My Stay at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside 10/30-11/2

This weekend I had the pleasure of staying for the first time ever at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside. I had a wonderful time celebrating my nephew's 13th birthday with my family. It was a trip with memories that will last forever. I will talk more about the trip itself in my trip report that is coming up. Now, though I will talk about Port Orleans Riverside and how great my stay was.

Without going into to much detail, our flight left out of our local airport at around 11:20 a.m. and we arrived at the Orlando/Sanford airport shortly after 2 p.m. By the time we gathered our luggage and met with the shuttle driver who would be taking us to Port Orleans. We arrived at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside after about an hour drive. We were already checked in as I had checked in online so we decided to get something quick to eat since we had a light lunch at the airport.

We headed over to the Riverside Mill Food Court and ordered some chicken breast nuggets. While we were ordering, I received a text message that our room was ready. Our room was in the Alligator Bayou Section in Building 27 and Room number 2714. After eating, I swear Disney has best chicken breast nuggets ever, we headed over to our home away from home for the weekend.

The room was a standard room that was handicap accessible for my dad. We unpacked and relaxed for about a half hour before we decided to head over Disney Springs. I will go into more details about my visits to Disney Springs and the parks in my Trip Report. The room had two queen size beds and the bathroom had a walk-in handicap accessible shower with chair to sit down. By the time we got back from Disney Springs we were exhausted so we all washed up and showered to get some sleep before we headed over to Epcot for the Food & Wine Festival in the morning.

We woke up and walked down to breakfast at the Riverside Mill Food Court again. I had a Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Sandwich on white bread. It was delicious. We then proceeded back to the room for my father to have his breakfast and then headed to Epcot. We got to the park around 10 and were there for about 9 hours. We then headed back to the hotel to enjoy the Halloween festivities at the hotel. Here are some of the pumpkins created by the staff.

Being at Disney World during Halloween was truly a special experience and Port Orleans was great. They even had Goofy their to meet & greet with resort guests. I'm not going to lie we returned to our room and watched football the rest of the night. We followed the next morning up by waking up a little earlier to try to get to Magic Kingdom as early as possible to celebrate my nephew's birthday. We didn't have tickets to the Mickey's Not-So-Scary so we were out of the park by 6:00. We then headed over to the Polynesian for dinner at Captain Cook's. After a long day by 8:00 we were ready to return to our room.

We had a surprise from our cleaning crew when we got back a Mickey head-shaped towel.

Monday was our final day at Port Orleans so I took the morning since we were leaving for airport at 11:30 to take some photos of our room and the resort. So here are some of the pictures that I took.

First of the room:

Now of around the resort:

Overall, it really was a great stay at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside and I would recommend others to stay there. I really have no complaints which just shows how much I enjoyed it there. Only inconvenience was one bathroom in the room, but that can't be changed. My family is used to staying at Art of Animation, so we are a bit spoiled. Disney's Port Orleans Riverside has such beautiful scenery and really feels like you are on the Bayou in Louisiana. I give Port Orleans Riverside an A+ rating.

Star Wars Launch Bay at Hollywood Studios Rumored Opening Date; Alice Through the Looking Glass Teaser

Star Wars Launch Bay Rumored Opening Date at Hollywood Studios:

Since it was announced during August's D23 EXPO along with Star Wars Land, Star Wars Launch Bay has had a December opening date on the map for Disney's Hollywood Studios. Now we can say, that Disney Cast Members have been telling insiders to expect an November 27 soft opening and a December 6 official opening.

What does a soft opening mean? It means it will be a test and open at certain times and then be closed  at certain times as well. We will get a look at Disneyland's Star Wars Launch Bay in just 10 days when it opens along with Seasons of the Force that begins on November 16.

Star Wars Launch Bay will feature interactive exhibits, live video games, and opportunities to meet and greet with your favorite Star Wars characters. Launch Bay is just the stepping stool as we all await the opening of Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land in the near future.

"Alice Through the Looking Glass" Teaser Released:

Disney's "Alice Through the Looking Glass", a sequel to its live-action remake of "Alice in Wonderland", is due out May 27, 2016. Today the teaser was released for the film. The film's plot is Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. The film is directed by James Bobin and written by Linda Woolverton.

The film returns its all-star cast in Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, and Helena Bonham Carter. The voice cast also returns with the likes of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen, and Timothy Spall. The movie also introduces some new characters include Zanik Hightopp played by Rhys Ifans and the Mad Hatter's father and Time himself, a peculiar creature that is half human and half clock played by Sacha Baron Cohen.

Here is the teaser for "Alice Through the Looking Glass":

Just in time. Here's your first peek at Alice Through the Looking Glass. 🕛 https://t.co/7kKl9CC4aL

— Disney (@Disney) November 5, 2015

'Force Awakens' Character Posters Revealed and They're Awesome!; New Olaf Sorcerers Card For MVMCP

'Force Awakens' Character Posters Revealed and They're Awesome!!!!:

Earlier this morning, John Boyega said he had surprise for Star Wars fans this afternoon. He didn't disappoint his fans as his (Finn) along with other main characters of the film posters were revealed. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" hits theaters in 44 days and today we got a look at Han, Leia, Kylo Ren, Finn, and Rey posters.

Finn has something to fight for. #TheForcAwakens

Rey is ready to battle on Jakku. #TheForceAwakens

Kylo Ren is ready to finish what Vader started. #TheForceAwakens

The scoundrel returns. #TheForceAwakens

Leia has the force. #TheForceAwakens

New Olaf 'Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom' Card to Debut During MVMCP:

Christmas is now in full force at Magic Kingdom as decorations and the tree have gone up. This weekend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party begins at the park. During, the party this year and like during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card will be released exclusively for the party. This year's card features Olaf and his Snowgies. 

The card will be distributed in addition to regular Sorcerers card packs. You will be able to pick it up at either the Magic Kingdom Firehouse or the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom location behind Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. To retrieve the card guests must register to play the game with their event party ticket and event wristband. 

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party begins this Sunday, November 8 and runs through December 18. 

D23 to Offer Exclusive 'Force Awakens' Content to Members; Star Tours Opens at Tokyo Disney Resort

D23 to Offer Exclusive 'Force Awakens' Content to Members:

We are less than 50 days away from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and I know I can't be any more excited than a child opening presents on Christmas morning. Today, we found out that D23, the Official Disney Fan Club, announced its members will be offered exclusive 'Force Awakens' content that no one else will see. Here is the official press release:

JOURNEY TO A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY AS DISNEY TWENTY-THREE GIVES FANS UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

FEATURING EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH J.J. ABRAMS, MARK HAMILL, HARRISON FORD, CARRIE FISHER, DAISY RIDLEY, LAWRENCE KASDAN, AND KATHLEEN KENNEDY, DISNEY’S OFFICIAL FAN CLUB CELEBRATES THE EPIC SAGA.

To celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Disney twenty-three unlocks the power of the force to give fans a look behind the making of the newest installment in the Star Wars saga. The issue opens with “guest editor” C-3PO admitting he is unfamiliar with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club (“…although I am very familiar with the R2 series of droid, I am less familiar with the D23 line. Would it be R2-D23?”) and continues with candid interviews with the original Star Wars leads—Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford—looking back (and ahead) at the ongoing strength of these out-of-this-world films.

Director J.J. Abrams—whose long-standing history with Disney goes back to the TV show Felicity—sits down for a revealing Q&A, and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy talks about inheriting one of the most beloved franchises of all time. Plus, Imagineer Scott Trowbridge gives fans a peek at what’s in store for guests at the parks, following Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger’s announcement at D23 EXPO 2015 of Star Wars-themed lands coming to Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

And the Star Wars adventures continue. Also included in the publication, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members:

• Stories behind the movie poster artwork for all seven films
• An exclusive interview with Star Wars Rebels executive producer Dave Filoni, who talks about his first, nerve-wracking meeting with George Lucas
• The incredible collectibles—past and future—that allow guests to bring the movies into their homes, including the story of the groundbreaking BB-8 toy
• A salute to George Lucas by Star Wars authority Steve Sansweet

Plus, there’s plenty of Disney magic in the winter issue of Disney twenty-three including:

• The story of how the new Disney•Pixar film The Good Dinosaur came to rule the Earth
• A look back at the creation of Fantasia, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary
• How The Finest Hours went from an unbelievable true story to a gripping new film
• Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-November.

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue Opens at Tokyo Disney Resort:

Just last week we found out that the Tokyo Disney Resort would be getting the new 'Force Awakens' content added to Star Tours attraction in February 2016. The attraction is now open to the public and much like its American counterparts there are over 50 possible story combinations. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Tokyo Disney Resort is in the Tomorrowland section of the park.

Here is a sneak peak of the attraction the resort has released on its Youtube channel:

Disney World Announces Thanksgiving Offerings; New Dishes at ESPN Club; and More

Just want to say what a wonderful weekend trip to Walt Disney World it was and those few days off from work and the blog were quite relaxing. The highlight of course was getting to spend time with my family and celebrate my nephew's 13th birthday. I'll be working on my trip report this week so be on the look out for that. Let's get some Disney news out:

Disney World Announces Thanksgiving Offerings:

Welcome to the Holiday Season at Disney World. Considering I just left the World just a few short hours ago, I can tell you that Christmas is in full force around the resort and in the parks. Before we get on to Christmas though we do have the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving to celebrate at the parks. Disney World has announced its Thanksgiving Day offerings on November 26. 

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway will offer a special holiday menu with roasted turkey breast and all the trimmings plus traditional Norwegian meatballs, and pan-seared salmon. At Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offerings will include poppy seed lavash, house-made naan, and apple cranberry achar. 

Special Holiday menus at Disney's Hollywood Studios include: 50's Prime Time Cafe, Hollywood & Vine, and Hollywood Brown Derby. The Tusker House will have a special Holiday menu at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Here is a complete list of restaurants with special menu's around the Walt Disney World Resort:

• Artist Point and Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Port Orleans Resort Riverside
• California Grill, Chef Mickey’s and The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Captain’s Grille and Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Citricos, Grand Floridian Café, Narcoossee’s and Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Flying Fish Café and Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
• Mickey’s Backyard Thanksgiving Feast and Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas-Disney’s Kidani Village
• Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Sanaa at Disney’s Kidani Village Resort
• Shutters at Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

New Menu Items Featured at Disney BoardWalk Inn's ESPN Club:

The ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk Inn is featuring new starters and entrees on its menu along with the old staples that will remain on the menu. Here is a list:

New Starters:

• Bar Flats (the ESPN version of a flatbread with caramelized onion, bacon and beer-cheese fondue; tuna tartare; traditional margarita (mozzarella, tomato and basil); Mediterranean, and the seasonal flat. (pictured above)
• Club Fries – chunky steak fries topped with ESPN chili, Cheddar and ale fondue, crumbled blue cheese, marinated tomatoes, crispy pancetta and green onion. Plenty to share. 
• Pan-fried potato and cheese pierogi topped with herb-infused sour cream and caramelized onions. (pictured above)
• Crispy fried Florida pink shrimp with Cajun remoulade, Sherry aioli and grilled lemon.
• ESPN House Chili with diced onions, shredded Cheddar, smoked bacon, pico de gallo and griddle cornbread. 
• Clam chowder with chopped bacon, herb oil and seasoned oyster crackers.

• Turkey Carver sandwich with roasted turkey breast, smoke Gouda, maple aioli, tomato and bitter greens.
• Seafood mac & cheese made with seasonal seafood and citrus gremolata.
• Sustainable catch with market vegetables.
• Hand-breaded chicken breast sandwich with pepper jack cheese, tomato and lettuce on a toasted bun.
• Petite top sirloin and grilled langostinos with house-made mac & cheese, Cabernet butter and market vegetables.
• Craft beer battered fish and chips with Cajun tartar sauce and fries or cucumber salad. 
• Coffee-brined BBQ-spiced pork chop with fried potato hash and pickled vegetables.
• Grilled Black Tiger Shrimp and andouille sausage “gumbo style” risotto, braised kale and grilled cornbread. 
• Bourbon-ale braised beef short rib with potato and roasted garlic gratin, watercress, pan gravy and market vegetables. (pictured above) 
• Pan-roasted chicken breast with Parmesan risotto, lemony chicken jus and market vegetables. 
• Sausage 3 Way: bratwurst, peppers and onions on pretzel roll; kielbasa and smoked bacon cabbage on a club roll; and Andouille with pickled vegetables on a poppy seed roll. 
• Vegetarian “Unplugged” with seasonal selections

Various Christmas Offerings Begin at Disney World:

While at Disney World this weekend it was apparent that Christmas will soon be in full force around the parks and this was even on Halloween with many stores having their Christmas sections out. Christmas music has begun as well although it is sporadically between regular Disney music.

Yesterday, Santa Goofy began meeting guests at the entrance to the old Studio Backlot Tour taking the place of Sorcerer Mickey. Sorcerer Mickey is now meeting guests in the old Jack Sparrow attraction area.

Also at Disney's Hollywood Studios, although not officially beginning until on Friday, the final and 20th Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights began lighting up for all guests. 

Also check out the shirts, the Disney released for the final year of the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom begins this Sunday, November 8. Other Christmas offerings around the parks will begin in the coming days and weeks.