This moderate Disney Resort is a nod to the Louisiana Bayou. Located along the Sassagoula River and nearest to Disney Springs this resort features a mix of stately mansions and backwoods cottages. It’s connected to Port Orleans French Quarter and by staying at Riverside you also have access (within walking distance) to the amenities at the French Quarter as well.
Accommodations
The Riverside portion of Port Orleans is large with various blocks of accommodations. There are standard rooms and Royal Rooms. Standard rooms comprise the majority of room options and are decorated with a rural Louisiana feel. Think alligator, wooden crate, Bayou style.
There’s also two buildings which have the Royal Rooms and are decorated featuring Tiana and her princess friends with a regal touches galore. If you have a preference for room type or location (closer to the main pool and dining) you can request it at the time of booking. If you want a Royal Room they’re located in the Oak and Parterre Buildings (a little bit further away from the main building)
Preferred rooms are the closest to the pool and dining in the Alligator Bayou. The largest rooms can accommodate up to 5 persons and they offer playards if you have infants.
Amenities
The main pool complex is located on Ol’ Man Island and features a water slide as well as a large center island that dumps and sprays water in the style of an abandoned mill. If you’re looking for a quieter pool experience there are five other leisure pools throughout the property located near each of the accommodation complexes.
At Riverside you can also take a horse drawn carriage (one of only two properties where this is available) as well as renting a two or four-person surrey bike. There’s also a small playground adjacent to the pool and an arcade as well as fishing and bike rentals. If you want to get some exercise there’s also a jogging path and morning poolside yoga. As with all Disney property hotels they offer an evening campfire and movies under the stars where you can take in some Disney classics al fresco.
Dining
There are two main dining areas at Riverside, the Riverside Mill Food Court and Boatwright’s Dining Hall. The food court is adjacent to the mill (which powers a working cotton press) and offers six stations of classic food court fare as well as some inspired by southern Louisiana. The Dining Hall is sit-down but casual and offers dishes featuring classic Southern cuisine. There are two full service bars, one at the pool (Muddy Rivers) and River Roost which is more lounge style. If you’re wanting room service, there’s also the option for in-room pizza delivery.
Getting Around
Getting to all the Disney Resorts including the water parks are via their complimentary bus system. All buses depart in front of the Colonel’s Cotton Mill Building. Port Orleans Riverside is closest to Disney Springs and offers a complimentary water taxi to and from the resort.
For private transfers there’s also the Minnie Van system operated through Lyft which will take you around Disney’s property and to the airport (extra fee).
If you stay at a Disney property you also have access to the Magical Express which offers complimentary airport transfers and baggage handling.
Check out this fun Disney resort and get a taste of Louisiana while you’re there!
