Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside: An Honest Review
If you’ve been considering a stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside, you’re in the right place. As a family that has stayed there, I’m giving you the real, honest rundown — what we loved, what surprised us, and everything you need to know before you book. And if you’d rather see it all in action, check out our full video review on our YouTube Channel.
What Is Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside?
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside is a moderate-category resort located in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It’s one of the most charming resorts on property, designed to feel like you’ve stepped into the Louisiana bayou — think mossy trees, a winding river, Southern-inspired architecture, and lush, green grounds that honestly feel like a world of their own. Walking the grounds will make you wonder if Tiana, herself, is right around the corner.
As a moderate resort, it sits between Disney’s Value resorts and the Deluxe resorts in both price and amenities. Room rates typically range from around $200–$350+ per night depending on the season, view, and room type — making it a step up from the budget options without breaking the bank entirely. [Note: Always check Disney’s official site for current pricing, as rates fluctuate.]
Getting Around: Transportation at Port Orleans Riverside
One of the first things families want to know is: how do you get to the parks?
At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside, your transportation options are:
- Buses to all four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, as well as Disney’s water parks and ESPN Wide World of Sports
- A scenic boat ride to Disney Springs — this is honestly one of the hidden gems of staying here. The boat glides along the waterway and drops you right at Disney Springs. It’s a lovely and relaxing way to get there. One secret tip is that you can you also take the boat to Port Orleans French Quarter (Port Orleans Riverside’s sister resort) to get benignets. They even have vegan beignets!
One important thing to know: Port Orleans Riverside has an internal bus loop. That means the bus picks up at multiple stops throughout the resort — you do not have to walk all the way to the main building to catch it. For a resort this size, that’s a huge convenience.
Our Stay: Alligator Bayou, Building 35
For our trip, it was me and my two eldest daughters — a proper girls’ trip to Disney World. We were assigned to the Alligator Bayou section of the resort, specifically Building 35.
Fair warning: Building 35 is toward the back of the resort. But before you stress about that, here’s the reality of what that meant for us day-to-day:
- 5-minute walk to the larger main pool (with the waterslide)
- 6–7-minute walk to the main building, Riverside Mill food court, the shop, and other dining options
Honestly? It wasn’t bad at all. The walk itself is through those gorgeous, tree-lined grounds, so it never felt like a chore. And with the internal bus loop, we didn’t have to factor in a long walk to the bus stop either.
The Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside
Our room in Alligator Bayou had that clean, slightly elevated feel — large blue headboards, subtle Tiana details. It fit our little crew perfectly, and one detail I especially want to highlight for families:
There is a 5th sleeper option in the Alligator Bayou rooms. A pull-down trundle-style bed tucks away when not in use. My 11-year-old used it without any issue — it fit her just fine. If you’re traveling with kids and need that extra sleeping spot, this is a legitimate solution (not just a tiny cot situation).
The Fridge Situation — What You Need to Know
Here’s something that catches a lot of first-time Disney resort guests off guard: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside does not have a standard refrigerator in the rooms. What you get is a beverage cooler — it keeps things cool, but it’s not a full fridge and shouldn’t be relied on for things like medication that needs controlled refrigeration.
This is not unique to Port Orleans — it’s the same across Disney’s resorts. The only guests who get a proper fridge are those staying in DVC (Disney Vacation Club) villas. If you’re curious about what DVC offers, I break it down in the post on Disney Vacation Club Rentals.
We just planned accordingly. We did order groceries, but had everything that was shelf-stable- applesauce pouches, fruit, oatmeal cups, etc.
The Pools: A Major Win at Port Orleans Riverside
This is one of the areas where Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside really shines for families.
The Main Pool (Ol’ Man Island)
The main pool — called Ol’ Man Island — is a resort highlight. It features:
- A waterslide
- A large, free-form pool surrounded by trees
- A hot tub
- A play area for younger kids
It’s a fun, lively spot and a great way to spend a resort day. I confess, while we were there, the waterslide was not available (under refurbishment). We did see it and it looks fun.
The Quiet Pools at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Here’s something we actually loved just as much: the smaller quiet pools scattered throughout the resort. Being in Building 35, we had one close to us, and we used it more than we expected. No crowds, no noise, just a peaceful swim. If you’re traveling with kids who just want to splash around without the chaos of the main pool, these are a gem. The smaller pools do not have a hot tub or water slide. Again, it was great for a quick dip to cool off mid-day.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Sister Pools
One thing to know is that when you’re staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, you do have access to its sister resort pools, Disney’s French Quarter Resort. We chose not to hop over there as we didn’t have a ton of time, but it’s a great option.
The Grounds: Why This Resort Feels Special
Let me be honest — the grounds at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside are genuinely beautiful, and that’s not something I say about every resort. The resort is landscaped with an abundance of towering, moss-draped trees and a river that winds through the property. Walking from your room to the pool or the main building doesn’t feel like crossing a parking lot — it feels like a stroll through a Southern bayou.
For our family, that atmosphere adds something real to the Disney experience. It’s immersive in a quieter, more peaceful way than the parks themselves, and it made the resort feel like a destination, not just a place to sleep.
Who Is Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside Best For?
Based on our experience, this resort is a fantastic fit if you:
- Have a moderate budget and want more atmosphere than a Value resort offers
- Are traveling with kids who need an extra sleeping spot (Alligator Bayou’s 5th sleeper is a practical solution)
- Want beautiful, walkable resort grounds that feel like part of the magic
- Love the idea of taking a boat to Disney Springs
- Want pool options with a waterslide — both lively and quiet
Our Honest Verdict on Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside
We genuinely love this resort. Every time I think about where to stay when we’re working with a moderate budget at Disney World, Port Orleans Riverside is near the top of the list. The grounds, the charm, the pool options, the internal bus loop — it all adds up to a resort that punches above its price point in terms of experience.
The trade-offs are real but manageable: no true fridge, and if you’re in a building toward the back, you’ll have a few extra minutes of walking. Neither of those things diminished our trip.
If you want to see the resort in action — the rooms, the pools, the grounds, and our honest real-time reactions — watch our full video review here on our YouTube Channel.
Have questions about staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside? Drop them in the comments — we’re happy to help!
Planning your trip and feeling overwhelmed? Grab our Walt Disney World Planner that will help you stay organized.
This post contains our personal experience and honest opinions. Room pricing is subject to change; always verify current rates on Disney’s official website.
