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 Bayou

• Sassagoula Steamboat Company

• Ol’ Man Island

• Magnolia 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.

1. Alligator Bayou

   • Standard room type

   •  hink rustic lodges

2. Magnolia Bend

   • Standard room type 

   •  Think plantation-style mansions

3. Royal Guest Rooms

   • Separate, and more expensive

   • Offers 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 parties

• Hot tub and hammocks

• Pool bar areas

• Splash pad area

• Playground

• Fuelrod charging stations

• Covered porch area with rocking chairs overlooking the water

• Large gift shop with pin trading station

• Free Wi-FI throughout

• Transportation to and from the parks + Disney Springs

• Fitness center

• Picturesque jogging trails

• Weekly trivia night

• Movies 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:

1. Bakery

2. The Grill

3. Pasta and Pizza

4. 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 

• $23.00

• 8/10

• The 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

1. Disney Springs

   • Complimentary boats depart typically every 10-20 minutes. It just depends on the time of day.

2. Between Riverside and French Quarter

   • Catch the boat and pool hop for the day!

3. The 4 theme parks

   • Complimentary buses are available to all 4 parks. 

4. 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

1. Size

   • French Quarter is smaller and easier to navigate. 

2. Price

   • Riverside room are often cheaper

3. Room Accommodations

   • Riverside has rooms with a pull-out bed to accommodate a 5th child. French Quarter rooms all sleep 4.

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

5. 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 unmatched

• From 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

Related Posts: Review-Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Planning an upcoming Walt Disney World Vacation? If you’re wanting to learn more about the different WDW resort hotels, and how to save, check out Undercover Tourist’s website! 

Follow @Misswizardingworld on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter for the latest news and tips  for Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando.