Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Guest Rooms

(tap to enlarge photos)

(tap to enlarge photos)

Dining

Boatwright’s Dining Hall

On our spur-of-the-moment May 2015 vacation, Stitchy and I barely made it back in time from IllumiNations to catch the last seating at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Frankly, I was tired of grab-and-go eats and ready for a nice, sit-down dinner. Little did I know we were about to find a new table service favorite!

Southern-inspired dishes fill the menu at Boatwright’s, and I had trouble deciding what to order. I eventually had to ask our server for a recommendation, and the shrimp and grits did not disappoint. I’m looking forward to a return trip to this hidden gem to try more of the menu.

Riverside Mill

Riverside Mill Food Court offers convenient quick service dining for Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside guests, with options available throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With a variety of choices, it’s an easy spot to grab a meal before heading out for the day or refuel after a busy park day.

More Dining

The River Roost near the main lobby and Muddy Rivers at Ol’ Man Island offer spots to relax with a drink, grab a light snack and take a break from the hustle of the parks. Whether you’re winding down after a busy park day or enjoying some resort time, both lounges add to Riverside’s laid-back atmosphere.

Recreation & Activities

Ol’ Man Island

The feature pool at Riverside, Ol’ Man Island is a splashing good time with a water slide, fountains, “waterfalls,” a kiddie pool, hot tub and more!  Several leisure pools are also scattered throughout the resort.

Fishin’ Hole

Just behind Muddy Rivers, you’ll find the Fishin’ Hole where you can grab a cane pole by the half hour and get in on some catch and release action up until 1:45 P.M.

Around the Resort

Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds of Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and enjoy the peaceful bayou charm, Southern details and relaxing atmosphere that make this resort such a memorable Disney escape.

(tap to enlarge photos)

More Magic Tips

A few tips go a long way toward making your stay at Riverside even more magical!

• Know Which Side of Riverside Matches Your Vacation Style.
  Riverside is basically two resorts in one. Alligator Bayou feels rustic and tucked away with a more outdoorsy vibe, while Magnolia Bend has the grand Southern mansion look and the Royal rooms. If the theming matters to you, don’t just book “Port Orleans Riverside.” Know which area you’re getting.

• Use French Quarter Like Your Resort’s Bonus Level.
  This is one of the rare times Disney officially lets guests use another resort’s pool. Riverside guests can enjoy French Quarter’s amenities, including its pool and smaller footprint. It’s a great change of scenery, especially if you’re staying at Riverside for a longer trip.

• Use Mobile Ordering for breakfast.
  Riverside Mill can get busy in the mornings, especially when everyone is trying to fuel up before a park day. Skip the crowded counters and place your breakfast order through the My Disney Experience app from the comfort of your room. Then, by the time you make your way over, your food is often ready and waiting. One less line to stand in before your first Mickey-shaped adventure of the day!

• Use a vacation planner who knows Riverside.
  Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is a beautiful resort, but its size and variety of options can make the little decisions feel overwhelming. When you book your Disney vacation with us, we’ll help you make the most of your stay, from understanding the different areas of the resort to knowing which experiences, dining options and recreation choices fit your crew best.

Our Take on Port Orleans Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside isn’t my personal favorite moderate resort, but there’s a reason it has so many loyal fans. The peaceful atmosphere, beautiful grounds and abundance of recreation make it a fantastic choice for families who want their resort to be part of the vacation experience, not just a place to sleep after the parks.

Where Riverside really shines is on slower-paced trips and resort days. Between the pools, recreation options, relaxing Sassagoula River setting and boat transportation to Disney Springs, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your time without rushing from park to park. That boat access also opens up a whole world of additional dining and shopping options without needing to hop on a bus.

The fifth sleeper rooms are another big advantage, especially for larger families looking for more space without jumping into a higher price category. Riverside may not be the perfect fit for every family, but for guests looking for a moderate resort with room to breathe, lots of amenities and a strong value, it’s easy to see why so many people love it.