Disney Port Orleans Riverside Review: Is This Moderate Resort Worth It?

Last Updated on February 19, 2026 by Tori Pines

If you’re looking for a Disney hotel that feels calm, charming, and still totally immersive, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside might be exactly what you’re looking for. We stayed here for five nights in January 2026 in a Preferred Room, and I have to say, I genuinely love this property. Our room had been recently renovated and was beautiful, with a fresh, updated feel that completely exceeded my expectations for a Moderate Disney resort, so I wrote this Disney Port Orleans Riverside Review for you!

Port Orleans Riverside is especially well-suited for families with young kids and anyone planning a slower-paced Disney vacation where the hotel itself is part of the experience, not just a place to sleep. That said, this resort isn’t perfect for every travel style, and there are a few important things you’ll want to know before you book to make sure it’s an awesome fit for your trip. In this Port Orleans Riverside review, I’m breaking down exactly what worked, what surprised me, and why this resort might, or might not, be the right Disney hotel for you.

Disney Port Orleans Riverside Map

Overview of Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is a Moderate Resort located in the Disney Springs area of Walt Disney World, which means it’s close enough to the action without feeling like you’re in the middle of it. The resort isn’t directly connected to any of the theme parks, so you won’t have Skyliner access or walking paths to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, but you do get boat transportation to Disney Springs, which is a huge perk and one of the best features of staying here. That balance of convenience and calm is a big part of what makes Port Orleans Riverside so appealing.

As a Moderate Disney resort, Port Orleans Riverside sits right in the middle of Disney’s hotel tiers. You get more space, better theming, larger grounds, and upgraded amenities compared to Value resorts, but at a much lower price point than Disney’s Deluxe hotels. With themed pools, sit-down dining options, nicer room finishes, it’s a resort experience that actually feels like part of your vacation, not just a place to sleep after park days.

The overall vibe here is Southern plantation meets New Orleans charm. The resort is beautifully themed with magnolia trees, winding waterways, wrought-iron details, and quiet riverfront paths that feel worlds away from the crowds of the parks. It’s split into two main areas, Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou, and both lean heavily into that relaxed, old-south aesthetic. It’s peaceful, scenic, and much slower-paced than many other Disney resorts, which is exactly why so many families and repeat visitors love it.

One thing to know upfront: this resort is huge. In fact, it’s the third largest Disney hotel by room count. And if you lump in Port Orleans French Quarter, together they’re the largest property. Port Orleans Riverside is very spread out, with many, many buildings scattered across a large property. That space is part of the charm, it never feels crowded, but it also means walking distances can be long depending on where your room is located. This is something you’ll want to factor into your room category choice and transportation plans, especially if you’re traveling with young kids or strollers.

Compared to other Moderate Disney resorts, Port Orleans Riverside feels more immersive and scenic than Caribbean Beach, more relaxed than Coronado Springs, and significantly larger and quieter than Port Orleans French Quarter. It’s not as centrally located as some Moderates, and it doesn’t have flashy transportation like the Skyliner, but it absolutely shines when it comes to atmosphere, theming, and that laid-back Disney magic. If you value space, scenery, and a calmer resort experience, this one stands out in the Moderate category.

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Port Orleans Riverside Room Types & What to Expect

Standard Rooms

Standard Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside are the most budget-friendly option and are typically located farther from the main amenities like the lobby, dining, and transportation. They sleep up to four guests and include two queen beds, along with the same charming theming as the rest of the resort. These rooms are a good fit if you don’t mind extra walking to save money.

Preferred Rooms

Preferred Rooms are located closer to key areas like the lobby, dining, and bus stops, which makes a noticeable difference at a resort this large. We stayed in a Preferred Room during our January 2026 visit, and the recently renovated rooms were absolutely beautiful, fresh, modern, and far nicer than I expected from a Moderate resort. If you want convenience without jumping up to Deluxe pricing, I think Preferred Rooms are 100% worth it here. We were in building 90, and I think it was a great location!

Royal Guest Rooms

Royal Guest Rooms are themed after Disney royalty and include fun details like fiber-optic “fireworks” built into the headboards, which kids especially love. These rooms cost more than Standard or Preferred Rooms but don’t offer much added space, so you’re really paying for the theming. I think they’re best for families with younger kids who will truly appreciate the Disney touches.

Fifth Sleeper Rooms

Fifth Sleeper Rooms are exactly what they sound like, designed for families who have a fifth person, with two queen beds plus a small pull-down child-size bed. These rooms are located in the Alligator Bayou section and work best for families with younger kids rather than five adults. It’s a practical option if you want to stay at a Moderate resort without booking two separate rooms.

Room Amenities

In the room you’ll find most of the things you’d normally expect in a hotel room. There’s a small table with two chairs, a long countertop which is great for dropping your stuff at the end of a long park day. There’s a small coffee pot and coffee, and a “beverage cooler” aka small fridge that keeps things chilled but maybe not exactly cold enough to be considered a fridge. We had no problem with it, and it was cold enough for our minimal leftovers throughout the trip. There is no microwave, but they do have microwaves you can use in the food court.

The bathroom has an iron and ironing board, hangers, hair dryer, soap, shampoo and conditioner. It also has a little stool under the sink so the little kids can reach the sink which I thought was the sweetest touch!

In addition, they have “Hey Disney” which is an Alexa device that is supposed to be able to help you with room requests and answer your park and resort questions. I tried it a few times and had no luck so I just called on the phone when I needed something.

Speaking of needing something, there are many other things you can have brought to your room for no charge on request. We used a crib for our baby, which was not in the room when we arrived, but were told they wait until you are in the room to bring it. If they run out of cribs, they have pack n plays available instead.

Something that most people don’t know is that Disney also will provide bumpers for the bed if you ask for them. This was perfect for our 2 year old who sleeps in a regular bed, but isn’t trusted enough to not fall out. You can also request a mattress topper, but we thought the mattresses were super comfy without them!

Rooms Overview

All of the rooms at Port Orleans Riverside have been updated as of early 2026. They’re really beautiful and spacious without being over the top. We thought the beds were incredibly comfortable, there was plenty of space for all our stuff (even a double stroller!) and the bathroom was large with 2 sinks and great closet space. I also really appreciated how you could store suitcases underneath the beds!

Port Orleans Riverside Dining Options

The main dining location at Port Orleans Riverside is Riverside Mill Food Court, and this is where you’ll likely eat most often during your stay. It’s large, and offers a solid variety of options, including classic American, pizza, pasta, salads, and kid-friendly meals. We found it especially convenient for quick breakfasts before heading to the parks or grabbing lunch on a pool day. I really liked that they had healthy options as well. I enjoyed the avocado bowl for breakfast and the salmon with rice and broccolini for lunch several times.

They also have a large cooler filled with some awesome grab and go options, many of which were very healthy and nutritious choices like yogurts, fruits, cheeses, etc. which I appreciated! The drink options were great too, with healthier options like Topo Chico, not just soda.

For a sit-down meal, Boatwright’s Dining Hall is the resort’s table-service restaurant and leans into Southern and Cajun-style flavors. You’ll find dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and hearty comfort food that fits the overall New Orleans-inspired theme of the resort. This is a good option if you want a slower, relaxed dinner without leaving the resort, though I wouldn’t say it’s a must-do for every trip, it’s more about convenience than being a standout Disney dining experience. We chose not to eat here, and instead we took the bus to other resorts that have better sit-down dining options.

One of the biggest perks of staying at Port Orleans Riverside is how easy it is to access Port Orleans French Quarter, either by a short and beautiful walk or a quick boat ride. Over there, you’ll find Scat Cat’s Café, which is famous for its Mickey-shaped beignets and specialty coffee drinks. Even if you’re staying on the Riverside side, I think popping over for beignets at least once is non-negotiable, the beignets are outstanding and worth every single sugar dusted calorie.

Between the food court, table-service option, and easy access to French Quarter and Disney Springs via boat, Port Orleans Riverside offers plenty of dining flexibility. It’s not a resort you stay at specifically for food, but it’s incredibly convenient, family-friendly, and well-suited for slower-paced Disney vacations where you want easy, meal options right on property.

Port Orleans Riverside Transportation Options

Transportation is one of the biggest things to understand before booking Port Orleans Riverside, mainly because this resort is so large. Depending on where your room is located, it can be a pretty long walk just to reach the nearest bus stop.

Port Orleans Riverside uses Disney bus transportation to reach all four theme parks, and this is a huge perk (if not the main reason) for staying on property during your Disney vacation. We LOVE the fact that you arrive and never have to use your car once the whole trip. Or better yet, can fly in and not have to rent a car!

But it’s important to set realistic expectations. Buses typically arrive every 10–20 minutes, and depending on when you get to the stop, you may wait up to 15 minutes or so for the next bus. Since the resort isn’t especially close to any of the parks, bus rides can also feel long, particularly during peak morning and evening hours when everyone is heading to or from the parks at the same time.

One pro tip we learned the hard way: don’t get on the bus at the stop near the front desk in the morning. This is the last of four internal stops around the resort, and during rope drop hours, the bus is sometimes already full by the time it gets there. If you’re trying to get to the parks early, it’s much better to walk to an earlier stop on the loop so you actually have a seat, and a spot, on the bus.

Another major transportation perk at Port Orleans Riverside is the boat to Disney Springs. This was one of our favorite parts of staying here. The boat ride is beautiful, peaceful, and feels like a mini attraction all on its own. That said, it’s not fast. Between waiting for the boat and the ride itself, it can take a while, so don’t expect this to be a quick hop over. We loved using it for dinner plans at Disney Springs or a relaxed evening out, but it’s definitely more about the experience than efficiency.

Overall, transportation at Port Orleans Riverside is great once you know what to expect. It’s not the most convenient Disney resort when it comes to getting around, but if you build in extra time and lean into the slower pace, it fits the laid-back vibe of the resort really well.

Port Orleans Riverside Amenities & Activities

Port Orleans Riverside has some of the best amenities you’ll find at a Moderate Disney resort, especially if you’re traveling with kids or planning a slower-paced Disney vacation. The standout feature is Ol’ Man Island, the main pool area, which is themed like an old-fashioned swimming hole and has a large waterslide, hot tub, and plenty of space to spread out. It’s lively without feeling overwhelming, and there are also several smaller quiet pools scattered throughout the resort if you want something more low-key.

The winding riverside paths make it perfect for morning walks, and you can even rent bikes! They have the cutest surrey bikes that fit the whole family. I was super bummed that we didn’t have time to rent these during our stay because I thought it would have been so much fun. If we had just one more day we would have had time for this!

For families, there are tons of kid-friendly activities that make this resort feel like part of the vacation. The playground is well-maintained, and there are scheduled recreation activities throughout the day like crafts and games at the pool and campfires and movies on the lawn at night. They also offer horse-drawn carriage rides, which aren’t exactly my style, but I did love seeing the beautiful horses on property.

Port Orleans Riverside vs Port Orleans French Quarter

Before you book your hotel room at Port Orleans Riverside, you’re probably wondering “what’s the difference between Riverside and French Quarter?”. I know I was. So here’s how they compare.

First, the difference in the size of the property. Riverside, with 2,048 rooms, is double the size of the French Quarter, with 1,008 rooms. Plus the rooms in the French quarter are a lot more compact with each building being 3 stories tall. This means it’s much faster to walk across the property at the French Quarter.

Another thing to consider is dining options at the two resorts. The food halls are identical, and serve the exact same food. But Riverside has a sit-down restaurant and French Quarter has Scat Cats. Personally I think Scat Cat’s Cafe is much more desirable since those beignets are to die for. But they’re just a 10 minute walk away, so it’s not a big deal!

Because of the splash pad at the French Quarter, that gives it an edge for families with young kids. However, you could always just walk over and use that pool instead!

Both properties are equally as gorgeous just in different ways. Overall, I might pick French Quarter as my favorite just since the property is easier to walk since it’s more condensed, the splash pad is fun for my 2-year old, and I would love to be even closer to the beignets (although my waistline might not agree!). That being said, if Riverside had cheaper prices, I would go for that one since you can just walk over to the French Quarter when needed!

Pros & Cons of Staying at Port Orleans Riverside

Pros

• Beautiful Property
• Newly Renovated Rooms
• Boat Access to Disney Springs
• Inexpensive pricing for a Disney Hotel

Cons

• Large property with long walks
• Not a great sit-down restaurant
• Not close to any park
• Bus is the only transportation option to parks

Who Should Stay at Port Orleans Riverside?

• Best for families with kids
• Best for couples wanting a quieter Disney stay
• Best for longer trips – not in a hurry to get anywhere

Is Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Worth It? My Honest Review

Overall, I truly loved our stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, and it’s a resort I would absolutely choose again for the right type of Disney trip. The recently renovated Preferred Rooms were beautiful, the atmosphere was peaceful and charming, and the amenities made the resort feel like part of the vacation instead of just a place to sleep. That said, this isn’t a “rope drop to fireworks every day” kind of hotel, transportation takes time, the property is massive, and you need to plan accordingly to really enjoy it. If you’re traveling with young kids, want a more relaxed Disney pace, or love a resort with strong theming and breathing room, Port Orleans Riverside is a fantastic choice as long as you go in knowing what to expect.

Port Orleans Riverside FAQs

• Is Port Orleans Riverside walkable?

Yes, but the property is very spread out, so it may take 15-20 minutes to walk across the entire property. However, it is a gorgeous walk!

• How far is Port Orleans Riverside from Magic Kingdom?

If you’re taking the Disney Bus, then it will take at least 30-45 minutes to get to the park between walking to the bus stop, waiting for the bus, and the ride there. However, the bus drops off right at the park entrance, and you do not have to take the monorail or ferry, so that’s a huge plus!

• Does Port Orleans Riverside have a Skyliner?

No, the Port Orleans Riverside hotel is not located along the Skyliner router. It is only connected to the other properties and parks via bus.

• Is Port Orleans Riverside good for first-time Disney visitors?

Yes, it is a great hotel for first time guests, and will definitely make you want to come back as soon as possible!

• Can you walk to Port Orleans French Quarter?

Yes, a quick 10 minute walk from the front desk and you will be at the front desk of Port Orleans French Quarter. It’s a beautiful paved walk along the river!