Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is one half of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. Riverside is a feeling like in rural Louisiana. Enjoy bayou like cottages and mansions of Magnolia Bend.

Disney’s Port Orleans is a resort broken up into two sections Riverside and The French Quarter. Each have their own charms and beauty. In this post we will be sharing all the information on Port Orleans Riverside.

Location:

Port Orleans – Riverside is tucked away along the Sassagoula River, giving it a quiet, Southern charm that feels like a true escape from the hustle and bustle. While it’s not the closest resort to any one park, it’s still conveniently located within Disney Springs Resort Area — just a short drive or bus ride away from all four major parks.

• Magic Kingdom: ~15–20 minutes by bus
• EPCOT: ~10–15 minutes by bus
• Hollywood Studios: ~10–15 minutes by bus
• Animal Kingdom: ~15–20 minutes by bus
  Plus, you get a unique perk: boat transportation to Disney Springs, which adds a little magic to your stay and is something not many resorts offer!

Resort Rooms:

Port Orleans – Riverside offers several room options that work for couples, families, and even larger groups who want a little extra space — all themed with a charming Southern flair.

Standard Rooms:

Perfect for couples or smaller families, these rooms typically sleep up to 4 guests, with two queen beds (or one king in some). You can choose views like:

• Standard View (parking lot or landscaping)
• Garden View
• Pool View
• River View

Royal Guest Rooms:

These are a guest favorite! Themed as “Royal Rooms,” they’re decked out in princess details, magical touches, and even fiber-optic headboards that “light up” with fireworks.

• Sleep up to 4 guests
• Ideal for families with younger kids or any Disney princess fan
• Located in a preferred area close to dining and transportation

Rooms with a 5th Sleeper:

Many rooms at Riverside come with a child-size pull-down bed, perfect for a 5th guest. This makes it one of the few moderate resorts that can sleep a family of five in a single room — a huge bonus for larger families!

Check‑In at the Resort:

Check-in officially begins at 3:00 PM, which is when rooms are typically ready. If you arrive earlier, you can still complete the check-in process online or via the My Disney Experience mobile app using Disney’s mobile pre-check-in. This lets you provide your info in advance and get notified as soon as your room is ready.

Once your room is ready, you may receive a text, email, or app notification allowing you to bypass the front desk and head directly to your room using your MagicBand or smartphone.

If your room isn’t ready when you arrive, you can leave your luggage with Bell Services and enjoy the parks or other resort amenities.

Tips for a Smoother Experience:

• Pre‑check‑in via My Disney Experience App to speed things up and opt for Direct‑to‑Room delivery.
• Estimate your arrival time in the app to get notifications closer to your check-in.
• Arriving to the resort early? Check in traditionally, drop off your bags, and enjoy the pools or parks while waiting.
• Mention special needs — if arriving before standard check-in and requiring rest or a quiet space, chat with a Cast Member—they’re often willing to help.
• Need extra time on departure day? Express checkout is available at 11 AM; you can also store luggage and enjoy the resort until you leave. You can request a later check-out time that may be possible.

TRANSPORTATION:

Transportation to the Theme Parks:

Port Orleans Riverside provides complimentary bus service to all four Walt Disney World theme parks:

• Magic Kingdom
• EPCOT
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Buses typically operate from 45 minutes before park opening until one hour after park closing, including Extra Magic Hours.

Bus Service to Disney Springs:

In addition to the boat service, complimentary bus transportation is also available to Disney Springs. Buses run during Disney Springs operating hours and continue for 90 minutes after closing.

Sassagoula River Cruise to Disney Springs:

One of the unique features of Riverside is the Sassagoula River Cruise, a scenic boat ride connecting the resort to Disney Springs. This service operates daily from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM, with boats departing approximately every 20 minutes.

Minnie Van Service (Via Lyft):

For a more personalized and direct transportation option, guests can utilize the Minnie Van service, operated by Lyft.This service offers door-to-door rides within the Walt Disney World Resort area, including to the theme parks and Disney Springs. Minnie Vans can accommodate up to six passengers and are equipped with car seats upon request.

DINING:

There are dining options available at both sections of Port Orleans. This is what is available at Port Orleans Riverside.

Boatwright’s Dining Hall – (Table Service):

Atmosphere: Themed like a historic bayou boatwright’s workshop — rich wood tones, lanterns, and rustic decor to dine in.

Cuisine: Experience New Orlean’s Style home cooking.

Riverside Mill Food Court – (Quick Service):

Atmosphere: Casual, cafeteria style with lots of seating. Great for families on the go, with a lot of variety.

Cuisine: Classic Southern-style fare with a twist. There are plenty of options for everyone’s likes and tastes.

Muddy Rivers Pool Bar:

Atmosphere: Relaxed and fun, right by the main pool.

Cuisine: Poolside drinks and light snacks featuring American and comfort food favorites.

RESORT ACTIVITIES:

All Disney resorts have a variety of activities available throughout your stay and at all times of the day. Below are some of the ones available here at Port Orleans Riverside.

Bike and Surrey Rentals:
Rent bikes or four-person surreys to explore the scenic pathways along the Sassagoula River and surrounding resort grounds.

Fishing Excursions:
Guests can fish on the riverbanks (catch and release) — fishing poles are available to rent.

Jogging Trails:
Beautiful, shaded trails winding around the resort for guests who want a peaceful run or walk.

Campfire Activities & Movies Under the Stars:
Seasonal outdoor movie nights and campfire marshmallow roasting bring the family together in the evenings.

Arcade & Game Room:
Classic video games and Disney-themed arcade fun are available for kids and adults.

Playgrounds:
Several playgrounds are throughout the resort keep younger kids entertained.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides:
For an extra special treat, book a horse-drawn carriage ride through the grounds (seasonal and requires advance reservation).

Resort Pools:

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort has two main pool areas, but focusing on the Riverside side, here’s what you’ll find:

1. Ol’ Man Island Pool (Feature Pool)

• The main and largest pool on the Riverside side.
• Themed as a rustic, old bayou fishing camp complete with a huge treehouse water play structure for kids.
• Features:
  • Water slides
  • Splash zones for kids
  • Multiple hot tubs/jacuzzis nearby
  • Plenty of shaded seating and lounge chairs
• Poolside amenities include a nearby bar and snack stand for refreshments.

2. Riverside Quiet Pools

• There are three smaller quiet pools spread throughout the Riverside section near the guest buildings.
• Ideal for guests who want a peaceful swim or to relax without the crowds.
• These pools don’t have water slides or play structures, but provide a calm and charming environment.

Check out our reviews of other Disney Resorts:

Old Key West – Disney’s Old Key West Resort brings the vibes and style of Florida Keys to Disney World. This Deluxe Disney Vacation Club resort has rooms from studios to a 3-bedroom Grand Villa. With 4 pools, Olivia’s Cafe and plenty of activities to do, this resort is great for the family vacation.

Polynesian Resort – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the original resorts when Walt Disney World opened in 1971. Its Pacific Island theme is a favorite among guests, and it is a very popular monorail resort.

Coronado Springs Resort – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort featuring the Gran Destino Tower is themed in a blend of Mexican, Spanish, and Southwest American cultures.

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