Port Orleans – Riverside Resort Review | Disney World Resorts for Families

If you’re looking for a resort that captures the essence of the South, look no further than Port Orleans – Riverside. This Disney World resort is situated on the banks of the Sassagoula River and boasts a charming, antebellum-inspired atmosphere.

Whether you’re traveling with family or as a couple, Port Orleans – Riverside Resort offers a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

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Port Orleans – Riverside is a large resort, with multiple bus stops around the resort and sprawling grounds. In our opinion, it works best when you are staying in a preferred room that is close to amenities or are looking for a resort stay that includes leisurely walks. 

The resort features a variety of room options, including standard rooms, royal rooms, and suites. Each room is decorated with tasteful Southern touches and offers modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and mini-refrigerators. 

In addition to the Southern ambience, the resort offers a range of dining options, from quick-service meals to sit-down restaurants, as well as several pools and recreational activities. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool or take a leisurely boat ride down the river to Disney Springs, Port Orleans Riverside has something for everyone.

Port Orleans – Riverside Resort Highlights

• Port Orleans Riverside offers a charming, Southern-inspired atmosphere.
• The resort offers a variety of room options and modern amenities.
• Guests can enjoy a range of dining options, pools, and recreational activities.
• This resort works best if you’re staying in a preferred room location. 

Overview of Port Orleans – Riverside Resort

If you’re looking for a moderate resort hotel with a charming southern feel, Port Orleans – Riverside may be just the place for you. This resort is located in the heart of Walt Disney World and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.

Resort Theme and Decor

Port Orleans – Riverside Resort is themed around rural Louisiana, with a focus on the Mississippi River and the historic port city of New Orleans. The resort is divided into two sections: Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. 

Magnolia Bend features grand, plantation-style mansions, while Alligator Bayou offers rustic, cabin-style lodging. The overall effect is a charming, southern atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing vacation. 

Rooms and Accommodations

Port Orleans Riverside offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms, preferred rooms, and royal guest rooms. Standard rooms are comfortable and spacious, with two queen beds or one king bed. In the Alligator Bayou section they also have fifth sleeper bed rooms available. These standard rooms may be located a further distances from amenities.

The rooms in the Alligator Bayou section have a cabin feel and feature characters in a more subdued manner. You can find subtle photos of Princess Tiana and when you pull down the fifth sleeper bed you’ll find Louis from Princess and the Frog.

Preferred rooms will have a closer location to the amenities and may be found in either the Alligator Bayou or Magnolia Bend areas.

Our family’s favorite rooms are the Royal Guest Rooms in the Magnolia Bend area, which feature the Disney Princesses and a fun lighted fireworks headboard accent. The additional theme makes this a fun location for children that love the Disney Princesses.

The theme makes the Royal Guest Rooms feel very elegant and these are the perfect rooms if you have children that love the Disney Princesses!

Amenities and Recreation

Port Orleans Riverside offers a wide range of amenities and recreation options. The resort features six pools, including a main pool with a waterslide and a hot tub.

There are also several playgrounds, a jogging trail, and a marina where you can rent boats and other watercraft. Other amenities include a gift shop, a food court, and several restaurants.

Dining Options

If you’re looking for a variety of dining options during your stay at Port Orleans – Riverside Resort, you won’t be disappointed. From quick and casual bites to sit-down meals, there’s something for everyone.

Riverside Mill Food Court

The Riverside Mill Food Court is the perfect spot for a quick and easy meal. With a range of options including burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and salads, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.

The food court also offers a selection of grab-and-go items such as pastries and snacks, perfect for a quick breakfast or mid-day snack.

River Roost Lounge

If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, the River Roost Lounge is a great option. This cozy bar offers a range of drinks including beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as a selection of light snacks.

The lounge is also home to live entertainment in the evenings, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day.

Boatwright’s Dining Hall

For a more formal dining experience, check out Boatwright’s Dining Hall. The menu features Southern-inspired dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo, and fried chicken, as well as a selection of seafood and steak options. The restaurant also offers a children’s menu, making it a great choice for families.

The dining options at Port Orleans Riverside Resort are varied and offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your hunger.

Pools and Recreation

Ol’ Man Island Pool

The Ol’ Man Island Pool at Port Orleans Riverside Resort is the main pool and is located on a man-made island in the middle of the resort’s Sassagoula River.

The pool is themed after an abandoned sawmill and features a 95-foot-long water slide, a hot tub, and a children’s play area. The pool also has a zero-depth entry, making it easy for young children to enter and exit the water.

Leisure Pools

In addition to the Ol’ Man Island Pool, Port Orleans Riverside Resort has five leisure pools located throughout the resort. These pools are quieter and more secluded than the main pool and are perfect for those looking for a more relaxing swimming experience. 

Each leisure pool has its own unique theming and features lounge chairs and umbrellas for guests to use.

Recreational Activities

Port Orleans Riverside Resort offers a variety of recreational activities for guests of all ages. Guests can fish in the resort’s stocked fishing hole, play on the resort’s playground, or rent bikes to explore the resort’s scenic trails. There are also unique activities like a horse drawn carriage ride to take in the views of the resort.

 

Port Orleans Riverside Resort offers a variety of pools and recreational activities for guests to enjoy during their stay. Whether you want to relax by the pool or try your hand at fishing, there is something for everyone at this charming resort.

Transportation and Accessibility

When it comes to transportation, Port Orleans Riverside Resort offers a variety of options for guests to get around the Walt Disney World Resort.

Bus Transport

One of the most convenient ways to get around the resort is by using the complimentary bus service. Buses run frequently throughout the day and night, making it easy to get to the parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. The main bus stop is located near the lobby, and the buses are wheelchair accessible.

There are also bus stops around the perimeter of the resort to use for inter-resort transportation or to catch a bus to the theme parks closer to your room location.

Boat to Disney Springs

If you prefer a more scenic route, you can take a leisurely boat ride to Disney Springs. The boat dock is located near the lobby and operates from early morning until late at night.

The boats run approximately every 20 minutes, and the ride takes about 20 minutes each way. This is a great option for guests who want to avoid the crowds and traffic of Disney Springs.

Walking Trails

For guests who enjoy walking, there are several scenic walking trails throughout the resort. These trails offer a peaceful way to explore the property and get some exercise. The trails are well-lit and marked, making it easy to find your way around.

Whether you prefer to take a bus, boat, or walk, you can easily get around the resort and explore all that Walt Disney World has to offer.

Pros and Cons

This resort is often recommended for families, but it also may have some drawbacks for families as well. Let’s walk through the different advantages and disadvantages of staying at this resort, to understand why it can get mixed reviews.

Advantages

Port Orleans – Riverside Resort offers a lot of unique advantages that make it a great choice for a family stay in Walt Disney World.

The grounds offer a quiet location to take a stroll along the river or sit by the pool and enjoy the serene surroundings. If you’re wanting to be in a less busy location, this resort is large which helps it feel calm and quiet.

Another advantage of Port Orleans – Riverside Resort is its theming. The resort is inspired by the Louisiana bayou and features beautiful architecture and landscaping that transports you to a different time and place. The rooms are also well-appointed and comfortable, with plenty of space for your family.

The Magnolia Bend buildings are the only buildings with elevators, so if you’re planning a stay and have a stroller or otherwise need first floor accommodations, make sure that is noted on your reservation. 

Our best stays at this resort have been when we have been in the Magnolia Bend rooms. It should be noted that these rooms only sleep 4 Adults and do not have the drop down 5th bed, so if you’re looking for a room to sleep 5 people but don’t want the cabin feel of the Alligator Bayou rooms – a different moderate resort may be the best fit. 

Disadvantages

While there are many advantages to staying at Port Orleans Riverside Resort, there are also some disadvantages to consider. One of the biggest drawbacks is that since the resort is large and spread out, you may have to walk a long way to get to the main building or your bus stop. This can be challenging for guests with mobility issues or young children.

Additionally, the rustic vibe of the Alligator Bayou rooms may not be for families that do not want more of a “cabin feel” for their vacation.

And the two styles of buildings at this resort are almost confusingly different. (Middle of the woods feeling versus upscale southern comfort, two ends of the scale from our family’s view.) Our family personally prefers the rooms in the Magnolia Bend area and we have had a great experience at Port Orleans- Riverside when staying in that section.

On a recent trip staying one night in the Alligator Bayou section, it felt almost like being at a different resort than we had stayed at when being in the Magnolia Bend section! Knowing which types of rooms your family prefers (more of a upscale resort feel or cabin feel) and whether having longer walks to get to the amenities and bus stops will be a factor for your family, will decide how good of a fit this resort would be for you.

Port Orleans Riverside Resort is a great choice for guests who are looking for a peaceful and relaxing environment with beautiful theming and comfortable accommodations. And that don’t mind a bit of a walk around the resort. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the big difference in the types of rooms and the spread-out layout, before making your decision.

Comparison with Other Resorts

When it comes to choosing a Disney resort, there are many options available. Here’s how Port Orleans Riverside stacks up against some of the other resorts in the area.

Port Orleans French Quarter

Port Orleans Riverside’s sister resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, is located just a short walk away.

While both resorts share a similar theme, French Quarter is smaller and more compact, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more intimate setting. Rooms here also only offer a 4 person configuration for sleeping and there are not fifth bed sleepers at this moderate resort.

Port Orleans – Riverside offers more dining options than French Quarter, a larger pool area, and more recreational activities. However the charismatic vibe at French Quarter and coziness of the layout are perks for parties of 4 or less.

Caribbean Beach Resort

Caribbean Beach Resort is another moderate resort option that is similar in price to Port Orleans Riverside.

Caribbean Beach has a larger pool area and a more convenient location to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios using the Disney Skyliner. Port Orleans – Riverside offers more recreational activities, a more serene atmosphere, and is also a great choice if you plan to spend a lot of time at Disney Springs.

Deluxe and Value Resorts

While Port Orleans Riverside falls under the moderate resort category, it offers many amenities that are typically associated with deluxe resorts. However, it is worth noting that deluxe resorts come with a much higher price tag. On the other end of the spectrum, value resorts offer a more affordable option, but typically have fewer amenities and a more basic theme.

Port Orleans Riverside offers a great balance of price, amenities, and atmosphere. Which is why it is often recommended, before booking your family should decide which type of room would be the best fit and whether getting a preferred room that is closer to the amenities would help make your stay more comfortable.

Tips and Recommendations

Best Room Locations

If you are looking for a peaceful and quiet stay, and love Disney Princesses, then book a Royal Guest Room in the Magnolia Bend section of the resort. These rooms are located just across the river away from the hustle and bustle of the main lobby and have beautiful views of the Sassagoula River.

If you want to be closer to the main pool and dining options, then request a preferred room in the Alligator Bayou section. Rooms in this section are also closer to the main bus stop, making transportation around the resort more convenient.

Lower cost rooms on the edges of the property will have longer walks to get to the main buildings and also use one of the outer bus stops along the perimeter of the resort.

Dining Reservations

Port Orleans Riverside Resort has some fantastic dining options, and it’s always a good idea to make reservations in advance.

Boatwright’s Dining Hall is a popular restaurant that serves up delicious Southern cuisine, and it’s frequently busy. So, make sure to make a reservation if you want to dine there.

Riverside Mill Food Court is another popular dining option, and it’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, then head to the River Roost Lounge for some tasty snacks and drinks.

Maximizing Resort Amenities

Port Orleans Riverside Resort has plenty of amenities to keep you entertained during your stay. The main pool is a great place to cool off on a hot day, and there are also several quiet pools located throughout the resort.

If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, then head to the bike rental station and explore the beautiful grounds of the resort. There are also several jogging trails and a fishing hole for those who want to stay active. Also, don’t forget to take a relaxing boat ride down the Sassagoula River, which takes you to Disney Springs and other nearby resorts.

Would I Stay at Port Orleans – Riverside Again?

Personally, I’ve stayed at Port Orleans – Riverside a number of times and while I would consider staying at this resort again, the main reason that I pick this resort over others is that often it is priced a bit more competitively than other options. 

My favorite rooms to stay in are the princess themed Royal Rooms in the Magnolia Bend area. Our daughters especially loved the decor and theme of the rooms.

The resort is large and spread out, so this is definitely a resort where staying in a preferred room location that is closer to the amenities can make all the difference in your stay. 

Port Orleans Riverside Resort is a beautiful resort that is perfect for a Disney vacation. The resort offers a variety of amenities and activities that will keep you and your family entertained throughout your stay.

One of the standout features of Port Orleans Riverside Resort is its location. Situated in the heart of Walt Disney World, the resort is just a short boat ride away from Disney Springs, making it easy to explore all the shopping, dining, and entertainment options available there.

If you’re planning on spending a lot of time at Disney Springs during your stay, that makes either Port Orleans – Riverside or Port Orleans – French Quarter an excellent option. 

The rooms at Port Orleans – Riverside Resort are spacious and comfortable for moderate sized families and the drop down 5th bed sleeper works great for families with tweens or teens.

As a final thought, if you’re looking for a beautiful resort for your next Disney vacation, Port Orleans – Riverside Resort is definitely worth considering. In our opinion, making sure your room is near the amenities completely changes the feel of what it is like to stay at this resort. While this resort gets a top rating from our family and we would return, that would include getting either a Preferred Room or Royal Guest Room in that decision.

If you’re looking for a quiet location to enjoy your time at Disney, Port Orleans – Riverside is sure to make your stay at Walt Disney World a memorable one.