Port Orleans Riverside Resort Guide: A Serene Escape in the Heart of Disney World
Port Orleans Riverside Resort is a great Moderate Resort option located in the Disney Springs Resort Area. The resort is inspired by the antebellum South and features beautiful gardens, a winding river, and charming Southern architecture.
At Port Orleans Riverside, you can choose from a variety of room options, including standard rooms, garden view rooms, and river view rooms. The resort also offers Royal Guest Rooms, which are fit for a king or queen and feature regal touches like ornate headboards and themed artwork. Plus, if you're traveling with a larger group, you can book a spacious Alligator Bayou Family Suite, which sleeps up to six people.
One of the highlights of Port Orleans Riverside is its dining options. The resort is home to several restaurants and lounges, including Boatwright's Dining Hall, which serves up Southern-style cuisine in a shipyard setting, and the River Roost Lounge, where you can enjoy live music and specialty cocktails. Plus, if you're looking for a quick bite, you can stop by the Riverside Mill Food Court, which offers a variety of grab-and-go options.
Key Information:
Classification: Moderate Resort
Location within Disney: Disney Springs Resort Area
Check In: 3:00 p.m. / Check Out: 11:00 a.m.
Address: 1251 Riverside Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-8514
Telephone: 407-934-6000
Location and Accessibility
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is located in the Disney Springs Resort Area, just a short drive away from Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando's most popular attractions.
Transportation Times Between Port Orleans Riverside and Disney Destinations
Complimentary Disney bus transportation runs roughly every 20 minutes. Here are average transportation times to key Disney Destinations:
Magic Kingdom – 14 minutes by bus, 29 minutes by car (with transfers)
Epcot – 18 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by car
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 15 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by car
Animal Kingdom – 20 minutes, 20 minutes by car
Disney Springs – 18 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by boat, 12 minutes by car
Blizzard Beach Water Park – 22 minutes by bus, 15 minutes by car
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – 18 minutes by bus, 14 minutes by car
Proximity to the Airport and Other Local Popular Attractions
Orlando International Airport: The resort is located about 20 miles away from the airport. You can take a taxi, shuttle, or ride-sharing service to get to the resort.
Universal Studios Florida: Universal Studios Florida is located about 15 miles away from the resort. You can take a taxi, shuttle, or ride-sharing service to get there.
SeaWorld Orlando: SeaWorld Orlando is located about 10 miles away from the resort. You can take a taxi, shuttle, or ride-sharing service to get there.
Room Options
When you stay at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside, you can choose from a variety of room options to suit your needs. The two main sections of the resort are Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend, each with their own unique theming and room options with a total of 2048 rooms.
Alligator Bayou
Alligator Bayou is inspired by the rustic charm of Louisiana's backwoods. This section of the resort features rooms that can sleep up to four people, with two queen beds or one king bed. Standard views include views of the landscaping, courtyard, or bayou. You can also choose a water view or a preferred location room for an additional fee.
Magnolia Bend
Magnolia Bend is inspired by the grandeur of stately southern mansions. This section of the resort features rooms that can sleep up to five people, with two queen beds and one pull-down bed. Standard views include views of the landscaping, courtyard, or riverfront. You can also choose a preferred location room for an additional fee.
If you're looking for something extra special, you can book one of the Royal Guest Rooms, which are available in both Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. These rooms are fit for a prince or princess, with regal decor inspired by classic Disney films. Royal Guest Rooms can sleep up to four people, with two queen beds.
In addition to the standard and preferred location rooms, you can also choose from rooms with a water view, garden view, or king bed. Prices for each room type vary depending on the season, so be sure to check the official website for current rates.
Dining and Lounge Options
At Port Orleans Riverside Resort, you will find a variety of dining options to satisfy your cravings. From quick bites to sit-down meals, there is something for everyone.
Riverside Mill Food Court: quick service dining. Here, you will find a variety of stations serving up everything from pizza to barbecue. The food court is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you can choose to dine inside or on the outdoor patio.
Boatwright’s Dining hall: table service
River Roost Lounge: appetizers and drinks. This cozy lounge features live entertainment and a variety of drinks, including specialty cocktails and beer. You can also order appetizers, including crawfish dip and Cajun wings, to enjoy with your drinks.
Muddy Rivers Pool Bar: drinks and small bites. This outdoor bar is located near the main pool and serves up a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine. You can also grab a quick bite to eat, including burgers, hot dogs, and nachos.
Pizza Delivery to your room
Pools:
The resort features a pool with a waterslide and a hot tub. Ol' Man Island is a themed pool area with a playground, hot tub, and a water play area for kids. In addition, there are 5 quiet pools throughout the resort.
Shopping:
Fulton's General Store offers a variety of souvenirs, snacks, and other essentials.
Amenities and Services
Here are some of the amenities and services you can expect during your stay:
Housekeeping and Services
Housekeeping services are offered daily and include the following:
Trash removal
Towel and linen exchange
Bathroom cleaning
Vacuuming and dusting
If you need additional items, such as extra pillows or blankets, you can call housekeeping to have them delivered to your room. If you prefer to not have housekeeping services during your stay, you can opt-out and receive a Disney gift card as compensation.
Front Desk Services
The front desk is open 24 hours a day and can assist with a variety of services, including:
Check-in and check-out
Room key assistance
Theme park tickets and information
Package delivery and pick-up
If you need any assistance during your stay, the front desk is always available to help.
Bell Services
If you need assistance with your luggage, bell services can help. They can assist with the following:
Luggage storage
Luggage delivery to your room
Luggage pick-up from your room
If you are arriving early or departing late, you can also store your luggage with bell services.
In addition to the above services, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside also offers a variety of amenities, including:
Special Events and Entertainment
Port Orleans Riverside Resort offers a variety of special events and entertainment for guests of all ages. Whether you want to enjoy a night of music and laughter or participate in fun activities, there is always something to do at the resort.
One of the most popular events at Port Orleans Riverside is the nightly performance by “YeHaa” Bob Jackson at the River Roost Lounge. Bob is a talented musician and comedian who has been entertaining guests for over twenty years. His lively piano playing and witty banter make for a memorable evening. Be sure to arrive early to get a good seat, as the lounge can get crowded.
If you’re looking for something more active, there are plenty of recreational activities available at the resort. You can rent a bike and explore the scenic trails along the Sassagoula River, or take a leisurely boat ride to Disney Springs.
For families with children, the resort offers a variety of fun activities. Kids can participate in a pirate adventure where they search for hidden treasure, or attend a campfire on de’ Bayou where they can roast marshmallows and sing along to campfire songs. There are also playgrounds and arcade games for kids to enjoy.
Finally, the resort hosts seasonal events such as Mardi Gras and Halloween celebrations. These events include special decorations, themed activities, and live entertainment. Be sure to check the resort’s schedule for upcoming events during your stay.
Overall, Port Orleans Riverside Resort offers a wide range of special events and entertainment for guests to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a night of music and laughter or a day of outdoor activities, this resort has something for everyone.
Transportation from Orlando Airport (MCO) to Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
If you're planning a trip to Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort, you'll need to arrange transportation from the Orlando International Airport (MCO). Here are some options:
Uber and Lyft
One popular option is to use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Both services offer rides from MCO to Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort, with prices varying based on the time of day and demand. As of July 2023, an UberX ride costs around $43 and takes roughly 29 minutes, while a Lyft ride costs around $40 and takes roughly 30 minutes.
Shuttle Buses or Private Car Hire
Several companies offer shuttle or car service from MCO to Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort, with prices varying based on the type of vehicle and the time of day. Some popular shuttle services include Mears Transportation and Sunshine Flyer.
Driving
If you have your own vehicle or plan to rent one, you can also drive from MCO to Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort. The journey is about 20 miles and will take you roughly 30 minutes, traffic allowing. The route takes you via Interstate-4, which can get busy, especially during rush-hour.
Port Orleans Riverside Parking and Theme Park Transportation
If you are driving to Port Orleans Riverside, you can park your car for free in the resort's parking lot. The parking lot is located near the main lobby and is available to guests staying at the resort. If you are not staying at the resort, you can still park your car in the lot, but you will need to pay a fee.
When it comes to transportation to the theme parks, Port Orleans Riverside offers several options. The most popular option is the complimentary bus service that runs regularly throughout the day. Buses are available to take you to and from all of the Walt Disney World theme parks, as well as Disney Springs. There are multiple bus stops located throughout the resort.
Another transportation option is the water taxi service that runs between Port Orleans Riverside and Disney Springs. The boats run from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. and offer a relaxing and scenic way to get to and from the shopping, dining, and entertainment district. The boat dock is located near the pool area, and you can check the schedule at the front desk or on the My Disney Experience app.
If you prefer to drive yourself to the theme parks, you can do so, but keep in mind that parking at the theme parks is not free. The cost of parking varies depending on the type of vehicle you have and the time of year you are visiting. You can pay for parking at the theme park entrance with a credit card or cash.
Disney Springs Resort Area
If you're looking for a place to shop, dine, or be entertained, the Disney Springs Resort Area is a must-visit destination during your stay at Port Orleans Riverside.
Located just a short distance from Port Orleans Riverside, the Disney Springs Resort Area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Some of the highlights of this area include:
Shopping: With over 100 shops to choose from, you're sure to find something that catches your eye at Disney Springs. From high-end boutiques to souvenir shops, there's something for everyone here.
Dining: Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, you'll find plenty of options at Disney Springs. From gourmet burgers to sushi, there's a wide range of cuisines to choose from.
Entertainment: From live music to comedy shows, there's always something happening at Disney Springs. Be sure to check the schedule of events during your stay to see what's going on.
In addition to these attractions, the Disney Springs Resort Area is also home to several hotels, including the Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, the Old Key West Resort, and the Port Orleans Riverside Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the boat ride duration from Port Orleans Riverside to Disney Springs?
The boat ride from Port Orleans Riverside to Disney Springs takes approximately 20 minutes. The boats run on a regular schedule throughout the day, making it a convenient and enjoyable way to travel.
Is it worth it to book a Preferred room at Port Orleans Riverside?
Booking a Preferred room at Port Orleans Riverside can be worth it if you want to be close to the main pool, dining options, and transportation, particularly because the resort is a bit spread out. However, keep in mind that Preferred rooms come at a higher cost than Standard rooms.
Is Port Orleans Riverside considered a deluxe Disney hotel?
No, Port Orleans Riverside is not considered a deluxe Disney hotel. It is classified as a Moderate resort, which means it offers a range of amenities and services at a more affordable price point than the deluxe resorts.
Which buildings are designated as Preferred rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
The Preferred rooms at Port Orleans Riverside are located in the Magnolia Bend section of the resort. Specifically, buildings 80, 85, 90, and 95 are designated as Preferred.
What time is check-in at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside?
Check-in time at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is typically at 3:00 PM. However, you can check-in earlier via the My Disney Experience app, with no guarantee of what time your room will be available.
Does Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside have a pool?
Yes, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside has a main pool located near the center of the resort, as well as 5 smaller quiet pools throughout the property. The main pool features a waterslide, hot tub, and a children's play area.
