Photo courtesy of Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside
We visit Walt Disney World on a regular basis to survey different attractions, hotels and aspects of the Resort so your vacation can be the most magical yet! For those planning a Walt Disney World vacation, Get Away Today is your partner in travel and here to help you every step of the way.
Walt Disney World groups their onsite hotels into four categories:
This article reviews Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside which is different from its sister property (Port Orleans Resort French Quarter). This hotel is under the Moderate Resort category along with the following:
- The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort (close to Magic Kingdom)
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (close to EPCOT)
- Disney's Coronado Springs Resort (close to Disney's Animal Kingdom)
- Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter (in the Disney Springs Resort area)
Below we’ll discuss in detail everything you need to know to decide if the Port Orleans Riverside property is right for you, plus helpful tips on how to book your vacation.
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside Snapshot
Imagine a picturesque setting that evokes the romance of rural Louisiana for your next vacation, wrapped up in Southern hospitality. Then find yourself vacationing at Walt Disney World Port Orleans Resort - Riverside.
Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is a spread out resort located just south of EPCOT. It’s only a short water taxi from Disney Springs and a quick shuttle drive from both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Animal Kingdom is the next closest theme park, with Magic Kingdom being the farthest. However, Port Orleans Riverside is still one of the closest moderate resort hotels to Magic Kingdom.Our guests find it to be a pretty great location to visit all of the four parks without too much transportation time.
- Category: Moderate
- Theme: Rural Louisiana and Southern Charm
- Sleeps up To: Five guests
- Closest To: EPCOT
- Transportation:Water Taxi and Shuttle
- Check In/Out Time: 3:00 pm / 11:00 am
- Early Entry: Yes, with valid theme park tickets. We recommend Remy's Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT as a first family attraction.
- Best Price Guarantee: Yes, when you book a Get Away Today package
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is right next to its sister property, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter. You’ll feel like you’ve doubled your options like pools and dining all without leaving the comfort of your Walt Disney World Resort hotel grounds
Photo courtesy of Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside
Walt Disney World Port Orleans Resort - Riverside Rooms
At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside will feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from The Princess and the Frog. For your next trip down to the Bayou you can request rooms that sleep from one to five guests (with a fold out bed).
At Port Orleans Resort - Riverside there are a variety of room types all with exterior entry. View options include landscaping, courtyard, bayou, pool or parking views. Rooms at Port Orleans Resort - Riverside have a lot to offer when you’re resting up before a day at the theme parks.
Royal Guest Rooms
Our favorite room type by far are the Royal Guest Rooms. Each of these rooms has two Queen beds (sleeps up to 4) and is fit for royalty themselves with deluxe décor.
You can expect gilded mirrors, hand-painted headboards, framed pictures of the famous Disney princesses themselves and more. We think it’s perfect for the family looking for a truly magical stay.
Royal Guest Rooms are available with the following views:
- Standard view (parking area)
- River view (riverfront)
- Woods view (landscaping, courtyard or bayou)
The detailed drapery, the rich gold and blue hues and stunning artwork truly makes this a princess-lovers dream come true. And at the end of the day (or anytime, really!) turn on the magic with a special headboards that creates a "Fireworks" display.
Standard and Preferred Rooms
Choose from two Queen beds for a room that sleeps up to four, or make room for a fifth guest in the Standard Room or Woods View that features the pull-down child sleeper. No matter which room you choose, the bathroom is sectioned off from the sleeping area of guest rooms, allowing family members to share the space with privacy.
Inside your room you’ll also have access to:
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Soap and Body Wash
- Hairdryer
- Internet - Free WiFi Service
- Coffee Maker
- Telephone with voicemail
- In-Room Safe
- Mini-refrigerator
- Iron & Ironing Board
Photo courtesy of Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside Pools & Amenities
We’re not done yet! No Port Orleans Resort - Riverside review would be complete without sharing the property perks! Since you’ll be sharing amenities with Port Orleans French Quarter, you’ll have so much to explore with pools, carriage rides, campfire activities, an arcade and so much more.
Pools at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Explore one of many onsite pools including:
- 3 leisure pools in Alligator Bayou
- 2 leisure pools in in Magnolia Bend
- Ol’ Man Island, a 3.5-acre refuge with a swimmin’ hole
On your way to swim, wade and splash, you’ll feel like you’re wandering through the South, grand mansions and wild Bayou included!
This theme extends beautifully into the property’s main pool, Ol’ Man Island, a 3.5-acre refuge with its own waterslide. That’s right, this is one of the few Walt Disney World hotels to have its own waterslide, a 95-foot-long rustic masterpiece built right into the millworks.
Families will also enjoy the whirlpool tub, Muddy Rivers pool bar and kiddie pool for little ones of all ages. Ol’ Man Island is also home to daily pool parties, evening campfires and Disney movies under the stars on select nights.
And don’t forget to wander over to the French Quarter side of Port Orleans. You’ll find festive decorations, an all-alligator band and a blue sea serpent waterslide to immerse you in the magic of New Orleans.
At Doubloon Lagoon (for guests 48” or under) it’s Mardi Gras every day! Come slide down Scales, the 51-foot-long snaking sea serpent slide, whose tongue deposits you into the lagoon with a mighty splash. Alligator jazz aficionados, a water play area, a whirlpool spa and the Mardi Grogs pool bar make it even more of a party—as King Neptune watches over all of the merriment from on high.
Active Play for All Ages
Fishing, carriage rides, jogging, bike riding and playgrounds—activities are endless, and that’s even before you get to the theme parks of Walt Disney World!
During the day, your Bayou adventures await including:
- Experience bass fishing at its finest with a guided catch-and-release excursion from the Riverside Levee Marina. Old-fashioned cane pole fishing is also available at the Fishin' Hole on Ol' Man Island.
- Explore a variety of playgrounds and an interactive water play area for little ones.
- Relax on a horse-drawn carriage ride along the scenic banks of the Sassagoula River at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
- Ride in comfort and stability on a covered 2- or 4-person surrey bike from Riverside Levee Marina.
- Standard bikes are also available to rent for a leisurely outing along the Resort’s scenic waterfront promenade.
- Show off your gaming skills at Medicine Show Arcade located in the Colonel’s Cotton Mill building.
- Stop by South Quarter Games for video games, pinball, air hockey and more at Port Orleans French Quarter.
Photo courtesy of Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside
Campfires & Movies Under the Stars at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Walt Disney World’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside also offers campfires for families to gather around to enjoy treats and movie nights. Weather permitting, these complimentary campfire activities make a great addition to your Walt Disney World vacation. Campfires are located on Ol' Man Island by the playground 6:00-7:00 pm - 7 days a week.
After your fireside sweets, snuggle up to watch beloved Disney films at complimentary outdoor screenings. Located at the Magnolia South Pool Deck 8:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. Be sure to check with the front desk for any changes to activity dates and times.
Walt Disney World Port Orleans Resort - Riverside Dining
One of the best parts of a vacation is trying delicious food you can't get at home. Discover hearty Southern-style specialties and family-friendly American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner all inspired by rural Louisiana.
Riverside Mill Food Court
For breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can always stop by the Riverside Mill Food Court. Just look for the big mill wheel and you’ll know you are on your way to some delicious quick-service meals. Reservations are not needed for this come-as-you-go restaurant.
Muddy Rivers & River Roost
Looking to sip libations and listen to cabaret? Head over to the River Roost lounge, where performer Yehaa Bob will entertain with piano playing and singing while you try a variety of light snacks and old-fashioned cocktails. You can also find drinks at Muddy Rivers, the pool bar at Ol’ Man Island.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall
Boatwright’s Dining Hall is open for dinner each day and offers Southern hospitality alongside some New Orleans-style cooking. The casual dining spot overlooks the Sassagoula River and is decorated to look like a rustic shipyard with boat frames and antique shipbuilding tools. Reservations are recommended.
Disney Resorts Pizza Delivery
Need a late night snack or dinner in the comfort of your room? Get pizza and more delivered right to your room, take advantage of Walt Disney World Resort hotels in-room dining. Available only at select hotels, including Port Orleans Resort - Riverside, you can have pizza, burgers, salads, desserts and more delivered to your room between the hours of 5:00 pm and midnight.
And, if you’re looking for something different, head over to Port Orleans French Quarter to try the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory or Scat Cat’s Club lounge. Or, you’re just a short water taxi ride away from all the dining options at Disney Springs, where there is definitely something for everyone.
Photo courtesy of Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside
We Recommend…
For all the Southern charm and hospitality on your next Walt Disney World trip, book your next Orlando vacation at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside! Remember that all 2-Night and longer Walt Disney World vacation packages include complimentary concierge services from a Get Away Today travel expert.
We recommend at least a 4-day 1 Park per Day ticket so you can experience one day at each of the main theme parks. If you have less time, we recommend considering a Park Hopper ticket so you can still experience all four parks.
We also recommend the Water Park and Sports Option add-on to visit the nearby Disney’s Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon during your stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside.
A specialist can help you book available experiences, dining and the perfect Disney resort hotel room for your vacation, including a stay at Port Orleans Resort - Riverside. Check out Walt Disney World vacation packages online or call an agent at 855-GET-AWAY.
Join the Conversation!
Leave A CommentAnonymousFebruary 28 2019
We booked a hotel stay at Port Orleans Riverside..just left this morning...Tons if walking...spread out had to walk a lot...could only find 2 pools... Super disappointed in this Disney hotel....Dark, not really kid friendly.... we have stayed at several Disney hotels each year and..We will never go back....It’s just sad because we usually like to stay on Disney property....Oh anyone that reads this...DO NOT rent a car thru ALAMO....Ours broke down over a hour away and we did not get a new one...Had to Get a LYFT......at 8 pm....over 4 hours wait...Keep in mind that ALAMO is the only rental place to get on Disney property