Icon of the Seas is the Best Family Vacation in the World – here's why
How will you spend your week onboard Icon of the Seas?
The Best Family Vacation in the World debuts in just six short months. Icon of the Seas will be home to a slew of firsts, including record-breaking waterslides, rides, and other family-friendly attractions. Never-before-seen dining options designed to be a treat for the senses.
And 7 pools level up every sun-soaked sea day. With eight sprawling neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe — how will you spend your week onboard Icon of the Seas?
Dial up the daring
Adrenaline-amping adventures converge at Thrill Island. Brace yourself for the largest water park at sea, Category 6. Race to the summit of Adrenaline Peak and pair up for putts at Lost Dunes
Relax and kick back
The go-to spot for sun-seekers, Chill Island is an upper deck oasis built around the biggest pool deck ever to set sail - and rocks with the rhythm of live music and DJs at every turn.
Full-on family fun
The new Surfside neighborhood is all about families, with a Splashway BAy aquapark, 5 places to grab a bite, a retro arcade, block parties, and a beach-themed carousel.
Displays that dazzle
World-class performers take on superhuman stunts alongside a shapeshifting waterfall.
And 5 food stands serve up a smorgasbord of tasty options under the shimmering Aquadome.
“Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package. ”
Icon of the Seas Vacation
Get outdoors - at sea
Go on a stroll through the lush open-air Central Park - where over 13,000 tropical plants and trees grow along the winding pathways and four living walls soar 5 decks high.
Icon of the Seas Vacation
Upgrade your stay
Discover the Suite Neighborhood, a retreat with indulgences exclusively for suite guests. Like a two-story sun deck, private pool and two exclusive restaurants just for you.
Icon of the Seas from Miami, Florida starting at $1,699 per person. Bookings are available now.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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10 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World this Fall / Holiday Season (2023)
Disney World Offers and Events - Fall 2023
When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World? In the fall of course! Below you find my Top 10 reasons to visit Disney World this fall - including 2 terrific room discounts.
10 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World This Fall / Holiday Season (2023)
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starting August 11 See more ▸
Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party - starting November 9 See more ▸
Elaborate Halloween and Christmas decorations
Cooler weather
Significantly fewer crowds on non-holiday weeks
Candlelight Processional at Epcot Starting in November
Seasonal PhotoPass backgrounds (great for your holiday cards)
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in the fall
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays See more ▸
Fall discounts and offers in addition to already lower rates
How to save money this fall
Disney World has released new fall and holiday 2023 discounts that will save you up to 35% off the nightly room rates. I’ll share the list of participating hotels below.
Disney+ Subscriber Offer
Disney+ subscribers save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels:
October 22 – November 2, 2023
November 26 – December 25, 2023
Room Offer
Save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels on stays most nights:
October 2 - December 25, 2023
Florida Residents and Anual Passholder Offers
Florida Residents and Disney World Passholders can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights:
October 2 through December 25, 2023
Save up to 30% Offer - Disney World Hotels
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney Saratoga Spring Resort & Spa
Disney’s Yacht Club
Save up to 25% Offer - Disney World Hotels
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Save up to 20% - Disney World Hotels
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Save up to 15% Disney World Hotels
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney's Art of Animation Resort – Standard Rooms
Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Villas
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Best Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
Easy guide to the best rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
In this guide to the best rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter I’ll cover the various room categories that are offered, where you can find them, plus answer some frequently asked questions that I get as a Disney travel advisor.
At just 1,000 guest rooms, Port Orleans French Quarter is the smallest resort at Walt Disney World. To put this into perspective:
Port Orleans Riverside has 3,000 rooms
Coronado Springs has nearly 2,000 rooms
Caribbean Beach has just over 1,500 rooms
Smaller means less crowds and shorter walks to hotel amenities like the pool and dining.
Port Orleans French Quarter is one of the best kept secrets at Walt Disney World because:
it’s centrally located on Disney World property
dining, pool, lobby and bus depot are all a short walk
Transportation to and from the theme parks doesn’t get any easier. This is the only Moderate hotel to have just one bus stop.
Port Orleans French Quarter is technically in the Disney Springs Resort Area but it’s located right behind Epcot. Magic Kingdom is less than 10 minutes away by bus.
Complimentary boat service is provided to and from Disney Springs along the scenic Sassagoula River.
Best Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
There are 7 buildings at Port Orleans French Quarter, each with 3 stories. All have exterior corridors.
Rooms are about 315 square feet and include 2 queen beds, a small table with 2 chairs, a split bath, and a mini-fridge.
POFQ rooms sleep a maximum of 4 guests, rollaway beds are not offered. If you have a 5 guests, look into Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside or Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort as these resorts offer a 5th sleeper option.
What are the room categories at Port Orleans French Quarter?
Garden View
King Bed Room
Pool View (Buildings 2 and 5)
River View (Buildings 1, 2, 5, 6, 7)
Standard View (Buildings 1, 3, 4, 7)
Standard View is the most economical room followed by Garden View. The difference between Standard View and Garden View is minimal and they are often used interchangeably and most guests wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
Where are the Standard View Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort?
Standard View rooms are in buildings 1, 3, 4 and 7.
Garden View rooms can be found throughout the resort, in all buildings. The same is true for King Bed rooms.
River View Rooms are located in the buildings along the Sassagoula River in Buildings 1, 2, 5, 6, 7. Boats going to Port Orleans Riverside and Disney Springs pass by frequently. River View rooms in Building 2 might have noise intrusion from the boat horns.
Where You’ll Find Peace and Quiet
If you’re looking for a for a quiet room location, book a Standard View or Garden View room and request buildings 1 and 7. These buildings will have less people walking by and you’re far enough from the DJ playing music at the pool.
I will often request a 2nd or 3rd floor room for my clients when they are looking for quiet and/or privacy. Rooms on the upper floors won’t have as many people passing by.
Most Convenient Rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter
If you wish to be close to the lobby, dining and bus stop, book a Standard or Garden room and request Buildings 3 and 4.
Are there Preferred rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter?
Preferred Rooms are not offered at POFQ. Pool View would be comparable to Preferred View because your room will be right behind the lobby and transportation depot.
Does Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter have elevators?
Yes. Elevators are available in each building.
How to Make a Room Request at POFQ
Disney will not guarantee room requests but Cast Members at the hotel do try hard to honor them.
If you want help making room your requests, start planning with me today, because I have a few strategies that I have learned over the years that may increase your chances of having your request honored. My client’s requests are honored about 80% of the time.
TIP: The best way to increase your chances is to make your request practical and within the category you booked. For example, don’t book a Standard View room and make a request for a room overlooking the river. River View rooms are a bookable category and they cost more than Standard View. Disney probably won’t won’t honor a complimentary upgrade request.
Contact me now so you can get the most out of your stay at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort! I have plenty of great advice, recommendations and even exclusive offers!
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
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New Trail's End Restaurant at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is a Great Value
Trail’s End has switched from a buffet/family-style eatery to a grab-and-go and mobile-order restaurant. See why it’s one the best deals at Disney.
Trail’s End Restaurant and Crocket’s Tavern at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort have been reimagined. They reopened on July 27, 2023. Trail’s End has switched from a buffet/family-style eatery to a grab-and-go and mobile-order restaurant.
Crocket’s Tavern received a refresh with additional seating and upgraded furniture and flooring.
So let’s take a look at the new Trail’s End and see why it’s still the best value at Walt Disney World.
Trail’s End has been given a refresh: new flooring, ceiling, tables and chairs, and additional seating as well.
The former buffet area has been converted into the grab-and-go section. Select the items you want, then bring them to a cashier who will ring you up.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Pizza is popular in the grab-and-go section. During our visit they couldn’t make the pies fast enough. Pizza menu at Trail’s End: plain cheese, pepperoni, smokehouse, and veggie.
Soft drinks, juice, milk, beer, and more are available as grab-and-go items in the cooler.
There’s another cooler with grab-and-go items including pre-cooked whole chickens, ribs, salads, and desserts.
A microwave is available if you want to warm something up, or you can take these items back to your RV or cabin.
In addition to grab-and-go items, Trail’s End also accepts mobile orders. The mobile order menu is much more extensive and includes entrees, family meals, pizza, desserts, and beverages.
Some items, such as the family meals can only be ordered on the Disney World mobile app. The cashiers cannot place meal orders - they literally just run the checkout line.
On the night we went, there was a 40-minute wait for mobile orders, so plan ahead.
The family meals are a fantastic value. We ordered the Half-Slab of Ribs and a 4-Piece Fried Chicken Meal for $26. It was more than enough food for 4 people.
Cornbread is no longer included with the family meals but it is available for purchase at the register.
The dessert items like the Lemon-Blueberry Trifal and the Strawberry Shortcake were excellent. And at about $6 each, that’s a great value.
I can’t think of any restaurants at Walt Disney World that have $6 desserts.
Even a Mickey Ice Cream Bar costs more.
We heard everyone talking about the Strawberry Shortcake. And now I know why.
It’s the same one from the Hoop-Dee-Doo-Musical Review, which is legendary
The in-house bakery makes makes bagels, cookies, cakes, and muffins.
Mobile orders will be placed on a rack in the center of the restaurant.
Fresh fruit was available but pricey. $2.29 for a single banana.
Trail’s End Breakfast Menu
Trail’s End Lunch and Dinner Menu
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Walt Disney World's Secret Restaurant
The secret restaurant you'll likely never get to see at Walt Disney World Resort
Here's a Disney secret...There's a hidden restaurant at Walt Disney World that you'll likely never see. The former Bonfamille’s Café, a defunct table service restaurant, located just off the lobby behind the Scat Cat's Club at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter, closed for good in 2001. Since then, the restaurant has served as meeting space for Walt Disney World management. It's facilities are frequently used as the Walt Disney World test kitchen where new culinary creations are concocted. It most recently opened as a temporary quick service restaurant while Sassagoula Floatworks gets an extensive refurbishment (I hope they don't put the giant face masks back up!) The refurb. is scheduled to conclude in December 2016 so there's still time to go check this hidden gem out.
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Is Epcot Fun for Kids?
Is Epcot fun for kids? While it is a great park for adults, this DISNEY WORLD! Of course Epcot is fun for kids! In fact, Epcot is the second most kid friendly park at Walt Disney World, after magic Kingdom.
Is Epcot fun for kids? While it is a great park for adults, this DISNEY WORLD! Of course Epcot is fun for kids! In fact, Epcot is the second most kid friendly park at Walt Disney World, after Magic Kingdom.
In this guide I’ll share why Epcot is totally worth a visit with kids and review the most popular rides and attractions.
A great feature about Walt Disney World is that most rides and attractions are designed to have either no minimum height requirement or one that’s around 40 inches. Many kids that around 4 and 5 years old can meet a 40 inch height requirement - which is what Disney is aiming for.
The Best Rides and attractions for kids at Epcot
Let’s start with Spaceship Earth.
This is the icon of Epcot and yes, you can actually go inside the giant “Epcot ball.”
Spaceship Earth | Epcot
Spaceship Earth is among the last of the opening day attractions at Epcot and that means it has stood the test of time at this park.
It’s a slow moving dark ride that takes you on journey through time - starting with the dawn of man and going well into the future.
Inside Spaceship Earth | Epcot
Along the way you’ll pass through vivid vignettes of important moments in human communication with animatronics, beautiful music and a kid-friendly narration.
There’s a great interactive play area after the ride too.
Next let’s head over to The Seas with Nemo and Friends. In this attraction you’ll go under the sea, without getting wet, in slow moving “clamobile.”
The Seas with Nemo and Friends | Epcot
You immediately enter Nemo’s underwater world with brightly colored coral reefs and a few familiar friends.
Of course, Nemo gets lost pretty early on so you set out on a journey to find him, passing through jellyfish, a shark infested ship wreck, and you’ll meet up with Crush the infamous sea turtle as he travels the East Australian Current.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends | Epcot
There is no minimum height requirement for The Seas with Nemo and Friends.
After you locate Nemo and your journey comes to end, you can get up close to some sea life in one of the largest salt water aquariums in the country - a massive 5.7 million-gallon, multi-level underwater habitat known as Sea Base.
Sea Base - Inside the Seas with Nemo and Friends | Epcot
The Seas with Nemo and and Friends Pavilion is also a walk through aquarium where you can observe over 2,000 animals including sharks, manatees, clown fish, and eels.
Sea Base - Inside the Seas with Nemo and Friends | Epcot
Here’s a secret: Ask for the complimentary scavenger hunt at the gift shop located near the exit.
Turtle Talk with Crush is a 15 minute interactive show unlike any other you’ve seen. He’s animated, yes, but he interacts live with the audience using improvisational humor. Kids and adults will find him to be hilarious.
Turtle Talk With Crush | Epcot
Crush takes questions from the audience using his “hydrophone” so encourage your little one to ask him about his favorite food or his favorite activity.
He will also introduce to you a few of his pals, like Dory and Squirt.
The show runs every 15 minutes, so feel free to explore the aquarium for a bit.
But you should be in line for the next show about 10 minutes prior so you get a good spot.
After exiting the Sea Base, head next door to The Land Pavilion.
Now just like the Seas Pavilion, there are a number of attractions inside, including The Garden Grill character restaurant. (Reservations are highly recommended).
The Land Pavilion | Epcot
Living with The Land Boat Ride takes you on a cruise through Disney World’s innovative green houses where you can see some futuristic farming techniques like plants growing without soil and a record breaking tomato tree, yes a TREE, that produces over 30,000 tomatoes a year.
Living with the Land Boat Ride
There is no minimum height requirement for Living with the Land and the wait is usually less than 20 minutes.
Soarin’ is one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World because it’s technically one of the big rides, but most people can do it - the young and the young at heart alike.
This gentle ride simulates flight, as if you were in a hang glider, flying over some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks like the Mount Kilimanjaro of China, the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Eiffel Tower.
Soarin’ Around the World | Epcot
The 80-foot IMAX digital projection screen creates a soothing sensation of flight combined with an uplifting musical score.
Nothing too wild or crazy happens on this ride, its a more graceful experience with beautiful imagery and music. There are no big thrills here.
Soarin’ has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches.
Next, we’re off to the Imagination Pavilion, home to the kid-friendly dark ride, Journey Into Imagination with Figment.
Here you’ll board a slow moving ride vehicle and take a tour of the Imagination Institute hosted by Figment, a little purple dragon, and Dr Nigel Channing.
Figment gets a little too enthusiastic so we end up on a detour.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Along the way you’ll learn about the 5 senses as Figment turns the lab upside down and causes quite a stink in the Smell Lab.
Journey Into Imagination (Figment) | Epcot
After the Journey Into Imagination there are a number of interactive exhibits designed just for little ones in the exit area.
Also in the Imagination Pavilion, you’ll find the Disney-Pixar Short Film Festival in 4D.
Here you’ll don 3-D Glasses and watch 3 cartoon shorts, taking about 18 minutes in all. The floor of the theater reacts to key moments in the films by gently moving up and down.
Disney - Pixar Short Film Festival | Epcot
These film shorts are heartwarming and funny for all ages.
There’s usually no line to get in but I recommend being at the theater at least 10 minutes prior to the next show.
Oh, and it’s a great place to rest and enjoy some air conditioning.
Test Track, located on the opposite side of the park, is the fastest ride in Walt Disney World. This one has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches.
Test Track | Epcot
Inside you’ll buckle up in a 6 passenger sedan and head out on a futurist test track to see how your car holds up to different conditions like weather, speed and maneuvering around objects.
The road test culminates with a high speed around the building’s exterior at 65 mph.
Inside Test Track (SimCar) | Epcot
The wait can be long for Test Track but there are a number of interactive elements in the queue to keep kids engaged.
Next to Test Track you’ll find Mission Space.
Mission Space | Epcot
This motion simulator takes you through a realistic rocket launch into space.
Each member of your crew will assume an important role to fly the rocket. During your flight, you will be instructed to initiate a sequence which means pushing a few buttons on command.
Inside Mission Space | Epcot
Don’t worry, if you don’t push the buttons, the ride still continues as planned.
There are two teams Orange and Green.
Orange Team is an intense experience with significant spinning to create g-forces during the launch.
The minimum height for Orange is 44 inches.
Inside Mission Space | Epcot
Personally I don’t recommend it. I think it’s much too intense.
Fortunately the Green Team is basically the same ride but with light movement and no spinning! Green has a minimum high requirement of 42 inches.
Heading out to World Showcase, one of the first countries you’ll come to, if going clockwise, is Mexico. Go inside! There’s a super kid-friendly boat ride in there.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros takes you on a cruise down the Rio Grande on a musical boat ride through some of the most famous sights and cities in Mexico.
Gran Fiesta Tour | Epcot
There is no minimum height requirement for Gran Fiesta Tour.
Continuing clockwise in World Showcase, you’ll come to the Norway pavilion, home to one of the most popular attractions in the park: Frozen Ever After.
This boat ride attraction is a musical journey through scenes from the film Frozen with Anna, Elsa and their fellow frozen friends.
Frozen Ever After | Epcot
The line for this ride can get ridiculously long, often 80+ minutes so you’ll want to ride it first thing in the morning.
There is no minimum height requirement for Frozen Ever After.
Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus | Epcot
After riding Frozen, be sure to visit Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus, one of the most popular character meet and greet locations at Walt Disney World.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is another ultra-popular ride at Epcot, one that you should consider doing early in the morning before the crowds arrive for the day.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure | Epcot
On this dark ride attraction you’ll join Chef Remy on an adventure though his kitchen, and then scurry along with him as he tries to escape from Chef Skinner.
You can definitely spend en entire day or 2 at Epcot even with little ones. And I didn’t even cover things likes Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (minimum height 42”), the circle vision films in China and Canada, the food, shops like the Mitsukoshi Department Store in the Japan pavilion, the KidCot Fun Stops, the Coke Store where you can sample Coke products from around the world, the Beauty and Beast Sing a Long show and more. Oh and the nighttime fireworks spectacular which runs nightly.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Universal Orlando Plans New Dreamworks Animation Land at Universal Studios for 2024
Universal Orlando Resort said it will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animations’ beloved animated characters.
Universal Orlando Resort said it will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animations’ beloved animated characters.
As guests step into this new land, their imaginations will run wild as they take in the vibrant colors, sights and sounds that surround them.
Dreamworks Land is coming to Universal Orlando Resort
Guests will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and explore themed interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda to life in imaginative ways.
The new DreamWorks land, coming to Universal Studios Florida, is part of a collection of new entertainment experiences debuting at Universal Orlando Resort in 2024 and is a continuation of Universal’s commitment to rich storytelling that places guests of all ages in the most incredible and immersive environments.
This new land will replace the former Woody Woodpecker area of the park.
More details will be revealed in the future. For more information on Universal Orlando Resort packages, click here.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Mears Transportation and Sunshine Flyer Have Merged
Today, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer announced that they are merging. Mears will continue to provide roundtrip transportation between Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Today, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer announced that they are merging. Mears will continue to provide roundtrip transportation between Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
The merger brings a new name: Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine, guests will still have access to the following service:
24/7 service
Express service
Pickup from terminals A, B, and C
Sunshine Flyer will no longer offer train-themed motorcoaches.
Guests arriving and departing in July will take their trip with the Sunshine Flyer as planned.
Sunshine Flyer will reach out to all guests who currently have reservations explaining what they need to do.
Related:
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
If you currently have a reservation with Sunshine Flyer, you can visit their FAQ page here. in most cases, the merger will have minimal impact on reservations.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Disney Cruise Line Ends Contract with Mears Transportation
On July 1, 2023, Disney’s contract with Mears expired.
For decades Disney Cruise Line contracted with Orlando-based Mears Transportation to shuttle guests between Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando International Airport, and the cruise terminal at Port Canaveral.
Former Disney Cruise Line operated by Mears Transportation
Mears operated the Disney Cruise Line buses for over 20 years but struggled to hire sufficient drivers for both Disney Cruise Line and the defunct Magical Express, a service that provided round-trip airport transfers to Walt Disney World.
On July 1, 2023, Disney’s contract with Mears expired.
Mears began removing all Disney graphics from the buses.
The former Disney Cruise Lines buses are still in service by Mears and are currently being used for group and convention charters, Mears Connect airport shuttle, and as resort transportation at Walt Disney World during peak times.
Disney Cruise Line has now contracted with Academy Bus LLC, the largest privately owned bus company in America.
The new Academy buses will receive the same Disney Cruise Line livery as the former Mears buses.
Disney Cruise Line bus operated by Academy Bus LLC.
Guests will not experience any changes in service and fares will remain the same for the foreseeable future under Academy’s contract.
Disney World has been using Academy to shuttle College Program Cast Members to the new campus at Flamingo Crossings and to support Walt Disney World resort and theme park transportation since 2020.
“Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package. ”
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Easy Guide to Disney Genie+ at Walt Disney World
Explained: What is Genie+? Lightning Lane? Plus 6 Helpful Tips for using Genie+
Genie+ gives you access to Lightning Lanes (formally FastPass) where you can skip the lines at select attractions at each of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks.
A second, à la carte option, called Individual Lightning Lane, allows you to purchase a skip-the-line pass for some of the most popular rides without purchasing Genie+.
What is Disney Genie+?
(Available for Purchase in the Disney World mobile app)
Disney Genie+ is the name of the service that lets you use Lightning Lane entrances at select attractions. Lightning Lane is a special line that bypasses the regular (Standby) line.
(I’ll provide a link below to the attractions that offer Lightning Lane).
If you decide to purchase Genie+, you can expect to enter 2-4 attractions or experiences per day using Lightning Lane entrances.
You can hold 1 Lightning Lane reservation at a time. Once your reservation is redeemed, you will be able to make another selection using the app.
Additional perks included with Genie+
Augmented Reality Disney PhotoPass Lenses are included and can be used at all four Theme Parks. You’ll find them in the My Disney Experience app.
Disney PhotoPass Downloads from attractions. This shouldn’t be confused with regular PhotoPass. This perk refers only to the on-ride photos/video.
Audio Tales from all four Theme Parks in the My Disney Experience app. These are short fun facts about the parks that can be played from the app. This is a neat feature but it’s difficult to hear the audio while you’re in the parks.
When can I purchase Disney Genie+?
Genie+ becomes available starting at 12 a.m. (midnight) on the day of your visit.
When can I make my first Lightning Lane selection?
On the day of your visit, starting at 7 a.m.
How Much Does Genie+ Cost?
Prices vary seasonally but you can expect to pay $15 - $30 per person per day for Disney Genie+.
How to make a Lightning Lane reservation
Open the Disney World mobile app
Go to “Tip Board”
Review Lightning Lane attraction entrance times and make a selection. One Lightning Lane selection can be made at a time.
When your arrival window rolls around, use the Lightning Lane entrance. Tap your Magic Band, mobile phone, or Key to the World Card to enter.
Individual Lightning Lane Passes
(Available for Purchase in the Disney World mobile app)
For some of Disney World’s most popular attractions, Lightning Lane entry is available to purchase individually as an à la carte option. This is known as an “Individual Lightning Lane Pass.”
You can purchase individual Lightning Lane entries for up to 2 attractions per day, one at a time.
You’ll be able to choose from a list of available times displayed on the app.
This option is available with or without Disney Genie+.
(Use the link below under “Resources” to see which attractions are eligible as an à la carte option.)
When can I make my first Individual Lightning Lane purchase?
For guests staying at Disney World hotels and Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels only:
On the day of your visit, starting at 7 a.m.
All other Guests:
On the day of your visit, starting at each Theme Park’s opening time
Lightning Lane Tip: Individual Lightning Lane passes often sell out by 10 a.m. Purchase as soon as you’re eligible to do so.
How much does an Individual Lightning Lane pass cost?
Individual Lightning Lane passes range from about $15 - $20 per person. Prices are based on season and attendance levels.
How to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry
Open the Disney World mobile app
Go to “Tip Board”
Look for the attractions labeled “Individual Lightning Lane.” Review available times and make your selection.
When your arrival window rolls around, use the Lightning Lane entrance. Tap your Magic Band, mobile phone, or Key to the World Card to enter.
Lightning Lane Resources
1 - Purchase Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane Selections as early as possible.
To get the most out of Genie+ purchase it on the mobile app before 7 a.m. so you can book your first selection as soon as the service unlocks. Time is of the essence here when it comes to booking popular attractions.
2 - Individual Lightning Lane Selections
Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. You’ll be able to make your first Individual Lightning Lane selection at 7 a.m., ahead of the general public.
Those not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can purchase Genie+ when the park opens.
3 - Select Popular Attractions First
When it’s time to make your first Lightning Lane selection of the day, choose one of the headliner attractions. Many will reach capacity early in the day.
4 - A Secret to Lightning Lane reservations with Genie+
Remember you can hold only 1 Lightning Lane selection at a time - but there is a secret way to hold more.
If you book a Lightning Lane selection at 7 a.m. for a return time that is more than 2 hours after the park opening, Disney Genie+ will allow you to make a second selection. The ability to make another selection will unlock 2 hours after the park opens.
For example, let’s say it’s 7 a.m. and you select Slinky Dog Dash. You get a Lightning Lane time for 1 p.m.
The park opens at 9 a.m.
You’ll be allowed to make another Lightning Lane selection at 11 a.m. (because that’s 2 hours after the park opening time). At this point, you’ll have 2 Lightning Lane selections booked.
5 - Make your next Lightning Lane selection right away
As soon as you enter Lightning Lane at your reserved attraction, immediately make your next selection. Every minute counts when it comes to making reservations.
6 - Be open to crisscrossing the park
Genie+ will sometimes recommend attractions that are nearby just because they are..nearby. But the attractions being offered might not even have a long wait.
Instead, look for headliner attractions that have a long wait and use Genie+ for those instead.
This may mean you have to return to an area of the park you already visited but waiting less in line makes it worth it.
BONUS TIP - Watch Your Phone’s Battery!
At Disney World, you’re going to be on your phone a lot. From Genie+ reservations to photos, you’re battery will likely drain faster than usual.
Make sure you have a full charge before you head into the parks.
I also recommend purchasing a portable phone charger. Disney sells Fuel Rods in the parks for $30, and they can be swapped out for fresh ones for a nominal fee, even if you purchased a Fuel Rod someplace else.
Amazon has other brands starting around $20.
If you need assistance planning your Disney World vacation, I’d love to help! Start by filling out my Quote Request here and I’ll reply with options!
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
Related Disney World Information
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Best Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside
How to find a great room at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort plus Resort Map
Looking for the best rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside? You’ve come to the right place! There are nearly 20 individual 2 and 3-story buildings that house about 2,000 rooms.
Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside are accessed via exterior corridors with exterior entry to the rooms.
Rooms at the end of each corridor have an additional side window that allows for more natural light, these are known as, “corner rooms.”
Heat and air conditioning come from a built-in unit under the window. The only moderate hotel to offer central air conditioning is Coronado Springs.
The main pool complex known as Ol’ Man Island is centrally located within the resort. You can access Ol’ Man Island by using one of three footbridges.
There are also smaller, neighborhood pools located throughout the resort.
In this guide, I’ll show you where you can find the best rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside.
Map of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside
Riverside is divided into two sections
Alligator Bayou
Magnolia Bend
Rooms in both sections have nearly identical floor plans but many rooms in Alligator Bayou have a 5th Sleeper which is a small fold-down bed ideal for children up to age 9.
See my full Port Orleans Riverside tour here ▸
Room Requests at Port Orleans Riverside
I make room requests for clients all the time but my disclaimer is that they are never guaranteed. Based on client feedback, requests are honored about 80% of the time.
Room Categories at Port Orleans Riverside
It’s important to understand the various room categories that are offered at this resort because there are quite a few to choose from. In the next section, I’ll show you where each of the room categories is located and the best rooms in each section.
Standard View - views of parking area, gardens, or woods. 2 queen beds. Most economical.
Standard View 5th Sleeper - views of parking area, gardens, or woods. 2 queen beds and a child-size pull-down bed.
Woods View - views of gardens or woods. 2 queen beds.
Woods View 5th Sleeper - views of gardens or woods. 2 queen beds and a child-size pull-down bed.
King Bed - views of garden, woods, or river. 1 king bed. Located throughout the resort, there’s no dedicated section.
River View - views of Sassagoula River. 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds and 1 child-size pull-down bed.
Preferred Room - views of garden, woods, or river. Close to dining, pool, and transportation. 2 queen beds and most have a child-size fold-down bed.
Dog-Friendly Room - Dedicated rooms for just those traveling with their dogs. Located in the Magnolia Bend section. If you do not have a dog, you will not be assigned one of these rooms.
Best Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Where are the Preferred rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Preferred rooms are located in Buildings 14, 15, 18 and 27. They are closest to the check-in area, the boat to Disney Springs, the bus stop for the theme parks, Ol’ Man Island pool complex, and the resort’s 2 restaurants: Riverside Mill Food Court and Boatwright’s Dining Hall.
Within the Preferred section, the closest rooms to the resort’s amenities are Buildings 14 and 15.
There’s a walkway that serves as a shortcut between Buildings 14 and 15 and the main bus stop, a terrific benefit when you’re tired!
Where are the Standard View rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Standard rooms at Port Orleans have views of landscaping, walkways, parking areas, or walkways.
This is the most economical room category.
Standard View 5th Sleeper rooms are only found in Alligator Bayou.
If you’re looking for convenience, I like Buildings 15, 16, and 17 as they are closer to the lobby and dining and they have a neighborhood pool nearby.
If you prefer a Standard View with a chance of having a view of a wooded area or manicured lawns, Buildings 80 and 85 in Magnolia Bend are great for this, but far from the lobby.
Where are the Woods View rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Woods view rooms are very similar to Standard View and cost only slightly more.
In most cases, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell Standard View and Woods View apart.
At Port Orleans Riverside, the term “woods” means anything that’s green: trees, gardens, grass, etc.
There is one major distinction, however: Woods View rooms will not have a parking area view.
5th Sleeper rooms are available in the Alligator Bayou section only.
Rooms in Alligator Bayou have a secluded feel which is perfect for those seeking privacy and quiet. Best Woods View rooms are in Buildings 26 and 39.
Where are the Pool View rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Most of the Pool View the rooms in Alligator Bayou will have the 5th Sleeper. There’s an excellent chance you’ll be assigned a 5th Sleeper room if you have 5 people in your party.
Don’t let Pool View fool you. Not one of the Pool View rooms are close to Ol’ Man Island - the feature pool complex at the resort.
At Riverside, Pool View means a view of a “quiet pool” or what I like to call “neighborhood pool.” These are smaller pools, without waterslides and entertainment, that are conveniently located around the resort.
If your goal is to be as close to the the feature pool as possible, request buildings 80 or 85 in the Magnolia Bend section, but remember there are no 5th Sleepers there.
Where are the River View Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Best Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
The Sassagoula River runs through the middle of Port Orleans Riverside and it’s an important part of the resort’s overall story.
Yet there are very few rooms that have a true river view and so they can be hard to get.
Most rooms designated as River View will have a somewhat distant view of the river.
Building 27 contains rooms that have some of the best views.
More great views of the river can be found in the Royal Rooms section, there’s a River View category there as well.
Where are the Royal Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Royal Rooms have a Disney Princess theme.
Located in Buildings 90 and 95 in Magnolia Bend, Royal Rooms come in Standard View, Woods View, Pool View, and River View.
5th Sleepers are not available in Port Orleans Royal Rooms.
While most people adore these rooms for their attention to detail, the downside is that they are far from the lobby, dining and feature pool.
When staying in this section you’ll need to decide if you would like to be closer to the bridge leading to the lobby, or the bus depot. It’s one or the other here.
Floor plan of a typical room at Port Orleans Riverside
The vast majority of rooms have 2 queen beds, a small table and 2 chairs. Across from the bed is a TV and dresser. Rooms that have 5th sleepers will have a fold-down bed instead of a dresser.
Tips for making room requests
It’s better to leave room requests as general as possible. The more general they are, the more likely they will be honored.
Requests for a room near the bus stop, a particular room or building, or “high floor” are viable requests and have a great chance of being honored.
I do not recommend requesting a room that is outside of your category. Free upgrades are highly unlikely because the resorts sell out nearly every night at Walt Disney World.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is located near Epcot and Disney Springs. It’s the closest Moderate resort to Magic Kingdom.
Room Amenities
Complimentary internet
Housekeeping every other day
Designated dog-friendly rooms
Mini fridge
Hairdryer
Coffee maker
Small table and 2 chairs
Club Level
Club level rooms are not offered at Port Orleans Riverside.
Darren is an Orlando-based travel advisor and writer with Magical Vacations Travel, since 2008. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent.
Disney has started piloting an airport luggage assistance program at select Disney World hotels!