Disney World May 2012 Trip Report Part 1
When we got to our bus stop, there was another party waiting at it. This was a rare sight for us, but it wasn’t a big deal…at first.
It turned out that they were going to Port Orleans – French Quarter, and the bus was going to stop there first.
I had intended upon taking a few photos at Port Orleans – Riverside before going to bed, anyway, and since Riverside is a short walk from French Quarter, I figured, “why not?” and got off the bus at French Quarter for a few quick photos before walking back to Riverside.
Much like “just one photo” is never only one photo, “a few quick photos” is seldom only a few photos and is never quick. I ended up taking dozens of photos of the cool alligators around the grounds of French Quarter, along with the pool, and some other random things.
I think these alligators really enhance the theme of Port Orleans – French Quarter. Even though they’re not Disney characters, per se, they give the resort a bit of whimsy instead of attempting to cast it as a faithful recreation of the French Quarter. As skilled as the Imagineers are at theming, they will never be able to do complete justice to the real thing–regardless of the theme–the best way around this is to theme to a stylized version and whimsical version of the real thing.
After I was done shootin’ gators, I began walking back toward Port Orleans – Riverside. Although I’ve never floated along the bayou, the walk reminded me of that, as the warm, dim lights really kept true to theme even in the area between the two resorts. It’s details like this that most people don’t think about or even notice, but help sell the theme. Guests may not realize why they think they’re down on the bayou, but they think it. These unnoticed details are a big reason why.
Although I only have a handful of photos here to show for my time shooting at Port Orleans – Riverside, I actually spent a ton of time wandering around outside snapping shots. I’ll have more ready later, but suffice to say, the grounds are absolutely gorgeous. Even though I prefer the theme of Caribbean Beach Resort more (the cheery feel of the tropics is just more appealing), I think the execution of the theme is better at Riverside. As I said in our Moderate Resort Rankings, Port Orleans – Riverside is a moderate in terms of price, but it has Deluxe-level theming.
Sarah, who had taken the bus back to Riverside and presumably had been in bed for a while at this point, called to ask where the heck I was. Realizing that it was already after 2 am and we wanted to arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by 7 am the next morning, I packed up my gear and headed to bed after her call.
Did you enjoy this Walt Disney World trip report installment? If so, please share the post on Facebook with a “Like” or “Share” through the buttons at the top of the post, on Twitter by clicking the “Tweet” button, or by sharing it through the random assortment of buttons below! As always, please leave your thoughts about this post in the comments!
42 Responses to “Disney World May 2012 Trip Report Part 1”
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I just put my thumb on why I love your reports past what I said on Facebook. Since you are one of those who “gets it” and write for those of us that do, you know where to look for the magic and your skills with a camera allow you to capture it.
…and I LOVE the low shot of the light up pavement. From that angle you can’t see the pattern but you can see the sparkle. I’ve tried to capture those in a way that conveys the emotional impact and this really does it.
Throwing in my vote for you to keep these. I’m a big fan of trip reports. Not only from you guys, but all around. They can prove very beneficial to those planning a first trip, or those going on their hundredth. Everyone takes something different away from them. So you never know. Keep them coming! Great job as always with everything.
The trip reports aren’t going anywhere. Thanks to the resoundingly positive response from regular readers, I’ve realized that it was a mistake on my part not keeping up on them better. They may be a lot of work to write, but they’re also a lot of fun to write. Thanks for the feedback!
Had no idea you were at Hoosier! My wife and I are headed down in October with our two boys for their second trip in two years! Glad we have become Disney geeks! We are actually flying out of Lexington, Kentucky. The fare is $75 cheaper per person
What a great first part! I’m so excited to stay at Riverside for the first time in a few weeks!
Btw, I ALWAYS love your shots at EPCOT! Gorgeous as always.
Fantastic, makes me miss my “Second Home” so much. I adore Riverside, would be hard pushed to stay anywhere else in all honesty!
I love your reports. This one is close to home… I live in south Louisiana just 30 short minutes across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans. As many times (meaning somewhere over 20. I’ve lost count) that I’ve been to Disney I have yet to stay or even visit Port Orleans resorts. I guess in a way I felt, “I live there every day, why would I stay there on vacation?” But seeing from your photos, I am definitely going to visit the grounds while we’re there for the Holidays! They haven’t definitely captured the cajun feel while staying Disney whimsical.
You are an amazing photographer and I’m looking forward to part 2 of this trip report! Keep up the amazing photos!!
Oops typo “They **have** definitely captured the cajun feel while staying Disney whimsical.”
If I were in your shoes, I’d only visit. I think the theming wouldn’t be nearly as impressive to you given that you’re immersed in the real thing on a daily basis.
The trip reports are what got me interested in your site. I can see attraction/resort/restaurant reviews on various other Disney sites, but the trip reports are what make your site unique, for me. I appreciate your sense of humor in them and love to live vicariously through you and Sarah.
This report got me thinking – I wonder if parents would support my teaching extra math classes on weekends so I could take days off during the school year to head to Disney?! I’m sure they would support me in this endeavor as taking trips to Disney during the school year would make me a happier, and thereby more effective teacher. You guys have the right idea! More work = more time to play.
So basically what you’re saying is that I need to add a lot more humor to the reviews to distinguish them from other sites? Perhaps just a quick note at the end: “P.S. I thought this restaurant was okay–6/10.”
It never hurts to ask. What, with the internet and the television and the iPads, kids these days basically teach themselves (VERY thick sarcasm here). Lawrence of Arabia is marginally educational, and really long. Pop that sucker in and just have your students watch that for a few days while you go play!
I’m actually taking a day off Friday, Sept. 28th so I can come into town for the Tower of Terror 10 Miler. My students will be thrilled beyond belief when I leave my sub with a movie. I’m sure they would be fine with that at least a few days each semester, I’m just not sure my boss would agree. Some people just don’t get Disney…geez!
I have to say I love your TRs the best! It is the main reason I visit your site.
Next on the list is seeing your images. They really enhance your story telling skills
My girlfriend and I are so jealous of you two! As broke college students, we don’t make as many trips to WDW as we’d like, but we just went in July and followed a lot of the advice and tips that you’ve given. It really goes a long way in making the most of the trip.
One day we’ll be DVC members and annual pass holders!
Ahh, being a broke college student. I remember those days. While actually having money is nice, I would trade it in an instant for living the “college life” again!
I’m so happy to see a new trip report from you guys! They are definitely my favorite thing about your site and I can’t wait to read the next part.
Tom, I enjoy reading your trip reports. It’s a great buffer for those of us who need a little magic on our wait for our next trip. What I want to know is… how do you live on such a small amount of sleep?! We love our Disney trips but they wear us the heck out, and I can’t imagine doing them on the amount of sleep you do!
I am actually a terminator sent from the future by Skynet. My kind doesn’t need sleep. This whole blog is a clever ruse so that you won’t suspect anything. Don’t tell anyone!
That would explain why your pictures are so good…
That explains why Tom doesn’t use a tripod. He pretends he doesn’t have the patience for one, but since he’s already a precision machine, he doesn’t need a tripod’s stability.
So bummed to hear about the muffaletta. I greatly enjoy them. But then again, I LOVE olives and deli meats… a lot.
Looking forward to part 2!
I love deli meats too. It was the olive spread that was suspect.
Hi Tom. I too love your Trip Reports; they’re what got me hooked on your blog this past summer (I’m a teacher, so I had some free time to live vicariously through you guys).
The grounds, pool, flora… it’s all just beautiful. We’ll definitely be back (we’re Florida residents and AP holders).
That said, I really enjoy reading these. A friend and I just stayed at Riverside for 3 nights and were complimentary upgraded to a ‘Princess Suite.’
I’m going to have to try the cajun fries next time. Did ya’ll try the pasta station? It’s yummy, and VERY filling. And as far as Muffalettas go, have you ever heard of Schlotzky’s? It’s a sandwich shop that specializes in Muffalettas, and they are KILLER! I didn’t think the one at Riverside was all too great myself, but if you ever have a chance to eat at Schlotzsky’s, give it a try. I think it will redeem the Muffaletta for you.
Can’t wait to see what’s next in your adventure!
After this first Muffaletta, I don’t know if I’m ready to brave another one. I might be scarred for life!
I find that replacing the olive spread with an entire container of Morton’s Salt gives you the same flavor with out the olive bits.
Dear Tom and Sarah,
I discovered your website last fall while doing a google search for people’s Disneymoon trip reports. Yours was the first that came up. My fiancé Chris and I have been planning a pretty epic Disneymoon, and we can’t believe that now we are only 9 days away from our wedding, and 11 days away from going to Disney. We will be staying at the Boardwalk Villas for 2 days, then we are off on a cruise on the Disney Dream, then back to WDW for 4 more glorious days at the World, this time at Wilderness Lodge Villas.
While anticipating this trip for almost a year now, I have read your trip reports over and over, and I love them. I also enjoy your reviews and I like your objective reporting on various things, but your trip reports are fabulous, and your photography is nothing short of stunning. I even started writing a trip report from a past trip and posted it on wdwmagic.com, but didn’t completely finish it yet. I plan on doing a huge one after this honeymoon! I even bought the photography book you recommended, Understanding Exposure. I have always loved taking pictures and hope to get better at it, and maybe buy a DSLR camera someday if I get really good with my point and shoot.
Please keep up the great work, I love reading your reports, and I hope to be even half as good at it someday!
Thanks for the incredibly kind words. Most importantly, have an AMAZING wedding and Disneymoon! It sounds like you’ve done all of your homework, so now it’s just time to go enjoy it! Send me a link to the trip report you write once you start it, please!
As for me being objective…I’m not so sure about that! I have very strong opinions about a lot of things, and they definitely color my writing. I try to see both sides of the coin and not present reviews that are overly positive or too jaded, but it can be difficult. It seems many fans/bloggers either think “Disney can do no wrong” or “Disney has fallen from grace.” I’m somewhere in the middle. Some things I love, some things I think are downright bad. Hopefully I’m fair in what I write.
Tom,
Thank you SO much for the return of the WDW trip reports!! I was one of the many that commented on facebook and requested that you continue the trip reports…did you seriously think no one was reading these?? You underestimate the fan base you have in cyberspace
I also found my way to your blog from your trip reports on wdwmagic and appreciate your dry humor, self-deprecation and objective commentary. As you stated above, you are a Disney lover but you are not automatron spouting the company approved commentary. On the other hand you are not one of those depressing breed of Disney haters daydreaming about the “good ‘ole days”. Having strong opinions doesn’t make you less objective, as long as you have something to back up your opinions…which you always do.
I also want to give a thumbs up to your dining reviews, DDP analysis and photography section. Again, objective discussion of the DDP and its pros and cons…not just a blanket statement that “the DDP has single-handedly caused the decline of all restaurants at WDW”.
Keep up the good work! I realize that while my husband and I are at a totally different point in our lives than you and Sarah (being in our 40′s with preteen/teenage boys), we look forward to visiting WDW just as you and Sarah are now….alone, still in love, without children and just as enamored with WDW as we are now.
a GREAT start to your report – I have no idea where you get your energy from!! Our first night in “The World” I end up eating something (while spilling half of it down myself) and just sort of collapsing into/onto bed…. though I suppose coming from the UK with a five hour time difference puts me at a slight disadvantage!;)
Loved the photos you took of the China pavilion: they gave such a sense of depth and scale whereas a lot of the time it feels as though people capture the ‘front’ of the pavilion before just moving onto the next.
Tom, love your trip reports and I always look forward to your new ones. You have great insight on the parks and I love your commentary.
As a rookie Disney photographer, I’m always interested in what new photos you are going to present and your late night adventures in photography. Your work always inspires me to try and get better and I’m going to try some late night sessions in my upcoming October and December trips.
Keep up the great work and keep writing those trip reports!
So sad to hear about the not so great muffaletta experience. It is one of our favorites, but I’ve never had a Disney version, only an authentic NOLA one. Give it another shot next time you’re down south…Central Grocery is a good place to start. Boscolis olive salad is the best if you make your own. Mmmm…might need to make soon now that I think about it…
LOVE your trip reports, and the photos! The photos truly illustrate how I see these places and scenes through my own eyes! I can’t even begin to describe what you manage to show through a lense! Beautiful and spectacular!
When I’m missing my magiccal, happy place, or are in desperate need of a dose of Disney magic, trip and photo reports like yours make my day, and get me excited for my next trip!
Love your work, and “getting it” like only true Disney fans can!
Keep up the great magic!
I can not get over how great your photos are! I wish I could capture images like you do.
Your photos of the inside of Spaceship Earth made me feel like I was in the ride. I could almost smell the “Spaceship Earth smell” (as my kids call it).
Thank you. I love your posts…I will be back for more.
Tamara
Glad you enjoyed this installment. Thanks for reading!
As previously stated, Central Grocery in the French Quarter is where to find a muffaletta worth eating. And just FYI as a Louisianian born and raised it is pronounced MUFF-A-LOTTA.
Great read!
You are spot on about what happens when you move to Florida. We moved to Florida from Michigan two years ago and our Disney trips have been substantially different since. We live less than three hours away so obviously our trips are far more frequent and shorter which we expected, but when you are able to go whenever you want you loose that “Disney Vacation” feel. Even when we go and stay on property for a couple days it still feels different. It’s not necessarily a bad thing since we now spend about 30 days a year in the parks versus 7-10 when we lived in Michigan, but definitely different and I really miss that feeling sometimes.
Hi…love the blog! We’re from the US but currently living in Denmark so we only get to the parks every 4-5 years when we’re in the US. We’re planning a trip for late 2014 and your stories are helping to tie me over until we can visit again. Thanks for writing…..and your photography is great!
Jack
I’m loving the pics with the new camera! Stunning photography!
Your pics in the Spaceship Earth ride are unbelievable! Looking at them I can hear the music in my head, and feel the seat of the car I would be riding in. Love it!
I also love the topiaries in all the pictures. The dragon in China was really really great! Someday I will get there to see topiaries and things in person!
Thanks for the kind words!
With all of these nighttime photos, there are no people in them! How do you achieve this? I am so glad that I stumbled onto your site! Fantastic photos.
I LOVE looking at resort photos! Thank you for sharing!