SparklesSuitcase 
Hey there, fellow Disney lovers! If you’re dreaming of the perfect family vacation filled with magic, adventure, and relaxation, let me tell you about our unforgettable stay at Port Orleans Riverside at Walt Disney World Orlando.
We’re always keen to try different resorts and this was our second at WDW after having previously stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort in 2022. We LOVED CBR so were unsure how this would compare….but we needn’t have worried!
This resort has everything – charm, fun activities, and plenty of Disney magic. Whether you’re traveling with little ones or just looking for a romantic getaway, Riverside offers an idyllic setting to make your Disney dreams come true.
Rooms & Vibe
First things first, let’s talk about the vibe.
Port Orleans Riverside is vast, spanning 200 acres, but it never feels overwhelming. The resort is beautifully laid out with winding paths, charming bridges, and lush greenery. Each section of the resort has its own unique feel. The stately mansions in Magnolia Bend exude Southern elegance, while the rustic Alligator Bayou lodges offer a cozy, woodsy charm. Every corner felt like a new adventure, and we loved wandering the picturesque trails, discovering hidden gems along the way.
We stayed in Alligator Bayou around a 10 minute leisurely stroll from the main lobby – I was concerned this would feel inconvenient as I do have some mobility issues but I was pleasantly surprised. The walk around the beautiful lake to the lobby each morning was one of the highlights of my day!
Our room was absolutely fantastic – spacious enough to comfortably sleep our family of five. Yes, you read that right, a Disney room that can fit the whole gang without feeling cramped thanks to the pull down fifth sleeper bed.
The decor had that perfect blend of comfort and Disney magic. The kids were thrilled with the fold-down bed featuring Louis the Alligator from The Princess and the Frog, and we parents appreciated the extra space to spread out and relax. The room included two queen beds, and the fold-down bed was perfect for our youngest. Plus, there was plenty of storage space, a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker to kickstart our busy days. We were even able to park my mobility scooter in there comfortably.
Mouse Keeping visited every other day and did a great job of making our room comfortable for our 2 week stay, including regularly leaving cute towel animals and making fun set ups with the kids cuddly toys – they loved coming home after a day at the parks to see what the cast members had done in their room!
Pool & Amenities
When it comes to cooling off and relaxing, the Ol’ Man Island pool area is a hit. The large, rustic-themed pool features a water slide that our kids couldn’t get enough of, and there are plenty of lounge chairs for parents to kick back and relax. There’s also a hot tub for a bit of extra relaxation. And for the little ones, there’s a kiddie pool and a playground nearby.
One of the coolest perks at Riverside is the poolside bar where you can grab a Mickey pretzel – a must-try and something not available at most Disney resorts! There’s something special about nibbling on one of these iconic treats with the Florida sun shining down.
A huge benefit of staying at Port Orleans Riverside is the ability to hop over to the sister resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, and use their pool and amenities as well. The French Quarter pool has an awesome dragon slide that quickly became a favorite for our kids. The more intimate setting of French Quarter provides a nice change of pace, and it’s just a short walk or a delightful boat ride away. And of course it’s also home to the famous Beignets!
The friendship boats are such a charming and relaxing mode of transport. They take you not only to the French Quarter but also to Disney Springs. We spent a lovely evening at Disney Springs, shopping, dining, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. It was so convenient to hop on a boat and avoid the hassle of driving or taking the bus.
Activities
Now, onto the activities – there’s never a dull moment at Port Orleans Riverside. For a small fee of $15 for half an hour, we tried our hand at line fishing. It was peaceful, fun, and a great way to teach the kids a new skill. This is also something that is not available at the majority of other Disney resorts so it was nice to do something different.
But the real highlight was the horse-drawn carriage ride which is available to book for $65 for up to 5 people. Imagine trotting along the riverbanks at sunset, the clip-clop of hooves in the background, and your family snuggled up under a cozy blanket. It was pure magic.
But don’t worry if you’re on a budget because there are plenty of free activities too! The nightly movies under the stars were a big hit. We’d grab some popcorn, lay out a blanket, and enjoy a Disney classic with other families. And the nightly marshmallow toasting at the campfires? The kids had a blast toasting marshmallows and making s’mores, and it was a wonderful way to wind down after a busy day in the parks.
Dining at Riverside was also a highlight. The Riverside Mill Food Court offers a variety of tasty options, from Mickey waffles in the morning to hearty meals at night. There were classic kid friendly staples like burgers and chicken tenders, as well as plenty of Cajun inspired options that Jon & I loved such as Jambalaya with Cornbread and Shrimp Gumbo. There’s also Boatwright’s Dining Hall if you prefer a table service option which I heard great things about though we didn’t personally try it.
I also have to give a shout out to Yee-ha Bob – Port Orleans Riversides very own pianist and singer who performs around 3 times per week in the bar. His shows are so much fun to watch, and my eldest son and I had a great time watching him – he also offers photos and autographs afterwards, and was such a pleasant guy to chat to!
Transport
We were a little concerned that we’d miss the convenience of a Skyliner resort, but Port Orleans did have it’s own transport perk in the Friendship boats! These sail from the main lobby over to Port Orleans French Quarter and Disney Springs, and they’re such a lovely way to get around.
The bus service to the parks was reliable too, and we really didn’t miss the convenience of the Skyliner.
All in all, our stay at Port Orleans Riverside was everything we hoped for and more. The resort perfectly balances relaxation and fun, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
So, if you’re planning your next Disney adventure and looking for a place that feels like a home away from home, with all the Disney perks and charm, I can’t recommend Port Orleans Riverside enough. It’s the perfect spot for families to make magical memories together. Until next time, happy travels and keep the magic alive!
