The Riverside Mill

The Riverside Mill is at the heart of the town of Riverside. Built in 1875, it was the first significant structure in the area, and the rest of the town grew up and out from here.

Of course, in the world of Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort, The Riverside Mill is the food court for the property. Back when this area was known as Dixie Landings (1992-2001), this was the Colonel's Cotton Mill, and a cotton flower is still part of the mural (above). Once Dixie Landings and Port Orleans were combined, the name was changed to further support the story being told.

Approaching the town from the water, the Riverside Mill is the most prominent building, with its enormous red water wheel churning slowly at one side.

The wheel is powered by the current of the river, channeled through a trough. Follow inside, and you'll see that the movement of the water wheel is actually operating the mechanisms of the mill itself. Through a series of gears, poles and corkscrews, the power from the water is physically transferred across the mill.