When it comes to Walt Disney World Resort hotels, I often use old terms for them. That is a personal problem, I know. I often must correct myself quickly after using the wrong term. For example, I still call one set of hotels on Walt Disney World property, Dixie Landings. In case you are unaware, Dixie Landings now goes by the name Port Orleans Resort. Port Orleans Resort contains two sections. The smaller resort hotel is known as Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter. The more spacious resort is called Port Orleans Resort- Riverside. I suggest five reasons people love the “Riverside” version.

1. Beauty Everywhere

This resort hotel offers some of the most beautiful areas on property. Since you are near the river, you can enjoy that view. The buildings offer beauty in their design. The walkways create a pleasant experience soaking in the plantation theming. As you would expect, the landscaping looks great. Taking a stroll around this spacious resort hotel could calm your senses. The beauty reminds you that you are on vacation.

2. Riverside Mill Food Court

This food court offers some of the best variety in terms of food for the entire family. As you might expect, you can get burgers, pizza, sandwiches, salads. However, you also can also acquire pasta dishes, seared salmon, buttermilk chicken, gumbo, and even shrimp & grits. Of course, this serves as food court level food, but you can stay here for a week without running out of options. Still, for those of us with soft drink addictions, the $20 unlimited “length of stay” refill cup makes my heart sing.

3. High Quality Resort Activities

This moderate level resort provides guests with many reasons to enjoy their time here without even visiting a theme park. The on-site children activity options are numerous and the large number of pools and activities provide good value for your money. They roast marshmallows each evening and you can even get one for free. Of course, if you want a full campfire experience, you can pay for chocolate and graham crackers. Riverside also functions as one of the only two Walt Disney World Resort hotels to offer carriage rides around the facility. These cost $55 and can be scheduled via the My Disney Experience app.

4, Yehaa Bob Jackson

If you are unfamiliar with Yehaa Bob, he plays piano at the River Roost Lounge. This bar area provides some of the best free entertainment on Walt Disney World property. This generally happens on Wednesday through Saturday evenings starting around 8:30pm. Come for a visit on those nights. You will thank me later. As Disney says, Bob will entertain with boogie-woogie musical stylings and comedy playing Disney standards, songbook classics and kid-friendly ditties.

5. Dedicated Boat Transportation to Disney Springs

One of the main reasons I selected to stay here revolves around the boat ride to Disney Springs. In fairness, this boat ride travels slowly and will not run during bad weather of course. However, the dedicated boats from here to Disney Springs create a great perk. If you are taking a day away from the park, this relaxing boat ride adds to the value of staying here. Also, you could check in and then enjoy an evening at Disney Springs. If your flight home leaves late in the day, you can easily take the boat transportation to Disney Springs to enjoy the last part of your vacation at Disney Springs.

For the record, the list of reasons could have been longer talking about the theme within the rooms and the excellent lobby area. This moderate level resort hotel offers many solid reasons to love it. Sure, this place fails to be perfect. Yet, it makes a solid moderate resort on-site at Walt Disney World. Let us know if you ever enjoyed staying here.