Disney Resort Snapshots: Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Get ready to be swept away by the romance and excitement of this New Orleans-inspired resort!
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, with rustic retreats and elegant mansions, is modeled after a Louisiana town along the Mississippi River, with plantation-style ‘mansions’ and bayou-themed guesthouses. Take a short walk along the Sassagoula River to – the French Quarter, known for Southern specialties like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.
There’s something for everyone at Port Orleans Riverside. This resort has a charming swimming pool with a slide as well as five quiet pools, a stocked fishing hole, a sit-down restaurant, as well as a food court, all set along the Sassagoula River.
Bring your Mark Twain novel of choice, and settle in for an enchanting stay.
DINING
With a wide variety of dining options, you’re sure to find something to satisfy any craving. use code BLOG10 for 10% off this Dining Reservations Guide!) Here, you’ll find everything from quick service to sensational sit-down style restaurants, as well as snack bars for a little pick-me-up and a lounge where you can relax and unwind after a long day at the parks.
Boatwright’s (Table Service)
At Boatwright’s Dining Hall, enjoy old-fashioned American cuisine with flavors of the South in this shipbuilder’s paradise along the Sassagoula River. The unique shipbuilding tools, fireplaces, and frame of an authentic Louisiana Lugger are the backdrop to this casual family dining hall. This restaurant gets a bad rap, but I have always had great meals here – my favorites are the shrimp and grits, and Mardi Gras bites. After your meal at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, stop by the River Roost Lounge next door for some lively entertainment by Yehaa Bob, beginning at 8:00 p.m. on select nights.
Riverside Mill Food Court (Quick Service)
At the Riverside Mill Food Court, soak up the scenery and the Cajun spices as you dine near the 32-foot water wheel that operates a working cotton press. It is great for convenience, but if you want a really great meal, take the short walk over to Sassagoula Floatworks at French Quarter.
River Roost Lounge
Grab a quick snack and a drink while enjoying trivia night or the musical stylings of Yehaa Bob.
Muddy Rivers Pool Bar
Don’t miss a sippy—let the good times roll at this poolside bar at lushly wooded Ol’ Man Island. Party with frozen and rocks specialty drinks, draft beer, wine, superfruit sangria, and nonalcoholic beverages.
Pizza Delivery by Sassagoula Express Pizza Delivery
At Sassagoula Express Pizza Delivery, enjoy our Oven-fresh Pizzas, Sides, Desserts, and Beverages nightly.
ACTIVITIES
Pools: Ol’ Man Island is home to the feature pool with a slide, Wading pool, Hot tub (spa), and Playground. In addition, there are five ‘quiet’ pools.
Family Fun: Additional fun can be had at the Medicine Show Arcade, Family fishing hole (catch & release only), or on Carriage rides, and with Bike rentals.
Movies: Port Orleans Riverside also hosts Movies Under the Stars.
Although the activities vary by day, here is an example of some of the trivia, arts and crafts, dance parties, games, and bingo you might find.
Look for an activities board near the pool or food court, or check your tv for the schedule during your stay.
SERVICES
At Port Orleans Riverside, the laundry room is located near Doubloon Lagoon Pool.
Each cycle at the self-service laundry facilities costs $3 per wash; the dryers are also $3 for 30 minutes. Credit and debit cards are now accepted at all laundry locations for washers, dryers, and soap vending at most Walt Disney World Resort hotels. In addition, all laundry rooms have the ability to request a text message when a laundry cycle is complete!
Please note: While some locations still contain a limited number of coin-operated washers (with a change machine made available), other locations accept credit and debit cards only.
Walt Disney World Resort hotels also offer dry cleaning and valet laundry services. Select “Housekeeping” on your in-room phone to schedule a pick-up.
SHOPPING
Fulton’s General Store stocks Disney character apparel and souvenirs as well as Port Orleans logo merchandise. You can also find snack foods, beverages (including adult beverages), magazines and books, and other general sundries.
Steamboat back in time to this spacious, old-fashioned outlet to stock up on adorable plush toys, signature Disney apparel, housewares, and other Disney gifts and souvenirs.
TRANSPORTATION
You have two Disney transportation options at Port Orleans Riverside
- Motorcoach Bus
- Ferryboat
These travel times are approximate and provided to give you an idea of the average travel time from the resort to the park.
Please plan on up to a 20-minute wait for Disney transportation in addition to walking time to resort, or theme park transportation stops.
- Magic Kingdom – 14 minutes by bus, 29 minutes by car (with transfers)
- Epcot – 18 minutes by bus, 20 by car
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 15 minutes by bus, 20 by car
- Animal Kingdom – 20 minutes, 20 by car
- Disney Springs – 18 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by boat, 12 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
PRO TIPS
- The quiet pools at Port Orleans Riverside offer a pleasant respite, especially when the main pool is crowded.
- There are boats from Port Orleans Riverside to Disney Springs. In addition to being a convenient form of transportation, it’s a delightfully scenic boat ride, especially in the evening.
- YeHaa Bob Jackson at River Roost Lounge at Port Orleans Riverside is so much fun; the later show is a bit racier.
- Cane pole fishing is available at Port Orleans Riverside.
- There is a walkway between the two Port Orleans resorts (Riverside and French Quarter).
- You can pool hop between the two resorts’ main pools.
- Check the resort map. Your closest bus stop may be behind your outer building vs. walking to the main building.
- While room requests are not guaranteed, ask for a corner room. The extra window brings in more sunlight and appears more spacious.
Related Posts:
Disney Resort Snapshots: Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort