Disney's Port Orleans' Riverside: A Review
13 October | Kenni Rich
During my family's most recent trip to Walt Disney World, we stayed at one of the most popular moderate resorts on the property: Port Orleans' Riverside.
Inspired by the remote, rural beauty of historic Louisiana, you will feel as if you have been dropped into the movie "The Princess and The Frog." This resort is great for those who are looking for more resort amenities, high theming, or- perhaps most importantly- for the princess fans among you!
Rooms
Disney’s Port Orleans - Riverside is split into two sections: Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. My family and I stayed in a Royal Guest Room in the Magnolia building located in Magnolia Bend. This location was perfect as it put us near the main resort building, resort pool, and main bus stop.
In 2011, The Royal Guest Rooms were added and they feature a ton of details. Supposedly, the rooms belong to Princess Tiana and showcase a special collection of gifts from her princess friends, including photographs of the princesses on the wall and a magic lamp water faucet from Princess Jasmine. My favorite part of the room was the fiber optic headboard depicting a courtyard with magnolia trees.
As I mentioned, the resort not only features rooms that sleep anywhere from 3 to 4 adults, varying views such as standard, woods view, and pool view, but this resort is home to the Royal Guest Room.
Dining
Disney’s Port Orleans' Riverside offers a table service restaurant, quick-service restaurant, lounge, and pool bar which means you have a good range of options if you have picky eaters in your party.
Riverside Mill Food Court is a quick-service restaurant and serves three meals a day. There are four stations serving everything from Mickey waffles, pizza, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, treats, and salads.
Muddy Rivers is the pool bar at the resort. Serving a variety of adult beverages and nonalcoholic beverages.
River Roost Lounge is located in the lobby area of the resort and is a fun lounge that my family and I stumbled upon. Little did we know that towards the evening this place becomes lively and entertaining featuring Yee Haw Bob Jackson playing toe tapping music on the piano while himself and guests sing along. If you have time in your schedule, I highly recommend seeing his performance if you have time during your visit.
Family-friendly American dishes inspired by Southern Louisiana is what you will find at Boatwright's Dining Hall, the only table service restaurant at Disney’s Port Orleans - Riverside. Enjoy Nashville hot chicken, smoked sausage, beef brisket with corn, mashed potatoes, green beans, and mac and cheese. If you have a sweet tooth like me, I highly recommend the Mississippi Mud Crème Brûlée.
Recreation
The first recreational option my family and I experience is the pool. You will have a good time at Ol’ Man Island, a 3.5 acre swimming pool. This pool can be accessed by the resorts 3 wooden bridges and features a 95 foot-long rustic waterslide. Adjacent, there is a whirlpool tub, Muddy River pool bar, and kiddie pool. There are five leisure pools located in the two areas on the property. Three in Alligator Bayou and two in Magnolia Bend. These do not feature a waterslide, but they do offer a quiet and relaxing area for guests.
If you’re looking for options other than the pool, take a 25 minute horse drawn carriage ride at the Riverside Levee Marina (advance reservation required), watch a movie under the stars or roast marshmallows by a crackling fire.
Amenities
Like all of the properties at Walt Disney World, transportation to and from the parks is complimentary and varies from resort to resort. When staying at Disney’s Port Orleans - Riverside you can enjoy a relaxing water taxi to Disney Springs or Disney Bus to the theme parks and water parks.
Disney’s Port Orleans - Riverside is great option for those who want the right combination of amenities, affordability, the theming. Whether you are a young family or family without children, this resort offers a great happy-medium.
I would love to help you plan your next Disney vacation! Email me at kenni@wishesfamilytravel.com for a complimentary quote.
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This experience was paid for on a Travel Agent rate.