Meeko's Walt Disney World Trip 2004
After a day of adventure at the Animal Kingdom, it was back to Port Orleans for a pleasant evening.
For anyone who has read the first installment of this trip report, you know that I have set out for this trip to be one of my most relaxing yet. At first glance of the installments so far, it may not seem incredibly serene. True I didnt stay out as late in the parks as usual and the evening at Downtown Disney was very pleasant, but other than that, its been trecking around theme parks. However, tonight would be more along the relaxing lines I promised, because it would be an evening of enjoying the resort- no lines, no crowds, and no hassle. After relaxing in my room for a little while, I took a walk from Port Orleans French Quarter over to Riverside.
I had a reservation to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the resort that evening. After looking around the lobby a bit, I went to where the carriage was about 15 minutes before my reservation time. It turns out that due to a no-show, the carriage was all ready to go.
The carriage ride was absolutely wonderful. The whole ride took roughly 30 minutes and went from the marina at Riverside around through the French Quarter and then on the carriage path past Magnolia Bend. The whole ride was just incredibly charming and a wonderful addition to the entire resort. At the end of the trip, the carriage returned to Riversides marina.
After the carriage ride, a dinner at Boatwrights Dining Hall was part of the itinerary. I already had a PS for a little later, but since the restaurant was not too busy, I was able to be seated right away. Dinner was very good. I had the four cheese ravioli, which is not particularly Old South or Cajun like you would expect to see on a menu at Port Orleans, but still wonderful. The cornbread there was very good as well. It was nice to spend an evening here. Last year when I stayed at Riverside, I never made time to spend an evening just at the resort, but I was glad I finally got to this time.
After dinner, I strolled back to the French Quarter to enjoy the New Orleans setting after dark. After that I returned back to my room and settled down early for the night. Tomorrow would be Extra Magic Hour Morning at the Magic Kingdom, and I wanted to be sure I didnt miss a minute of it.
