One of the most popular Walt Disney World resorts is Port Orleans Riverside! This moderate resort offers plenty of Southern charm and transports guests back in time to those old, lazy summer afternoons, along with some Pixie Dust too of course!
1. Quality-Port Orleans Riverside is the most popular moderate resort on property; and the reason for this is Riverside’s quality. This resort has great personality, warmth, helpful service, variety of activities, and a spectacular, leisurely setting. If a deluxe isn’t in your budget, Port Orleans Riverside is definitely your best alternative!
2. Variety-Unlike other moderate resorts, Port Orleans Riverside offers a great deal of variety. First of all, there are two different sections of this resort: Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. The first offers rustic bungalos with log furniture and the like with small streams and thick foliage to represent the Southern bayous. Magnolia Bend can be found across the river where the grounds are more trim and manicured and rooms are found inside southern style mansion structures. If that wasn’t enough, Disney is now constructing special royal guest rooms at Riverside scheduled to open next year. Check out these rooms and other unique Disney guest rooms here!
3. Theme-Riverside takes Disney guests back in time to rural, river life in the Old South. Here you stroll along the banks of the Sassagoula River, check in at Riverside’s gorgeous, white lobby with giant paddle fans hanging from the ceiling, and enjoy a meal at the cavernous food court housed inside of an old cotton mill with a working water wheel just outside! This old Southern theme is not only picturesque, but comfortable and relaxing!
4. Dining-Disney’s moderate resorts typically offer a food court and one table service restaurant; and Riverside’s offerings don’t disappoint! The Riverside Mill is a large food court with different stations offering different menus. One station let’s you create your own pasta! Check it out here! Boatwrights is Riverside’s table service restaurant and what I consider to be a hidden gem due to it’s unique menu and fantastic service! Boatwright’s offers Southern and Cajun specialities, such as Crawfish, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Pecan Pie, amazing Banana Foster, and much more! Yum!
5. Location-Port Orleans Riverside sits right next door to Port Orleans French Quarter, providing easy access for guests to hop over to explore what it has to offer. Riverside is also very close to Downtown Disney and provides boat transportation to and fro. It’s a leisurely mode of transportation that gives guests views of the French Quarter, Saratoga Springs Resort and their treehouse villas, and a unique view of Downtown Disney. Learn more about this transportation route here!
What do you think is the best thing about Port Orleans Riverside? Is this one of your favorite Disney resorts? Be sure to let us know!
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This is where we decided to stay on our upcoming Dec trip. We loved POFQ last year and enjoyed walking around Riverside. We will be staying in Alligator Bayou as we have a family of 5. How far is the walk from those rooms to the bus stops and eating areas?
Great question, Angelique! In my personal experience, guests can request which section of POR they prefer, but they are not guaranteed to receive it. If you do choose a more expensive room option, such as the River View room option, you may be placed in Magnolia Bend or increase your chances; however, I cannot give you a definite answer since I usually choose the cheapest room option when I visit this resort. I do suggest booking by phone and asking Disney if there is any way you can secure your desired room at POR, or booking through an experienced travel agent, such as Pixie Vacations, who may be able secure what you want. Thanks for commenting!
I truly look forward to staying at POR in the future, but will NOT rule out making time to take a walk around to POFQ just to see it all. Not to mention that boat ride to DTD 🙂 I also plan to stay in Magnolia Bend, but I’m wondering if you have to book by phone to assure you’re in THAT area rather than them placing you in Alligator Bayou…any suggestions?
I like POR but think French Quarter is better. It is smaller and that means less walking.
I like POR but think French Quarter is better. It is smaller and that means less walking.