When Nicole and I booked our first Two Moms and a Mouse Trip last August, “Where shall we stay” was the first question that arose. Of course we both would have loved to stay at a deluxe but we knew moderates were a more realistic budget decision. We chose Port Orleans Riverside, this is Nicole’s favorite moderate resort. I had never been but heard and read many wonderful reviews, so I was ready to experience a new layer of Disney.
As we entered the lobby doors to check in we were greeted by a light and airy welcome of pale yellow walls accented with white trim, dark woods and garden green wrought iron. The lobby was like a depot for the east and west wings which were the River Roost, The Riverside Mill Food Court, Registration, Fulton’s General Store, and The Medicine Show Arcade. I really liked this layout, spacious and a one stop shop, so to speak.
While we were being checked in my eyes wandered the room. There were huge paddle fans on the ceiling, crystal chandeliers and Nicole spotted a “Mickey Head” way up high.
I was anxious to get back to the car to search for our momentary magical dwelling. We were on search for Magnolia Terrace; I relied on Nicole since these were familiar stomping grounds for her. We parked and unloaded our luggage which was full of important park essentials, character shirts and mouse ears! We were off on foot to find our door; there were many stairs to climb (this is where a deluxe resort elevator would have been nice). I will spare you the details of our wrong twists and turns before we finally found our door, but no sooner did that door open, so did a bottle of wine ~ Cheers to our new venture Two Moms and a Mouse!
Now we were off to discover new uncharted territory, resort hopping! We found our way to the docks and boarded a boat and headed down the Sassagoula River.
When we returned from our many adventures, some planned, some impromptu, we decided to sit by the pool to have a little girl talk and soak our tired feet. We chose the quiet pool in our complex; it was very serene in the moonlight. There was a pergola at the far end with large potted pants sporadically placed about. It was the perfect atmosphere to unwind with my new found DBFF (Disney Best Friend Forever).
Our meals were eaten in the parks except for our last day when we dined on breakfast fare; it was your typical moderate resort offerings. The dining area in the Riverside Mill was very spacious and had a large seating area. The ordering/purchasing area resembled a barn, very organic looking. I rather liked this space; it gave off a comforting at home feeling. Next to the Riverside Mill is the River Roost Lounge, where Yeehaw Bob Jackson plays his untamed piano and a table service restaurant, Boat Wrights.
One rather late evening returning from Epcot we decided we must have some beignets; we had read via social media these were a must if staying at Port Orleans. We were dropped off at the French Quarter side of town and found our way into their Food Court; WOW! How different it was! I have to say, it made me a bit uneasy with all the gargantuan hanging paraphernalia, but I focused on the beignets being made in front of me. OK, we were off with beignets in hand for our walk back to Riverside – walk you ask? Yes, we walked back to Riverside; I know- what were we thinking? We weren’t- that is what happens when woman get an idea in their head, especially when it involves food. I dragged my listless body down the streets of French Quarter, not a soul was to be seen, no Mardi gras party going on here. I glanced up through my sleepy blurred vision; the streets of French Quarter were very pretty. There were tall buildings with wrought iron looking balconies attached; I could imagine beaded necklaces being tossed to me – of course for showing off my best assets- MOUSE EARS! I literally didn’t think we would ever make it back to Riverside, I was so afraid Mousekeeping would find me laying on the walkway early the next morning – wait! – It was already the next morning! Well, we did make it back to our room and you know what? Those stinken beignets were not even worth it, they were just plain old fried dough balls – ugh wasted calories. Off to Neverland, our heads hit our pillows within minutes and not even a Mickey Mouse was stirring by that time.
The next day was one of gloominess, not because it was raining- except for the tears that streamed down my cheeks. I had to say goodbye to Nicole and to Mickey and to Walt Disney World. We haphazardly packed our belongings and headed out the door – Good bye momentary magical dwelling. We said our goodbyes to one another, Nicole drove away and I rolled my luggage back to Riverside’s main lobby. Along the way I walked as slowly as I could, stopping to take some photos. We had spent all our time in the parks so I was not able to explore this beautiful terrain. I checked my luggage with the kiosk outside the lobby and went exploring a bit more. I made some new friends in Fulton’s General Store gift shop, lovely ladies who keep things looking just beautiful in there. I grabbed a Mickey bar to go and sat on the bench awaiting the Magical Express – though I wasn’t feeling as magical as I would of liked but I sat with a heart full of happiness, it was a great journey ~
~Maureen