NEWS: Disney World Announces More Resort Re-openings (including the one everyone has been asking for!)

During the phased reopening of Walt Disney World, not all resorts have been open, including some fan-favorites! Thankfully, that is finally going to change. Disney has announced the last batch of resorts will be reopening this fall and that all resorts will be open by the end of 2021. Learn more below.

Here is the full statement from Walt Disney World

As we continue to take a measured and deliberate approach to reopening our Disney Resort hotels, we are happy to share we will start accepting bookings on July 8, 2021 for:

• • • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort for arrivals beginning Sept. 16
    • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for arrivals beginning Oct. 14
    • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter for arrivals beginning Oct. 28
    • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort for arrivals beginning Dec. 9

We are excited to continue welcoming Guests to hotels that have recently opened, like Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and are busy preparing Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for arrivals to begin on July 19 and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge on Aug. 26.

With this news, all Walt Disney World Resort hotels will be open by the end of 2021 and we look forward to welcoming more Guests to the magic over the next several months!

RELATED ARTICLE: 6 Reasons Why Port Orleans Resort at Disney World is a Great Place to Stay

by Christy Caby

As if you’ve entered the great South, stepping foot on Port Orleans Resort will transform you to Louisiana all while enjoying the excitement of Disney World at your fingertips. Here are 6 components that make Port Orleans Resort a great place to stay!

Editor’s Note: Not all of the Disney resorts will be opening during the phased reopening of Walt Disney World. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will open October 14, 2021. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter will reopen on October 28.

1 – Double Your Pleasure

One thing that sets Disney’s Port Orleans apart from other resorts is the benefit of having what seems like two resorts at your fingertips. While Riverside and French Quarter are both considered Port Orleans, they are both unique and offer different experiences and amenities. Stay at one location, but don’t hesitate to walk or catch the bus over to the other resort to double your pleasure!

2 – Atmosphere

Bayous, alligator talk, Mardi Gras, and sweet romance. Whether you are staying at Riverside and sticking with Southern charm or enjoying the historic, romantic vibe of the French Quarter, the atmosphere at Port Orleans will not disappoint. This atmosphere is carried throughout the guest areas and into the rooms. Plantation style buildings, French quarter living – the details are beautiful. We found our Riverside room to be very comfortable and charming. The picture of the steamboat in the room, the plantation images on the headboards, and the elegant style vanity, all truly say New Orleans.

3 – Dining Options

Port Orleans has a dining option that will match the taste of everyone in your family. Quick Service, Table Service, and Lounges – take your pick and enjoy! Mainly because of the two themes (Riverside and French Quarter) in one resort, you will enjoy the flexibility of taking your pick for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. Quick service options include Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Food Court and Riverside Mill Food Court. We particularly favored the variety offered at Riverside Mill Food Court. From soup to burgers to pasta – you’ll find something you are craving. Table Service includes the Boatwright’s, Dining Hall. Dining at Boatwright’s is a wonderful experience with an open and bright atmosphere and delicious Orleans style food. Try the jambalaya – you’ll love it! Lounges include Scat Cat’s Club, Mardi Grogs, River Roost, and Muddy Rivers Pool Bar.

4 – Proximity to Parks

One of our favorite components to Port Orleans is the proximity to the theme parks and to Disney Springs. With bus and boat transportation, access to the parks and Disney Springs is simple and seems to go quickly. We were impressed at the bus schedule and the lack of wait time it took to catch a bus to our desired location. Boating to Disney Springs adds to the excitement of the trip. With a resort this close to the different parks, you’ll be able to enjoy less time on the bus and more time in the parks!

5 – Extras 

There are so many extra amenities offered at Port Orleans that once again, you are sure to find something that will fit your needs. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride (guys – she’ll love this one!), rent a boat to paddle off with your sweetie, ride a rental bike around the resort, enjoy relaxing with a movie on the lawn, or spend some of those coins at the large arcades! Something we have to note – the arcade rooms have massage chairs, so bring those dollars and sit back to relax while the kiddos play games. If you have kids (4-12 years old), keep in mind the Pirate Adventure Cruise that calls young pirates aboard right at Port Orleans. The Ol’Man Island in Riverside is inspired by the story of Tom Sawyer, Ol’ Man Island even features a catch-and-release fishing hole and stories told around an evening campfire. The nearby Muddy Rivers pool bar and a hot tub provide fun for grown folks. Over at French Quarter, you’ll find a Mardi Gras-themed pool area where King Neptune sits astride a giant sea serpent. Scale “Scales,” as he’s affectionately known, and slide down his tongue for a splash landing. Jazz-loving gators and clamshell water features add more poolside fun. We hope you can take advantage of the wonderful pools Port Orleans has to offer.

Put your feet up and relax at this charming moderate resort. You’ll forget you are in Florida and think somehow Disney now calls Louisiana home. Ya’ll enjoy!