Recreation
Jump to: Carriages | Cycles | Swimming | Playgrounds | Jogging | Entertainment | Movies | Campfires | Fishing | Games | Other
If you don’t feel like a day at the theme parks, there’s plenty to do right on your own doorstep around the Port Orleans resorts. Of course there’s always swimming and poolside activities, but how about horse-drawn carriage rides, fishing, kids pirate adventures or maybe just an early-morning jog? Later in the day, the resort lounges feature some excellent live musical entertainment on selected evenings, plus there are daily outdoor movie screenings and fun campfires which now run all year round.
Outdoor activities are subject to change, and can be cancelled due to poor weather, but the current schedules are posted in the resort lobbies and also provided in printed form in your welcome pack. You can also download current and archive schedules from our Recreation Activities Schedule page.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
Evening Carriage Ride at Port Orleans Riverside |
The cost is $55 including tax for the 25-minute ride and the carriage can hold up to four adults, or two adults and three small children (children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). You should arrive at the marina area no later than 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time and wait for the carriage to collect you. The service may be cancelled in cases of inclement weather.
- Departures are every 30 minutes during scheduled operating hours, which are normally 5:30pm — 9:30pm. There is usually a short rest break for the horses at 7:30pm so that time slot will probably not be available.
- Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance via 1-407-WDW-PLAY (1-407-939-7529).
- Guests wishing to check on same-day availability may call 1-407-824-2832, and walk-up guests will be accepted at the departure location if there are no pre-booked reservations for that time slot.
- The price is now $55, which increased from $45 on 1 October 2017, and payment is required when you make the reservation. If you change your mind you can cancel and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to your booking.
- Credit/Debit Cards cannot be used if payment is being made directly to the carriage driver, but you may charge the ride to your room account.
- Due to the nature of the carriages they are not wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to transfer from wheelchairs and step up into the carriage.
Bicycle and Surrey Bike Rentals
Wheel around the resort and enjoy the winding paths, waterfront walkways and meandering scenic trails for fun, fitness and relaxation. Whether you want to continue your workout regime or just want a vacation jaunt, riders can absorb the sights and choose paths catering to their skill levels and areas of interest.
Surrey Bikes are restricted to the main pathway which runs around the river banks surrounding Ol’ Man Island and the footpaths between the two resorts. A 30-minute rental should be sufficient time for two complete laps around the resort. Surrey Bikes are not permitted on Ol’ Man Island or on the smaller trails which run between the accommodation buildings. Note: Although the resort pathways all look very flat, many first-time riders of Surrey Bikes find out that there are indeed hills up to bridges, and they can be hard work!
The Riverside Levee hours are currently 9am—5pm all year round, there are no longer any seasonal variations.
Note: Guest Boat Rentals used to be available from the marina at Port Orleans Riverside, but sadly this much-enjoyed amenity was withdrawn as from 2 March 2014.
- Advanced reservations are not required, just book at the Riverside Levee — or touch 57 on your room phone for information, or call 1-407-WDW-PLAY (1-407-939-7529).
- For off-road use only, you cannot ride bicycles on the Walt Disney World road system
- Helmets are provided free of charge with bicycle rentals, and Florida law requires bicycle riders under 16 years old to wear helmets
- All bicycle rentals require a signature of a guest 18 years of age or older
- Valid Driver’s License or comparable ID showing proof of age is required
- Main drivers of Surrey Bikes must be at least 18 years of age
- Children must be at least 58" tall to pedal Surrey Bikes
- Children’s bikes are available, and a limited number of children’s bikes have training wheels
- Child carriers are available at no additional charge and are mounted on the back of the bicycle
- DVC members receive a 10% discount on most rentals
Bicycles and Surrey Bikes (prices last verified 22 Oct 2017) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Class | Period | Price | Inc Tax |
| Jamis Bicycle | Hourly | $9.00 | $9.59 |
| Jamis Bicycle | Daily | $18.00 | $19.17 |
| 2-seater Surrey Bike | 30 mins | $20 | $21.30 |
| 4-seater Surrey Bike | 30 mins | $22 | $23.43 |
Swimming Pools
There are seven swimming pools located at the Port Orleans resorts: one large feature pool at French Quarter called “Doubloon Lagoon”, one large feature pool on Ol’ Man Island, and five smaller “quiet” leisure pools dotted around Riverside. French Quarter now also features an exciting and fun Aquatic Play Area for kids, which is well worth a visit if your little ones are under the height limit of 48 inches. All of these pools are available for use by guests staying at either of the two hotels as this is one of the few locations within Walt Disney World where pool-hopping is permitted.
Poolside activities are organised at both feature pools (weather permitting) and the full schedule should be provided in your welcome pack, or see the Recreation Activities Schedules page for current details.
More detailed information on all the pools can be found in the separate Doubloon Lagoon and Ol’ Man Island pages. Note that the opening hours of the two feature pools are restricted to the lifeguard hours (which vary seasonally) while the five leisure pools at Riverside are available pretty much any time.
Children’s Playgrounds
Both resorts feature children’s play areas — located near to the main swimming pools but far enough away to avoid younger children wandering off near the water. Benches are provided for adults to sit, and the climbing areas feature soft rubberised floors. French Quarter’s playground has recently been upgraded (Summer 2011) and now features soft artificial grass instead. The Riverside playground has recently added a tetherball game area.
Regular Riverside/Dixie Landings visitors may lament the demise of the resort’s original themed playground area on Ol’ Man Island, which featured an extensive wooden fort-like structure with a sandy base, climbing areas and slides. It was replaced several years ago with the current generic tubular metal and plastic construction, presumably to comply with newer safety regulations. Sadly, change doesn’t always mean progress.
Port Orleans Riverside playground, located on Ol’ Man Island |
Port Orleans French Quarter playground, near the Doubloon Lagoon pool |
Port Orleans French Quarter Doubloon Lagoon Aquatic Play Area |
Jogging Trail
The winding pathways and riverbank trails around the Port Orleans resort provide excellent opportunities for jogging, especially early in the morning before the heat of the Florida sunshine sets in. There are two recommended routes, a one-mile trail along the banks of the Sassagoula River around the Riverside resort, and an extended 1.7 mile version which also incorporates French Quarter. For a detailed map of the trails, you can download the Jogging Trail Map (PDF format, 221Kb) or pick up a copy at Guest Services.
Live Entertainment
The lounge bars in both of the Port Orleans resorts feature free live entertainment on selected evenings. The shows are always lively and fun, and are well worth a visit for all ages (Bob Jackson’s show at Riverside is especially family-friendly) but please remember the local 21+ drinking age restrictions when ordering adult beverages!
- Playing at the River Roost Lounge at Port Orleans Riverside is the famed “Ye Haa” Bob Jackson. Bob performs a very popular piano sing-along comedy show with lots of audience participation. Bob’s shows are Wednesday through Saturday, from 8:30pm until shortly before midnight, with a short break around 10pm. I’d suggest getting there a bit early to grab the best seats — Bob will usually be hanging around before the show getting to know the evening’s audience, so do let him know if you’re celebrating something, on your honeymoon, or just want to request a song.
Bob has been performing at the River Roost Lounge since May 1997 and you can check out his website for more information at www.yehaabob.com or leave him a message on Facebook.
- Port Orleans French Quarter’s Scat Cat’s Club does not currently have “official” resident musicians, but filling the gap admirably for over a year now 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. Their dates are generally Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, so 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.
Tom Casey was the resident musician at Scat Cat’s from 19 July 2013 until the end of March 2015, and for many years prior to that the club featured the multi-talented Elliot Dyson who was let go by Disney on 4 May 2013 due to lobby refurbishment work. Andy Burr has also filled in from time to time.
River Roost Lounge at Port Orleans Riverside |
Scat Cat’s Club at Port Orleans French Quarter |
Movie Under the Stars
Starting in Summer 2011, Port Orleans French Quarter began hosting three outdoor “Movie Under the Stars” screenings each week, and from August 2011 this was extended to provide movies every night of the year and a similar offering was added over at Riverside. Currently movies are screened on Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday at Riverside, but only on Friday & Saturday at French Quarter.
The French Quarter movies are shown in Beignet Square — the turfed area between buildings 4, 5 and 6, while Riverside guests need to head over to the pool deck between Oak Manor and Parterre Place (buildings 90/95). Screenings generally start shortly after dusk, for example at 8:30pm in the peak summer months but much earlier during other seasons. For the current movie lists and screening times, please see the Recreation Activities Schedule page.
As the movies are shown in the open air, please do bear in mind that they are somewhat weather dependent. Cast members are on-hand to provide plenty of pool towels for you to sit on, so there’s no need to bring towels or blankets from your room (in fact, they don’t allow it).
Movie Night at Port Orleans French Quarter |
Campfire on de’ Bayou / Cajun Campfire
Campfire on de’ Bayou |
Enjoy stories and family sing-a-longs while making your own s’mores around an evening campfire. There are two campfire locations, Riverside’s “Campfire on de’ Bayou” is behind the Muddy Rivers pool bar on Ol’ Man Island, just next to the children’s playground while French Quarter’s “Cajun Campfire” is in the courtyard between buildings 5 and 6. The events are free, and you’ll find plenty of marshmallows and sticks to roast them on. There are also optional s’mores kits (including Graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate and sticks) available for purchase. The campfires are lit around dusk — at 6:30pm during the summer months and as early as 5:30pm in the winter months, please see the Recreation Activities Schedule page for current times.
This is a relatively new activity which was created to utilise the space freed up on Ol’ Man Island when the original wooden children’s play area was removed, initially occurring on Sunday and Thursday evenings only between Halloween and the start of Daylight Saving Time. However in Summer 2011 the event was expanded to include a location at French Quarter, and both events ran daily throughout the year. Currently the operating schedule is Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday at Riverside, but only on Friday & Saturday at French Quarter.
Cane Pole Fishing
Relaxin’ at the secluded Fishin’ Hole on Ol’ Man Island |
Port Orleans Riverside features an old-fashioned Fishin’ Hole that’s fun for the whole family, located on Ol’ Man Island just behind the Muddy Rivers pool bar. The fishing hole is open from 7:00am until 1:45pm (last poles hired out at 1:15pm) and is stocked with catfish, blue gill and bass. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All fishing at Walt Disney World Resort property is “catch and release” only, but you’re welcome to take pictures to prevent those “one that got away” stories later.
The Fishin’ Hole is now sponsored by lets-go-fishing.org.
Cane Pole Fishing (prices last verified 22 Oct 2017) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan | Period | Price | Inc Tax |
| Individual | 30 mins | $6.00 | $6.39 |
| Family (up to 6 people) | 30 mins | $15.00 | $15.98 |
| Price includes cane poles, bait (hot dogs and worms) and dock time. You may bring your own equipment if you like, but the price remains the same. |
|||
Guided Bass Fishing Excursion
You can also book a private two-hour Guided Bass Fishing Excursion along the Sassagoula River for up to five people on a 21ft Sun Tracker pontoon boat. Please arrive at the marina approximately 15 minutes prior to departure time, and remember that fishing excursions are weather-dependent.
- For reservations, call 1-407-WDW-BASS (1-407-939-2277). A credit card is required, and you will be charged for no-shows or cancellations at less than 24-hours notice.
- Fee includes the boat hire, your guide and rod/reel/tackle/bait/shiners/etc. You also get a souvenir photo and a one-year membership of B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society). There is no discount for bringing your own equipment.
- Soft drinks are included in the price, but you are not allowed to bring your own food or drinks.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Guided Bass Fishing Excursions, max 5 guests per boat (prices last verified 22 Oct 2017) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Period | Price (tax exempt) | ||
| 7:00am | 2 hours | $270.00 | ||
| 7:00am | 4 hours | $455.00 | ||
| 10:00am | 2 hours | $270.00 | ||
| 10:00am | 4 hours | $455.00 | ||
| Afternoon (1:30pm) | 2 hours | $235.00 | ||
| $100 per additional hour. This can be requested (if available) at the marina upon arrival but cannot be pre-booked. | ||||
Games Arcades
Port Orleans French Quarter has a slightly smaller facility called South Quarter Games containing approximately 51 games, also located off their main Lobby area.
To use the games you need to purchase a “Play Card” from a kiosk in the arcade using cash, credit card or your Magic Band. These cards are rechargeable and can also be used at any other Walt Disney World Resort arcades equipped with the cashless system.
Both Games Arcades are now open 24 hours (as from May 2009).
The Medicine Show Arcade at Port Orleans Riverside |
South Quarter Games at Port Orleans French Quarter |
Hair Wrap / Braiding
Hair braiding is available on the marina dockside at Port Orleans Riverside from 10:00am — 5:00pm, and seasonally at French Quarter (outside the Jackson Square gift shop) from 10:00am — 7:00pm. The cost is $2 per inch, with beads charged extra.
Hair Braiding by the dockside at Port Orleans Riverside |
Caricature Connection (Portrait Artist)
An artist in the Lobby area of either resort will paint your caricature between 6:00pm and 11:00pm. Prices start at $15 for an unframed picture, and you can choose from a variety of options from pencil sketches to full-colour portraits. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.caricatureconnection.com.
Caricature Connection (per person) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Product | Price | |
| Face only, Black & White | $15.00 | |
| Face only, Colour | $20.00 | |
| Face and Body, Black & White | $20.00 | |
| Face and Body, Colour | $30.00 | |
| Art Protectors | $4.00 | |
| Tubes | $4.00 | |
| Frames | $15.00 | |
| Caricature Book | $25.00 | |
Pressed Pennies
Just about everywhere you go in Walt Disney World you will come across pressed penny machines, and Port Orleans is no exception. Children love to watch as their shiny bright one cent coins are crushed, elongated and embossed with fancy character designs. Meanwhile, adults are perhaps slightly less entranced as they watch 50 cents of less-than-shiny quarters getting swallowed up by the machines to pay for each pressed penny... each machine features three designs so the cost of a collection can quickly build up.
There are also machines that will press quarter coins, but these only offer one design each and they cost a full dollar to operate. Naturally, collector’s folders are available from the gift shops.
Pressed Penny Machines located at Port Orleans |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Coin Type | Design #1 | Design #2 | Design #3 |
| Riverside Food Court | Penny | Pluto Face | Princess (#4 of 6) Jasmine | Steamboat Willie |
| Riverside Food Court | Penny | Classic Mickey Mouse | Dwarf (#2 of 7) Sleepy | Tubing Goofy |
| Riverside Food Court | Quarter | Donald Playing Banjo | ||
| Riverside, Fulton’s General Store | Penny | Tigger | Winnie the Pooh | Eeyore |
| Riverside Lobby | Penny | Dwarf (#5 of 7) Grumpy | Three Park Logo | Villain (#4 of 7) Queen |
| Riverside Lobby | Penny | Mickey with Trumpet | Donald with Trombone | Goofy Juggler |
| French Quarter Lobby | Quarter | Pinocchio | ||
Bayou Pirate Adventure
This activity was discontinued from March 30th 2017. Similar cruises remain available from several other Disney resorts.
The Bayou Pirate Adventure sets sails from Port Orleans Riverside |
Young adventurers, resplendent with pirate bandannas on their heads, will board a “pirate” vessel at Port Orleans Riverside. On board they will learn about Captain John Lafitte, the greatest pirate to ever sail the waters of New Orleans — legend has it that his boat was sunk on a reef off the coast of Key West. During their adventure they will find a treasure map left behind by the infamous Captain Lafitte. Once they set sail, the young adventurers will use the map and find clues to help them track down the hidden treasure, some of which will be theirs to keep.
- The two-hour Bayou Pirate Adventure starts at 9:30am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
- The price is $39 ($41.54 inc tax) for children aged 4-12 (discounts are no longer available).
- Reservations are recommended on 1-407-WDW-PLAY (1-407-939-7529). A credit card is required to confirm but this will only be charged for no-shows or cancellations at less than 24-hours notice.
- Check in at the Port Orleans Riverside Marina. Please arrive 15-30 minutes early.
- A safety waiver form must be signed by a parent or guardian, and the same person signing the child in must sign them out again at the end of the excursion.
- Parents will not be able to join the adventure to accompany younger children.
- Although lunch is no longer included, snacks are provided during the excursion.
- Life vests are supplied and are required when aboard the boat.
- Two cast members accompany the group.
