Ok, so full disclosure, I’ve never actually spent a night at Port Orleans Riverside. So how can you possibly review the resort you may ask? Well, because I’ve spent considerable time at the resort by virtue of two stays at its sister resort, Port Orleans French quarter. The two are closer than Animal Kingdome Jambo House and Kidani village, so staying at one is like staying at them both. Sure, the rooms are different, but with the exception of the Royal Rooms (which are currently undergoing refurbishment in early 2025), they aren’t that different. Having spent time wandering the grounds, experiencing the amenities, eating the food and drinking the drinks, I feel like I have something to offer the would be Port Orleans traveler.
Here’s a look at the map of the two resorts together to give you an idea of just how connected they are:
For starters, Port Orleans Riverside is the big sister of the two Port Orleans Resorts. It’s built in the model that was typical of these moderate resorts when they were built – many smaller out buildings for the rooms with the amenities primarily at a central location. Riverside is separated into two areas – Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. The Magnolia Bend buildings are designed like a southern manor house and are quite stunning:
And Alligator Bayou buildings look more like a wooded cottage:
When viewed from the bus I thought the Alligator Bayou building looked a bit drab, but they elicited a different feel up close and in person. I still prefer the grand opulence of the Magnolia Bend mansion buildings, but that’s a matter of preference. The Mansion buildings are all located across the Sassagoula from the main building, but the existing of Ol’ Man Island – the centrally positioned island housing the main feature pool – there is always a pretty direct path to take. I’d say the longest walk you could expect would be 7-10 minutes. If you end up in the Alligator Bayou buildings in a standard room you could end up a little further away. If you pay the premium for a preferred room you will be in one of the 3 Alligator Bayou rooms closest to the main building. In that case you’re a 1-3 minute walk away. Here’s a zoomed in picture of the Riverside resort map for reference.
Speaking of Ol’ Man island as I mentioned that’s where you’ll find the feature pool, whirlpools, splash area, and Muddy Rivers pool bar which also servers food. This is also where you’ll find a pretty unique amenity – the Fishin’ Hole. A place where you can rent a fishing pole and do a little fishin’ off a small dock.
But don’t worry, if the idea of walking 7-10 minutes in your swimsuit, flippers, and snorkel mask isn’t your idea of a good time, you’re never far from a pool here. As you can see on the above map, there are 5 leisure pools spread out around the resort – 3 in Alligator Bayou and 2 in Magnolia Bend.
At the main building you’ll find the quick service cafeteria style food court, Riverside Mill, as well as a table service restaurant called Boatwrights, serving southern comfort food type fare.
You’ll also find a large gift shop with some of the coolest character displays anywhere:
You can’t tell from the photos but each of these displays have features that move. Good ol’ fashioned Disney theming at it’s best in a gift shop!
This is also where you’ll find the River Roost lounge, home to the popular Yehaa Bob who’s one man show is not to be missed if you’re in the area. This is a common experience that people mention when asked about highlights on their visit to this resort. In the picture below you can see his piano sleeping comfortable in the far corner of the room.
I hope that the photos help to drive home the one thing about this resort, and really the Port Orleans complex in general, that makes it our favorite moderate resort area – the theming. The grounds are beautiful and easy to walk around. When you do you can’t help but feel transported out of Florida and the traditional deep south. The architecture, the plant life, the music, all carefully curated to really take you away. They are great resorts to slow down and smell the Magnolia’s at. I hope they never modernize these resorts.
One potential downside to Port Orleans Riverside is the transportation to and from the parks. The only option is to take Disney busses. Since this resort is so larger there are 4 stops around the resort. Depending on where you’re located you may find the bus to full or standing room only during peak times. And when returning from the parks you may have to take a trip around the resort before you get to your stop. Disney bus transportation has largely been much better in recent years, so this isn’t a huge deal. However, it is the primary reason we choose Port Orleans French Quarter over Riverside whenever possible.
There is boat transportation to Disney Springs with the ability to transfer to boats that take you to Old Key West or Saratoga. It’s a beautiful ride and we love to take advantage of this. It really negates the downside that comes from the relative lack of dining options at these resorts. All the restaurants at Disney Springs are just a boat ride away.
I admit that objectively it is difficult to recommend Port Orleans Riverside over Disney’s Caribbean Beach resort. They are both large sprawling resorts that have much of the same downsides, but Caribbean Beach has the Skyliner making EPCOT and Hollywood Studios very accessible. For most visitors with small children I’d say start at Caribbean Beach for sure. You’re going to be planning your trip around the parks and being able to jump on a gondola that’s almost always running for an afternoon break is huge. But I’d urger everyone to spend a few hours at the Port Orleans resort complex. The charm has to be experienced to be fully understood. You may find that if you’re like us the charm is enough to make these resorts your go to Moderate resorts.
