Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside Tour
Resort Summary
There are two sections to Port Orleans Resort Riverside. The stately white-column mansions of Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou’s quaint backwoods cottages. Both are located in a picturesque setting that evokes the romance of rural Louisiana.
The Sassagoula River connects Port Orleans Riverside to Disney Springs, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
Arrival and Lobby Areas
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is a Moderate category hotel. Disney moderates have one central hub for dining, check in and bell services. Rooms are accessible via exterior corridors.
The design of lobby at Port Orleans Riverside is inspired by the classic riverboat terminals of the American south. Around the ceiling you’ll see names of the cities the steamboats travel to.
Online check in is a popular option these days, cutting down on the need to check in at the desk.
Using your Disney World mobile app, you can check in to Port Orleans Riverside in advance. You’ll receive a text message with your room number when it’s ready. Standard check in service is also available if you prefer.
Video Tour
Inside the lobby you’ll see a seating area, where passengers might wait for their steamboat (or Uber) to arrive. If you look closely at the richly polished wood floor and you’ll notice a beautiful compass rose inlay, made by hand.
Fresh floral arrangements are a staple in many of the Walt Disney World lobbies.
Room Categories
There are 2,050 rooms at Port Orleans Riverside located in 2 and 3 story buildings with exterior corridors.
The majority of rooms have 2 queen beds that can sleep up to 4 guests but there are several variations, including 5th sleeper rooms and Royal Rooms.
Many rooms have connecting doors. Requests for connecting doors cannot be guaranteed unless two rooms are booked with a parent in each room. Ask me how to arrange this for you when requesting your quote.
Port Orleans Riverside Room Categories
(in order of nightly rate, least to greatest)
Standard View
Standard View 5th Sleeper
Woods View
Woods View 5th Sleeper
Pool View (some have 5th sleepers. If you have a party of 5 and book Pool View, you will get a room with the 5th sleeper).
King Bed rooms
River View
Preferred Room (close to main lobby)
Royal Room - Standard View
Royal Room - River View
Royal Room - Woods View
Rooms have curtains that divide the vanity area from the rest of the room. There’s a door separating the water closet, bathtub and shower. This makes it possible for multiple people to get ready at the same time.
Pet Friendly Rooms
Port Orleans Riverside is a pet friendly hotel. Rooms designated as pet friendly are only used for guests who have pets. If you’re not traveling with a pet, you will not be assigned a pet friendly room. These rooms are also located in a designated area of the hotel complex.
Pets may also be boarded at the Best Friends Pet Care Center located across the street.
5th Sleeper Rooms
5th Sleeper rooms have the same layout as a standard room, either two queen beds or 1 king bed, and include a Murphy-style bed that folds down. The Murphy bed is ideal for children up to age 10.
Royal Rooms
Located in the Magnolia Bend section of the resort, Royal Rooms have a Disney Princess theme. These rooms are the furthest away from the lobby but Disney is hoping you love the theme so much, that you won’t mind the extra walk.
There is a bus depot nearby so it’s not necessary to walk to the lobby for transportation.
There are 2 sections to Port Orleans Riverside, Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. While it’s not possible to select which section your room is located in, I am able to note requests on your reservation.
The biggest difference between the two sections is theme. Magnolia Bend represents the manor houses of deep south with manicured lawns and plantings. Buildings have 2 and 3 stories with exterior corridors.
Alligator Bayou is made up of 2-story, rustic lodges with with shady gardens and pathways.
Port Orleans Riverside - Magnolia Bend
Port Orleans Riverside - Alligator Bayou
Room Rates
Room rates at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside vary by season, weekday vs. weekend, overall availability, and the number of adults staying in the room. Contact me for an exact price.
Additional fees:
An additional fee applies if you park a vehicle overnight at the hotel.
Parking at the theme parks is complimentary.
Disney charges a nominal fee for having additional adults (ages 18+) staying in the room. This fee does not apply to the first two adults.
Room Amenities
Coffee Maker
Hair Dryer
In-room safe
Internet - Free WiFi Service
Iron & ironing board
Mini-refrigerator
Telephone with voice mail
Television
Small table with 2 chairs (in most rooms)
Hotel Services
Check-In – 4:00 PM
Check-Out – 11:00 AM
Overnight self parking (fees apply)
Valet parking (fees apply)
Bell services
Complimentary theme park transportation
Self-service laundry rooms
Hotel gift shop
Arcade
Fulton’s General Store is located just off the lobby at Port Orleans Riverside.
Pool and recreation
The feature pool is located just behind the check in building on Ol’ Man Island. A pool bar and playground are also located on the island.
There are several smaller, or quiet pools, located around the resort if you prefer a more relaxing setting. These pools do not have water slides or poolside entertainment and can be found throughout the hotel complex.
Pool on Ol’ Man Island, just behind the main lobby.
Playground on Ol’ Man Island
Video arcade just off the lobby
Rent a fishing pole Ol’ Man Island!
There are many scenic pathways around Port Orleans Riverside. You can rent a traditional bicycle or a surrey bike and enjoy a ride along the Sassagoula River.
Dining Options
Theme Park Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Orleans Riverside
Which park is Port Orleans Riverside closest to?
Port Orleans Riverside is in the Disney Springs resort area, but it’s less than 10 minutes away from Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Buses make stops around the hotel complex which can add about 10 minutes to the trip.
How long is the bus ride from Port Orleans Riverside to Magic Kingdom?
Magic Kingdom is less than 10 minutes away from Port Orleans Riverside. The bus will make a few stops within the resort complex before making its way to Magic Kingdom and that will add additional time.
Can you walk to Epcot from Port Orleans Riverside?
No, it is not possible to walk to Epcot. Even though Port Orleans Riverside is directly behind Epcot, there is no access way or sidewalk to the park’s entrance.
What did Port Orleans Riverside used to be called?
When the hotel originally opened, it was Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort.
Can you take a boat from Port Orleans to Magic Kingdom?
No, buses operate between Port Orleans Riverside and Magic Kingdom. Boat service is provided only to Disney Springs.
Is Port Orleans Riverside a moderate resort?
Yes, Port Orleans Riverside and its sister hotel, Port Orleans French Quarter are both Disney World moderately priced resorts.
Is Port Orleans Riverside part of DVC (Disney Vacation Club)?
No, it is not a Disney Vacation Club resort but some DVC members may be able to use their points at Port Orleans Riverside.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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