Southern Charm meets Disney Magic: Welcome to Port Orleans Riverside!

Our crew just returned from a little impromptu Disney trip, and for this one, we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside. Y’all…I liked POR before, but now I’m officially a fan!

For our group of 6 (2 adults, 4 kids ages 3-15), we booked adjoining Woods View 5th Sleeper rooms. These rooms are located in the Alligator Bayou section and this was my first time staying on this side of the resort. The rooms were clean, spacious, and cozy, with fun little nods to The Princess and the Frog sprinkled throughout. It’s those Disney details that make you smile every time you notice one!

Sleeping arrangements? Totally worked out! I requested a bed rail at check-in (a little mom tip!) so my 3-year-old could sleep with me in one of our queen beds, my teen girls shared a bed, and my mom and older son shared the adjoining room. Originally, I booked the 5th sleeper thinking I’d be tackling this trip solo with the kids, but when my mom offered to join, it turned into the best multi-generation weekend getaway!

Why We Loved Riverside

This resort strikes the perfect balance: it’s full of Disney magic, but it also feels peaceful and laid-back. The Sassagoula River winds its way through both Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, full of shady trees, and lush landscaping make it feel like you’re a million miles away from the theme park crowds. After a long day at Epcot or Magic Kingdom, it was the escape we didn’t know we needed.

And can we talk about Old Man Island? The main pool has a fun waterslide, plus there are quiet pools tucked around the property. Perfect for winding down (or in my toddler’s case, wearing off that last burst of post-park energy).

Food, Snacks & More

We found ourselves at the Riverside Mill food court a lot—for breakfast, snacks, and resort mug refills. The location is super convenient and it gave everyone plenty of options – from grilled chicken alfredo and burgers to mac-and-cheese and special desserts like Mickey cupcakes or seasonal treats! Riverside also has Boatwright’s Dining Hall if you want a nicer, sit-down meal and the whole area near the main lobby is buzzing with extras like a gift shop/market and even an arcade for rainy day fun!

On our pool day, we also made a stop at Muddy Rivers, the poolside bar on Old Man Island. Soda for the boys, virgin piña coladas for me and my girls, and a shady seat by the water—it was exactly what we needed. Highly recommend carving out time for that little resort-day treat!

Pro tip: definitely set aside some time to hop over to Port Orleans French Quarter (just a short stroll or ride away) for their famous Mickey-shaped beignets. Totally worth it!

The Extras That Made It Magical

One of our favorite surprises? The Friendship Boats that glide down the Sassagoula River straight to Disney Springs! It was such a calm, fun way to get there—like a bonus attraction built into your stay. The toddler LOVED getting to ride the boats, too!

And if you want to slow down the pace even more, you can actually take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the resort in the evenings. (We got to meet Dragon and Samson – two of the horses and they’re the biggest horses we’ve ever seen!) Between that and the riverside paths, there’s something so charming about Riverside—it feels like a vacation within a vacation.

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A Few Favorite Moments at Port Orleans Riverside

• Best Snack: Beignets at French Quarter (obviously!)
• Best Surprise: How peaceful the boat ride to Disney Springs was—such a relaxing break from buses!
• Best Convenience: The bed rail request at check-in! Made sleeping with a toddler so much easier.
• Best “Disney Detail”: The Princess and the Frog touches in our Alligator Bayou rooms – kid-favorite was Louis hiding on the 5th Sleeper bed background!
• Best Family Fun: Our resort-day swim at Old Man Island!

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Final Thoughts

Port Orleans Riverside ended up being the perfect choice for our crew. It gave us space, comfort, and those little magical touches while still feeling relaxed and serene. As a Moderate Resort offering, it’s a budget-friendly option for bigger groups or families looking for a little more space than the Value Resorts provide. With the lush landscape and ambiance and southern hospitality, it’s honestly exactly what I want after a long park day—Disney magic mixed with a peaceful escape!

If you’re planning your own Disney trip and wondering if Riverside (or another resort) is the right fit, I’d love to help you find your perfect home base!