When it comes to Walt Disney World Resort hotels, I often use old terms to refer to them. It’s a personal problem, I know. I often have to quickly correct myself after using the wrong term. For example, I always call a collection of hotels on the Walt Disney World property, Dixie Landings. In case you didn’t know, Dixie Landings is now called Port Orleans Resort. Port Orleans Resort contains two sections. The smaller resort hotel is known as the Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter. The most spacious complex is called Port Orleans Resort-Riverside. I suggest five reasons why people love the “Riverside” version.

1. beauty everywhere

This resort hotel offers some of the most beautiful areas on the property. Since you are near the river, you can enjoy this view. The buildings offer beauty in their design. The walkways create an enjoyable experience by soaking up the theme of the plantation. As you would expect, the landscaping is superb. Walking around this spacious resort hotel might soothe your senses. Beauty reminds you that you are on vacation.

2. Riverside Mill food court

This food court offers one of the best varieties of food for the whole family. As you would expect, you can get burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, salads. However, you can also buy pasta dishes, seared salmon, buttermilk chicken, okra, and even shrimp and grits. Sure, 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 a pop addiction, the $20 “time-of-stay” unlimited refill mug makes my heart sing.

3. High quality resort activities

This moderate-level resort gives guests plenty of reasons to enjoy their stay here without even visiting a theme park. On-site kids’ activity options are plentiful, and the large number of pools and activities offer good value for money. They roast marshmallows every night and you can even get one for free. Of course, if you want the full campfire experience, you can pay for chocolate and graham crackers. Riverside is also one of only two hotels at Walt Disney World Resort to offer horse-drawn carriage rides around the property. These cost $55 and can be scheduled through the My Disney Experience app.

4, Yehaa Bob Jackson

If you don’t know Yehaa Bob, he plays the piano at the River Roost Lounge. This bar offers some of the best free entertainment on the Walt Disney World property. This usually happens Wednesday through Saturday evenings starting around 8:30 p.m. Come visit on these nights. You will thank me later. As Disney says, Bob will entertain with boogie-woogie musical styles and comedies playing Disney standards, songbook classics, and kid-friendly songs.

5. Dedicated boat transportation to Disney Springs

One of the main reasons I chose to stay here revolves around the boat ride to Disney Springs. In fairness this boat ride is slow moving and will not operate in bad weather of course. However, the dedicated boats from here to Disney Springs create a great advantage. If you’re taking a day away from the park, this relaxing boat ride adds to the value of your stay here. Plus, you can check in and then enjoy an evening at Disney Springs. If your return flight departs late in the day, you can easily take boat transportation to Disney Springs to enjoy the final leg of your Disney Springs vacation.

For the record, the list of reasons could have been longer talking about the theme in the rooms and the excellent lobby. This moderate-level resort hotel has plenty of good reasons to love it. Of course, this place isn’t perfect. Still, it makes for a solid moderate resort on-site at Walt Disney World. Let us know if you have already enjoyed your stay here.