CallieDisney World, Florida
If you’re looking for a family friendly resort with a down home southern feel straight out of Louisiana then look not further than Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Where else can you stroll along the waterway, book a carriage ride, grab a fishin pole, rent a surrey and pedal along the walkway-the answer is no where but this special Disney property. You can also find their unique Royal Rooms fit for Princesses and Knights! Come explore Port Orleans Riverside and all it has to offer.
The Sassagoula Steamboat Company is the main building which hosts the lobby…. which in true Disney form is themed to the nines…..
You’ll also find shopping….
And dining….there’s Riverside Mill Food Court which is the quick serve food option on site.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall, which is the sit down dining option at the resort and requires an advanced dining reservations so make sure you ask your travel advisor (ME!) to book that for you.
River Roost-a lounge serving drinks just off the lobby.
Port Orleans Riverside is a Disney Moderate resort so it’s rooms sit off of the lobby in sections. When booking your room you will have the options of booking standard, woods view, river view, 5th sleeper, preferred (closer to transportation and dining) and Royal Rooms. Port Orleans rooms opens to the outside as do all moderate resort rooms. Special to this resort are the Royal Rooms. Let’s take a look at this room type.
Royal Rooms come with two standard queen beds and special headboards that play special firework lights that can be turned on and off.
There’s a royal table and chairs….
A royal dresser with a coffee maker, hidden mini fridge and television.
Your very own Magic Carpet!
A royal sink area with privacy curtain.
A portrait wall full of your favorite Princesses…..
The main princess of Port Orleans Tiana!
A closet area….
The Royal Shower…
The Hey Disney device is now available in Port Orleans rooms and can be used to give you updates on weather, park updates, resort updates and to get things like extra blankets, cleaning services and more.
Guests at moderate and value resorts often like to decorate their resort windows so bring something fun to decorate yours with! It’s also fun to bring lights for nighttime fun and it’s also an easy way to find your rom at night!
Transportation at Port Orleans is through bus or water ferry. Buses can be found throughout the resort and water ferries behind the lobby.
Activities and Amenities Port Orleans-
You can find daily and weekly activities posted on the activities board just outside the lobby for fun free and add on for a fee activities offered throughout the week.
Port Orleans also hosts a main pool and a quiet pool at each of it’s resort sections. Surrey rentals, Horse Drawn Carriage rentals, Campfires where s’mores can be roasted, movies under the stars, bike rentals, fishing, a playground and an arcade.
Port Orleans is also one of Disney World’s dog friendly resorts so you can bring your best friend with you for an extra fee. Dogs are allowed in certain rooms-simply ask about the rules when booking with your travel agent.
Pros of staying at Port Orleans-
Port Orleans is a family favorite and a resort that clients ask me to book for them again and again. Port Orleans has a fun family feel and plenty of fun activities. It’s right next to it’s sister resort Port Orleans French Quarter and a quick walk or water ferry away and you’re allowed to share amenities and Mickey beignets which is nice. The Royal Rooms are so much fun! The horse drawn carriage rides unique and the fishing hole-adorable! There are options for a 5th sleeper which is great for larger families.
Cons of staying Port Orleans-
Port Orleans is a moderate resort and as with any moderate resort can be very spread out so be prepared to walk unless you splurge for a preferred room. The buses stop at each section before heading out to the parks so it can take you an extra bit of time. It’s best to catch the bus from the front of the resort because they head straight to the park from that location. You will often be standing on a bus rather than sitting because it’s a larger resort.
All in all Port Orleans Riverside is a lovely moderate Disney resort that has families coming back year after year and is one of my most asked about resorts, especially for families. With so many unique options it’s easy to see why.
Need help planning your trip to Disney? You can find me on Facebook at Callie at Wanderkeep Travel or on Insta at Wanderingwithcallie or you can email me at callie@wanderkeep.com and as always my services are complementary when you book through me!
