Continuing with my Walt Disney World resorts reviews, today I’m covering Disney Port Orleans Riverside! I most recently stayed here in December of 2023 when I reviewed the princess themed rooms at this resort. However, I also stayed in a regular room back in 2016. So, this review will be based off of both stays.
Disney Port Orleans Riverside
As I mentioned in my Port Orleans French Quarter Resort review, there are two sister resorts under the Port Orleans Resort name. There’s French Quarter (a much smaller resort with jazz vibes) and this one, Riverside. Both resorts are considered moderates as they are a higher price point than the values. However, they also have classier themes and nicer food. In fact, Riverside even has a sit-down table service restaurant. Both resorts also provide boat transportation to Disney Springs!
Riverside Theme
Port Orleans Riverside is a large resort with multiple bus stops. It’s themed to the stately mansions of the bayou. There’s even a section of princess themed rooms. Overall, it’s a beautiful, peaceful resort. Currently, the regular rooms look very similar to the ones found at the French Quarter. The beds are moderately comfortable, but you are also paying for that comfort.
Now, on to the pros and cons of staying here.
Pros
- Beautiful resort – This truly is a pretty and calm resort, which is good since you will be doing a lot of walking here.
- Comfortable rooms – Again, both stays here have been quiet and we slept well. I also appreciated the good water pressure, particularly after staying at Cabana Bay at Universal.
- Good for adults only stays – The classy touches are perhaps better appreciated by the adults. Children may find the theme (aside from the princess rooms) a little under-whelming.
- Royal themed rooms – The princess/royal themed rooms we stayed in were really nice! The theme was beautiful and delightful. It’s the only resort to have these sweet rooms.
- Boat transportation to Disney Springs. If you are planning a visit to Disney Springs, then you can enjoy a lovely boat ride over there.
- On-site perks – Once again, I love staying on-site for the free park transportation and 60 day advance dining reservations.
- Boatwright’s Dining Hall – This is the table service restaurant at the resort. We ate here for dinner prior to heading over to Hollywood Studios for Jollywood Nights. We didn’t have a reservation, but they were able to accommodate us within 10 minutes. We enjoyed the sweet cornbread that was more akin to a corncake with its sweet flavor. I got the Taste of the Bayou and enjoyed sampling lots of things. I published a full Boatwright’s Dining Hall review last week if you want to hear more. Suffice it to say, it was nice to have a sit down meal without having to go anywhere else.
- Carriage rides – We didn’t get a chance to take one, but we did see a couple taking a carriage ride around the resort. It looked lovely.
Cons
- Large resort – More than likely, you won’t be right beside the lobby or a bus stop. If you book a stay here, know that you will be doing some serious walking.
- Multiple bus stops – Due to the size of the resort, there are multiple bus stops. That might not sound like a big deal, but when you are tired at the end of the night and you have to stop several times, it adds up. Also, if you are at the last bus stop, then it might take a while for a bus to actually pick you up. Basically, give yourself extra time to get anywhere when you stay here.
- Bus transportation to parks – We didn’t have time to visit Disney Springs in December. So, we spent a good amount of time waiting for and sitting/standing on the buses this trip.
- More expensive than value resorts – Yes, you get a lot more and better things for the price here. However, it’s never cheap. We used a Disney+ discount on our stay in December, but it was still pretty expensive to stay here.
Is Port Orleans Riverside Worth It?
I think this is a lovely resort. It’s certainly a unique and relaxing resort. However, it’s expensive and expansive. Personally, I prefer the more compact French Quarter or somewhere on the Skyliner. Have you ever stayed here? What was your experience like?
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