Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside address:
1251 Riverside Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 934-6000 | Fax: (407) 934-5777
Check In: 3:00 p.m. | Check Out: 11:00 a.m.
Maximum occupancy: 4 guests in most rooms, 5 guests in select 5th Sleeper rooms, or 2 guests in King Bed rooms, plus one child under age 3 in a crib
Category: Moderate
Number of rooms: 2048
Room size: 314 sq. ft.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Top FAQs
What room types are available, and how many people do they sleep?
Most rooms have 2 queen beds; some have 1 king. Select rooms include a 5th Sleeper child-size pull-down bed.
- Occupancy: up to 4 guests in standard rooms (king up to 2) or up to 5 in 5th Sleeper rooms, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib.
- Royal Guest Rooms (princess-themed) sleep up to 4; no 5th Sleeper in these rooms.
- Approx. size: ~314 sq ft; amenities include beverage cooler, single-serve coffee maker, Wi-Fi, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron/board.
- Microwaves are not in standard rooms; use the food court microwaves.
Where are the Royal Guest Rooms and 5th Sleeper rooms located?
- Royal Guest Rooms: in the Magnolia Bend mansions (Oak Manor & Parterre Place).
- 5th Sleeper rooms: in Alligator Bayou (child-size pull-down bed).
What’s the difference between Standard and Preferred rooms? Which buildings are Preferred?
“Preferred” refers to location only—closer to the main building (Sassagoula Steamboat Co. lobby, Riverside Mill food court) and the main South Depot bus stop. Room size and amenities are the same as Standard.
Preferred locations: typically Alligator Bayou buildings near the main area (commonly 14, 15, 18, 27).
How do I get to the parks and Disney Springs?
- Disney Bus: to all four parks and Disney Springs; multiple stops (West, North, East, and South Depot) are spread around the resort.
- Boat to Disney Springs: Sassagoula River Cruise from the Riverside marina (weather permitting); some sailings may stop at French Quarter.
- No Skyliner, Monorail, or park boats from this resort.
What dining is on-site? Can I get beignets here?
- Riverside Mill Food Court — quick-service with Mobile Order.
- Boatwright’s Dining Hall — table-service (dinner).
- River Roost Lounge — evening lounge; live entertainment on select nights.
- Muddy Rivers — pool bar at Ol’ Man Island.
- Beignets: available at Port Orleans – French Quarter (Scat Cat’s Club – Café); walk or take the boat.
- Resort Refillable Mugs — valid for length of stay (up to 14 days) at Disney Resort hotel beverage stations.
What are the pools and activities like?
- Ol’ Man Island feature pool with waterslide, hot tub, and a kids’ aquatic play area.
- Leisure pools in both Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou.
- Recreation typically includes Movies Under the Stars, campfire, catch-and-release fishing, carriage rides, playgrounds, arcade, and a riverfront jogging/bike path.
- Guests may also use the pools at Port Orleans – French Quarter (sister resort).
What on-site guest perks are included?
- Early Theme Park Entry: 30 minutes before posted opening at all four parks (with valid admission and any required reservation).
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and resort activity programming.
- Note: Extended Evening Hours are for Deluxe/Deluxe Villa resorts only.
What are check-in and check-out times? Can I use Mobile Check-In?
- Check-in: 3:00 PM • Check-out: 11:00 AM.
- Use the My Disney Experience app for Mobile Check-In and a digital key; go straight to your room when it’s ready.
- Bell Services can hold luggage if you arrive early or depart late. Cribs/Pack ’n Plays and accessible room types are available on request.
How does housekeeping and laundry work?
- Housekeeping is provided during your stay (frequency/scope may vary by current policy; verify at check-in).
- Self-service laundry rooms are near the pools; pay by credit/debit. Detergent is available for purchase, and machine status can usually be checked online.
Parking, EV charging, and policies (pets & smoking)
- Parking: Standard self-parking is complimentary for registered resort guests; resort guests also receive complimentary standard parking at the theme parks during their stay.
- EV charging: available at select on-property locations (often Disney Springs and some resorts); chargers are not typically in Riverside lots—check current availability.
- Pets: Riverside participates in Disney’s dog-friendly program in select rooms (fees and policies apply; limited inventory). Service animals are always welcome.
- Smoking: All rooms and indoor areas are non-smoking; use designated outdoor smoking areas.
Port Orleans Riverside Overview
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is a Moderate Resort inspired by rural Louisiana and communities along the Mississippi River. The resort opened in 1992 as Disney's Dixie Landings Resort. In 2001, Disney changed the name to Port Orleans Riverside. This massive resort is divided into two distinct sections: Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. Magnolia Bend consists of four two- and three-story mansion-style buildings. Alligator Bayou includes 16 rustic, two-story lodge-style buildings. In all, the resort has 2,048 rooms spread over nearly 200 acres of land. The grounds are lined with oak and magnolia trees, along with azalea, camellia and rose bushes creating a relaxed Southern atmosphere. The Sassagoula River runs through the resort and provides transportation to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, as well as the Disney Springs.
The food court here is called Riverside Mill, and is similar to what is offered at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. This resort also has a full-service restaurant called Boatwrights. In contrast however, we found the rooms at Port Orleans Riverside the best of any of Disney's moderate resorts. The decor and style convey a relaxed, comfortable elegance that fits in perfectly with the overall feel of the resort. Even though the resort is large, it manages to keep a feeling of intimacy and charm, and is arguably the best of Disney's moderate resort category and certainly among the best of any Disney resort in Orlando.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is dog-friendly. There is an additional cost of $50 per night to use this service at this resort. Dogs must be leashed in public areas, vaccinated, and well behaved. For more information, click here.
Fulton’s General Store is the resort’s gift shop, located near the main lobby at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. The shop carries Disney apparel, plush toys, souvenirs, gifts, housewares and select Port Orleans merchandise. Guests will also find snacks, bottled beverages, toiletries, over-the-counter medicine and other vacation essentials.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Rooms
Of all of Disney's moderate resorts, Port Orleans Riverside feels the most comfortable and the most elegant.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside features two distinct lodging areas: the rustic cottages of Alligator Bayou and the stately Southern mansions of Magnolia Bend. Your room category determines the available bedding, location and maximum occupancy.
Rooms in all Disney moderate resorts feature bath products (shampoo, conditioner, and soaps). Rooms have flat-screen televisions with convenient access to complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as audio and video inputs. This is convenient if you bring along video game systems for the kids or if you like to plug in your camera to review your video footage from the trip. Rooms here also have a small beverage cooler, wall safe (not large enough to hold a laptop, though), coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and hair dryer.
Alligator Bayou Rooms
Alligator Bayou features rustic lodge-style buildings surrounded by wooded pathways, waterways and lush landscaping. This section offers the resort’s rooms with a child-size pull-down bed, making Alligator Bayou a popular choice for families of five.
Standard Location – 5th Sleeper
These rooms include two queen beds and one child-size pull-down bed. Views vary and might include landscaping, gardens, the bayou, a courtyard pool, the riverfront or a parking area.
- Two queen beds
- One child-size pull-down bed
- Sleeps up to five guests, depending on the ages of the occupants
- Located exclusively in Alligator Bayou
Preferred Location
Preferred rooms place guests near the resort’s main building, dining, shopping and transportation. Preferred rooms are available in both Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. Families of five assigned to this category stay in an Alligator Bayou room equipped with a child-size pull-down bed.
- Two queen beds
- Selected rooms include a child-size pull-down bed
- Close to Riverside Mill Food Court, the lobby and transportation
King Bed
King Bed rooms are located throughout Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. These rooms work best for one or two adults. Some Alligator Bayou King Bed rooms also include a child-size pull-down bed.
- One king bed
- Typically sleeps up to two adults
- Located in either Alligator Bayou or Magnolia Bend
Magnolia Bend Rooms
Magnolia Bend features elegant mansion-style buildings inspired by the grand homes of the Old South. This area includes Standard Location rooms, Preferred Location rooms, King Bed rooms and Disney-themed Royal Guest Rooms.
Standard Location
Standard Location rooms in Magnolia Bend include two queen beds. Views vary and might include landscaping, gardens, courtyards, the riverfront, a courtyard pool or a parking area.
- Two queen beds
- Sleeps up to four guests
- Located in Magnolia Bend
- No child-size pull-down bed
Preferred Location
Preferred rooms provide convenient access to the resort’s lobby, dining, shopping and transportation. This category includes rooms in select areas of Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou.
- Two queen beds
- Sleeps up to four guests in Magnolia Bend
- Close to the resort’s main facilities
King Bed
King Bed rooms are available in select Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou buildings. Booking this category guarantees the bed type, but does not guarantee placement in either section.
- One king bed
- Sleeps up to two adults
- Located in either Magnolia Bend or Alligator Bayou
Royal Guest Room
Royal Guest Rooms are located exclusively in Magnolia Bend. These rooms feature decorative details inspired by Princess Tiana and other Disney Princesses, including themed artwork and special headboards with a fiber-optic fireworks display.
- Two queen beds
- Sleeps up to four guests
- Located exclusively in Magnolia Bend
- Princess-themed furnishings and decorative details
- No child-size pull-down bed
Choosing Between Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend
Alligator Bayou is the primary choice for families needing sleeping space for a fifth guest. Magnolia Bend offers a more formal mansion setting and is the only area with Royal Guest Rooms. Guests booking a King Bed or Preferred Location room might be assigned to either section unless their party size requires an Alligator Bayou room with a fifth sleeper.
Port Orleans Riverside Dining Options
Riverside Mill Food Court
Themed after a working Southern cotton mill, Riverside Mill Food Court serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. Several food stations offer a range of options, including freshly baked goods, chicken, hamburgers, pizza, carved meats and other entrées. A grab-and-go section also carries prepackaged sandwiches, snacks, desserts, bottled water and soft drinks.
Fun Fact: The cotton mill theming includes working gears powered by a reproduction of a 35-foot water wheel.Room Delivery In-room dining is limited to pizza, salads, soft drinks and beer. Service is available from 4:00 p.m. to midnight.
Boatwrights Dining Hall
Boatwright’s Dining Hall is a full-service, family-friendly restaurant at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. Designed to resemble a Southern shipyard, the dining room features rustic woodwork, nautical details and a large boat frame suspended overhead. The setting overlooks the Sassagoula River and reflects the resort’s Louisiana-inspired theme.
The dinner menu focuses on Southern, Cajun and Creole flavors. Offerings include hearty entrées, seafood, jambalaya, barbecue, gumbo and plant-based dishes. Guests may also choose the Taste of the Bayou, an all-you-care-to-enjoy platter featuring several Southern favorites. Appetizers and desserts complete the menu, along with cocktails, beer and wine.
Boatwright’s is open for dinner only, and advance reservations are recommended. After dinner, guests can visit the nearby River Roost Lounge for drinks and live entertainment from Yehaa Bob on select evenings.
River Roost Lounge
River Roost Lounge is a cozy bar and entertainment venue located near the main lobby at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. The lounge serves specialty cocktails, beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks, along with appetizers such as Andouille Nachos, barbecued wings, pimento cheese fritters, Cajun shrimp and a charcuterie board.
On select evenings, River Roost hosts Yehaa Bob Jackson, a longtime Walt Disney World entertainer known for his energetic piano playing, comedy and audience participation. His family-friendly show features Disney songs, familiar classics and sing-along favorites. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so guests should arrive early.
Port Orleans Riverside Pools / Recreation
There are a total of 6 pools at Port Orleans Riverside, with the main pool located on Ol' Man Island. The pool's main feature is the 95-foot waterslide. The main pool is themed to resemble an old-fashioned swimming hole - with water falling from various 'old' wooden structures. There is a separate kiddie pool and a hot tub located here as well.
Muddy Rivers
Muddy Rivers is the poolside bar located at Ol’ Man Island, the main pool area. The bar serves specialty cocktails, beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks, along with a selection of light snacks. Its convenient location makes Muddy Rivers a good stop for refreshments without leaving the pool area.
The remaining 5 leisure pools are located throughout the property (two pools located in the Magnolia Bend section and three located in the Alligator Bayou section). These pools are open 24 hours a day, and do not have lifeguards on duty. There are changing rooms, restrooms, and laundry facilities at each of the 5 pools.
Ol' Man Island Fun Fact - Legend has it that the island was settled in 1835 by a young man who made the island his home. It was a quiet country bayou, but eventually the island was settled, and it was discovered by the children in the town. The bayou became their playground where they explored the beautiful world that had been created. The huge Live Oak tree on Ol’ Man Island was relocated from the current site of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. It is the largest living Live Oak tree to ever be transplanted.
The Medicine Show Arcade is located in the main building and offers a wide range of games suitable for all age groups.
Fishing excursions – Guided catch-and-release bass fishing excursions depart from the Riverside Levee Marina. A guide, fishing rods, reels, tackle, bait and nonalcoholic beverages are included. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Ask your Dreams Unlimited Travel agent for assistance or call (407) 939-3474 to make a reservation. For current information and pricing on fishing excursions around Walt Disney World, click here.
The Fishin' Hole - You can fish for bluegill and perch at the Ol’ Man Island Fishin' Hole (a fully stocked catch and release pond). You can rent individual cane poles, or you can choose the Family Cane Pole Fishing Adventure for up to 6 people. The Adventure costs around $13 per half hour.
Bike Rentals - Bicycles and Surrey bikes (which seat 4 people) are available for rent by the half hour and can be rented directly at the marina or by calling Recreation from your in-room phone. Advance reservations are not required.
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides - The horse-drawn carriage ride is a great way to see the property at night. 25-minute horse-drawn carriage rides around the resort are available nightly from 6:00pm to 9:30pm (weather permitting). Carriages can seat up to four adults, or two adults and three children. Tickets are sold directly by the carriage drivers, and only cash or Disney room charge is accepted (no credit cards). For advance reservations, call (407) WDW-PLAY and for same day reservations call (407) 824-2832 (walk-ups may be available).
Port Orleans Riverside Transportation
Water launch service is available to the Disney Springsfrom the marina. There are four bus stops at Port Orleans Riverside: the North, South, East, and West depots. The East depot is located behind building 85, the North depot behind building 80, the West depot behind building 25, the South depot outside the main building. Bus service is shared with Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and there are times when the wait for a bus can be lengthy, especially during busier times of the year.
Disney buses run to each of the theme parks plus Disney Springs approximately every 20 minutes. The bus marquees will indicate the buses' main destinations.
Babysitting Services - Babysitting is available through Kids Nite Out, Inc. - which is not owned or operated by Disney. Caregivers provide in-room services which include playing games, reading, and generally entertaining your kids. Services are also available through Kids Nite Out to plan parties and special events. Advance reservations are required and services are available 24 hours per day. There is a 4-hour minimum for children 6 months to 12 years old. Cancellations must be made 24-hours in advance to avoid the 4-hour minimum cancellation fee. Reservations can be made by calling (407) 828-0920.
