2024 Review: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort— Riverside
Choosing the best resort for your next Walt Disney World vacation can be daunting. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside is a moderate-level hotel at Walt Disney World.Port Orleans is one of the most popular moderate resorts because of its reasonable prices, family friendliness, and large room accommodations. This past stay, I was at Riverside, but utilized the hotel amenities and explored French Quarter! So, is it worth staying at Port Orleans Resort? Here’s everything you need to know, and what to expect when staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.
Port Orleans Resort Basics
Port Orleans Resort is a pet friendly Moderate resort located close to Disney Springs.There's a little over 2000 guest rooms which are divided between 2 opposite themed sections – Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. Alligator Bayou features rustic lodges and buildings with lush foliage, and Magnolia Bend buildings feature mansions with perfectly manicured lawns, gardens and grand staircases.
Typical Riverside Rates in 2022
Standard Room range from $246 – $392
Pool View Room range from $266 – $405
River View range from $302 – $434
King Bed range from $300 – $421
Garden View range from $260 – $399
Royal Guest Room Standard View range from $309 – $454
Royal Guest Room River View range from $350 – $471
Royal Guest Room Garden View range from $305 – $454
Royal Guest Room Pool View range from $300 – $471
What’s the Vibe Like at Port Orleans Resort—Riverside?
“Experience the sprawling mansions and genteel feel of the picturesque Louisiana towns along the Mississippi.”Yes, you're going to feel like you're in the bayou. The Sassagoula River winds through the Resort, heading downstream to Port Orleans French Quarter and eventually to Disney Springs Port Orleans offers a laid back Bayou experience, with charming nature views, and romantic Antebellum style buildings. You'll find yourself enjoying this resort more because it didn't break the bank. Peaceful, subtlety themed, and 1000% doesn't feel like a Disney property.
Port Orleans— Riverside Layout
A full circle around Riverside is just under 1 mile.Sassagoula Steamboat Company is the main hub. That’s where you’ll check-in, the main bus depot, shopping, entertainment, and dinning. Ol’ Man Island is in the middle of the resort where the pool, playground, and “Fishin’ Hole.” are located.Riverside is divided into 4 sections:
Alligator BayouSassagoula Steamboat CompanyOl’ Man IslandMagnolia Bend
The Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend in particular are both massive.Riverside is at the north end of Sassagoula River, and has 5 bridges. Three bridges connect the north end of the river to Ol’ Man Island, and two cross the river further south. 
Room Types at Port Orleans Resort
There are 3 styles of rooms.Alligator Bayou
Standard room type
hink rustic lodges
Magnolia Bend
Standard room typeThink plantation-style mansions
Royal Guest Rooms
Separate, and more expensiveOffers the most Disneyesque theming of the 3
Rooms at Port Orleans Resort- Riverside
Apart from the Royal Rooms, the theming at Riverside is very “Disney Adult.” It’s a good resort choice for adults, since it doesn't have the typical in your face Disney decor you see at the Value Resorts. This trip, I stayed in a corner Magnolia Bend room, with a pool view.Magnolia Bend Decor
Very subtle Princess and the Frog theme. The bathroom is the only "in face" Disney themed decor. The resort kept the old dressers, which I would've preferred them to add wider, and more up to date dressers.
Comfort
Ceiling FAN! The bedding and mattress slept similar to the ones at AKL! The pillows, however, aren't so great. I'd consider bringing your own if you need one with more support. Most rooms sleep 4 comfortably, and some rooms will sleep 5.
Views
These rooms don't have a private balcony or patio. The windows overlook the outdoor walkway area. If you aren’t planning to spend the majority of your time in the parks, it not really worth the price to pay for a water view room.
The Bathroom Situation
No real wow factors for me. I ’m not a fan of the shower curtain acting as door to separate the bathroom from main living area.Carson did love sliding the curtain over and over to see Princess Tiana.
Toiletries are supplied by H20 Plus, and are dispensed from large containers in the shower, not individual-sized bottles. The bathroom has a double vanity separate from the shower + toilet area. 
Port Orleans Resort– In Room Amenities
Two queen beds.
Some king beds are available, and some have a Murphy bed.
Hardwood floors
2 pedestal sinks
Large TV
Hairdryer
Bathtub/shower with a retractable clothesline
Small refrigerator
Tall dresser
Table with two chairs
Small luggage rack
Small safe
Coffee maker with Joffrey’s coffee
Port Orleans Resort Hotel Amenities
2 Pools with slides, daily pool partiesHot tub and hammocksPool bar areasSplash pad areaPlaygroundFuelrod charging stationsCovered porch area with rocking chairs overlooking the waterLarge gift shop with pin trading stationFree Wi-FI throughoutTransportation to and from the parks + Disney SpringsFitness centerPicturesque jogging trails
Weekly trivia nightMovies under the stars (several times each week)Painting ($)Surrey Bike Rental ($)Horse Drawn Carriage ($)Camp fire areas
Tadpole fishing rentals
Dining at Port Orleans Resort
Riverside has 2 main dining spots: Boatwright’s, a sit-down restaurant, Riverside Mill, a quick service food court. Riverside Mill has lots of affordable options, and there's a good variety of menu choices if you have picky eaters.
Riverside Mill
Quick service New Orleans style comfort food. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is also where you'll find the grab-and-go snacks and drinks. 2 of their staple items include, the Bayou Burger and the Cajun Turkey Club. .Food prices range from $6 – $17.00. Full menu here.4 food stations:
Bakery
The Grill
Pasta and Pizza
Salads & Sandwiches
During my most recent stay at Riverside, I tried:
Walt Disney’s Favorite Chili in a Bread Boule- $9.99
Hearty Meat and Bean Chili Inspired by Walt Disney’s Favorite Chili served in an Bread Boule with Cheddar Cheese
Pimento Bacon Cheeseburger- $10.49
Grilled Signature-blend Burger topped with Bacon, melted pimento cheese, Lettuce, and Tomato on a Toasted Brioche Bun with French Fries
Honey Barbecued Pork Sandwich- $10.49
Tangy BBQ with Creamy Coleslaw on a Toasted Brioche Bun with French Fries
Boatwright’s Dining Hall
Boatwright’s is the only table service restaurant at the 2 Port Orleans resorts. The menu is home cooked, southern comfort food. I love that the drinks come in mason jars. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially during peak seasons. Dinner prices range from $12 – $30.00. Full menu here.Dinner comes with cornbread, and boy did I have a ton! (I also took some to-go in my reusable snack back, lol. PLEASE don’t be afraid to ask your server for more.This trip I tried the Nashville Hot Chicken!
Hand-battered, Crispy-fried Hot Chicken served on a Southern Honey Biscuit with Collard Greens and House-made Bread-and-Butter Pickles$23.008/10The chicken was extra crispy and not too greasy. I loved the sweet and spicy hot sauce. Not too hot. Easily shareable.
Muddy Rivers
Muddy Rivers is the poolside bar at Port Orleans—Riverside. Drinks include an assortment of beers, Specialtymdrinks like the New Orleans Hurricane, Woodbridge wines, Frosé, and Sangria. There's a small selection of non-alcoholic options including the Strawberry Smoothies, Lava Smoothies, the Bull Frog Brew.Clayton actually really enjoyed the chill vibe at Muddy Rivers.
River Roost Lounge
River Roost Lounge is where you'll find the main bar at Port Orleans Resort--Riverside Complete with full bar and light appetizers. Live entertainment is offered throughout the weeknights. Depending on the nights of your stay, you can sometimes catch a performance by Yehaa Bob.Clayton wants to come back during football season. Monday Night Football is celebrated each week with fun special drinks, trivia and games.
The Pools at Port Orleans Resort—Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort has 6 pools–a large themed main pool on “Ol’ Man Island,” and 5 smaller ones scattered around Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. All pools have restroom/changing room facilities.
I noticed the smaller pools are 100% more peaceful compared to Ol’ Man Island (most kids prefer the Island because it has a slide.)
Quiet Pools:
3 in Alligator Bayou
2 in Magnolia Bend
Pro Tip: You can use both main pools when staying at Port Orleans Resort. Surprisingly, a lot of folks don’t know this, and will only use the pool where they’re staying.
1.Ole Man Island Pool at Port Orleans Riverside
As the main pool, it's themed to an old lumber mill, with the theme mostly presented through flumes dropping water and a water slide themed as a flume. The pool and water slide are typically open all day
Roughly 9 a.m. to about 10 p.m.
It has a kids pool area, but it’s literally just a big bathtub. There’s no theming, or splash play area. I do like that its completed fenced. For a better kids pool, you'll want to take the boat over to French Quarter's Pool area.Compared to the other moderate level resorts, this one falls in the middle. I think Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs much better. I did however appreciate the good amount of shade
2.The Quiet Pools at Port Orleans Resort—Riverside
The 5 smaller, "Quiet Pools" don’t have the bells and whistles of the main pool, though most guests are happy to have closer pools to their room. The quiet pools are going to be your best option if you're wanting to avoid rambunctious children. I found that the Alligator Bayou pools had the most shade. The Magnolia Bend pools had the most sun.Children’s Playground
Riverside’s playground can accommodate kids of all ages. It's located near Ol' man Island. It's far enough away younger children won't wander off near the pool. I really appreciated how much shade this playground had.Carson spent wayyyy more time at the Riverside compared to the playground at French Quarter.
Port Orleans Resort Theme Park Benefits
Access to Early Theme Park Entry gives you 30 minutes before the parks officially opens.
Port Orleans Resort Transportation
Disney Springs
Complimentary boats depart typically every 10-20 minutes. It just depends on the time of day.
Between Riverside and French Quarter
Catch the boat and pool hop for the day!
The 4 theme parks
Complimentary buses are available to all 4 parks.
The 2 water parks
I think it's important to note-- Port Orleans is pretty far from the Disney. Taking the bus to and from the parks typically took me about 30-45 minutes. Not the end of the world, but it can be a hassle with children, and if you're limited on time inside the Disney Parks.
Port Orleans — Riverside Vs. French Quarter
Size
French Quarter is smaller and easier to navigate.
Price
Riverside room are often cheaper
Room Accommodations
Riverside has rooms with a pull-out bed to accommodate a 5th child. French Quarter rooms all sleep 4.
Food
Riverside offers more options when it comes to food. Although French Quarter has banging Mickey beignets.Riverside only has a table service option
Pool
French Quarter blows Riverside out of the water.Featuring a Doubloon Lagoon pool, a massive dragon slide, and a kid friendly splash pad area making it a more enjoyable family activity.
French Quarter has no quiet pools.
Choosing 1 sister resort over the other is just deciding which amenities are more important to you. If you’re okay with moving around, I’d seriously consider splitting your stay between Riverside and French Quarter.
Things to Consider When Booking Port Orleans Resort— Riverside
Riverside VERY spread out.It's going to take you a bit longer to get to your room, pool, and to the bus depot.Get a map at the front desk. It'll help you find your hotel building.
If you're wanting the most Disney themed room, book the Royal Guest Rooms. These are themed to Disney princesses, with Tiana as the star.The Royal Rooms are only in 2 buildings: Oak and Parterre.These building are the farthest way from the pool and amenities, but are closer to the Port Orleans French Quarter crosswalk.
$20.00 per night for parking.Pet friendly
My Overall Review on Port Orleans Resort:
Port Orleans Riverside is so secluded and well themed that guests wanting an escape from the daily grind will find it here. Port Orleans Resort balances having enough amenities and activities to keep everyone in the family busy and excited on non-park days.If you want a resort with subtle Disney touches Book Port Orleans. It was very easy to forget I was at a Disney resort in Florida.The number of recreational amenities at Port Orleans is unmatchedFrom camp fire areas, pole fishing rentals, kids playground area, bike rentals and carriage rides are just some of the unique offerings.
The best perk is being able to enjoy, and utilize all the amenities at the French Quarter. Particularly the pool and Scat Cat's.
If you’re torn on choosing between Riverside vs. French Quarter— French Quater is the one I’d pick if you want a smaller, more compact resort location.The proximity to Disney Springs makes Port Orleans Resort a good hotel option for those wanting additional shopping and dinning options.With how spread out Riverside is it can be really tiring, especially after a long park day, and if you’ve got small children. This would be the only reason why I wouldn't recommend staying at Disney's Port Orleans Resort--Riverside.For the price, If Disney theming is important to you, I would consider staying somewhere else if you want more immersive room decor and more magical views looking out of from your window
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