I’ve stayed at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside more than eight times over the past 15 years, and it remains one of my favorite moderate Disney resorts. Here’s everything I think you should know before booking your stay.

If you’re planning a magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort and searching for the perfect balance between relaxation and Disney magic, Port Orleans Riverside is a top choice. Nestled along the scenic Sassagoula River, this moderate resort offers charming Southern theming, picturesque landscapes, and convenient access to Disney’s parks all at a mid-range price. Here’s everything you need to know about staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside.

What is Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside?

Disney Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is one of the two New Orleans themed properties at Walt Disney World, the other being Port Orleans French Quarter. Riverside embraces the romantic essence of the Mississippi River region, drawing inspiration from the antebellum South with grand mansion-style buildings and rustic bayou lodges.

The resort is divided into two main sections:

Magnolia Bend: Featuring stately, plantation-style mansions.
Alligator Bayou: A more rustic area with backwoods charm and lush landscaping.

With over 2,000 rooms, a laid-back atmosphere, and immersive theming, it’s ideal for families, couples, and even solo travelers looking for a peaceful Disney stay.

Why Stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside?

1. Immersive Theming and Tranquility

Unlike some of the more energetic Disney resorts, Port Orleans Riverside stands out for its peaceful atmosphere. Strolls along cobblestone paths, scenic bridges, and gas lantern-lit walkways make it feel like a retreat away from the hustle of the theme parks.

Whether you’re in Magnolia Bend or Alligator Bayou, the theming is meticulously designed, offering a beautiful backdrop for relaxing mornings or romantic evening walks.

2. Room Options and Royal Guest Rooms

Disney Port Orleans Riverside Rooms vary from standard room to Royal Guest Rooms, which are a highlight for Disney fans. These princess-themed rooms are decked out with magical details: fiber-optic fireworks headboards, gold-accented furniture, and nods to Disney princesses throughout.

Room options include:

Standard View
Garden View
Pool View
Preferred Room (closer to dining & transportation)
Royal Guest Rooms (Garden, River, or Pool View)

Whether you want a more budget-conscious stay or a Disney princess experience, there’s a room type to suit your needs.

I’ve stayed at Port Orleans more than 8 times in the last 15 years. It is one of our favorite Moderate Resorts on-site. I’ve stayed in a standard, garden, pool and preferred room. They’re all lovely and for the limited time you are actually at the resort, any will suffice.

It just really comes down to if you want a closer walk to food and transportation, in my opinion.

3. Recreation and Amenities

Staying at Port Orleans Riverside comes with access to an array of activities and amenities:

Ol’ Man Island: A 3.5-acre recreation area with a large swimming pool, a 95-foot water slide, and a hot tub.
Leisure Pools: Quiet pools located throughout the resort for a more relaxed swim.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: A unique and romantic offering exclusive to Port Orleans.
Fishing: Try your hand at cane pole fishing at the Riverside Fishin’ Hole.
Bike Rentals & Surrey Bikes: Explore the lush pathways on two wheels.

Kids and adults alike will love the variety of outdoor activities, which help make downtime from the parks just as fun. My kids LOVE the pool area and while we haven’t tried the fishing here (we did at Wilderness Lodge), I’ve heard wonderful things.

4. Dining Options

Port Orleans Riverside offers delicious dining choices that cater to a variety of tastes:

Riverside Mill Food Court: A quick-service location with diverse offerings like burgers, pizza, pasta, and Southern-inspired dishes. Great for families or those on the go.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall: A table-service restaurant serving Southern cuisine such as jambalaya, fried chicken, and shrimp and grits. The setting is themed like an old boat-building workshop.
River Roost Lounge: Enjoy live entertainment (including fan-favorite Yehaa Bob Jackson on select nights) and specialty cocktails.

If you’re looking for good food without leaving the resort, Port Orleans Riverside delivers both quick and full-service dining options. In fact, it was our favorite place to stop for breakfast or a late day snack on the trips.

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5. Transportation and Park Access

One of the perks of staying at Port Orleans Riverside is the complimentary Disney transportation:

Buses: Service to all four Disney theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), Disney Springs, and the water parks.
Water Taxi to Disney Springs: A serene boat ride along the Sassagoula River, connecting Port Orleans Riverside to Disney Springs – a major bonus for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Disney’s Minnie Van Service: Minnie Van service is a ride service powered by Lyft available to Guests at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Guests can order a vehicle using their smartphone from Disney resorts to the theme parks..

Being able to reach Disney Springs by boat is a unique and enjoyable convenience that sets Port Orleans Riverside apart from many other resorts. And since we spend A LOT of time in Disney Springs, this is one of the draws of the resort for us.

6. Shared Access to Port Orleans French Quarter

Guests at Port Orleans Riverside also have access to the nearby Port Orleans French Quarter. It’s a quick 5-10 minute walk and allows you to enjoy additional amenities, including:

Scat Cat’s Café and Lounge
A different food court menu
A Mardi Gras-themed pool with a sea serpent water slide

This shared resort access effectively gives you two resort experiences in one. I’ve never actually stayed at the French Quarter (only because we love Riverside that much) but one of my favorite things to do is walk or take the boat down to the French Quarter to get some Mickey Beignets. So, so good!

Tips for Staying at Port Orleans Riverside

Here are a few pro travel tips to enhance your stay:

Request a room near the main building (Sassagoula Steamboat Co.) if you want easy access to dining and transportation.
Try the Royal Guest Rooms for an extra dose of Disney magic, especially if you’re traveling with kids or celebrating a special occasion.
Use mobile ordering at the Riverside Mill Food Court to skip the lines.
Make a dining reservation for Boatwright’s ahead of time – it can fill up, especially during peak seasons.
Take advantage of early theme park entry, which is available to all Disney Resort hotel guests.

Port Orleans Riverside vs. French Quarter: Which Resort Is Better?

One of the questions I’m asked most often is whether you should stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside or Port Orleans French Quarter. The good news is you really can’t go wrong with either one, but after staying at Riverside more than eight times over the last 15 years, it’s still my personal favorite.

Choose Port Orleans Riverside if you:

Want a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere.
Love beautiful walking paths and lush landscaping.
Are traveling with kids who will enjoy the larger pool and Ol’ Man Island.
Want the option of staying in a Royal Guest Room.
Prefer a resort that feels tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

Choose Port Orleans French Quarter if you:

Prefer a smaller, more compact resort with shorter walks.
Want quick access to the lobby, dining, and transportation.
Can’t resist Mickey Beignets from Scat Cat’s Café.
Love the colorful Mardi Gras theming.

The best part? Even if you stay at Riverside, you can easily walk or take the complimentary boat over to French Quarter to enjoy the famous Mickey Beignets, explore the resort, or grab a meal. I do this almost every trip!

For me, Riverside offers the best balance of peaceful surroundings, beautiful scenery, and plenty of recreation while still giving you easy access to everything French Quarter has to offer.

FAQ

Is Disney Port Orleans Riverside worth it?

As someone who has stayed here 8 times – I say YES! It is definitely one of my FAVORITE Disney Moderate Resorts. If someone asked me which moderate Disney resort I’d recommend, Port Orleans Riverside would almost always be my answer. After more than eight stays over the years, it still feels like coming home every time we visit Walt Disney World. The beautiful grounds, relaxing atmosphere, convenient transportation, and easy access to Disney Springs are why I continue to book this resort again and again – and why I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone planning a Disney vacation.

Is Port Orleans Riverside better than French Quarter?

I think they are both beautiful resorts and It just depends on your taste and what you are looking for in a resort.

Does Port Orleans Riverside have transportation to Magic Kingdom?

Yes, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside had bus and Minnie Van transportation available to the Magic Kingdom.

Can you walk to French Quarter?

Yes, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is a short walk from Port Orleans Riverside (and totally worth it just for the beignets). If you’d prefer not to walk, you can also take the boat down.

Are Royal Guest Rooms worth the extra money?

It depends. If you love the extra theming, it’s a must. If your kids are older and you won’t be in the room that much maybe splurge on dining or something else instead.

Is Port Orleans Riverside good for families?

Yes, actually it’s one of my favorite resorts for families. From the theme rooms to the peaceful grounds to the pools and activities, there is something for everyone at Port Orleans Riverside.

Is Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Worth It?

Absolutely. Port Orleans Riverside offers a perfect blend of value, atmosphere, and amenities. It’s quieter and more serene than many other Disney resorts, yet still packed with all the magic and convenience that make a Disney stay unforgettable.

From the storybook Southern theming to the variety of recreational options and convenient access to the parks and Disney Springs, this resort is a smart choice for those seeking a moderate-priced Disney experience with premium touches.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering where to stay on-property for your next Disney vacation, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is a hidden gem. Whether you’re a first-timer or a Disney regular, this resort captures the charm of the South and the enchantment of Disney in one beautifully landscaped package.

Ideal for families, couples, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the theme park crowds, Port Orleans Riverside is more than just a place to sleep – it’s an experience in itself.

Now tell me, have you stayed here before? How did you like it?

Dawn

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Review: Is This Disney Resort Worth It?

I’ve stayed at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside more than eight times over the past 15 years, and it remains one of my favorite moderate Disney resorts. Here’s everything I think you should know before booking your stay.

What is Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside?