Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter

A Great Surprise During The Day and Into The Evening

One of our Disney sources told us that Disney has the ninth largest boat fleet in the world. We’re not certain if this is legend or fact, but I do believe it’s possible! Throughout Disney World there are connected waterways and lakes, as well as closed lakes. Many of the resorts, some of the parks and Disney Springs are on them, and some have boats that guests can ride for free for transportation purposes.

 

Some of the Disney transportation boats are open-sided with a covering over the top, and we really enjoy riding those. Whenever possible, we choose them over buses, as they’re a pleasant way to enjoy the nature of Disney and take in some great views while getting to your destination. The boat ride from Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter to Disney Springs and back is particularly pleasant. It passes through the woods for much of the ride. You can see one of those boats in the photo to the above arriving at Port Orleans Riverside.

This boat ride represents just another start of a great “free” Disney Adventure

In taking this journey you can start out at Disney Springs, with it’s free parking and access, or from the Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter Resort.  The Riverside and French Quarter are actually two resorts that are side by side and part of the total Port Orleans resort area.

If you want to start out at Disney Springs you need to go all the way to the NorthEast end of the “springs”, just beyond the Rain Forest Cafe to catch the boat.  If you want to start out at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort, you must have other business to do at the resort to park there for free. When you arrive at the resort in the afternoon or early evening on Wednesday through Sunday, you can just state you are going to See Yehaa Bob Jackson and you will be entered into the area.  If you are staying at another Disney property resort you can also enter by showing your virtual key.  But dining at the Resort, or even going to take the carriage ride are other good reasons for entry.

Let’s Begin At the Port Orleans Riverside Resort

 

This is a beautiful resort done in the style of the great homes and resorts along the Mississippi River.  There is ample parking close to the main lobby.  In addition, valet parking is free for handicapped individuals.  Once you enter the lobby there is a great River Roost Bar and Boatright Dining Hall right there.  This is a taste of the south and of New Orleans style cooking.

 

Once you leave the lobby and go outside you will see the carriage ride that goes through all of Port Orleans. There is a charge for the carriage ride, but it has a very romantic touch through this beautiful resort (without all the traffic as found in a similar carriage ride around Central Park in New York City).  A cool early evening ride is the best.  For a great tour of the resort, Resort TV1 has given a view of all that can take place and enjoy.

From here you can go down to the dock and catch the boat over to Disney Springs.  This is a nice long boat ride with views of the French Quarter, Sarasota Springs and all of Disney Springs.  Upon unloading you will be at the NorthEast corner of Disney Springs.  You can spend the day and the evening there and never run out of entertainment, food or shopping options.

See the separate blog on Disney Springs.

 

Returning To Port Orleans Riverside Resort – The Day’s Not Over Yet!

Your boat ride back is relaxing and fun.  People on the boat could be exhausted from walking around Disney Springs or could be in the continual party mode that they started at Disney Springs.  Either way it is a relaxing journey back to the Resort.  Once you get back to the Resort the free activities continue.

If you haven’t seen the French Quarter yet.  This is a good change to see that resort as well.  Below is a video done by Resort TV1 on the French Quarter and what all there is to see there.

YeHaa Bob Jackson Show at Port Orleans Riverside Resort.

On the pathway from the food court to the lobby is a bar that features performances by YeHaa Bob Jackson on Wednesday through Saturday (most weeks).  He does one long performance starting at 8:30 PM and going on until 11:45 PM.  There are a number of people and reviewers that state that YEHAA BOB JACKSON IS THE BEST PERFORMER AT WALT DISNEY WORLD.  His show is family oriented and sometimes borders on being adult entertainment.  However, he is the type of fun performer you want to see at Disney.  Below is a clip taken with my sister Janice’s cell phone.

 

Scat Cat club in Port Orleans French Quarter

If you are looking for more Adult entertainment is a great French Quarter atmosphere, the Scat Cat Lounge is just the place. Unwind in this Southern-style jazz lounge amidst music memorabilia that’ll get your toes tappin’! The full bar serves specialty cocktails, draft beer and a lip-smacking list of appetizers to nosh on while listening to live music.  The music is usually there on Friday and Saturday night but check the schedule, sometime performers could be there from Wednesday to Saturday.

 

This is one of the least known free activities at Disney World, and one of the best discoveries one can make.  Combine this with your Disney Springs visit and you will have a spectacular day.