Walk into the lobby of Port Orleans Resort Riverside and the first thing you notice isn't a giant Mickey statue. It’s the smell. It’s that distinct, slightly damp, woodsy aroma of a Southern manor house. It honestly feels like you’ve stepped off a plane in Orlando and somehow landed in the Louisiana Bayou. This place is huge. Sprawling. Most people stay at a Disney "Moderate" resort because they want to save a few bucks over the Deluxe spots like the Grand Floridian, but Riverside doesn't feel like a compromise. It feels like a choice.
The resort is split into two very different worlds. You have Alligator Bayou, which is all about rustic charm and cypress trees, and then there’s Magnolia Bend. That’s where the "Big Houses" live—stately white mansions with columns that look like they belong in a movie. If you’re staying at Port Orleans Resort Riverside, where you end up on the map completely changes the vibe of your vacation.
The Royal Guest Room Gimmick: Is it Actually Worth It?
If you’ve spent five minutes on a Disney planning blog, you’ve seen the Royal Guest Rooms. These are the rooms "hosted" by Princess Tiana. They’re located in the Magnolia Bend section of Port Orleans Resort Riverside. Honestly, they’re a bit of a polarizing topic among frequent travelers.
On one hand, the details are incredible. We’re talking about faucets shaped like the Genie’s lamp and headboards that literally light up with a fiber-optic firework show at the push of a button. For a kid who loves The Princess and the Frog, it’s basically peak Disney magic. But here’s the reality: these rooms are often much further from the main building (Sassagoula Steamboat Company) than the standard rooms. You might find yourself walking ten minutes just to grab a coffee in the morning.
Also, they can feel a bit... busy. The carpet has pictures of characters, the walls are covered in "portraits" of Disney princes, and there’s a lot of gold trim. If you want a serene, minimalist escape after a chaotic day at Magic Kingdom, this isn't it. But if you want to lean into the theme, it’s the best "story" room on property outside of the Galactic Starcruiser (RIP) or the Art of Animation suites.
Alligator Bayou vs. Magnolia Bend
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the room types. Alligator Bayou rooms are the only ones at Port Orleans Resort Riverside that can technically fit five people. They have a pull-down "trundle" bed—though, let's be real, that fifth bed is really only for a small child or a very short, very brave teenager. These rooms feature heavy wood furniture and patchwork quilts. It’s cozy. Sorta like a cabin in the woods.
Magnolia Bend is the opposite. It’s sophisticated. Manicured lawns. Wrought iron railings. If you’re a couple on a getaway, this is probably where you want to be. The quiet pools here feel a bit more private, and the architecture is just plain pretty.
Getting Around: The Boat, The Bus, and the Long Walk
Transportation is usually the biggest pain point at any Disney resort. At Port Orleans Resort Riverside, you have two main options. The buses go to the parks. The boat goes to Disney Springs.
The boat—the Sassagoula River Cruise—is arguably the best free "attraction" at the resort. It’s a slow, winding 15-to-20-minute ride down the river. You pass the French Quarter resort, some tree-lined banks, and eventually hit the bustle of Disney Springs. It’s relaxing. It’s beautiful at night. But do not—I repeat, do not—rely on it if you’re in a rush for a dinner reservation. It’s a leisure activity, not a high-speed ferry.
✨ Don't miss: How Far Is Tennessee To California: What Most Travelers Get Wrong
Buses are a different story. Riverside is massive. There are four bus stops scattered around the perimeter:
- North Depot
- East Depot
- West Depot
- South Depot (The Main Stop)
Here is a tip that most first-timers miss: The bus usually hits the stops in a specific order. If you’re at the last stop during peak morning hours, the bus might already be full. It’s frustrating. Sometimes, it's actually faster to walk to the first stop if you see a line forming.
The Footbridge Factor
Riverside is divided by the Sassagoula River. There are several bridges connecting the "islands" to the mainland. If you get a room in the "woodlands" or "parterres" sections, you’ll be crossing these bridges constantly. It’s scenic, but your feet will feel it by day three. If mobility is an issue, you absolutely must request a room near the South Depot or the main building. Disney usually tries to accommodate these requests, though nothing is guaranteed.
Why the Food Here is Better Than It Needs to Be
Most Moderate resorts have a food court and maybe a decent sit-down place. Port Orleans Resort Riverside has Boatwright’s Dining Hall. People sleep on this place. It’s themed like a 19th-century shipyard with a massive wooden hull hanging from the ceiling.
Is it the best steakhouse in Orlando? No. But the All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Chef’s Platter is a sleeper hit. Ribs, brisket, mashed potatoes—it’s heavy Southern comfort food. And the cornbread? It's genuinely good.
Then there’s the Riverside Mill Food Court. This is where you’ll find the giant working water wheel outside. Inside, it’s organized chaos. You’ve got stations for burgers, pizza, and "Create-Your-Own" pasta. The pasta station is actually a great value because you can load it up with veggies and protein for a relatively decent price by Disney standards.
But the real MVP of the resort’s dining scene is actually a five-minute walk away at the sister resort, Port Orleans French Quarter. You have to walk over there to get the Mickey-shaped Beignets. Riverside doesn't sell them. It’s a tragedy, I know. But the walk between the two resorts is one of the most peaceful paths on Disney property. It’s paved, follows the river, and takes about 10-15 minutes.
Ol' Man Island and the Pool Scene
The main pool is located on "Ol' Man Island," a 3.5-acre area accessible by bridges. It’s themed like an old abandoned sawmill. There’s a decent slide, a waterfall, and a hot tub tucked away in the trees.
🔗 Read more: How far is New Hampshire from Boston? The real answer depends on where you're actually going
What’s cool about Ol' Man Island is that it feels secluded. Even when it’s busy, the dense trees and winding paths make it feel less like a concrete pool deck and more like a swimming hole. There’s also a fishin' hole right there where you can do catch-and-release fishing. It’s one of those weird, low-tech Disney activities that kids end up remembering more than the $200 Lightning Lane passes.
If the main pool is too loud (and it usually is), Riverside has several "quiet pools" located in the residential clusters. These don't have slides or lifeguards, but they’re great for a late-night soak or a mid-afternoon nap.
The Ghost of "Yehaa" Bob Jackson
You cannot talk about Port Orleans Resort Riverside without mentioning Yehaa Bob. He’s a legendary piano player who has been performing at the River Roost Lounge for decades.
It’s a boisterous, sing-along, high-energy show. He bangs on the keys, his feet fly around, and he knows basically every Disney song ever written. The lounge gets packed. Like, standing-room-only packed. If you want a seat, you need to get there at least 45 minutes before he starts. It’s one of those rare things at Disney that feels truly local and authentic, despite being in the middle of a massive corporate resort.
Dealing With the "Size" Problem
Let’s be honest: Port Orleans Resort Riverside is a beast. If you are assigned a room in building 85 or 95 in Magnolia Bend, or building 24 or 34 in Alligator Bayou, you are a long way from the lobby.
I’ve seen families get to their room, realize they forgot a refillable mug, and just give up because the walk back to the food court feels like a marathon.
- The "Preferred Room" Upgrade: If you have the budget, pay for it. It guarantees you a spot closer to the food and transportation.
- Internal Shuttle: Technically, you can hop on any park bus at one depot and hop off at the South Depot to get to the lobby. It’s a "hack" people use to save their legs.
The "Sister Resort" Perk
One thing people often overlook is that Port Orleans Resort Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter are "sister" resorts. This means you can "pool hop" between them. This is a big deal because most Disney resorts strictly forbid using other pools.
French Quarter has a much more "New Orleans Square" vibe with a Doubloon Lagoon pool featuring a giant sea serpent slide. If the pool at Riverside feels too crowded, or your kids want a different slide, just walk over. You get two resorts for the price of one.
💡 You might also like: Hotels on beach Siesta Key: What Most People Get Wrong
Real Talk: The Cons Nobody Mentions
I love this resort, but it isn't perfect.
First, the lack of elevators in the Alligator Bayou section. If you’re on the second floor and have a massive stroller or heavy luggage, you’re hauling it up the stairs. The Magnolia Bend mansions do have elevators, but the rustic cabins don't. Keep that in mind when you’re checking in.
Second, the humidity. Because the resort is so heavily wooded and sits right on the water, the mosquitoes and the "swamp" feel are real. Disney does an incredible job with pest control—you’ll rarely see a mosquito—but the air can feel a bit heavier here than at a resort like Contemporary or Pop Century which are more "open."
Finally, the price creep. Riverside used to be a steal. Nowadays, it often hovers around $300-$400 a night depending on the season. At that price point, some people start looking at off-site luxury hotels or even the lower-tier Deluxe resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge. You’re paying for the "Disney Bubble" and the immersive theme.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book a stay at Port Orleans Resort Riverside, here is how you actually make the most of it without losing your mind.
Request your building early. Use the My Disney Experience app to check in 30 days early. If you want a mansion vibe, ask for Magnolia Terrace or Acadian House. If you want to be near the main hub without paying for a preferred room, ask for Building 14 or 15 in Alligator Bayou.
Plan a "Resort Day." Don’t just use this as a place to sleep. Rent a Surrey bike and ride around the river. Go to the campfire at night and roast marshmallows (Disney usually provides the sticks and marshmallows for free, though they sell s'mores kits). This resort is designed for "slow" Disney.
Check the Yehaa Bob schedule. He doesn't play every night. Usually, it’s Wednesday through Saturday. Check the official Disney calendar before you plan your night at the River Roost. It’s the one "must-do" at the resort.
Use the French Quarter shortcut. If the bus line for Riverside at the Magic Kingdom is a nightmare (and it often is), check the line for French Quarter. If it’s shorter, hop on that bus. Once you get to French Quarter, it’s a very pleasant 10-minute walk back to Riverside.
Port Orleans Resort Riverside stays popular for a reason. It isn't flashy or futuristic. It doesn't have a monorail or a skyliner. What it has is a soul. It’s a place where you can actually hear the crickets and feel like you’ve escaped the theme park madness, even though Mickey is just a few miles away. Just remember to bring your walking shoes—you’re gonna need them.