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Home / Blog / Hotels, Resorts & Lodging / The Frog Family's Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

The Frog Family's Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

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With white-columned mansions, magnolia trees and carriage rides, guests are instantly transported to Southern charm at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside! Stroll along the Sassagoula River and take in the incredible tranquil sights of this large Disney moderate resort, or even rent bikes or a horse-drawn carriage! Enjoy lots of outdoor activities, including fishing, pools, campfires and more. There's plenty to enjoy at this beautiful resort. Plus, we have an exciting offer hoppenin' right now! Save up to 35% at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel for select days through Dec. 25, 2024. Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservations are fully refundable when canceled at least five days before check-in for travel through Dec. 31, 2024. Read on for our complete guide to Port Orleans Resort – Riverside! Ribbit!

Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Overview of Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside offers beautiful scenery, royal-themed rooms and exciting recreation options. Sassagoula Steamboat Company is the main building housing the lobby, shop and dining options. At the center of the resort is Ol’ Man Island, a wooded refuge with a swimmin’ and fishin’ hole. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Sassagoula River, rent bikes or treat yourself to a horse-drawn carriage ride!

Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Magnolia Bend building

The moderate resort has two distinct sections of buildings — Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. Magnolia Bend houses four three-story white mansion buildings reminiscent of grand Southern manor homes. Select buildings offer beautifully themed Royal Guest Rooms.

Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Alligator Bayou building

In Alligator Bayou, you’ll find woodsy Old Southern two-story cottages. The 16 buildings offer a quiet retreat and easy access to bus stops.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Rooms

Guide to Port Orleans - Riverside: Standard bedroom in Magnolia Bend

The rooms at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside are perfect for families. Many standard rooms can sleep up to four guests, while some rooms in Alligator Bayou allow for a group of five, offering two queen beds and a pull-down bed for young tadpoles.

Guide to Port Orleans - Riverside: Standard bathroom

The bathroom has double sinks in a separate area from the toilet and shower. There's even a "Princess and the Frog" themed curtain to wall off the area from the rest of the room, perfect for getting ready in the morning. Rooms include a small table and chairs, TV, coffee maker, mini-fridge and iron and ironing board.

There are small nods to "The Princess and the Frog" film throughout the rooms. For the ultimate princess fans, go for the Royal Guest Rooms in Magnolia Bend with magical details by Tiana and the other princesses.

Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Royal Room with princess paintings

Location-wise, you can choose a standard view or upgrade to a pool, woods or river view, as well as a preferred location. If you complete the mobile check-in via the My Disney Experience app, you can make up to two room requests, such as a corner room, a ground-floor room, a room close to a bus stop or a pet-friendly room.

In Magnolia Bend, buildings include Acadian House, Magnolia Terrace, Oak Manor and Parterre Place. Acadian House and Magnolia Terrace are closest to ’Ol Man Island and have quick access to their respective bus stops. Oak Manor and Parterre Place house the Royal Guest Rooms and are closest to the lobby and dining. In Alligator Bayou, preferred rooms will get you closest to the lobby and dining.

Did you know you can save money by booking with Undercover Tourist and enjoy discounted rates?

Transportation at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Main bus stop

The resort is centrally located and close to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs. All four Disney World theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs are accessible by Disney bus transportation. There are four bus stops along the resort. Exit the lobby and head right to find the main bus stop.

Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Boat transportation

You can also hop aboard a short boat ride to Disney Springs. Easily walk to Riverside’s sister resort, Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, for even more fun in the Bayou.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Recreation and Amenities

Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Pool at Ol' Man Island

Riverside offers lots of exciting outdoor activities throughout the resort. Tadpoles will simply love Ol’ Man Island, a three-acre island inspired by Tom Sawyer. Soak up the old-fashioned swimming hole with a sawmill slide. Adults can relax in the hot tub while younger children enjoy the children’s pool. The resort also has five smaller quiet pools for the perfect vacation relaxation.

Nearby is a catch-and-release fishing hole. Typically open from 7 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., 30-minute timeslots are available for an additional cost, with all equipment provided. Enjoy a picturesque outing with a horse-driven carriage ride along the Sassagoula River! Available in the evenings, the $65 ride takes you through about a 20-minute tour of the resort. The carriage can seat four adults or two adults and three children. Reservations are required, which can be made in advance or on the day of (subject to availability). Other recreation offerings include bike rentals, a jogging trail, a playground, an arcade, a campfire and Movies Under the Stars.

Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Horse-drawn carriage ride

Does your favorite canine want to join in on your magical vacation? Good news! Port Orleans – Riverside is dog-friendly. Select rooms are available for you and your furry friend. There is a limit of two dogs per room, and restrictions and fees apply. The Best Friends Pet Care is located across from the resort for additional doggy daycare.

Like other Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Riverside offers Early Theme Park Entry. Early Entry is offered for 30 minutes before park opening at every park, every day! You also receive early access to individual Lightning Lane selections through the Disney Genie+ service. With individual Lightning Lanes for purchase, hotel guests are able to begin booking at 7 a.m., while general admission must wait until the park opens. This can be a crucial jump for popular rides such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Be sure to link your hotel reservation to your My Disney Experience account to take advantage of these benefits. (See all the benefits of staying on-site in our full blog post).

On July 24, 2024, Disney Genie+ will transform into the Disney Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Additionally, what were previously known as individual Lightning Lane selections will now be called Disney Lightning Lane Single Pass. Both options will feature the new capability to book skip-the-line passes in advance, unlike the previous system where passes could only be reserved on the same day. Hotel guests will be able to book up to seven days in advance for the length for their stay, while all other guests can book up to three days in advance. For more details, check out our guides on Lightning Lane Multi Pass and the Disney Lightning Lane FAQs.

Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Lobby

Additionally, the Port Orleans Resort – Riverside offers:

  • ATM and banking service
  • Bell services
  • Laundry and dry cleaning services
  • Mail services
  • Merchandise shops
  • Complimentary self-parking

Dining at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Dinner at Boatwright's Dining Hall

Savor Southern specialties at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, the resort’s casual table-service restaurant located in the main building. The meal starts off with cornbread and butter for the table (it was so delicious — it felt like dessert!). Then choose appetizers such as the French Onion Soup Au Gratin or Pimento Cheese Fritters. For the main course, select from flavorful dishes such as Jambalaya, Prime Rib or Crispy Cajun Chicken. Those with milder tastes will love the Shrimp and Grits. Kids can choose from a variety of entrees (mac 'n' cheese anyone?) with a choice of two sides. Boatwright's is only open for dinner, and advance dining reservations are highly recommended.

Riverside Mill Food Court is the resort’s quick-service restaurant serving up Southern Louisiana-style dishes. You can’t miss its location with the large mill wheel outside powering a cotton press. Five stations offer a variety of food the whole family will enjoy. The food court is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with grab-and-go options.

Over by the pool, Muddy Rivers Bar offers various drink options. And experience an old-fashioned watering hole at River Roost Lounge, located right off the lobby. On select nights, you can see Yeeha Bob Jackson perform his comedy music show here. For more dining options, head over to the French Quarter resort, where you indulge in delicious offerings including the famous Mickey beignets.

What to Consider Before Staying at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Boat Dock

You'll want to really explore the beautiful grounds that Riverside offers. There are so many great recreation options that you'll definitely want to leave some time to enjoy the outdoors. Make a day of it and hop on a boat to Disney Springs for the perfect non-park day!

Keep in mind that the resort is spread out and may require more walking than other moderate resorts. Riverside often shares buses with French Quarter which is an additional stop along the way. Accessibility-wise, elevators are only offered in Magnolia Bend, though since most buildings in the resort are only two-story, there are plenty of first-floor rooms (with specific accessible options available).

Port Orleans Riverside is a wonderful choice for those looking for a beautiful resort with a variety of outdoor recreational offerings. It’s perfect for a family of five or those wanting to bring their pampered pooch. The Royal Guest Rooms are some of the best themed rooms. Overview, Port Orleans Resort Riverside is an excellent option at a moderate price.

Have you ever stayed at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside? Let us know in the comments below!

Related: Which Disney World Moderate Resort Hotel Is Right for You?

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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Comments

Jan 12, 2025 at 2:10 p.m.
Andrea Says...

Has anyone been able to successfully book 2 connecting rooms at Port Orleans? I am scared my kids will be a mile away from us...

Reply
Jan 17, 2025 at 11:36 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Andrea!

If you're booking rooms through Undercover Tourist, feel free to give our Customer Service team a call at 1 (800) 846-1302! But if booking directly through Disney, we'd recommend that you submit an online request form (be sure to choose Disney Resort Hotel Reservation and provide the Resort Reservation Numbers) or call the Hotel Reservation hotline at 1 (407) 939-1936.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 10, 2023 at 10:46 a.m.
Debra Says...

Can I buy the Anastasia Mug the 25 year Anniversary one at Port Orleans Riverside?

Reply
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:11 p.m.
Lindsay Says...

Do some of the Royal Guest Rooms allow for a 5th “tadpole”? The map of the room appears to have the space but the description says 4 adults. Thanks for the help!

Reply
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:11 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lindsay!

The "5th sleeper" rooms with a pull-down bed are only located in the Alligator Bayou section of the resort.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 1, 2022 at 10:15 p.m.
Mati Says...

Hi After our trip to POFQ wascancelled due to pandemic - we are rescheduling to April 2024 however the pool at POFQ will closed - should we still go to POFQ and use riverside pool OR book riverside instead - thank you

Reply
Aug 2, 2022 at 10:42 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mati!

It's toadally up to your preference! If having a pool nearby is a big factor, then we'd say Riverside just so you're closer to Ol’ Man Island (or one of the leisure pools). But if you prefer French Quarter and wouldn't mind walking or taking a boat over to Riverside, then stick to French Quarter.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply

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