Port Orleans Resort- Summer Fun Series

How do I start with Disney’s Port Orleans Resort? All I can say is WOW! Let me put it this way.. it took me probably 30 minutes to even realize that the “French Quarter” and “Riverside” are part of the SAME resort!

When we walked in, I noticed a boat coming up. So, I decided to jump on, not exactly knowing where it was going to take us. The sign said Riverside or Downtown Disney. So, I initially figured Riverside was the same resort and we went for it. However, when the boat docked, I looked around and thought, Dorothy we’re not in Kansas anymore! Everything looked completely different.

So, Eli and I jumped back on the boat and went back to the French Quarter. We then proceed with our exploration of the Port Orleans Resort, still wondering where Riverside came in the mix. But, then we notice on the map, Alligator Bayou, the Fishing Hole and Ol’ Man Island. And, I thought, now this is where we want to go!

But, as we’re walking alongside the water, I notice it’s the same way we had just went on the boat. Then I came to the sign (see below), which points one way to Riverside and one way to French Quarter. I quickly realized my first thought was right and immediately wished I had done a little research on New Orleans before coming. Because, any good Cajun could have told me Riverside was part of New Orleans. 😉

I was just in awe, because I couldn’t believe how big this place was! Well if that’s not entertaining enough, the story gets even funnier. On the map, there is a BIG green oval that says Alligator Bayou on the complete opposite end of where we started out. So, all through our travels, we are looking for “Alligator Bayou”, to see some Gators!! We’re walking…. and walking….. and walking, all through absolutely gorgeous scenery. But, no gators.

So, I finally asked somebody if there is really an “Alligator Bayou” at the Port Orleans Resort. And, he kind of laughs and says, no that’s just the name of the rooms! He then proceeds to tell me that somebody said they thought they saw an alligator though. Well big whoopty doo! I wanted to tell this guy that alligators are everywhere in Florida and we see one everyday in the ponds by our house. And, what we were looking for were dozens of them, kind of like Gatorland style!! Which if you haven’t been there before, it’s a must see!

Oh well.. altogether, even though we didn’t get to see our gator friends, the Port Orleans Resort was absolutely stunning!! Definitely one of our favorites so far!! [pinit]