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Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Update 3/23/2022  Be sure to request a Resort Guide at the front desk so that you can have the most up-to-date information about resort happenings and schedules. For the most up-to-date information about the phased re-opening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide.

This week’s feature is on Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, formerly known as Dixie Landings. It underwent this name change in 2001.

This is a moderate category hotel. It is expansive and features a lovely river with that “rolling down the bayou” theme. Disney’s theming is sensational and gives guests a feeling of an old Southern Mississippi river community.

It is a sure bet for families up to 5, or multigenerational family groups, that look to maximize their budget and sleep up to 5 guests in one room.



Port Orleans Riverside's GPS address and location are:
Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
1251 Riverside Dr
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Latitude: 28.410741 North, Longitude: 81.537420 West

This moderate level resort is on the larger side with 2048 guest rooms.

Port Orleans Riverside has a sister resort, just a short walk or a boat ride away, called Port Orleans French Quarter, which has a New Orleans theme. You can read more about it in this post

Riverside for short, as many guests will call it, is divided into sections. You’ll see mansion areas that have plantation style buildings that are three stories tall and then there are two story bayou guest houses.


Moderate resorts, such as Riverside, have larger bathrooms than those of the value resorts. The toilet and bath area is separate from the sink - a sleek design that allows for more people to get ready for the day at once with a bit of space and privacy.

Our team can help you with your Riverside stay! Agent Suzanne is approaching expert status, as she has stayed at Riverside with her family, as well as during Walt Disney World training meetings. 

The resort has Standard, Woods, Pool and River View rooms.  Standard and Woods View rooms also come with a 5th sleeper option.  Preferred rooms are also available, as well as rooms with one king bed.

What is a preferred room, you might ask?  Preferred rooms are guaranteed room locations that are near the important “stuff” such as the bus stop, dining, and a pool.

One of the things that is a SPECIAL treat at Riverside is the 512 Royal Guest rooms. These rooms are princess-themed with illuminated headboards, a magic carpet inlay on the floor and Disney princess artwork adorning the walls. While the price for these rooms is a bit higher, you are getting a room fit for an extra special vacation, even while you sleep! These rooms have a capacity limit of four guests plus a child under the age of 3.

Room Accommodations:
Some rooms will fit up to 5 guests + 1 child under the age of 3. Other rooms accommodate up to 4 guests + 1 child under the age of 3.

Each Riverside room, approximately 314 square feet, is furnished with the following:
  • Two queen beds OR by request or reservation, a king bed. King bed rooms accommodate fewer guests. Some rooms also include a child-sized single sleeper. This is intended for children under the age of 10
  • Dresser
  • Small table with 2 chairs
  • Nightstand with telephone
  • Full-length mirror (on bath door)
  • Wireless Internet (WiFi)
  • Flat-panel TV
  • Mini-fridge
  • Ironing board and iron
  • Hair dryer
  • Digital thermostat
  • In-room safe
 
Transportation:
Bussing from the resort is provided to all parks and Disney Springs. Buses depart approximately every 20 minutes. Below you’ll find the approximate time it takes to get from Port Orleans Riverside to those locations once on the bus.

Park Commute Times:
Magic Kingdom 10-15 min
Epcot 10-15 min
Hollywood Studios 15-20 min
Animal Kingdom 15-20 min

Taxi, Uber, and Lyft are available for quicker service and can get you anywhere you may need to go. (Prices vary).

A plus of this resort is the boat service to Disney Springs. Please note that this particular boat line will NOT take you to and from any theme parks. From Riverside, the boat transportation is only offered to and from Disney Springs and the sister hotel, French Quarter.

If you happen to rent a car or drive your own car to Disney, overnight parking at Port Orleans Riverside is $20 per night.



Pools:
There is one feature pool called Ol’ Man Island and 5 quiet pools at Riverside. All pools are staffed with lifeguards.
There is a children’s playground and even a pool for the little tikes located very near Ol’ Man Island.
The feature pool includes a water slide as well as zero entry.
All pools are inclusive of a chair-lift device.
The pools are heated year-round.
Life vests, in a variety of sizes, are provided at all pools.

Playground:
Located near the Ol’ Man pool, and near dining, it is designed with safety in mind and can be a great place for littles to let out some energy.



Dining:
  • Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Table Service
  • River Roost Lounge - Bar and Lounge where you can enjoy the free entertainment of Yehaa Bob Jackson on select nights.
  • Muddy Rivers - Bar and Lounge
  • Riverside Mill Food Court - This is where you can refill your resort mug and grab a quick bite to eat.  You can access a toaster oven, hot water, ice, condiments, and napkins in this area, along with so many meal and snack options. 
  
Recreational Options:
Fishing excursions, boat rental, surrey bike rentals, carriage rides, and more!

Gift Shop:
Fulton’s General Store has much to look at and it is located near the check in area, just off the lobby. There are many fun finds here, as well as items you may have forgotten at home as well as some basic groceries (at Disney prices, of course!)

Medicine Show Arcade:
An option, in case you have not already had enough fun while at Disney!

Exercise:
There is NOT a fitness center at Riverside, but there is a 1 mile jogging path along the river.

Cons:
  • Bus lines and waits can be long due to the large size of this resort.
  • The buses loop through the resort and make several stops.
  • Some rooms are far from dining and services due to the size of this resort.
  • Limited amenities
  • Travel times can seem long

Pros:
  • The rooms were refurbished in 2019
  • Beautiful grounds and rooms
  • Food court provides many choices for your whole party
  • Play areas
  • Varied recreational offerings
  • Royal Guest rooms adding in room magic
  • Boat service to Disney Springs 
  • YeHaa Bob's family-friendly show

To start planning your next trip, contact your On The Road Travel agent. You can also connect with us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

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