Disney's Port Orleans Riverside
- 9 hours ago
- 5 min read
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside feels like stepping into a peaceful Southern riverside town, complete with tree-lined walkways, flowing waterways, and charming plantation-style architecture. From the stately white-column mansions of Magnolia Bend to Alligator Bayou’s quaint backwoods cottages, delight in a picturesque setting that evokes the romance of rural Louisiana.The atmosphere is calm, scenic, and storybook-like — making it one of the most romantic and relaxing resorts in the Moderate category.
This resort blends Disney whimsy with quiet elegance, offering a slower pace than many on-property hotels. Whether you’re strolling along the Sassagoula River at sunset or enjoying live piano music in the lounge, Riverside feels like a true escape from the theme park hustle.
From early May 2025 through August 2027, guest rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will undergo refurbishment throughout different parts of the Resort hotel. During this time, Guests may see or hear construction work in the area.
Resort at a Glance
Resort Category: Moderate Resort
Best For: Families, couples, guests who love scenic resorts and relaxed Southern charm
Price Range: $$
Location: Disney Springs Resort Area
Transportation Highlight:
Boat service to Disney Springs
Bus service to theme parks
Room Style: Exterior corridors (village-style buildings)
Sleeps:
Up to 4 guests in standard rooms (ages 3+)
Up to 5 guests in 5th sleeper rooms (ages 3+)
Standout Feature: Riverside views, romantic Southern theming, and access to Disney Springs by boat
Who Should Stay Here and Why
Port Orleans Riverside is a great choice for:
Couples: One of Disney’s most romantic Moderate Resorts
Families: Spacious grounds, feature pool, and fun theming
Guests Who Love Scenic Walks: Rivers, bridges, and lush landscaping
Disney Springs Fans: Easy boat transportation for dining and shopping
Guests Who Prefer a Relaxed Atmosphere: Quiet, charming, and low-key
Who Should Consider Another Resort
This resort may not be ideal for:
Guests who want Skyliner or walking access to theme parks
Travelers who prefer sleek, modern, or convention-style hotels
Guests who want the most compact resort layout (Riverside is large and spread out)
Resort Theming
Port Orleans Riverside is divided into two distinct sections, each telling a different Southern story:
Alligator Bayou: Rustic, lodge-style buildings inspired by rural Louisiana bayou towns.
Magnolia Bend: Elegant, mansion-style buildings inspired by grand Southern plantations.
Winding paths, bridges, and water features connect the resort, creating a peaceful and immersive setting that feels more like a charming riverside village than a theme park hotel.
Room Types Available
Standard Location
Bed Configuration: 2 Queen Beds
Approximate Size: ~314 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 4 guests (ages 3+)
Typical Location: Magnolia Bend (usually buildings 80, 85, or 90)
Standard Location - 5th Sleeper
Bed Configuration: 2 Queen Beds and 1 Child-Size Pull-Down Bed
Approximate Size: ~314 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 5 guests (ages 3+)
Typical Location: Alligator Bayou
King Bed
Bed Configuration: 1 King Bed
Approximate Size: ~314 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 2 guests (ages 3+)
Typical Location: Scattered throughout resort (Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend)
Preferred Location
Bed Configuration: 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Child-Size Pull-Down Bed
Approximate Size: ~314 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 5 guests (ages 3+)
Typical Location:
Alligator Bayou buildings 14, 15, 18 or 27
If you book for a party of five people (all aged 3+) you will automatically be assigned to one of the four Alligator Bayou rooms
Magnolia Bend river-facing halves of buildings 85 and 90.
Located closer to Sassagoula Steamboat Company (main lobby, dining, shopping, and transportation)
Ideal for shorter walks to dining and buses
Royal Guest Rooms
Princess-themed rooms inspired by Disney royalty
Bed Configuration: 2 Queen Beds
Approximate Size: ~314 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 4 guests (ages 3+)
Location: All located in Magnolia Bend building 95
Fireworks-style headboard lighting effects
Great for families with young Disney fans
Accessible Rooms
Widened doorways, roll-in showers, and other accessibility features
Note: There are no elevators in the Alligator Bayou buildings. If you have mobility issues, you will want to request a ground floor or stay in the Magnolia Bend buildings.
Building or room requests are never guaranteed.
Room Tours
Royal Room:
Bayou Room:
Magnolia Bend Room
Room Amenities
Mini fridge
Cuisinart single-serve coffee maker with Joffrey’s coffee pods
H2O shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Complimentary cribs or Pack ’n Plays (upon request, subject to availability)
Communal microwaves available at Riverside Mill Food Court
Under-bed storage
Multiple outlets and USB ports
Why Upgrade to a Preferred Room?
Port Orleans Riverside is known for its scenic, sprawling layout. A Preferred Location Room places you closer to the main lobby, dining, and transportation — especially helpful after long park days or for families with young children..
Location
Located in the Disney Springs Resort Area, Port Orleans Riverside offers boat transportation along the Sassagoula River directly to Disney Springs. This makes it a fantastic choice for guests who enjoy dining, nightlife, and shopping outside the theme parks.
Transportation Options
Getting around Walt Disney World from Port Orleans-Riverside.
Boat Service: Disney Springs
Bus Service: Theme Parks
Estimated Travel Times (once onboard)
Magic Kingdom: ~20 minutes
EPCOT: ~25 minutes
Hollywood Studios: ~25 minutes
Animal Kingdom: ~20 minutes
Dining Options
Boatwright’s Dining Hall
Type: Table Service
Meals: Dinner
Price Range: $$
Dining Plan Accepted: Table Service
Known For: Hearty specialties and family-friendly American fare inspired by Southern Louisiana cookin' on the bayou
Reservations: Recommended
Riverside Mill Food Court
Type: Quick Service
Hours: Typically 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Price Range: $
Mobile Order: Available
Dining Plans Accepted: Quick Service & Snack Credits
Muddy Rivers
Type: Quick Service Pool Bar
Hours: Typically 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
River Roost Lounge
Type: Lounge
Hours: Typically 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Known For: Yehaa Bob’s live piano entertainment
Pools at Port Orleans- Riverside
Ol’ Man Island (Feature Pool)
Large, rustic-themed pool
Water slide
Hot tub
Kids’ splash area
Quiet Pools
Located throughout the resort for relaxed swimming
Poolside Activities
Themed games and trivia hosted daily at Ol' Man Island Pool
Other Activities at the Resort
Movies Under the Stars: Outdoor Disney movies on select nights
Campfire S’mores: Evening marshmallow roasting
Arcade: Located near the main lobby
Playground: Located near Ol' Man Island Pool area
Shopping: Fulton’s General Store
Fishing: Catch-and-release fishing at designated locations
Jogging Trails: Scenic riverside walking and running paths
Bike Rentals: Surrey bikes available
Laundry & Dry Cleaning: 24-hour self-service laundry; valet service via Housekeeping
Final Thoughts
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside delivers one of the most charming and relaxing stays in the Moderate Resort category. With scenic waterways, Southern-inspired theming, and boat access to Disney Springs, it’s perfect for guests who want Disney magic paired with a peaceful, storybook-style retreat.
Need help deciding if this is the right resort for your trip? Get in touch with our friends at Willow + Wand. They are always happy to help match you with the perfect fit based on your travel style, group size, and priorities.
Comments