar

Don’t miss the Recreation Calendar filled with fun activities. Some of your choices include bike rentals, evening campfires, and outdoor movies.

Bike Rentals at Port Orleans Riverside

Go pedaling around the resort.

Elevators

Note that the two-story Alligator Bayou lodge buildings do not have elevators. If this is an issue for your family, request a first floor room or lodging in the Mansion section of the resort.

Port Orleans Riverside Outdoor Stairway Alligator Bayou

Stairway at an Alligator Bayou building.

Disney’s Magical Express

Disney’s Magical Express took about 90 minutes from stepping off the Southwest airplane to arrival at Port Orleans Riverside. We made stops at Old Key West and French Quarter first. The longest wait that we endured was waiting for the bus to depart the airport once we were seated on board. It was about 9:30AM and since we were among the first passengers to board, it took time to fill up the bus. At least we were sitting down!

Bus Queues at MCO for Disney's Magical Express

Bus Queues at MCO.

Our luggage arrived our room 2 hours and 50 minutes after our plane landed. We know because we were just settling in to take a nap; it was perfect timing.

Resort Airline Check-In and Luggage Storage

Resort Airline Check-In was well organized at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. We dropped off our luggage in the morning prior to heading to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Boarding passes were delivered to our room the day prior so we only needed to have our luggage weighed and tagged.

Resort Airline Check In Desk Disney's Port Orleans Riverside

Open 5AM until Noon.

After, we headed to the Luggage Room to store a carry-on bag. Again, service was exemplary.

Why Stay at Port Orleans Riverside?

Stay here for the choice of lodgings — Alligator Bayou or Mansion buildings — giving families two themed options. Also, Port Orleans Riverside boasts prime real estate along the Sassagoula River with the opportunity to take a boat to Disney Springs. With French Quarter around the river bend, Riverside guests get two resorts filled with fun activities within easy walking distance of each other. Book your stay at this WDW moderate resort!

Port Orleans Riverside Resort Tips

Contact Us, Follow Us on Twitter, or comment below to share your Port Orleans Riverside tips.

Ten Walt Disney World Snacks that You’ll Want More than Once

Ten Walt Disney World Snacks that You’ll Want More than Once

Ten Memorable Walt Disney World Snacks

Here’s a quick list of ten of my favorite Walt Disney World snacks. To be fair, there are plenty more that could be added to this scrumptious inventory. For today, I’m sharing ten really memorable snacks that I’ve enjoyed on multiple trips and sometimes more than once during a single WDW vacation. 😉 Kids and kids at heart will want to find their own best-loved eats and sips!

Walt Disney World Snacks

Raspberry Eclair

My new favorite calorie splurge is the elegant Raspberry Eclair at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. Tart and fruity with a white chocolate decoration, I’m not kidding when I say that I’m absolutely craving every gorgeous bite of this treat.

Walt Disney World Snacks - Raspberry Eclair at Amorette's Patisserie.

Raspberry Eclair

Gelato

Choose your favorite flavor of gelato at Vivoli il Gelato in Disney Springs. My pick is always the Piccola Copetta – a choice of two flavors in a cup. My choice scoops? Peanut butter (when available) and chocolate.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter gelato at Vivoli il Gelato

Savor your favorite flavor of gelato.

Gelato from Vivoli il Gelato at Disney Springs

Chocolate and vanilla gelato.

Citrus Swirl

For a Magic Kingdom treat, I head to Sunshine Tree Terrace and dig into a Citrus Swirl. The orange slushie blended with vanilla soft serve is SO refreshing.

Citrus Swirl at Magic Kingdom's Sunshine Tree Terrace

Citrus Swirl

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake

Originally sold at Starring Rolls Cafe, the Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcake has gone through many variations. However you dress it up (Darth Vader!), it’s still chocolate and smooth peanut butter buttercream — and this mixture makes my heart swoon. You can find it now at other locations in Disney’s Hollywood Studios such as Backlot Express.

Darth Vader Cupcake

Join the dark side!

Peanut Butter Cookie

Found packaged as Minnie’s Bake Shop cookies or in Disney World bakery cases, the peanut butter cookie is thick and chewy with satisfying peanut butter chunks. Choose from Peanut Butter or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie at Goofy's Candy Company in Disney Springs

Cookie at Goofy’s Candy Company.

Minnie's Bake Shop Cookies

Minnie bakes awesome cookies!

Chocolate Croissant

I adore the Chocolate Croissant at Gaston’s Tavern. It’s also found at several other locations, including some resort food courts. As a breakfast item, I find this snack decadent — hey, it’s vacation, right?!

Chocolate Croissant at Walt Disney World

Chocolate Croissant.

Frozen Lemonade

For a thirst quencher in the Florida heat, nothing’s better than a frozen lemonade. Also, the Magic Kingdom’s Cheshire Cafe has an amazing frozen slushy – raspberry lemonade.

Frozen Lemonade at Walt Disney World

Super refreshing!

Raspberry Lemonade Frozen Slushy Cheshire Cafe

Raspberry-Lemonade Slushy

Beignets

Port Orleans French Quarter fans are already in the know about the beignets. Get them for a snack, dessert, or breakfast! Of course, they are messy but these deep-fried pastries are worth it. Wear that powdered sugar proudly!

Beignets at Sassagoula Floatworks at the Port Orleans French Quarter resort.

Messy but good!

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

You’ll find this comforting goodness at several quick-service locations in Walt Disney World. I like it with chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream for old-fashioned, simple flavors. Yum!

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich in Walt Disney World

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich – big enough to share!

Peanut Butter Brownie

Nestled in the exotic Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Mara boasts a counter-service menu with some unique items. I’m partial to the Peanut Butter Brownie (yes, I love peanut butter!).

Peanut butter brownie at The Mara

More peanut butter!

I hope you’ll find at least one snack from this list to try on your next visit to Walt Disney World.

Share your memorable Walt Disney World snacks! Contact Us, Follow Us on Twitter or comment below to let us know what to try next!

Walt Disney World Resorts: Preferred WDW Hotels

Walt Disney World Resorts: Preferred WDW Hotels

Planning our Disney vacations always starts with a tough decision: Which Walt Disney World Resorts should we consider?

Since, we’ve stayed at nearly all of the Walt Disney World resorts, we want to help you with this part of your vacation planning. After all, my favorite part of a Disney trip is time spent at the Walt Disney World resorts. I love to shop, dine, relax by the pool with a good book, sip on a Banana Cabana or Pina CoLAVA, and go on walks to take in the resort’s decor. The hotel themes and amenities are an important part of my Disney adventures. Let’s make sure that your family opts for the hotel that suits your budget and other requirements. We’ll start today by exploring some of our preferred hotels at Walt Disney World.

Preferred Walt Disney World Resorts

My husband and son also enjoy staying at the resorts. We’ve selected our preferred Walt Disney World resorts in each budget category — deluxe, moderate, and value. However, we want your family to carefully select the resort that is right for you. For now, let’s explore the resorts that my family finds the most appealing. First up, Michael and I select our favorites, followed by our teen son’s choices.

Walt Disney World Preferred Resorts

Deluxe Walt Disney World Resorts

In the deluxe category, guests at Walt Disney World will find examples of exquisite themeing, convenient locations, luxurious rooms, concierge services, a variety of restaurants, and, the less than fun aspect — higher prices.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

The Grand Floridian (GF) is our family’s favorite resort, thus we’ve stayed here for many special occasions. Our honeymoon, 10th anniversary vow renewal, and my birthday are among the celebrations that we’ve opted to spend (probably too much cash!) at this Victorian-style hotel. At first glance, you may get the impression that this isn’t a family resort. However, there are fun activities for kids of all ages! I love the Alice in Wonderland theme at the splash area.

Mad Hatter Splash Area Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Mad Hatter Splash Area.

Exquisitely appointed with red gabled roofs, it’s reminiscent of Victorian beachside lodging.

Grand Floridian Resort at WDW

Red gabled roofs of Disney’s Grand Floridian

A visit to the lobby to listen to the ethereal music played by the pianist or orchestra is a perfect pastime.

Grand Floridian Society Orchestra. WDW. Grand Floridian.

Listen to the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra

Aptly named, the multi-storied lobby is grand. From the marble flooring to the stained glass rooftop’s domes, no matter how many times we see it, we always find this room jaw-dropping. And then, there’s the grand staircase that I absolutely adore (or the caged elevator) that beckons guests up to the second floor where the monorail, plus additional shops, restaurants, and lovely outdoor decks await.

Monorail access to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot (via transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center), and Disney’s Contemporary and Polynesian Village resorts make this a convenient vacation spot. Plus, there’s the gorgeous marina connecting to Seven Seas Lagoon adding more transportation and recreation options at nearby Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge.

The restaurants live up to the grandness too. Open 24 hours, the quick-service Gasparilla Island Grill is situated with outdoor views of Cinderella’s Castle.

Booth Gasparilla Island Grill Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Booth with a view at Gasparilla Island Grill.

Narcoossee’s, with its prime waterfront real estate, is a fabulous place to dine. It serves up the best steak on property as far as Michael is concerned. 😉

Grand Floridian Resort at WDW. Narcoossee's waterfront restaurant.

Narcoossee’s waterfront restaurant

Rooms are larger than you’ll find at most Disney hotels and they are decorated in luxurious textiles. Views of the inner courtyard, lagoon, and Cinderella’s Castle are all memorable.

All amenities including the spa and pools are easily accessible via lighted garden walkways.

Reserve your room at the Grand Floridian if:

  • your budget is deluxe sized
  • you’ll be spending a lot of time at the Magic Kingdom
  • you want luxury over value
  • you love waterside activities  (Electrical Water Pageant, marina rentals)
  • spa amenities are important
  • an assortment of table service dining is high on your list of requirements
  • you are night owls and want a 24 hour dining location (Gasparilla Island Grill)

Guest Tip: Take a romantic moonlit walk from the Grand Floridian to Disney’s Wedding Pavilion to the Polynesian Village.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

As guests arrive Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the landscaping immediately pulls them into the exotic theme. Relaxation is nearly guaranteed here since the ambiance lends itself to leaving real world cares at the front entrance.

Entering the lobby at Jambo House, your eyes will need to adjust to the low lighting. The dark woods, intoxicating fireside smells, ambient background music, and cozy furniture are welcoming.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby at WDW

Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby

A room with a savannah view isn’t necessary but it does make a stay more fun. Imagine standing on your balcony and watching animals grazing.

Savanna view. Giraffes. Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Savanna view of giraffes grazing

Here, you can explore the large pool area and then venture to the animal viewing areas near Arusha Rock.

Animal Viewing. Animal Kingdom Lodge. Arush Rock. WDW

Animal Viewing from Arusha Rock area

Other than the villas, rooms are smaller than some other deluxe resorts. We think the resort’s theme more than makes up for the lack of personal space.

Animal Kingdom Lodge. WDW. Room.

Exotic decor in room

Dining at Boma for the bountiful breakfast buffet is one of our favorite meals to savor at WDW. This is where we had our first sip of Frunch.

Boma Breakfast. Animal Kingdom Lodge. WDW.

Breakfast at Boma

We also highly recommend the accommodations at Kidani Village. While further removed from some of the resort’s amenities, it offers a pool area that is divine.

Reserve your room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge if:

  • your budget is more deluxe than moderate or value
  • you’ll be spending a lot of time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, especially to explore the new Pandora – The World of Avatar
  • you want luxury over value
  • you love animals
  • spa treatments are important
  • an assortment of table service dining is high on your list of requirements
  • you want to spend time at the pool and prefer shaded lounge chairs

Guest Tip: Ask for a room close to the lobby as the hallways are LONG.

Moderate Walt Disney World Resorts

Moderate resorts are your middle options at Walt Disney World. Not as expensive as the deluxe hotels but not as inexpensive as the value resorts, moderates offer nice amenities such as family-friendly food courts and well-themed rooms. You’ll get queen beds (not the doubles found at most values) too.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter

We have stayed here many times because the resort is absolutely charming. While compact, Port Orleans French Quarter boasts a convenient main building with amenities such as registration, lobby area, store, bar, and a recently updated food court, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. As you stroll the resort, listen to the uplifting jazzy tunes.

The architecture and design details are amazing. We love the wrought iron fences, soft lit lampposts, beautiful fountains, meandering streets and sidewalks, and serene courtyards. Plus, the alluring walkway between Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside parallels the Sassagoula River.

Port Orleans French Quarter. Cobblestone Walkways. WDW

Cobblestone walkways

While the rooms are not large, they are pleasantly appointed and easily accessible from the parking lots or bus stop after a long day in the parks.

Port Orleans French Quarter Room at WDW

Port Orleans French Quarter Room

Access to Disney Springs via the Sassagoula river boats adds to the endearing ambiance of the resort.

Sassagoula Riverboat at Port Orleans French Quarter WDW

Sassagoula Riverboat

Reserve your room at Port Orleans French if:

  • your budget is moderate
  • you’ll be spending a lot of time at Disney Springs
  • a compact resort with less walking fits your needs
  • you like jazz music
  • beignets are one of your favorite treats
  • quick service dining is enough for your resort meals
  • you want parking that may be close to your building

Guest Tip: Take a walk or boat to Port Orleans Riverside for shopping, dinner, or a carriage ride.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Port Orleans Riverside wasn’t on the top of our list until recently. We had stayed several times in the Alligator Bayou section. While these lodge buildings are quaint, the sprawling walkways were tiresome especially since we always seemed to stay here during rainy days and nights. With no elevators, these buildings were inconvenient for our road trips to Walt Disney World. Maybe we just packed too much stuff. 😉

Port Orleans Riverside WDW Mansion

Mansion section, Magnolia Bend, of Riverside.

This year, we opted for a Royal Guest room and thus, were introduced to the Mansion buildings. Although we still had to navigate in some rain, we fared much better this time. We were finally able to relax and take in the resort’s finer aspects: large food court, quaint bar, cozy pool bar, beautiful landscaping, and large store.

Muddy Rivers Pool Bar Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Muddy Rivers Pool Bar.

The real downside here remains the multiple bus stops and often chaotic main depot. However, the Sassagoula Riverboat transportation to Disney Springs is extremely convenient.

Reserve Your Room at Port Orleans Riverside if:

  • your budget isn’t deluxe but you are okay spending more than the value prices
  • you’ll be spending a lot of time at Disney Springs
  • you need to sleep five people in a room (Alligator Bayou rooms accommodate a fifth person with a trundle bed)
  • you want a moderate resort with a table service restaurant
  • the Royal guest rooms appeal to you
  • sharing amenities between the two Port Orleans resorts seems fun
  • watching Yehaa Bob Jackson at the River Roost is on your must-do list
Royal Guest Room Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Royal Guest Room.

Honorable Mention: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Note that this resort is currently undergoing renovations.

Update: We’re moving Coronado Springs down a bit due to the ongoing construction. The Club Level building that we once enjoyed has been demolished to make way for the new tower. Rooms are also under renovation. We’ll need to stay here again before recommending it as a top choice in the moderate category.

Our impression prior to construction: The first time we stayed here, we had mixed feelings as Coronado Springs was different (less quiet) than the other moderates. Different? Well, for one, it has a convention center, which attracts business people and large groups. However, once we gave this resort a second chance we were pleased with the amenities it offers.

We liked the concierge/club level (business class) option as it was available at a moderate price, although it wasn’t a necessary upgrade. Cabanas 9B that housed the club level rooms and lounge has now been torn down.

We still like that the resort offers a room service menu for breakfast and dinner. Pepper Market continues to offer delicious quick service food in a lovely setting.

The resort is well-themed in Spanish-Colonial architecture with soothing background music as well.

El Centro at Coronado Springs WDW

Exterior of the resort’s main building, El Centro.

While the walk from your room may be lengthy, the lake and surrounding landscaping are beautiful (or were before construction took hold). The rooms with dark woods are transforming too. Renovated rooms have a lighter, sleeker and more modern atmosphere; we can’t wait to try one.

Coronado Springs Room WDW

Coronado Springs Room Before Renovation

The Dig Site pool has a great slide, lots of lounge chairs, and even some shade!

Dig Site Pool, Coronado Springs at WDW

Dig Site Pool

Let us know your recent experiences at Disney’s Coronado.

Guest Tip: Spending most of your down time at the pool? Request a room near The Dig Site.

Value Walt Disney World Resorts

What do we love most about the value Walt Disney World resorts? First, the lower costs, and second, the food courts. When we check into a value resort and see our room account balance, we are always amazed by the low bill. These resorts are instantly appealing when you can vacation at Walt Disney World for the fraction of the cost of a deluxe hotel on property. Stay at a value if you won’t be spending much time in your room. While Pop Century is being renovated and adding queen beds to the updated rooms, the other value resorts still have double beds. Note, however, that All-Star Music has a suite option.

Disney's Pop Century Renovated Room.

Renovated room with queen bed.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

While we tend to waver between Pop Century, Art of Animation, and All-Star Music, we’re giving Pop Century top billing now due to the renovated rooms. What we like most about them? The queen bed! Check out all the memorabilia and great photo-ops!

Pop Century Walt Disney World Potato Heads

Great photo ops at Pop Century!

What else does Pop Century offer? Well, convenient bus service, for starters. Plus, the food court has ample seating and some unique offerings.

Reserve Your Room at Pop Century if:

  • a smaller hotel bill is a high priority
  • you’ll be spending a lot of time at the parks
  • you don’t mind having to take a Disney bus (or you have your own car) to all WDW destinations
  • there’s no need for a table service restaurant at your resort
  • the new queen bed/trundle bed rooms appeal to you (note: while refurbishments are on-going these rooms are not guaranteed)
  • two food courts (including the one at Art of Animation) would be helpful to your dining needs
  • a hotel with fun photo ops, themed food, and nostalgic decor sounds fun

Guest Tip: Take a walk around the resort to read the trivia. Plus, head over the bridge to shop or dine at Art of Animation.

Pop Century Bridge to Art of Animation. WDW.

Bridge from Pop Century to Art of Animation

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

As we mentioned above, All-Star Music is one of our favorite value resorts. And we still think a lot of fun can be had here. We really think All-Star Music is a hidden gem.

All Star Music Resort Pool at WDW

All-Star Music Pool

The themed areas, background music, charming outdoor lights, and well-groomed landscaping make this resort seem more moderate than value. Well, until you enter the room. Yep, the rooms are still small and motel-like but for an affordable visit to WDW, we think All-Star Music is a pleasing option.

Guest Tip: You can easily walk to the other All-Star resorts (Sports and Movies) from All-Star Music. It’s fun to explore the different shops.

Nic’s Picks of Walt Disney World Resorts

As you’ll see below, Nic’s picks are quite similar to ours but they’re not exact. Here are the top resort choices from a 17-year old teen who has stayed at nearly all of the resorts. He also mentions briefly why he chose each hotel.

Grand Floridian – architecture and atmosphere

Contemporary – walk to Magic Kingdom, monorail, rooms are very nice

Contemporary Resort. WDW. Walk to Magic Kingdom

Easy walk to the Magic Kingdom

Disney's Contemporary Resort at WDW. Monorail.

Monorails going through the Contemporary Resort

Walt Disney World Resorts. Contemporary Resort Room.

Contemporary Resort Room

Port Orleans French Quarter – atmosphere, themeing, boat to Disney Springs

Caribbean Beach – food court, Pirate room

Pirate Room at Caribbean Beach, WDW

Pirate Room Prior to Refurbishment

Pop Century – convenient bus transportation, food court

Pop Century Bus Transportation. Walt Disney World Resorts

Epcot Bus at Pop Century

All-Star Music – theme

Swimming Pool All-Star Music Resort Walt Disney World

Swimming Pool All-Star Music Resort

What are your favorite Walt Disney World resorts? Where do you hope to stay on your next (or first!!) WDW visit?

The Holiday Aesthetic at Walt Disney World

The Holiday Aesthetic at Walt Disney World

Only a few short days until New Year’s Eve, and I’m already exhausted from the seemingly never-ending holiday preparations. Additionally, I am struggling with keeping my immune system from crashing given that everyone around me (including my wife!) has been or is getting sick. It generally isn’t Christmas for me unless I have some sort of upper respiratory ailment. 😉

This time of year, however, does provide me with an opportunity to reflect upon something I am going to term as the Holiday Aesthetic at the Disney Parks.

Cinderella's Castle is adorned with Dream Lights during the holiday season.

Dream Lights on Cinderella’s Castle

Holiday Aesthetic at Walt Disney World

Having experienced a dozen or so excursions to WDW during the holiday season, including one at Disneyland, I am keenly aware that the look and feel of the parks and resorts is strikingly different from November through early January.

WDW Holiday Aesthetic. Main Street is decked out in garlands and wreaths during the holiday season at WDW.

Garlands and wreaths on Main Street, Magic Kingdom.

Aesthetic as a noun indicates the presence of a set of principles governing the idea of beauty at a given time and place or underlying and guiding the work of a particular artist.

Aesthetic as an adjective apparently can refer to the study of the mind and emotions as they are related to a sense of beauty or the appreciation of beauty.

From my perspective, the Disney Holiday Aesthetic can and should be inclusive of both definitions.

At Disney's Wilderness Lodge, the Christmas tree is stands tall in the resort's lobby.

Christmas Tree at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

There can be no doubt that from their inception in the 1950’s, every design detail related to Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe has been planned from a specific set of principles. Those initial principles are very clearly Walt’s. It might be debated as to how much of those principles remain as the Disney company has moved past the millennium, but that is a topic for another day.

A gingerbread carousel greets guests at Disney's Beach Club resort.

Whimsical Gingerbread Carousel at Disney’s Beach Club

The specifics of the look and feel of the Disney Parks and Resorts has been studied and extensively written about in various mediums for decades. Frequently, these musings make mention of individual perceptions and emotions as they relate to the appreciation of architectural design and seasonal decor.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmastime Parade at Walt Disney World

Holiday Parade

I am a Behavior Analyst and concerned with human behavior that is objective as well as measurable. For this reason, The Holiday Aesthetic of WDW for me is difficult to operationalize. However, I am keenly aware that it is something tangible that has always affected me in a visceral manner.

Biergarten in Epcot's Germany pavilion is a great place for a holiday meal

Enjoy a holiday meal at Biergarten

Here are a few more visually represented quintessential examples of the Disney Holiday Aesthetic from my perspective.

The Magic Kingdom is bedecked with holiday decor.

The Magic Kingdom’s Holiday Decor

During the holidays, Port Orleans French Quarter adds gorgeous decor.

Port Orleans French Quarter

Christmas Tree at Disney's Grand Floridian resort.

The Grand Floridian’s Tree

Now you can save on MVMCP Tickets: Save $7 on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket!

What are your favorite holiday decorations at the WDW Parks and Resorts?