There’s something for everyone at Port Orleans Riverside- a moderately priced Disney resort with rustic retreats and elegant mansions. This resort has a charming swimming pool with slide as well as five quiet pools, a stocked fishing hole, a sit-down restaurant as well as a food court, all set along the Sassagoula River. Bring your Mark Twain novel of choice, and settle in.
Port Orleans Riverside, like all Disney resorts, is smoke-free. Designated outdoor smoking areas are indicated on the Resort Map.
MouseForLess Interesting Facts about the resort:
The "river" that goes to Downtown Disney isn't really a river. It's man made. Also on the trip to DTD you can see the old Tree House rooms. - Melissa Boekhoff
In the Alligator Bayou section, you can hear swamp sounds at night such as crickets and tree frogs. I especially appreciated this when we came from Illinois in the dead of winter; it sounded like summer to me! - Lynn S.
MouseForLess Room Request Tips:
Arrive early! We went straight from the airport to the check in desk at around 10 am and got Building 14 without even asking. - Pam and Larry Rosenberg
We like to stay in building 14 in Alligator Bayou as it is very near a bus stop, however if you are finding the buses to be full or too crowded you might try getting on at the main building where they make their first stop! - John B.
We LOVE the Magnolia Bend section, the grounds are beautiful and it is a close walk to Old Man Island and the food area. - Stacey Cain
Ask for a corner room. They have more windows. - Lynn S.
Building 14 is also close to a quite pool. -Tiffany Bennett
MouseForLess Hidden Treasures:
Fishing at the fishing hole. The lounge in the main building is a great place to relax. In the food court there is a "mill" turning along with the water wheel outside. Also, down by the launch to get to Downtown Disney, there is a little candy type machine where you can buy food for the ducks/fish. Also, when you check in check out the ceiling fans in the lobby and the bathrooms just off the lobby, very cool! - Melissa Boekhoff
The fresh yogurt parfait is easy to overlook among all the gooey treats, but check it out as an alternative, healthier treat. Try them for breakfast with even more choices of add-ins and toppings! - Pam and Larry Rosenberg
My son loves the arcade here because it's huge, and Bob the piano player is sensational! - Stacey Cain
You can see fireworks at night through the trees in the Alligator Bayou section. We could from the second story of building 14. Boatwright's has great prime rib. - Lynn S.
I love the lobby from top to bottom, the ceiling has moving parts and the floor has a beautiful compass on the floor. Also my son was amazed at the black and white cartoons on the television in the lobby. -Tiffany Bennett
MouseForLess Tips for Romance:
Stay on the Mansion side of the resort, very romantic, elegant rooms and gardens. Take a carriage ride in the evening, it's very beautiful and romantic. - Melissa Boekhoff
The main pool is great, especially if you have kids. However If you want to cool off in quiet solitude hit the smaller pools scattered around. We have RARELY been disturbed when relaxing in these simple but secluded retreats. - John B.
Take an evening stroll along the river when the lamps are lit, very nice. - Lynn S.
MouseForLess Tips for Families:
Stay in Alligator Bayou, with the trundle you can fit 5 in your room. Cheaper than 2 value rooms. - Melissa Boekhoff
A walk around the beautiful grounds is free -- see how many types of wildlife you can spot. We saw many types of birds, rabbits, lizards. Try a photo safari at your resort! - Pam and Larry Rosenberg
There is a lot of walking involved at this resort, but it is beautiful to see. - Deb Niarhos
Girls can get their hair braided here at Riverside Levee. The boat ride to Downtown Disney is lots of fun. - Lynn S.
MouseForLess Tips for Large Travel Groups:
Try to all stay in the same hotel, same building. We went last year with a group that was at different hotels and that was quite hard. - Melissa Boekhoff
There is a TV to watch and lots of seats near the front desk. It would make a great meeting place. There are also several benches just outside. - Lynn S.
We travel with 13 people and we were able to get rooms next to each other, which made our trip a lot easier as for planning the next day. -Tiffany Bennett
MouseForLess Tips for Guests with Special needs:
The Mansion side has elevators for those in wheels chairs or ECV's. - Melissa Boekhoff
We always have a person in a wheel chair with us and the CMs at this resort always go out of their to make things easy. Ask for a handicap friendly room with lower sinks, etc. -Tiffany Bennett
MouseForLess Tips for WDW Newbies:
Check for Hidden Mickey's in the architecture. - Melissa Boekhoff
The roads at WDW can be confusing. Ask at the security booth at the resort gate for a map. It has written directions from POR to all the WDW attractions, other resorts, even Wal-Mart. The ones at the hotel desk do not have the written directions. - Pam and Larry Rosenberg
Be sure and take time to walk around; across the bridge and to Ol' Man Island, or over to the French Quarter. It is fun to just stand and watch the waterwheel turn, too. - Lynn S.
MouseForLess Tips for Budget Travelers:
Buy milk in the gift store instead of the food court and put it in your fridge. - Melissa Boekhoff
This is one of the better moderates, in my opinion, and a very good value during the Value Season. In the Alligator Bayou section, a trundle bed available so you can have 5 in a room. - Lynn S.
Get the refillable mugs this alone saved us a ton and it also can count as a souvenir. -Tiffany Bennett
MouseForLess Tips for Luxury Travelers:
Stay on the Mansion side, very elegant. Alligator Bayou is very rustic but either way it's an AWESOME resort. - Melissa Boekhoff
The rooms are smaller than the Deluxe resorts, but the atmosphere is very nice. If you are splitting your stay, stay here before the deluxe, not vice-versa. - Lynn S.
The horse and carriage ride is wonderful it will make you feel like royalty. -Tiffany Bennett
