Port Orleans - Riverside Review

For lovebirds seeking a romantic getaway at Walt Disney World, this one is for you

Transportation options: Complimentary bus service to Disney theme parks. Bus usually takes about 30 minutes to reach the theme park.
Dining options: Table service restaurant and quick-service options available.
Swimming pool: Multiple swimming pools and a playground.

Port Orleans – Riverside is a moderate resort at Disney World that shares a few similarities with its cousin, Port Orleans – French Quarter. Keep in mind that each resort is unique, even if the names can trick some guests. The French Quarter is a compact and elegant resort, while Riverside is large and a great option for those who want to try a variety of activities and restaurants. They are just 15 minutes apart if you wish to walk between them, although there is also a boat connecting both resorts for those that want to explore the different sides of Louisiana.

Port Orleans Riverside lake.webp

While the French Quarter is intimate and romantic, Riverside is beautiful and large, with sprawling gardens and rooms divided into two sections: Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. This resort is a great option for those who want a place that looks unique, with colorful plants everywhere, resembling an old and charming port city. The Disney decor is much less in-your-face here than in some other resorts, giving it a more sophisticated feel that is also appealing to adults.

What we like about Port Orleans - Riverside

Port Orleans Riverside Lobby.webp

I love how this resort looks. It’s beautiful, romantic, and a large, wonderful place to take a stroll and explore the grounds. There aren’t any monorails or skyliners here, and the only form of complimentary transportation is the bus that takes you to different Disney World theme parks. However, if you are staying at Riverside, it’s because you love the atmosphere and the aesthetic of this place.

Riverside also has several restaurants, including a signature table-service restaurant and a food court. You can visit various shops and find multiple pools and playgrounds. When compared to Port Orleans – French Quarter, this is a much larger resort with much more to offer, requiring a bit more walking to reach certain destinations.

One thing that many people forget is that there is complimentary boat transportation that connects Port Orleans - Riverside to Port Orleans - French Quarter and Disney Springs. This makes the resort feel even more adult-oriented, as you can enjoy a romantic stroll through the beautiful gardens and then head to Disney Springs for dinner or shopping.

Port Orleans Riverside Dining restaurant.webp

There are multiple bus stops at Port Orleans – Riverside due to the resort's size. While the ride from the resort to the theme parks can take about 25 minutes when traveling from Port Orleans – French Quarter (which has only one stop), the ride from Riverside can take up to 35 minutes. Still, this is usually not a huge issue, and some guests online even report arriving at a theme park in as little as 15 minutes.

Although I wouldn’t say that this resort is great for kids, it’s the only Walt Disney World resort that features “Royal-themed rooms” inspired by princesses like Jasmine, Ariel, and Tiana. These rooms are even more beautiful than the standard rooms - which are still elegant - and include beautiful artwork and subtle Disney touches.

What we don’t like about Port Orleans - Riverside

Port Orleans Riverside Royal room.webp — Royal themed room wall at Port Orleans - Riverside

This may not be the best resort choice for those traveling with children or large groups of kids. Riverside is even more adult-focused than its cousin, French Quarter. Even the pools are not themed after anything in particular, while at French Quarter, you can find fun serpent statues and waterslides. This resort is primarily for those seeking a peaceful, romantic, and quiet experience.

Another downside is that you don’t get any special transportation option to Disney World. Sure, you can go to Disney Springs by boat, but there aren’t monorails or skyliners that can take you to the theme parks. The bus also has multiple stops inside the resort, making it slightly slower than the bus service at cousin Port Orleans - French Quarter.

So, do I recommend this resort? Yes, for adults looking for a romantic experience at Walt Disney World. This is a great choice for couples who enjoy strolling through beautiful gardens, spending time at the pool, and don’t mind a slightly longer bus ride to the theme parks. If you’re traveling with children, you might want to consider other options, as the theme here isn’t ideal for young ones, and the resort’s large size could make it tiring for kids to walk around.