Port Orleans Riverside Resort Review
Port Orleans Riverside is a Moderate Resort at Walt Disney World. This hotel review covers its pros & cons, room photos, info on amenities, a stroll around the grounds, and more. We will also cover basics, including our take on it, and who might enjoy it best. (Updated February 14, 2024.)
Riverside is divided into Alligator Bayou (bayou) and Magnolia Bend (mansions), which assists it in offering more thematic variety. In addition to these two different styles, each building within the sections uses different materials based upon its location on the river.
The backstory is interesting and engaging (and is executed cleverly throughout the resort), and the quiet pathways that litter Riverside make it a great place to take a romantic stroll. The grounds are absolutely stunning, with rich wilderness in the bayou and perfectly manicured gardens around the mansions.
This variety of theming is really quite impressive and is pulled off remarkably well. The mansions of Magnolia Bend are surrounded by large, perfectly manicured lawns and beautiful gardens, which provide a stark contrast to the untamed wilderness and seemingly uncontrolled growth in Alligator bayou.
In Alligator Bayou you feel you’d be at home floating down the river in a rickety boat hunting for crawdads. In Magnolia Bend, you might be better suited donning your dress seersucker, putting on a bow-tie, and drinking some mint juleps.
In our Moderate Resort Comparison, we do not rank Port Orleans Riverside very highly, but praise it as being on par thematically with some Deluxes. As mentioned there, the theming really shines at Riverside, which draws is themed to a rural Louisiana port city that is along the Sassagoula River.
Let’s take a detailed look at the pros & cons of Port Orleans Riverside…
Due to Riverside’s sprawling layout, the aforementioned differing styles of Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou don’t visually clash with one another. However, this layout may be perceived as a negative by some guests who aren’t fans of walking or internal transportation.
We don’t mind either, and find the transportation to be more than adequate. We found that the larger layout offers more to explore and a larger area to wander for romantic nighttime strolls (or carriage or bike rides if that’s your thing). With that said, Port Orleans Riverside is now one of the few Walt Disney World resorts that requires bus transportation for getting to all parks–that’s a definite downside for many guests.
In some ways, the Port Orleans Resorts feel like something out of a bygone era. This is deliberate in terms of their design and overgrown landscaping, which imbues the two hotels with a sense of tranquility.
It’s also the unintentional result of development elsewhere at Walt Disney World. Every other Moderate Resort has been significantly overhauled in the last few years, adding Disney Vacation Club wings, tower hotels, and/or the Disney Skyliner gondolas. Not Port Orleans. For better or worse, it’s largely the same hotel complex it was in the early 1990s.
From our perspective, it’s mostly for the better. Most other hotels are more modern, and with that comes a certain hustle and bustle. While the Skyliner and other modern amenities are great, there’s a certain sense of relaxation and charm you won’t find many other places around Walt Disney World (save for Fort Wilderness). As with so many things, there are tradeoffs.
The area around the main lobby ties all of this theming together perfectly with its steamship theming, providing an excellent transition between the bayou and the mansions. In addition to the variety of boat and bike rentals available outside, inside there are a number of dining and shopping options.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall is the table service restaurant at Riverside, and it is themed as a Southern, shipyard warehouse, complete with tools lining the walls and a large wooden hull of a fishing boat suspended from the ceiling.
We have a full Boatwright’s Dining Hall Review, which covers why it’s viewed as a hidden gem by so many Walt Disney World fans.
Riverside Mill Food Court (read our review of the food court) and River Roost Lounge are the other two dining options at Port Orleans Riverside. The food court is themed as a riverside mill…I’ll bet you would have never guessed that based on its name!
The theme here is carried out excellently–it probably has the coolest theming of any food court at Walt Disney World. The menu is also fairly diverse at Riverside Mill, with plenty of options for guests.
Riverside has several pools, with the main pool being located on ‘Ol Man Island in the middle of the resort, where the playground is also located. I wouldn’t necessarily call the pool disappointing, but it’s probably our least favorite pool at any Moderate Resort. The complex is nice and large, and the pool is nice, but the theming leaves something to be desired.
It’s difficult to say what could have been done better with the theming, but I far prefer the approach taken by Port Orleans French Quarter, which combines uses fun gators and a serpentine to overcome what otherwise might be “bland” Louisiana theming for its pool. This is a relatively minor complaint at what is otherwise the best-themed Moderate Resort at Walt Disney World.
As far as rooms go, Port Orleans again shines. Above is what the regular guest rooms in Magnolia Bend (the “mansions”) currently look like.
In addition to these standard rooms, the Royal Rooms are also located in Magnolia Bend.
Port Orleans Riverside received a ‘soft goods’ update to these rooms recently that refreshed some of the furnishings and revised the style (removing the comforters, among other things).
There were complaints prior to the refurbishment that the rooms felt dated. That is not the case anymore, but the style is definitely old-fashioned–from an intentional thematic perspective.
The other section of Port Orleans Riverside is Alligator Bayou. Those rooms feel slightly more rustic, but their biggest upside is that they have removed the dresser and replaced it with a fold-down Murphy bed that enables the Alligator Bayou rooms to sleep 5 adults.
We recently stayed in a renovated room and shared the experience in our New Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside post, so check that out for a photo and video tour.
For the most part, the bathrooms are similar to how they looked prior to the refurbishment. I believe the mirrors and maybe the light fixtures were swapped out.
These rooms are the same style (albeit with thematic differences) as those covered in our updated Caribbean Beach Resort Review. We personally prefer the rooms at Caribbean Beach Resort, but the theme and overall atmosphere, we think, is better at Port Orleans.
In terms of amenities, Port Orleans Riverside’s rooms feel modern and clean, with a sufficient number of details and subtle charm to make them distinctly “Disney.” These details are more on the subtle side, rather than overt imagery of Mickey and various other characters.
With that said, if you are traveling with small children, this might not be for you. We view Port Orleans as a more romantic option; this is not to say it isn’t for kids (I loved our stays here as a kid), but it’s not our top pick if you’re primarily interested in kid appeal. You might want to instead consider a different resort or one of the above-mention Royal Guest Rooms for that.
Although the Port Orleans Riverside Royal Guest Rooms are beyond the scope of this review (again, read our separate Royal Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside Review for more on them), above is a peak at the inside of them. They are great rooms for families with kids and would make a great compromise for families looking for an incredibly well-themed Moderate Resort that also has a liberal helping of classic Disney theming.
The Royal Guest Rooms are brought to life by Disney Characters, and special “royal” touches like custom drapes and linens and ornately decorated beds. The headboards on these beds glitter with fiber optic “fireworks” lights. There is a nightly upcharge for these rooms, but the theming likely appeals more to kids than most Deluxes, and the rooms are cheaper, too!
Riverside is also conveniently located just a 10 minute walk from Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter (we also have a separate Port Orleans French Quarter Review where you can see its rooms and hear our thoughts on that hotel’s amenities, etc.), where guests can find a cooler pool and food court. French Quarter doesn’t have its own table service restaurant, but it’s still worth a visit to the (smaller and more centralized) grounds to see the New Orleans theming.
There are also boat rides available from both resorts to Disney Springs, and bus transportation to the parks. The boat ride on the Sassagoula is nice and relaxing, and having dinner at Disney Springs is a great way to conclude a day outside of the parks (or your arrival night).
Overall, Port Orleans Riverside is the perfect resort for guests looking for exquisite theming without breaking the bank. The theming is definitely Deluxe quality in many regards, although I wouldn’t put it above any Deluxe Resort in terms of overall quality. Families looking for distinctly Disney (character) theming may not find quite so much to love in Riverside unless they stay in the Royal Guest Rooms, but couples looking for a romantic resort-hotel should definitely give Riverside a look.
However, the big upside of that tranquility and romantic atmosphere also is the big downside. The Port Orleans Resorts accomplish that sense of isolation and serenity by not having the same degree of development or proximity to the parks. There’s no Skyliner, monorail, or non-bus transportation to the parks here. The grounds are sprawling, which can mean a lot of walking. There’s no flagship restaurant, character dining, or anything else that makes Port Orleans Riverside a big draw for non-resort guests. Whether or not it’s for you is a personal matter–if you want a relaxed vacation, it’s great. If you’re looking for convenience and ease of accessing the parks and popular dining, perhaps not.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? If you’re interested in learning more about hotels, our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page is a good place to start. For where to eat, try out our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews page. If you want to save money on tickets or determine which type you should get, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at unconventional things you should take on your trip. Once you arrive at the parks, our Walt Disney World “Ride Guides” are great for determining what to do and when to do it. For overviews of all of these topics and so much more, the best place to start is our comprehensive Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide to make the most of your experience!
Your Thoughts…
How do you feel about Port Orleans Riverside? Does its lack of unique transportation to the parks, character dining, or other ‘big’ draws make it less appealing to you? Or, do you find Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside to be among the best of the Moderate Resorts thanks to its tranquility and atmosphere? Do you dislike Riverside?! Any other opinions or questions about staying at Port Orleans Riverside? We love hearing from readers, so please share your thoughts in the comments!
Stayed here years and years ago as a kid when it was Dixie Landings. I assume the name was controversial, hence the name change? Haven’t been back since. Thanks for your review. Now that I’m a parent, I think I’d pick one of the more “exciting” moderates.
I’ll be visiting POR for Spring Break 2015 with four family members. After reading your review of the place, I’m hoping the bus transportation will have improved by the time we get there. I called Disney to upgrade to another resort, and the agent actually talked me out of it (shocking, right?). I’ve stayed at the Polynesian before. The location was great, but I don’t remember being amazed with it; for me, visiting Disney is about enjoying time at the parks for the most part, not the resorts. I just hope I’m not sacrificing a positive stay by foregoing a more expensive Disney resort and giving POR and its bus transportation a shot.
Would you recommend this place for a Honeymoon? My Fiancé and I want to splurge on the hotel for deluxe level but don’t think we can afford it, and wanted to look into one of the moderate resorts rather than have to sacrifice different things we want to do while we’re down there just to stay at one of the Deluxe resorts. We don’t anticipate spending much time at the hotel itself, but would like somewhere with good atmosphere and that is at least pretty and enjoyable to walk around during our down time. Thanks!
Yes. You can walk along the river that is lit at night, carriage rides, ask to be in the mansion side Arcadia house with pool/garden view. No one is ever in the “quiet pools” take the boat to downtown dianey(whatever they are calling it now) to the restraints and nightlife. It’s a big resort spread out, so it ever seems like you are with a lot of people.
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Just got back from spending five days at the Riverside Resort in WDW. Overall, we loved it. A bit pricey, including the cost of food once you’re there, but that’s to be expected in a place like that. Our room was fairly close to the dining hall, and I think it would have been a different experience if it had been a longer walk.
One thing we found annoying was the bus situation. There are four different bus stops in the Riverside Resort, and the main one in front of the office was the one where most riders would get off. But instead of stopping there first and letting off the majority of riders, the bus would sometimes bypass it (driving within 100 feet of it) and circle around the entire resort, where each stop would feature riders fighting against the crowd to get off.
Also, the music played on the buses is Dixieland jazz, and the first day it was kind of cool. But on those late-evening rides back from the park where all you want to do is relax in some quiet, the music is much too loud. Combine that with my other complaint about the bus stops, and it made for some long rides.
Yeah, the bus situation at Walt Disney World–anywhere–isn’t the best, but it seems especially bad at Riverside. Glad you still had a great trip! 🙂
We have stayed here several times with kids when they were small , with one when she was older , and with no kids , no better place to stay , We love this resort! the water taxi to downtown is the perfect way to unwind after a long day in the park. we have stayed deluxe and value but always go back to Riverside!
I have stayed at POR,POFQ,CSR,the theming is amazing at both sides of PO. The buses are busy. I am hoping when the articulated buses get on line the buses will be less crowded I hope. We eat at either side food is good on both sides. Pools quiet ones were wonderful. Very peaceful. I would say I have been to this resort both sides 6 times. Like Tom says very nice
Port Orleans French Quarter COMPLETELY RUINED my suprise welcome basket for friends of mine who were taking their children to Disney for the first time. I confirmed with Disney Floral and Gifts that the basket would be available for check in yesterday (3/15) but did not get delievered until this morning (3/16). After speaking with the florist, we discovered that the error was at Port Orleans French Quarter. Port Orleans French Quarter told me that there is nothing they can/would do about it (well they could keep the autograph book for several hours and have it signed for the little girl, but really, that’s not the point). They told me that they don’t like to give their guests the baskets at check in, and if the room wasn’t ready, the guests would have nowhere to put it. Frankly the hotel manager, Francesca, was HORRIBLE. I’ve never had such a horrible experience with Disney. The complete lack of customer service was ABSOLUTELY appalling. I explained that the whole point of them getting the basket was for the 6 year old little girl’s first trip to Disney, and how much she had wanted to ask the princesses for autographs…and the lady told me there was nothing she could do to rectify their mistake. I then found out from my friends that their whole argument about the room not being ready was a complete moot point, as their room WAS READY. Needless to say, this whole experience has left such a bad taste in my mouth with regards to Disney, and the fact that their customer service has gone downhill SIGNIFICANTLY.
Umm, not sure if you noticed but this article is a review of Port Orleans RIVERSIDE: it’s rooms, the grounds, theming, and other resort amenities. Your rant is specifically about the front desk staff at FRENCH QUARTER. Seems a bit out of place?
Looking into staying at either Port Orleans resort for an upcoming honeymoon in September. We would like to do it a little nicer than the values but can’t quite cut the deluxes, unfortunately.
In a former post, you compared moderates with values and mentioned that French Quarter and Riverside share buses. At first glance I would say yes to French Quarter because it only has one stop (loved that about Pop Century, hated multiple stops when I stayed at Caribbean Beach before). Do you know which resort the buses visit first going to the parks and the order they drop off at the end of the day?
I thought you mentioned in the other post that Port Orleans ranked pretty low for you because of the buses.
The more I read about the resorts the more I’m thinking it’s not for us because of the bus situation. I really hate it because it seems to be one of the most beautiful resorts.
Actually, Port Orleans Riverside is our #1 moderate! The bus stop thing is annoying, but the rest of the resort is so awesome that it doesn’t matter. If it is a big deal to you, consider French Quarter instead. Not sure the order of the bus stops.
If you have more planning questions or need help, feel free to email my wife: [email protected].
Awesome review of POR. We are looking to stay here on the last week of May. We stayed at CSR last year and really loved it. This time around we just want to try a different resort, and I think POR might be the one to try. I’ve read in other reviews that the rooms at POR are smaller than the rest of the moderates. Can anyone give some feedback on this? It would be greatly appreciated.
We LOVE it here! have stayed twice and hope to come back Feb. 2014. Stay in the mansions, Arcadia house! one of the quiet pools right out side the door! and never anyone in them? The food court is outstanding for breakfast.
The grounds are beautiful with the river, marina, and horse drawn carriage rides. I think that his is the best value so much more than value hotels and just as nice as the deluxe. It is VERY large and spread out so the first time we did get lost going to our building, but it didn’t matter because the grounds are great.
POR is a fantastic resort – truly a hidden treasure (in that it is not as popular and it’s hard to understand why). Themeing is fantastic and as many commented the grounds are immaculate! I hear some complaints but we have stayed there 6 times or more and have never been anything but pleased. Stayed at CBR this year and now ready to go back ‘home’ next year! And yes Tom – Bob in the River Roost is GREAT entertainment – not to be missed!
Thanks for this report .. We are staying at Port Orleans Riverside when we go in Nov and are very excited… We are staying in a royal room as my sister and I are kids at heart and think the princess theming will suit is (not sure about the boys but as its a trip to celebrate our birthdays they didn’t really have much of a choice!) I’m really looking forward to strolling around the resort 🙂
we stayed there many years ago and had a great vist !!!
Awesome to hear! 🙂
Just got home back from a week at POR last night! It was only our second trip to WDW – last year we stayed at the Contemporary. We really enjoyed POR, and, as Heather mentioned, appreciate that the AB rooms have an option for families of five. Having said that, we all preferred the ‘feel’ of the Contemporary (not the cost, however…).
Our family LOVES Port Orleans Riverside! We have stayed in the Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. The Alligator Bayou rooms are great because with a family of 5, like mine, you can have the murphy bed and sleep 5 in a room without having to pay a lot more $$$ for a suite. Plus, the price is more comparable to a value with all of the added luxuries of a moderate. Great article!
This review is wonderful! I consider this our home resort with the Contemporary our second Disney home. We stayed in one of the royal rooms in Parterre Place this year on the river and we were so close to everything, it almost outranked the Contemporary concierge level for me! This was our first stay on Disney, way back in ’92 and while we’ve moved on to the Deluxe resorts, Dixie Landings will ALWAYS have a very, very special place in my heart.
Thanks very much for the review and amazing photos, it’s surprisingly hard to find decent quality pictures of the refurbished rooms. Had been looking to say at POR when I book my holiday and your review has confirmed that it is the right resort for us. It was a toss up between this and CBR. But being after a more “adult” resort POR looks to be the right choice.
If you want something more adult/romantic, Port Orleans Riverside is definitely the right choice for you. Glad this helped!
a good reason not play. i love the games we need
i’m thinking of your orange box now it as its only 20$