Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is one of five properties in Walt Disney World’s collection of Moderate Resorts. Port Orleans – Riverside was designed for guests to feel as though they have been transported back in time to life in the small Louisiana towns built along the Mississippi River in the 19th Century. The entire resort is brimming with Southern charm and elegance, and is just so stunning! The scenery and landscaping are incredibly picturesque, and the theming of the buildings is spectacular!
The Sassagoula River, reminiscent of the Mississippi, runs through the heart of the resort. Your “journey” down the Sassagoula begins immediately after arriving at Riverside and stepping into the Sassagoula Steamboat Company building. Meant to look like the inside of a river steamboat, checking in at Registration and Guest Services is the first of many opportunities to escape reality and become fully immersed in the laid-back life of the Old South.
Quick service dining options are available at the Riverside Mill Food Court, which is designed to look like an old-fashioned Southern cotton mill. It has a working cotton press indoors that is powered by a 35-foot water wheel outside. Boatwright’s Dining Hall, the resort’s table service restaurant featuring New Orleans-inspired cuisine, is intended to resemble a shipyard. The focal point inside of Boatwright’s is a fabulous replica of a “New Orleans Lugger,” a fishing boat that was used in the 1820s to transport cotton up and down the Mississippi River.
Built along the banks of the Sassagoula are two distinct communities, Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. All of Riverside’s guest rooms are divided between these two areas. The style and architecture of the buildings in these two sections of the resort are decidedly different, yet both Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou are equally as charming. The accommodations in Magnolia Bend are located in four three-story plantation-style mansions. Situated amidst beautiful landscaping, quaint walkways, lovely fountains, and impressive courtyards are the Acadian House, Magnolia Terrace, Oak Manor, and Parterre Place mansions.
After leaving the grand and regal atmosphere of Magnolia Bend, you soon discover the peace and simplicity of life on the Louisiana bayou. Guest rooms in Alligator Bayou are located in smaller, more intimate two-story buildings, similar to the cottages typically found in Louisiana’s Cajun Country. While the Alligator Bayou lodges are less extravagant and ornate than the mansions in Magnolia Bend, the area itself is certainly no less inviting. Away from the energy and excitement of the theme parks, both Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou easily lend themselves to plenty of tranquility and relaxation while on a Walt Disney World vacation.
All of the guest rooms at Port Orleans – Riverside are 314 square feet and can accommodate up to 4 guests, with the exception of those in Alligator Bayou. The rooms in this section can sleep a fifth person because, in addition to the two queen size beds available, they also include a twin-size Murphy bed. Alligator Bayou rooms feature details like rustic wooden furniture and lamps bearing resemblance to lanterns, as well as a few subtle touches from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog.
There is no shortage of activities available during a stay at Port Orleans – Riverside. For starters, the Medicine Show Arcade is open daily for children (and adults!) that enjoy playing video games.
And, Fulton’s General Store is a wonderful place to shop for Walt Disney World souvenirs. Be sure to keep an eye out for the ever-mischievous Huey, Dewey, and Louie while wandering around the store – they are in cahoots with Chip and Dale! And Donald Duck, as usual, will bear the brunt of their practical jokes. Even Goofy finds himself in some trouble. He got a bit too close to the chimney pipe of the pot-belly stove, just as Morty and Ferdie had stoked the flames!
One of my favorite things to do during our stays at Riverside is to take a walk whenever possible. The pathways around the hotel grounds are so scenic, and the views along the Sassagoula River are phenomenal! Another fun way to tour the resort would be to take advantage of the bicycle and surrey bike rentals at the Riverside Levee Marina, just outside of the Sassagoula Steamboat Company. Horse-drawn carriage rides around the resort premises are available here as well.
The marina also offers water launch service daily to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Disney Springs. Utilizing the boat transportation is another terrific opportunity to explore and soak in the beauty of this resort!
Many of the recreational activities provided for guests can be found on a 3 1/2 acre island in the center of the resort. Easily accessible by three wooden bridges, ‘Ol Man Island features amenities like Riverside’s main swimming pool, a children’s playground, and an old-fashioned fishing hole.
If you enjoy fishing, be sure to check out The Fishin’ Hole! Catch and release cane pole fishing is available at this part of the Sassagoula River, which is stocked with catfish, blue gill, and bass.
Children can burn off extra energy at the resort’s playground, which is nestled amongst plenty of tall, shady trees.
Next to the playground, you can also make and enjoy delicious s’mores most nights (weather permitting) at Campfire on de’ Bayou.
The pool on ‘Ol Man Island is a huge hit with my kids every time we visit! This wonderfully themed swimming area has great water spray features and waterfalls to swim under, as well as a fun pool slide that is very popular with children and adults alike.
Adjacent to the pool is Muddy Rivers. A variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at this pool bar.
Every one of the hotels on Walt Disney World Resort property is wonderful – they all offer limitless possibilities for magic and pixie dust, each in their own unique way. But without a doubt, Port Orleans – Riverside is easily one of our favorites! The theming is excellent, there are plenty of great recreational opportunities available, the sense of Southern hospitality is outstanding – and, have I mentioned yet that EVERY inch of the resort is JUST…SO…BEAUTIFUL??!! Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is a true gem! We cannot wait for our next stay there and another adventure “goin’ down the bayou”!
