Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside in Orlando, FL

We've stayed at several of Disney's Resorts and found Port Orleans Riverside to be an average Disney hotel. We were luckily assigned to a "Royal Suite" which features portraits of princesses and some quite Tiana related theming. The room was overall clean, but does appear to be in need to some repair (Chipping paint, rusted fire sprinklers, damaged furniture, etc.). The hotel offers a shuttle service to all of the parks - But I found the number of bus stops at this single hotel to be excessive and it often took far too long just to leave the property. Staff were overall very friendly and helpful. This resorts offers a Horse and Carriage ride activity in the evenings - Which is a fantastic addition and allows you to see the entire resort. Overall we enjoyed our stay - But preferred the more compact French Quarter resort next door.

We recently stayed at Port Orleans Riverside for 10 nights & had a very positive experience overall. Friendly staff (who helped me with access to the First Aid kit when I felt unwell), good amenities (including several swimming pools, a games arcade & a gift shop), horse & carriage rides (at an additional cost) & a picturesque running route (between Riverside & French Quarter). There are also several restaurants & the quicker service Riverside Mill food court (which has a few vegan-friendly options). The hotel offers free parking for guests & helpful transport options (regular complimentary shuttle buses to the Disney parks, as well as steam boats to the French Quarter & Disney Springs). It is well-located within the Walt Disney World Resort & a short shuttle bus ride to each of the Disney parks (usually 15-20 mins). For travel to other parks (e.g Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure & Epic), it is easiest to drive (approx 30 mins) or take an Uber. We stayed in the Magnolia Bend block in rooms 9088 & 9090 - both of which were spacious, bright, clean & well-stocked with coffee, teabags, toiletries etc. The ‘Hey Disney’ smart speaker/voice assistant was a nice touch & could be used for both fun interactions (trivia, jokes, bedtime stories etc.) as well as guest services (requesting additional items for room - towels, tissues, toiletries, coffee etc.). Unfortunately we did have had a minor issue with a neighbouring room, which seemed to have a loud, barking dog left alone for hours at a time, which hugely disturbed our evenings. When we queried this with staff, we were bluntly told that Port Orleans is a ‘dog friendly’ hotel & there was nothing they could do. While this is somewhat understandable, we felt the staff could have been more sympathetic & suggest some possible resolutions (e.g. speaking with the dog’s owners &/or moving them to a different area, as they had only recently checked-in whereas we were over a week into our stay)… Otherwise, we enjoyed our stay & would consider returning in the future.

Probably the best mid range resort on property. Rooms are nicely sized and well maintained. The A/C kicked out a lot of cold air, the fridge worked great. Nice thing was it was more of village than a hotel. No elevator, no long hallway, no noise from other rooms. Kind of easy to get lost as all the buildings look the same. Still a great place

Resort Overview As part of my recent TravelWhizz/Travelbizz famil, while visiting my daughter who is currently working as part of a cultural exchange. I spent two nights at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort — one half of the Port Orleans duo that also includes the neighbouring French Quarter. Set along the Sassagoula River, Riverside offers a relaxed, Southern-inspired setting filled with leafy walkways, grand magnolia trees, and classic plantation-style buildings. Although this is one of Disney’s largest resorts, its clever homestead-style layout, where guest rooms are grouped within charming mansion buildings, ensures a genuine sense of space and calm. Unlike some of Disney’s busier properties, Riverside feels expansive yet tranquil — a welcome retreat at the end of a theme park day. Guests can stroll the riverside path connecting Riverside and French Quarter, a highlight of our stay. It’s an easy and scenic walk — perfect for stretching your legs after a day in the parks — and the reward at the end? Disney’s famous Mickey-shaped beignets from the French Quarter food court. The resort is also connected by boat service to Disney Springs, adding a touch of convenience and charm for those looking to shop or dine off-site. ⸻ Rooms & Comfort Our stay in a Magnolia Bend Royal Room, featuring Princess Tiana theming, was a genuine highlight for our family. The room was beautifully detailed, with regal touches and subtle lighting that delighted our daughter the moment we arrived. The space was comfortable for two adults and two younger children, though families travelling with older teens may wish to consider adjoining rooms for extra space and privacy. The theming makes it one of the most memorable moderate-level rooms on Disney property, and housekeeping standards were excellent throughout our stay. ⸻ Dining & Recreation The Riverside Mill Food Court offers a broad range of quick-service options, while Boatwright’s Dining Hall provides a more relaxed table-service setting. One of our favourite experiences was the evening campfire, where guests gather to toast marshmallows and s’mores under the stars — a family moment that truly captures the Disney spirit. Between the Ol’ Man Island pool complex and several smaller quiet pools, there’s plenty of space to unwind. The resort encourages a slower pace — many guests were content to spend the day relaxing by the pool, exploring the grounds, or enjoying the short riverside walk to French Quarter for a beignet fix. ⸻ Atmosphere & Guest Profile During our stay, we met several repeat visitors, many of them local U.S. families who return each year — some even celebrating every family birthday at the resort. This loyal following creates a warm, community-like atmosphere. It’s clear that many guests come here not to rush between parks, but to relax and enjoy the resort itself, which gives Port Orleans Riverside a wonderfully calm and nostalgic feel rarely found so close to Disney’s major attractions. ⸻ Transport & Access Transport operates via the Disney bus network, with several internal stops conveniently littered throughout the resort. This thoughtful layout helps negate the need for long walks when heading to or from the parks — a welcome touch in such a large property. While the system runs efficiently overall, the internal loop and peak-hour crowding can make journeys slow. If you happen to be departing the parks at closing time along with the majority of guests, it’s not unheard of to wait an hour or more — and sometimes require multiple buses — for the return journey to Riverside. That said, guests should be ready for some walking, particularly those in the outer buildings. This didn’t bother our family — after marching more than 20,000 steps a day in the parks, we were well-conditioned for a few extra at the resort. ⸻ Areas for Improvement • The internal bus network can be slow and congested during peak return times. • Walking distances between buildings, dining, and reception can be long. • The Riverside Mill dining hall, while convenient, lacked variety and served food similar to what’s found within the parks. For a resort positioned at a higher price point, a greater range and quality of dining options would elevate the experience. • Room layout best suits younger families; adjoining rooms are recommended for those travelling with older teens. Agent Summary Overall, Port Orleans Riverside delivers a relaxed and character-filled alternative within Disney’s moderate resort range. It’s ideal for families who value theming, tranquility, and space, with access to both Disney Springs and the neighbouring French Quarter adding real value. For travel agents, this resort suits clients who: • Want the Disney experience without the intensity of the deluxe resorts, • Appreciate Southern charm and riverside relaxation, and • Enjoy immersive theming that captivates both kids and adults alike. ⸻ Rating: 4½ Planes out of 5 A beautifully themed moderate resort with a loyal following — ideal for families seeking slower-paced Disney magic. ⸻ Disclaimer Dane Taylor is a corporate travel agent with over 20 years of experience in both leisure and corporate travel. This review is based solely on personal experience as part of a professional famil. No payment or sponsorship was received.

We had a great 4th of July stay at Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside, and it was the perfect mix of charm, comfort, and convenience! The resort is quaint and full of Louisiana vibes, with beautiful landscaping and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s surprisingly quiet, with each building only three stories high — no overwhelming crowds or noise. We loved having multiple bus stops throughout the resort, which made getting to the parks easy and convenient. Our standard room was spacious and comfortable for two adults and a teen. For five adults, I’d say it would feel tight, but it’s perfect for two or three adults with little ones — the 5th sleeper is ideal for a small child. While The Riverside Mill Food Court isn’t gourmet, it’s reliable and convenient for quick bites. The boat to Disney Springs is such a fun bonus — and a must-do for grabbing those famous Mickey beignets at the sister resort, Port Orleans – French Quarter! There’s plenty to enjoy on-site, too — carriage rides, bike rentals, and a great gift shop for souvenirs. We stayed in Alligator Bayou (non-preferred room) and 100% recommend it! It was very close to the lobby, food court, gift shop, main bus stop, pool, and boat dock — a fantastic location. Just note that most buildings don’t have elevators, so if anyone in your group has mobility concerns, be sure to request a ground-floor room. Overall, Port Orleans – Riverside is a peaceful, charming moderate resort that delivers true Disney magic with a slower, Southern pace. We’ll definitely be back — it’s a beautiful resort and a great value! 💛🎆