Are you considering a stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside? Learn more about this moderate Disney World Resort now, and my honest opinion of staying here. My family and I stayed here in September of 2016, and it was my families first time staying at a moderate Disney Resort.
Our room section was in Alligator Bayou styled as rustic lodges. We enjoyed the charm and relaxed feeling of the Resort. However, the walk to the food court was a bit of a hike from our back location. Luckily, there is more than one bus stop and we were happy to be located a short walk from one of those.
The other section of this Resort is named Magnolia Bed, plantation-style Mansions.
Port Orleans – Riverside is a Disney Springs Resort area hotel. We really enjoyed the complimentary boat rides to Disney Springs! It was nice to try out a new mode of transportation, other than the busses. However, the busses are this Resort for prompt and great as well. Epcot is the shortest ride, at just 1 mile away. Followed by Hollywood Studios at 5 miles away. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are each 9 miles away.
The main pool of the Resort is located at Ol’ Man Island, access the pool by one of the 3 wooden bridges. The pool is inspired by an abandoned sawmill. My children loved the extra fun of the squirting water and large pool.
The waterslide added much entertainment to our pool time. Enjoy unlimited complimentary rides down a waterslide at moderate and up Disney Resorts (Value resort pools do not have a waterslide). The waterslide at Port Orleans Riverside is 95-feet long! Ride through the millworks into the main pool! There is also a kiddie pool nearby. In addition, this resort contains 5 other pools for leisure.
Due to the greenery and water located on property, my daughters were happy to spot frogs and salamanders while walking the grounds.
The large waterwheel, is functional and fun to watch. I love the mirrored reflection from the water.
Guests can get hair-wrapping done on site here, near the main food court building. My daughter was excited to have this option on-site. Also note, the Madi Gras beads she’s wearing that were handed out to us as this resort is inspired by Louisiana.
One afternoon while exploring the Resort, we found Disney Princesses in the lobby! My daughter was excited to see Belle as she loves to read as well. Rapunzel was very excited about my daughter’s hair wrap and asked how long it would take for her hair to be done!! It was a pleasant surprise, learn more about meeting Disney characters at your Resort. Plus for 2019, even more Characters could be seen!
The Resort gift shop was fun to browse, and tough not to buy every mug they had! We also stopped by here several times throughout the week to see the pin board for Pin Trading.
Would I stay here again? Yes, however I wish I had dedicated a non-park day to enjoy the Resort more. My family did not have time to check out the playground, Campfire with marshmallow roasting or the Surrey Bike Rentals. Plus there are Horse Drawn Carriage rides and Fishing available on-site! I highly recommend planning a Resort day if you are staying here to fully appreciate what it has to offer.
Previously I have stayed at Pop Century, Caribbean Beach Resort and most recently, All Star Music.
Read my Honest Review of Disney’s All Star Music Now!
Thanks, Sara!
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Resorts and contact Destinations in Florida to help you book your perfect resort.
Nikki says
This is one of my absolute favorites, and as one of the smallest resorts on property, it is my dream resort to take my introverted hubby to, if we ever manage to save up for a trip without my parents, siblings, inlaws etc. Glad you enjoyed it.