Welcome to Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, a stunning moderate resort located in the heart of Walt Disney World. Surrounded by lush greenery, scenic waterways, and walking trails, this resort offers guests a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.
Whether you’re traveling with your whole family, a couples tip or even a solo trip Port Orleans Riverside has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, you will find everything you need to know about this enchanting resort, including room options, dining options, recreational activities, and much more.
Accommodations
Room Types
The Port Orleans Riverside Resort offers standard rooms, preferred rooms, and royal rooms. Standard rooms can accommodate up to four guests and come with two double beds or one king-size bed and some can sleep 5 with a pull down Murphy bed, while preferred rooms are conveniently located near the main building and pool area. The royal rooms are the ultimate in luxury, offering guests a regal experience with intricate murals, ornate furnishings, and elegant decor.
Magnolia Bend
This section of Port Orleans Riverside is themed to look like stately southern buildings and include standard rooms, preferred rooms as well as the royal rooms.
The royal rooms are princess themed and include Sleeping Beauty, Princess Tiana, Princess Jasmine, Belle, Ariel, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Snow White! The rooms have portraits of the princesses as well as neat little princess touches throughout the rooms.
Alligator Bayou
This is definitely my favorite section of this resort and where my family requests to stay every time we stay here!! It is wooded and quiet and just beautiful. There are standard and preferred rooms here and this is the only section that can accommodate a party of 5 in the room. These rooms have 2 double beds and a pull down Murphy bed that is Princess and the Frog themed. They are so cute, the picture on the back is Louis the alligator asleep on his back with Ray the firefly laying on his belly. My kids fight over who is going to sleep in this bed whenever we are there.
Amenities
All rooms at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort are equipped with a TV, a mini-fridge, and a private bathroom. In addition, some rooms have been recently renovated to include a Keurig coffee maker and updated furnishings.
Pricing
Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside fall into the Moderate Disney Resort range and can cost anywhere from $294 for a standard room to $385 for a royal room. Of course these prices vary based on when you are traveling and what type of room you reserve. Always check with Disney or a trusted travel agent like Lyndsay at Wondrous Adventures for the most current rates and deals!
Dining
Quick-Service Options
Riverside Mill Food Court is the resort’s main dining option, offering a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. From classic southern dishes like fried chicken and mac and cheese, to healthier options like salads and sandwiches, the menu at Riverside Mill has something for everyone. If you look up you will see the Mill actually turning, powered by the water wheel outside the back windows of the food court. This is a favorite of my families!
We always eat breakfast here when we stay at Riverside and they have everything from the classic Mickey waffles to a plant based frittata that is delicious! They, of course have pizza you can order, grab and go snacks and refillable cups you can use while staying at the resort.
Table Service Restaurants
In addition to quick-service dining, the Port Orleans Riverside Resort offers guests one table service option as well. Boatwright’s Dining Hall is located just down the hall from the main lobby and is themed as a Boatwright’s repair galley and even has a giant boat frame suspended from the ceiling where you check in. This restaurant offers a taste of southern cuisine, with dishes like shrimp and grits, jambalaya, and blackened catfish. It is a great option if you are doing a resort only day but I don’t know that I would go out of my way to eat here.
River Roost Lounge
This is the bar area just off the lobby at Port Orleans Riverside. They offer a full beer, wine and drink menu as well as an appetizer menu of small bites. This is where you can see Yeehaw Bob on select nights and you don not want to miss that!
Muddy Rivers Bar
Muddy Rivers is the pool bar, located on Ol’ Man Island and I have to say is one of my favorite pool bars at Disney! They offer a full menu of beer, wine and cocktails as well as chips and soft pretzels with plastic cheese.
Disney Springs Dining
Finally, there are endless options right across the Sassagoula River at Disney Springs! You can hop on a boat and take a ride over to Springs to take advantage of all the dining there as well.
Recreational Options
Pool Areas
The Port Orleans Riverside Resort features four pool areas, Ol’ Man Island and three “quiet” resort pools.
Ol’ Man Island is a family-friendly pool with a water slide and play area for children. This is the main pool where you will find all the fun activities, the Muddy Rivers pool bar and a playground for the kids. There is also a hot tub and outdoor shower at this pool.
There are 2 quiet pools in the Magnolia Bend part of the resort and 1 in the Alligator Bayou section. These pools are typically much quieter as the kids all want to be at the pool with the water slide. I will say that these quiet pools are much larger than others I’ve seen, they are all pretty big!
Shopping
Port Orleans Riverside has a cute little shop located in the main lobby called Fultans General Store. Here you can find all the park merchandise you may want, Port Orleans Riverside branded items, pin trading, beer, wine, small snack items and toiletry items you may have forgotten.
Sports and Games
For those looking for a bit of recreation, the Port Orleans Riverside Resort offers bike rentals, fishing, and a playground for children. Additionally, guests can play a game of horseshoes or challenge their friends to a game of shuffleboard. There are also hammocks scattered throughout the resort grounds as well as an arcade for those looking to play some video games.
Entertainment
There are lots of options at Port Orleans Riverside for entertainment! Yeehaw Bob can been seen on select nights in the River Roost lounge and this is a don’t miss show that includes comedy, sing alongs, trivia and so much more!
Riverside also offers campfires and movies on the lawn on select nights at no extra charge!
Tips for a Magical Stay at Port Orleans Riverside:
- Explore the resort’s grounds: The Port Orleans Riverside Resort is surrounded by stunning green spaces, scenic waterways and beautiful foliage. Take a stroll along the running trail or even all the way to Port Orleans French Quarter and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Indulge in a Table Service meal: From the classic southern dishes at Boatwright’s Dining Hall to the delicious cuisine at other table service options nearby at Disney Springs, be sure to treat yourself to a sit-down meal during your stay.
- Rent a bike: Rent a bike and explore the resort and its surroundings. It’s a great way to get some exercise and see the sights.
- Visit Ol’ Man Island: Take a dip in the pool, play on the water slide, or simply relax in a lounge chair. Ol’ Man Island is the perfect place to spend a day with a drink from Muddy Rivers.
- Take advantage of the resort’s recreational activities: From fishing to shuffleboard, the Port Orleans Riverside Resort offers plenty of ways to stay active and have fun. Kids can even take advantage of the arcade!
- Arrive Early: Check-in time is 3 PM, but you can arrive earlier and leave your luggage with Bell Services. That way, you can start exploring Walt Disney World right away! I always suggest taking your arrival day to explore the resort or head over to Disney Springs on the relaxing boat ride!
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a magical and memorable stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Book your stay today and experience the magic of Walt Disney World!
FAQ
Is there a shuttle service from the airport to the Port Orleans Riverside Resort?
Yes, guests can book with MEARS connect or Sunshine Flyer at an extra cost to shuttle from the airport to the resort.
Can I park my car at the resort?
Yes, there is self-parking available for guests at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort for a fee.
Are there laundry facilities at the resort?
Yes, the resort has coin-operated laundry facilities located throughout the property for your convenience. Cool thing about this is that you can download an app that tells you how much longer your laundry cycle has and when it is finished!
Can I bring my pet to the resort?
YES! Guests can bring up to two dogs to his resort at an additional nightly fee. Dogs are permitted in all areas except dining areas and cannot be left unattended in rooms for more than 7 hours. You must register your pets directly with Disney.
Conclusion
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort is a stunning and affordable escape that offers guests a peaceful and relaxing environment. With its beautiful accommodations, delicious dining options, and recreational activities, this resort has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool or party by the pool this resort has got you!
This is truly one of my all time favorite resorts. Before we moved, this was our “home” resort and the only place we wanted to stay when we came to Disney. We have a ton of great memories at this resort and I know you will to if you stay here. Let us know below if you have ever stayed at Port Orleans Riverside!
