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January 2019 Recreation Activities and Movie Schedules

Posted Friday 4th January 2019, 5:56am (EST) by The Sassagoula Sentinel

The January 2019 Recreation Activities and Movie Schedules for Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter are now available. See the main Recreation Activities Schedules page for full-size printable PDF versions.

The main feature swimming pool operating hours are currently 10am—8pm. These hours are enforced and the feature pools are gated and locked when there are no lifeguards on duty, however the five Riverside leisure (quiet) pools are generally available at any time, within reason.

Movies Under the Stars will be screened at 7:30pm on Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Riverside, or Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at French Quarter. Note: the Riverside movie screenings are now being shown on the pool deck area near to building 95 (between Parterre Place and Oak Manor).

Evening Campfire Activities will take place from 5:30pm-6:30pm on the same nights as the movies at French Quarter, and Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Riverside. You can roast marshmallows for free, or you can optionally purchase full s’mores kits, all in the warm glow of a night-time campfire.

Some other specific activities to watch out for (on select days, see schedules for details):

  • “Beignet Dash” Fun Run ($) (French Quarter, 8am Sundays) — Craving beignets? Join us on Sunday Runday for a quick 1½ mile dash around the Resort. Complete your race with a tasty beignet! Check-in begins at 7:30am on the Riverwalk between Building 5 and Doubloon Lagoon Pool and the run begins at 8am. Be sure to share your photos with the hashtag #FQBeignetDash. Cost is $15+tax, including three beignets and a souvenir “medal”. To reserve your spot, please call 407-WDW-PLAY or visit the Concierge Desk. Note: There will be no Beignet Dash on Sunday 4 November due to the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon being held on the same day.
  • Disney Trivia Night (Riverside, Tuesdays 8:30pm-10pm) — Looking to show off your Disney Trivia skills? Join us on Tuesday nights at the River Roost Lounge from 8:30pm to 10:00pm for some fun and exciting competition!
  • Wine Glass Painting ($) (French Quarter, 4pm—6pm Saturdays) — Join us in Scat Cat’s Club from 4pm to 6pm on Saturdays for an instructor-led wine glass painting experience! Throughout the class, you’ll have the opportunity to paint two Disney-themed wine glasses to take home! The class will also include a complimentary glass of wine for all Guests 21 and older, or a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage for Guests under 21 to enjoy. Please call 321-347-0750 to reserve your spot. Registration is limited to 16 Guests per week. For ages 12 and up. [Cost is $50, which includes two painted glasses and one drink]
  • Painting on de’ Bayou ($) (French Quarter, 6pm—8pm Wednesdays) — Learn to paint at at Port Orleans French Quarter! Join us in Scat Cat’s Club on Wednesdays for an instructor-led painting class to design your own take-home masterpiece. Our instructor will help you walk away with a painting you’re proud of, whether you’re a beginner, an expert or somewhere in-between! The class is for guests aged 12 and up, and costs $35 per person, plus tax. Registration is limited to 16 guests per evening, please call 407-WDW-PLAY or visit the Concierge desk for additional information or to reserve a spot in the class. Share your masterpiece with the hashtag #PaintingOnDeBayou.
  • Painting at the Roost ($) (Riverside, 5pm—7pm Mondays) — Drift on down to the River Roost Lounge for our instructor-led wood sign painting class. Relax while you paint your own piece of charming southern décor, accompanied by a beverage of your choice and light bites. Ages 12 and up. Space is limited. Stop by the Riverside Levee Marina or call 407-934-5405 to reserve a seat!
  • Back Porch Games (Riverside, 12pm—1pm Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays) — Bring the family down to the Back Porch of the Riverside Lobby for some fun in the sun. These giant games will be a blast for everyone!
  • Arts & Crafts ($) or Mickey Tie-Dye T-shirt decoration ($) — Explore your creative side with themed poolside arts & crafts / Create your own Mickey Tie-Dye shirt to commemorate your Walt Disney World Resort vacation (cost is $18+tax, including the T-shirt).
  • SassagoulaSelfie Scavenger Hunt (Riverside, 9am—5pm daily) — Grab a map and join in on an exciting selfie scavenger hunt around Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. To get started, visit the Riverside Levee from 9am—5pm. Be sure to share your selfies with the hashtags #SassagoulaSelfie and #PortOrleans.
  • French Quarter Winter Wonderland Snowflake Scavenger Hunt (French Quarter, daily) — Port Orleans French Quarter has been sprinkled with magical snowflakes, and we need your help to find them all! To join in on the flurry of fun, visit the Front Desk to pick up your clue guide. Find all of the sparkling snowflakes and turn in your completed clue guide to the Front Desk to collect a frosty surprise!

Live Evening Entertainment

No visit to Port Orleans Riverside would be complete without spending an evening in the company of the legendary “Ye Haa” Bob Jackson at the River Roost Lounge, playing 8:30pm—midnight four nights a week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Note: Bob will be on vacation from 7-12 January, returning to the Port on his regular nights from 16 January.

Port Orleans French Quarter’s Scat Cat’s Club does not currently have "official" resident musicians, but filling the gap admirably are Jason Thomas and Billy Varnes, two members of the fabulous Off Kilter rock band which used to perform in Epcot’s Canada pavilion. Occasionally when one of the boys is not available, Greg Hayworth (from Mulch, Sweat & Shears) will sit in. You can normally find them playing at Scat Cat's on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:30pm until 11pm, so if you happen to be around for one of their evenings why not do yourself a favour and pop along, they are highly recommended.


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New discount offers for Summer 2019: Free Disney Dining Plan, and Sun & Fun Offer

Posted Thursday 3rd January 2019, 12:31pm (EST) by The Sassagoula Sentinel

Free Disney Dining Plan Package Offer (5 July - 30 September 2019)

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Get a FREE Disney Dining Plan when you book a package including a room (for a minimum of four nights) with theme park tickets (also a minimum of 4-day, Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus). Offer includes Riverside, but not French Quarter, and is valid for arrival dates from 5 July 2019 until 30 September 2019. You must make your booking by 10 February 2019, and expect demand to be high for a limited number of available rooms, so be flexible with your dates and room your category choices.

For the Moderate resorts the package included is the Quick Service Dining Plan but you can upgrade to the Standard Dining Plan for $22.99/night for adults / $4.20/night for kids, or to the Deluxe Dining Plan for $63.75/night for adults / $19.70/night for kids. The free dining plan is provided for all guests staying in the room up until the end of your stay (max 14 nights).

See https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/speci ... g-package/ for full details.


Sun and Fun Room Offer (28 April - 30 September 2019)

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Get up to 25% off a room-only booking for most check-in dates from 28 April 2019 until 30 September 2019. You can also add tickets (at regular list price) to create a package booking. It is possible to stay beyond the end date but only the dates within the offer period will be discounted.

Valid for both Riverside and French Quarter, but expect availability to be limited so be flexible with your dates and room your category choices.

For Moderate resort rooms the discount varies between 10% and 25% based on your dates and chosen room type. The best deals are for arrivals after 28 May (which must be booked by 24 March), but there are smaller discounts available during the earlier part of the offer (book these up to 27 May).

See https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/speci ... -fun-room/ for full details


As always, I recommend keeping an eye on www.mousesavers.com for the latest offers and deals beyond those for the Port Orleans Resorts which we cover here.

December 2018 Recreation Activities and Movie Schedules

Posted Friday 30th November 2018, 2:50pm (EST) by The Sassagoula Sentinel

The December 2018 Recreation Activities and Movie Schedules for Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter are now available. See the main Recreation Activities Schedules page for full-size printable PDF versions.

The main feature swimming pool operating hours are 9am—10pm at the beginning of the month and will be reducing to 10am—8pm as from 9th December. These hours are enforced and the feature pools are gated and locked when there are no lifeguards on duty, however the five Riverside leisure (quiet) pools are generally available at any time, within reason.

Movies Under the Stars will be screened at 7:30pm on Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Riverside, or Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at French Quarter. Note: the Riverside movie screenings are now being shown on the pool deck area near to building 95 (between Parterre Place and Oak Manor).

Evening Campfire Activities will take place from 5:30pm-6:30pm on the same nights as the movies at French Quarter, and Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Riverside. You can roast marshmallows for free, or you can optionally purchase full s’mores kits, all in the warm glow of a night-time campfire.

Christmas and New Year special activity schedules will be published closer to the dates.

Some other specific activities to watch out for (on select days, see schedules for details):

  • “Beignet Dash” Fun Run ($) (French Quarter, 8am Sundays) — Craving beignets? Join us on Sunday Runday for a quick 1½ mile dash around the Resort. Complete your race with a tasty beignet! Check-in begins at 7:30am on the Riverwalk between Building 5 and Doubloon Lagoon Pool and the run begins at 8am. Be sure to share your photos with the hashtag #FQBeignetDash. Cost is $15+tax, including three beignets and a souvenir “medal”. To reserve your spot, please call 407-WDW-PLAY or visit the Concierge Desk. Note: There will be no Beignet Dash on Sunday 4 November due to the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon being held on the same day.
  • Disney Trivia Night (Riverside, Tuesdays 8:30pm-10pm) — Looking to show off your Disney Trivia skills? Join us on Tuesday nights at the River Roost Lounge from 8:30pm to 10:00pm for some fun and exciting competition!
  • Wine Glass Painting ($) (French Quarter, 4pm—6pm Saturdays) — Join us in Scat Cat’s Club from 4pm to 6pm on Saturdays for an instructor-led wine glass painting experience! Throughout the class, you’ll have the opportunity to paint two Disney-themed wine glasses to take home! The class will also include a complimentary glass of wine for all Guests 21 and older, or a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage for Guests under 21 to enjoy. Please call 321-347-0750 to reserve your spot. Registration is limited to 16 Guests per week. For ages 12 and up. Price TBC.
  • Painting on de’ Bayou ($) (French Quarter, 6pm—8pm Wednesdays) — Learn to paint at at Port Orleans French Quarter! Join us in Scat Cat’s Club on Wednesdays for an instructor-led painting class to design your own take-home masterpiece. Our instructor will help you walk away with a painting you’re proud of, whether you’re a beginner, an expert or somewhere in-between! The class is for guests aged 12 and up, and costs $35 per person, plus tax. Registration is limited to 16 guests per evening, please call 407-WDW-PLAY or visit the Concierge desk for additional information or to reserve a spot in the class. Share your masterpiece with the hashtag #PaintingOnDeBayou.
  • Painting at the Roost ($) (Riverside, 5pm—7pm Mondays) — Drift on down to the River Roost Lounge for our instructor-led wood sign painting class. Relax while you paint your own piece of charming southern décor, accompanied by a beverage of your choice and light bites. Ages 12 and up. Space is limited. Stop by the Riverside Levee Marina or call 407-934-5405 to reserve a seat!
  • Back Porch Games (Riverside, 12pm—1pm Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays) — Bring the family down to the Back Porch of the Riverside Lobby for some fun in the sun. These giant games will be a blast for everyone!
  • Arts & Crafts ($) or Mickey Tie-Dye T-shirt decoration ($) — Explore your creative side with themed poolside arts & crafts / Create your own Mickey Tie-Dye shirt to commemorate your Walt Disney World Resort vacation (cost is $18+tax, including the T-shirt).
  • SassagoulaSelfie Scavenger Hunt (Riverside, 9am—5pm daily) — Grab a map and join in on an exciting selfie scavenger hunt around Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. To get started, visit the Riverside Levee from 9am—5pm. Be sure to share your selfies with the hashtags #SassagoulaSelfie and #PortOrleans.
  • French Quarter Winter Wonderland Snowflake Scavenger Hunt (French Quarter, daily) — Port Orleans French Quarter has been sprinkled with magical snowflakes, and we need your help to find them all! To join in on the flurry of fun, visit the Front Desk to pick up your clue guide. Find all of the sparkling snowflakes and turn in your completed clue guide to the Front Desk to collect a frosty surprise!

Live Evening Entertainment

No visit to Port Orleans Riverside would be complete without spending an evening in the company of the legendary “Ye Haa” Bob Jackson at the River Roost Lounge, playing 8:30pm—midnight four nights a week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Note: Bob will be performing all of his regular nights in December, plus an additional show on New Year’s Eve.

Port Orleans French Quarter’s Scat Cat’s Club does not currently have "official" resident musicians, but filling the gap admirably are Jason Thomas and Billy Varnes, two members of the fabulous Off Kilter rock band which used to perform in Epcot’s Canada pavilion. Occasionally when one of the boys is not available, Greg Hayworth (from Mulch, Sweat & Shears) will sit in. The dates are only announced a month or so in advance (generally most Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays) but if you happen to be around for any of their evenings (8:30pm—11pm) do yourself a favour and pop along, they are highly recommended.


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November 2018 Recreation Activities and Movie Schedules

Posted Wednesday 31st October 2018, 9:18pm (EDT) by The Sassagoula Sentinel

The November 2018 Recreation Activities and Movie Schedules for Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter are now available. See the main Recreation Activities Schedules page for full-size printable PDF versions.

The main feature swimming pool operating hours are currently 9am—10pm as from 30th September.. These hours are enforced and the feature pools are gated and locked when there are no lifeguards on duty, however the five Riverside leisure (quiet) pools are generally available at any time, within reason. The quiet pool next to building 24 has now re-opened (on 29 September) after a six-week period of maintenance.

Movies Under the Stars will be screened at 7:30pm on Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Riverside, or Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at French Quarter. Note: the Riverside movie screenings are being offered at a new location as from last month, on the pool deck area near to building 95 (between Parterre Place and Oak Manor).

Evening Campfire Activities will take place from 5:30pm-6:30pm on the same nights as the movies at French Quarter, and Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Riverside. You can roast marshmallows for free, or you can optionally purchase full s’mores kits, all in the warm glow of a night-time campfire.

Some other specific activities to watch out for (on select days, see schedules for details):

  • “Beignet Dash” Fun Run ($) (French Quarter, 8am Sundays) — Craving beignets? Join us on Sunday Runday for a quick 1½ mile dash around the Resort. Complete your race with a tasty beignet! Check-in begins at 7:30am on the Riverwalk between Building 5 and Doubloon Lagoon Pool and the run begins at 8am. Be sure to share your photos with the hashtag #FQBeignetDash. Cost is $15+tax, including three beignets and a souvenir “medal”. To reserve your spot, please call 407-WDW-PLAY or visit the Concierge Desk. Note: There will be no Beignet Dash on Sunday 4 November due to the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon being held on the same day.
  • Disney Trivia Night (Riverside, Tuesdays 8:30pm-10pm) — Looking to show off your Disney Trivia skills? Join us on Tuesday nights at the River Roost Lounge from 8:30pm to 10:00pm for some fun and exciting competition!
  • Painting on de’ Bayou (French Quarter, 6pm—8pm Wednesdays) — Learn to paint at at Port Orleans French Quarter! Join us in Scat Cat’s Club on Wednesdays for an instructor-led painting class to design your own take-home masterpiece. Our instructor will help you walk away with a painting you’re proud of, whether you’re a beginner, an expert or somewhere in-between! The class is for guests aged 12 and up, and costs $35 per person, plus tax. Registration is limited to 16 guests per evening, please call 407-WDW-PLAY or visit the Concierge desk for additional information or to reserve a spot in the class. Share your masterpiece with the hashtag #PaintingOnDeBayou.
  • Painting at the Roost (Riverside, 5pm—7pm Mondays) — Drift on down to the River Roost Lounge for our instructor-led wood sign painting class. Relax while you paint your own piece of charming southern décor, accompanied by a beverage of your choice and light bites. Ages 12 and up. Space is limited. Stop by the Riverside Levee Marina or call 407-934-5405 to reserve a seat!
  • Yoga on the Lawn (Riverside, 8:15am-8:45am Mondays & Fridays) — Join us for a complimentary 30 minute yoga session on the courtyard lawn at Building 90 (Oak Manor). Sessions are available on a first come, first served basis.
  • Arts & Crafts or Mickey Tie-Dye T-shirt decoration — Explore your creative side with themed poolside arts & crafts / Create your own Mickey Tie-Dye shirt to commemorate your Walt Disney World Resort vacation (cost is $18+tax, including the T-shirt).
  • SassagoulaSelfie Scavenger Hunt (Riverside, 9am—5pm daily) — Grab a map and join in on an exciting selfie scavenger hunt around Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. To get started, visit the Riverside Levee from 9am—5pm. Be sure to share your selfies with the hashtags #SassagoulaSelfie and #PortOrleans.
  • French Quarter Winter Wonderland Snowflake Scavenger Hunt (French Quarter, daily) — Port Orleans French Quarter has been sprinkled with magical snowflakes, and we need your help to find them all! To join in on the flurry of fun, visit the Front Desk to pick up your clue guide. Find all of the sparkling snowflakes and turn in your completed clue guide to the Front Desk to collect a frosty surprise!

Live Evening Entertainment

No visit to Port Orleans Riverside would be complete without spending an evening in the company of the legendary “Ye Haa” Bob Jackson at the River Roost Lounge, playing 8:30pm—midnight four nights a week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Note: Bob will be performing all of his regular nights this month except for 17 November. He will be starting his Christmas shows as from Thanksgiving night.

Port Orleans French Quarter’s Scat Cat’s Club does not currently have "official" resident musicians, but filling the gap admirably are Jason Thomas and Billy Varnes, two members of the fabulous Off Kilter rock band which used to perform in Epcot’s Canada pavilion. Occasionally when one of the boys is not available, Greg Hayworth (from Mulch, Sweat & Shears) will sit in. The dates are only announced a month or so in advance (generally most Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays) but if you happen to be around for any of their evenings (8:30pm—11pm) do yourself a favour and pop along, they are highly recommended.


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October 2018 Recreation Activities and Movie Schedules are now available

Posted Sunday 30th September 2018, 6:55pm (EDT) by The Sassagoula Sentinel

The October 2018 Recreation Activities and Movie Schedules for Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter are now available. See the main Recreation Activities Schedules page for full-size printable PDF versions.

The 31st October Halloween Activities for both resorts have been added to the end of this post.

The main feature swimming pool operating hours are currently 9am—10pm as from 30th September.. These hours are enforced and the feature pools are gated and locked when there are no lifeguards on duty, however the five Riverside leisure (quiet) pools are generally available at any time, within reason. The quiet pool next to building 24 has now re-opened (on 29 September) after a six-week period of maintenance.

Movies Under the Stars will be screened at 8:30pm on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at Riverside, or Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at French Quarter. Note: the Riverside movie screenings are being offered at a new location this month, on the pool deck area near to building 95 (between Parterre Place and Oak Manor).

Evening Campfire Activities will take place from 6:30pm-7:30pm on the same nights as the movies at French Quarter, and daily at Riverside. You can roast marshmallows for free, or you can optionally purchase full s’mores kits, all in the warm glow of a night-time campfire.

Some other specific activities to watch out for (on select days, see schedules for details):

  • “Beignet Dash” Fun Run ($) (French Quarter, 8am Sundays) — Craving beignets? Join us on Sunday Runday for a quick 1½ mile dash around the Resort. Complete your race with a tasty beignet! Check-in begins at 7:30am on the Riverwalk between Building 5 and Doubloon Lagoon Pool and the run begins at 8am. Be sure to share your photos with the hashtag #FQBeignetDash. Cost is $15+tax, including three beignets and a souvenir “medal”. To reserve your spot, please call 407-WDW-PLAY or visit the Concierge Desk.
  • Disney Trivia Night (Riverside, Tuesdays 8:30pm-10pm) — Looking to show off your Disney Trivia skills? Join us on Tuesday nights at the River Roost Lounge from 8:30pm to 10:00pm for some fun and exciting competition!
  • Painting on de’ Bayou (French Quarter, 6pm—8pm Wednesdays) — Learn to paint at at Port Orleans French Quarter! Join us in Scat Cat’s Club on Wednesdays for an instructor-led painting class to design your own take-home masterpiece. Our instructor will help you walk away with a painting you’re proud of, whether you’re a beginner, an expert or somewhere in-between! The class is for guests aged 12 and up, and costs $35 per person, plus tax. Registration is limited to 16 guests per evening, please call 407-WDW-PLAY or visit the Concierge desk for additional information or to reserve a spot in the class. Share your masterpiece with the hashtag #PaintingOnDeBayou.
  • Yoga on the Lawn (Riverside, 8:15am-8:45am Mondays & Fridays) — Join us for a complimentary 30 minute yoga session on the courtyard lawn at Building 90 (Oak Manor). Sessions are available on a first come, first served basis.
  • Glow with the Flow Pool Party (Fridays at Riverside ; Mondays & Saturdays at French Quarter. 8:30pm-9:30pm) — Dance on down to the pool for an exciting evening of party games and dancing that will light up the night!
  • Arts & Crafts or Mickey Tie-Dye T-shirt decoration — Explore your creative side with themed poolside arts & crafts / Create your own Mickey Tie-Dye shirt to commemorate your Walt Disney World Resort vacation (cost is $18+tax, including the T-shirt).
  • SassagoulaSelfie Scavenger Hunt (Riverside, 9am—5pm daily) — Grab a map and join in on an exciting selfie scavenger hunt around Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. To get started, visit the Riverside Levee from 9am—5pm. Be sure to share your selfies with the hashtags #SassagoulaSelfie and #PortOrleans.
  • French Quarter Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt (French Quarter, daily) — Fall has arrived at Port Orleans French Quarter, and we are inviting you to join in on the festive fun by joining us for a pumpkin hunt! We’ve hidden 13 pumpkins around the Resort, each one featuring one of Disney’s most mischievous villains, and we need your help to find them! To join in on the fun, visit the Front Desk to pick up your clue guide. Find all 13 villains and return your completed clue guide to the Front Desk to collect a seasonal surprise!

Live Evening Entertainment

No visit to Port Orleans Riverside would be complete without spending an evening in the company of the legendary “Ye Haa” Bob Jackson at the River Roost Lounge, playing 8:30pm—midnight four nights a week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Note: Bob will away on a personal trip to China from 15 October to 22 October, returning to the Port for his regular nights as from 24 October.

Port Orleans French Quarter’s Scat Cat’s Club does not currently have "official" resident musicians, but filling the gap admirably are Jason Thomas and Billy Varnes, two members of the fabulous Off Kilter rock band which used to perform in Epcot’s Canada pavilion. Occasionally when one of the boys is not available, Greg Hayworth (from Mulch, Sweat & Shears) will sit in. The dates are only announced a month or so in advance (generally most Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays) but if you happen to be around for any of their evenings (8:30pm—11pm) do yourself a favour and pop along, they are highly recommended.


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