Port Orleans Riverside is undergoing major updates that include all new rooms and a refreshed lobby. Some of the construction has already been completed – like the new Royal Rooms and the updates to all of the Magnolia Bend rooms. These stunning updates include Princess Tiana theming and stunning new bathrooms. Now that Magnolia Bend updates are complete, construction has moved over to the Alligator Bayou section of the resort. If you’ve never stayed at Port Orleans Riverside, Alligator Bayou is themed to rustic cabins in the Louisiana bayou and is home to the resort’s “Fifth Sleeper” room category. Construction is slated to continue through August 2027.
If you’re not staying in the Alligator Bayou section or towards the back of the resort, construction is pretty minimal. Half of the lobby is being updated including the lobby restrooms, however, check-in is still available as well as some lounge seating. During our stay, we didn’t encounter any noise from the lobby updates.
Outside the lobby, standard maintenance is being done to the Sassagoula River which connect Riverside to Port Orleans French Quarter and Disney Springs. While not aesthetically pleasing, the complimentary boat service remains open.
Most of the current construction is at the back of the resort affecting the North Depot bus stop and buildings 38 and 39. Take a look at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort map here.
Construction is limited to daytime hours and the noise is pretty minimal. If wanting to stay in an Alligator Bayou or Fifth Sleeper Room, requesting buildings 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 would be a safe bet over the next few months. The construction will slowly make its way closer to the River Mill through August 2027.
The current construction would not deter me from staying at Port Orleans Riverside! It’s such a peaceful resort and has some of the most lush landscaping in all of Disney World. The room updates to Magnolia Bend add Disney touches and smart updated to a resort that originally opened in 1991. The Magnolia Bend rooms are also the only buildings that have elevators which is incredibly handy if traveling with a stroller or mobility device.
One of the perks of staying at Port Orleans Riverside is the ability to take the boat or a quick walk over to French Quarter for unique food items like Mickey-shaped beignets! While you can still get these powdered sugar delights in the Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory. However, Scat Cat’s Club & Cafe is closed until January 2027.
To accommodate the closure of the lounge portion of Scat Cat’s, there’s a full lobby bar and live music on select nights. A lot of the seating outside of Scat Cat’s is still available or you can take your beignets and drinks to-go.
Port Orleans Riverside is a great fit for families looking for a peaceful retreat and having the option of Disney Springs and French Quarter available via boat ride. The food items at both resorts are some of the most unique of any Disney food court with New Orleans classics like jambalaya and gumbo. Also, don’t miss Yehaa Bob’s fun piano sets inside the River Roost lounge on Wednesday – Saturday nights! With the right room request, you won’t even notice the construction.
