5 Reasons You'll Love Disney's Port Orleans Riverside
What Make Port Orleans Riverside one of the most popular Disney World hotels.
There are a few hotels at Walt Disney World that are so popular, they have a dedicated fan following. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is another and of course Disney’s Port Orleans both Riverside and French Quarter.
So, why is Port Orleans Resort so popular? Here are the top 5 reasons my clients have shared with me about why they love staying here.
#5: IT’s TWO RESORTS IN ONE
Port Orleans Riverside is made up of 2 sections: “Alligator Bayou” and “Magnolia Bend.”
Alligator Bayou has a more rustic atmosphere with dense wooded areas and shaded walking paths.
Magnolia Bend buildings resemble large plantation homes with manicured gardens wide open spaces.
When booking your room reservation, you can enter a request to be in a particular section, but it is not possible to guarantee a room in Alligator Bayou or Magnolia Bend. Disney does try hard to honor requests, however.
Alligator Bayou section of Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Magnolia Bend section of Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
#4: WATER WAY TO DISNEY SPRINGS
Port Orleans Riverside is located on the Sassagoula River, a 2.5 mile manmade canal that leads to Disney Springs - Disney’s shopping and dining district.
Fun Fact: the canal is modeled after the Mississippi River and “Sassagoula” is a Native-American term that means “Mississippi.”
River boats depart every 20 minutes from Port Orleans to Disney Springs.
Complimentary boat transportation to Disney Springs
#4 MODERATELY PRICED, Great value
Port Orleans Riverside is considered a “cross-over” resort from the Value Category hotels.
For example, the average nightly rate in December for a Little Mermaid room at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is $257. A Standard View room at Port Orleans Riverside is only $40 more.
The value is in the additional square footage, amenities like Bell Services, and a pool with a water slide.
Nightly room rates at Port Orleans Riverside start in the low $300s. Discounts are frequently available and when you book with me you will always get the best available rate with Price-Watch!
#3: FIVE-PERSON ROOMS
If you are a party of 5, I have great news! 5th Sleeper rooms at Port Orleans Riverside can sleep up to 5 guests.
These rooms have a fold-down bed that is ideal for children up to age 10.
“Standard” and “5th Sleeper” rooms at Port Orleans Riverside are about 315 square feet.
Rooms include a small table with 2 chairs, a single-cup coffee brewer, and a mini-fridge.
There is a split-bath where the vanity is separate from the tub and toilet. This allows multiple people to get ready at the same time.
Rooms at Riverside were recently refreshed and carpets were replaced with laminate flooring for a cleaner look.
#2 CENTRALLY LOCATED ON DISNEY PROPERTY
Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter are both centrally located on Disney World property. Both are located right behind Epcot and just down the road from Magic Kingdom.
Travel Time by Disney Bus from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort:
Magic Kingdom <10 Minutes
Epcot <10 Minutes
Hollywood Studios <10 minutes
Animal Kingdom 15 minutes
Take a ride between Port Orleans Riverside and Magic Kingdom!
#1 Kid-Friendly Pools
There are a total of 5 leisure pools at Port Orleans Riverside. The feature pool, complete with a 95 foot-long water slide is located on Ol’ Man Island, centrally located within the resort.
On Ol’ Man Island you’ll also find a whirlpool, the Muddy Rivers pool bar and a daily pool party for kids with a DJ and poolside games. Lifeguards are duty at the feature pool as well.
There are also smaller, neighborhood pools that are sometimes referred to as “quiet pools.” There are 2 in Alligator Bayou and 2 in Magnolia Bend. They do not have a DJ or games.
You can also participate in a nightly campfire event and a movie under the stars - only Disney movies of course.
The Feature Pool on Ol’ Man Island features a pool bar, whirlpool and a water slide.
In addition to the feature pool at Port Orleans Riverside, there are several smaller pools located around the resort.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Reopening Date
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside will reopen on Thursday, October 14, 2021
Sassagoula River at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside
Magical Vacations Travel has Agency Exclusive Offers on Standard View 2 Queen Rooms and Standard View 5th Sleeper Rooms for select dates in October, November and December 2021. These offers will sell out so booking early is highly recommended. See all offers for Port Orleans Riverside!
Which Park is Port Orleans Riverside Closest to?
Epcot 10 minutes
Disney’s Hollywood Studios 10 minutes
Magic Kingdom 10 minutes
Animal Kingdom 15 minutes
Can you walk to Epcot from Port Orleans?
No, it is not possible to walk to Epcot. Port Orleans is literally right behind Epcot, but the entrance to Epcot is on the opposite side. There are no sidewalks available. Take the bus or drive over to Epcot.
What are the other Moderate Resorts are at Disney World?
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort - Gran Destino Tower
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Resort Cabins
Are there themed rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Yes, Port Orleans Riverside has “Royal Rooms” that are themed to resemble the living quarters of a Disney princess. There are lots of hidden details all around the room. If you have a princess of your own, the Royal Rooms are great way to plus your vacation.
Is there a walking path from Port Orleans to Disney Springs?
No but you can use complimentary Disney transportation. Boats to Disney Springs leave about every 20 minutes.
How can I get a quote for Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside?
Start by filling out the Quote Request here. It has everything I need to get you the best available rate.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Walt Disney World License Plate Approved
Florida Department of Motor Vehicles approves Disney World specialty license plate
I have an update on the 50th Anniversary Walt Disney World licence plate.
Florida residents will be happy to know that the official Walt Disney World license plate has been approved!
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires a minimum of 3,000 presale orders for specialty license plates.
There were mare than 10,000 orders of Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary plate!
There is no word on when the plates will be sent to vehicle owners, but it’s rumored to be soon.
100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida.
To order a Walt Disney World licence plate, click here.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney World Updated Social Distancing Policy
Disney World updates social distancing policy
Recently I shared that Florida had approved an update to social distancing from 6ft to 3ft. While Universal Orlando was quick to make the change, Disney World took a more careful approach.
But it now appears that Disney World is going to make the change to 3ft. physical distancing as well.
According the Walt Disney World website, "Temporary adjustments are still in place to promote physical distancing. While we will reduce physical distancing measures for Guests across many areas with a gradual, phased approach, six-feet distancing measures will continue in all dining locations, merchandise stores and in areas where Guests can temporarily remove their masks."
What this really means is that Disney World can increase park capacity. If they cut social distancing in half, Disney can double the amount of people they allow into each theme park.
So it appears that there will be more people in the parks soon but no word on the return of FastPass.
We also know that CEO Bob Chapek is looking to make changes to Disney World’s mask requirements by this summer, in accordance with new CDC guidelines. You can read more about Chapek hinting at a mask update here.
Last week, theme park capacity has increased in all 4 Walt Disney World parks. It is now possible to remove your mask while taking photos outdoors at Walt Disney World as well.
Related:
Disney CEO: Park Capacity Increased - Hints at New Mask Policy for Disney World
"Fireworks View Rooms" Go On Sale at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
How Disney World and Universal are Relaxing Restrictions
Orlando Changes Social Distancing + Updates Mask Policy
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney is preparing for major refurbishments and new ideas, but some attractions will need to close.