Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside — Hotel in Lake Buena Vista

Resort Overview||As part of my recent TravelWhizz/Travelbizz famil, while visiting my daughter who is currently working as part of a cultural exchange. I spent two nights at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort — one half of the Port Orleans duo that also includes the neighbouring French Quarter.|Set along the Sassagoula River, Riverside offers a relaxed, Southern-inspired setting filled with leafy walkways, grand magnolia trees, and classic plantation-style buildings.||Although this is one of Disney’s largest resorts, its clever homestead-style layout, where guest rooms are grouped within charming mansion buildings, ensures a genuine sense of space and calm. Unlike some of Disney’s busier properties, Riverside feels expansive yet tranquil — a welcome retreat at the end of a theme park day.||Guests can stroll the riverside path connecting Riverside and French Quarter, a highlight of our stay. It’s an easy and scenic walk — perfect for stretching your legs after a day in the parks — and the reward at the end? Disney’s famous Mickey-shaped beignets from the French Quarter food court.||The resort is also connected by boat service to Disney Springs, adding a touch of convenience and charm for those looking to shop or dine off-site.||⸻||Rooms & Comfort||Our stay in a Magnolia Bend Royal Room, featuring Princess Tiana theming, was a genuine highlight for our family. The room was beautifully detailed, with regal touches and subtle lighting that delighted our daughter the moment we arrived.||The space was comfortable for two adults and two younger children, though families travelling with older teens may wish to consider adjoining rooms for extra space and privacy. The theming makes it one of the most memorable moderate-level rooms on Disney property, and housekeeping standards were excellent throughout our stay.||⸻||Dining & Recreation||The Riverside Mill Food Court offers a broad range of quick-service options, while Boatwright’s Dining Hall provides a more relaxed table-service setting.||One of our favourite experiences was the evening campfire, where guests gather to toast marshmallows and s’mores under the stars — a family moment that truly captures the Disney spirit.||Between the Ol’ Man Island pool complex and several smaller quiet pools, there’s plenty of space to unwind. The resort encourages a slower pace — many guests were content to spend the day relaxing by the pool, exploring the grounds, or enjoying the short riverside walk to French Quarter for a beignet fix.||⸻||Atmosphere & Guest Profile||During our stay, we met several repeat visitors, many of them local U.S. families who return each year — some even celebrating every family birthday at the resort. This loyal following creates a warm, community-like atmosphere.||It’s clear that many guests come here not to rush between parks, but to relax and enjoy the resort itself, which gives Port Orleans Riverside a wonderfully calm and nostalgic feel rarely found so close to Disney’s major attractions.||⸻||Transport & Access||Transport operates via the Disney bus network, with several internal stops conveniently littered throughout the resort. This thoughtful layout helps negate the need for long walks when heading to or from the parks — a welcome touch in such a large property.||While the system runs efficiently overall, the internal loop and peak-hour crowding can make journeys slow. If you happen to be departing the parks at closing time along with the majority of guests, it’s not unheard of to wait an hour or more — and sometimes require multiple buses — for the return journey to Riverside.||That said, guests should be ready for some walking, particularly those in the outer buildings. This didn’t bother our family — after marching more than 20,000 steps a day in the parks, we were well-conditioned for a few extra at the resort.||⸻||Areas for Improvement| • The internal bus network can be slow and congested during peak return times.| • Walking distances between buildings, dining, and reception can be long.| • The Riverside Mill dining hall, while convenient, lacked variety and served food similar to what’s found within the parks. For a resort positioned at a higher price point, a greater range and quality of dining options would elevate the experience.| • Room layout best suits younger families; adjoining rooms are recommended for those travelling with older teens.||Agent Summary||Overall, Port Orleans Riverside delivers a relaxed and character-filled alternative within Disney’s moderate resort range. It’s ideal for families who value theming, tranquility, and space, with access to both Disney Springs and the neighbouring French Quarter adding real value.||For travel agents, this resort suits clients who:| • Want the Disney experience without the intensity of the deluxe resorts,| • Appreciate Southern charm and riverside relaxation, and| • Enjoy immersive theming that captivates both kids and adults alike.||⸻||Rating: 4½ Planes out of 5||A beautifully themed moderate resort with a loyal following — ideal for families seeking slower-paced Disney magic.||⸻||Disclaimer|Dane Taylor is a corporate travel agent with over 20 years of experience in both leisure and corporate travel.|This review is based solely on personal experience as part of a professional famil. No payment or sponsorship...

Riverside has a nice aesthetic, but it isn't pecial compared to the other hotels which may be why it's on the cheaper side. You still are charged and arm and a leg even in off-season. Paid $300/night for a king bed in Magnolia bend. The price for the room itself is a bit steep - understand you're not paying for a nice room but the whole package of being close to the parks with buses to and from along with the early access to the parks, and theming. Our room was clean but plain, odd curtains they put in front of the bathroom sinks. What annoyed me was how paper thin the walls were, upstairs would flush and I could hear their waste flowing over my head in my bed all night. Disappointed! We also had a door connecting to the next room, hear everything they were doing and saying, had to put towels under the door. Towels were dirty too, had to ask for new ones. Not just tiny stains, like massive orange ketchup looking stains on the bathroom towels. House keeping is every 2 days, not daily. I think for the price per night they could do way better. Ask the front desk for keys, we had issues with our door and the phone app unlocking it inconsistently.

Two pools within reach of magnolia. One close to the room was always cold, only 1 of 4 nights was heated. The other main pool in the middle island between magnolia and our room was also frigid in the afternoon. Looked like a lot of kids were getting in and then quickly leaving which is a shame. The overpriced pool bar is not poolside and you can't bring drinks here. Polynesian has a better one. French quarter also slightly larger themed pool and stuff for kids like a water bucket and gym. But there is at least a slide here in Riverside.

Do not come here for food, there's no options. The cafeteria is worse than elementary school food. Not even good for kids, slop that's double the price it should be. $24 for frozen pizza that wasn't heated well and I'd rather eat Digorno. Instant mashed potatoes, sad burgers, long lines. Mickey waffles are fine but available in all the resorts. There's NO beignets here only French quarter which makes little sense. The soda machines are old regular fountains with limited selection, French quarter has new coke machines with customization flavors and dozens of drinks to choose from for same price. The restaurant Boatwright is also cafeteria food but charged as a restaurant price. The seats are like the cafeteria too, you're paying for nicer non paper plates. I don't get it at all. Don't plan to eat here and be happy. Not magical. The bar is fine, there's a dude who plays piano which was funny and good for kids. There's no special drinks here just standard cocktails at NYC $18-22 prices. If you want food and drinks close to hotel room and to grab after a long day at the parks, go elsewhere. Other resorts have way better bars and restaurants.

As for the good stuff: buses and boats were reliable. We went in January off season is hard to judge what it would be like in summer. Make note the buses stop at the lobby last. So don't get on the bus at the lobby if you want to risk not having a seat or even getting on at all. If you're in magnolia you're before the lobby stop, so second to last also runs the risk. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are the further trips. Magic Kingdom has no special bus lane from here, so you will sit in dead stop traffic from normal cars going there. You need to leave extra early to get to these, especially if you want early access. Which is a nice perk of the hotel. Boats were enjoyable but long to get to Springs. Don't fool yourself into thinking you'll take the boat to springs after the park for dinner, most people will be completely exhausted and the boats get packed. Getting to other resorts is a pain but you can get Uber/Lyft straight from the back road / bus stops / parking lots near your room rather than lobby.

Staff was nice, grounds were well kept, WiFi coverage was decent, noise was acceptable (still heard people outside late at night),...

As part of my recent TravelWhizz famil, I spent two nights at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort — one half of the Port Orleans duo that also includes the neighbouring French Quarter.

Set along the Sassagoula River, Riverside offers a relaxed, Southern-inspired setting filled with leafy walkways, grand magnolia trees, and plantation-style buildings. Although this is one of Disney’s largest resorts, its homestead-style layout, where rooms are grouped within elegant mansion buildings, ensures a genuine sense of space and calm. Unlike some of Disney’s busier properties, Riverside feels expansive yet tranquil — a welcome retreat after a long day in the parks.

Guests can stroll the riverside path connecting Riverside and French Quarter — a highlight of our stay. The easy, scenic walk leads to the reward of Disney’s famous Mickey-shaped beignets, while a relaxing boat service links the resort directly to Disney Springs for shopping and dining.

Rooms & Comfort

Our Magnolia Bend Royal Room, themed around Princess Tiana, was a genuine highlight. The regal detailing and soft lighting instantly captured our daughter’s imagination. The room comfortably housed two adults and two younger children, though families with older teens may prefer adjoining rooms for more space.

Dining & Recreation

The Riverside Mill Food Court offers quick-service convenience, while Boatwright’s Dining Hall provides a sit-down alternative. One of our favourite experiences was the evening campfire, where guests gather to toast marshmallows and s’mores under the stars — a simple but memorable family touch that embodies the Disney spirit.

Between the Ol’ Man Island pool complex and several quiet pools, there’s ample room to unwind. Many guests were content to spend their days relaxing by the water, exploring the grounds, or walking to French Quarter for that must-try beignet.

Atmosphere & Guest Profile

Riverside attracts a loyal following of U.S. families who return year after year — some even celebrating every birthday on-site. This gives the resort a warm, community feel that sets it apart from other Disney properties. Many guests aren’t rushing to the parks each morning; they’re here to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.

Transport & Access

Transport operates via Disney’s bus network, with several internal stops scattered throughout the resort — a thoughtful touch that helps reduce walking distances in such a large property. While efficient overall, peak-hour crowds can make travel slow. Departing the parks at closing time can mean waits of up to an hour, sometimes requiring multiple buses to get home.

Guests should also be prepared for walking, particularly if staying in outer buildings. This didn’t faze our family — after 20,000-plus park steps a day, we were ready for a few extra back at the resort.

Areas for Improvement • The internal bus system can be congested at peak times. • Walking distances between buildings and facilities can be long. • The Riverside Mill dining hall lacked variety and felt similar to in-park offerings. For a resort at this price point, a broader or higher-quality dining selection would be welcome.

Agent Summary

Port Orleans Riverside is a relaxed, character-filled alternative within Disney’s moderate resort range. It’s perfect for families who value theming, space, and serenity, with the added bonus of access to both Disney Springs and the French Quarter.

For travel agents, this property suits clients who: • Want the Disney experience without deluxe-level crowds or costs • Appreciate Southern charm and scenic riverside surroundings

Rating: 4½ Planes out of 5 A beautifully themed moderate resort that combines calm, character, and comfort — ideal for families seeking slower-paced Disney magic.

Disclaimer Dane Taylor is a corporate travel agent with over 20 years of experience in both leisure and corporate travel. This review is based solely on personal experience. No payment or sponsorship...