Port Orleans Riverside is a popular Disney World moderate resort for good reason. Beautiful atmosphere, quiet walkways along the water, and good food make this a great place to stay. Some Port Orleans Riverside rooms even offer a 5th sleeper or princess room option depending on your preference. Take a tour of our Port Orleans Riverside room with 5th sleeper plus learn more about the difference between Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter.
Port Orleans Riverside Location
Both Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter are considered Disney Springs area resorts.
What’s The Difference Between Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside?
Before sharing more about our Port Orleans Riverside room let’s better understand Riverside versus French Quarter. These sister Disney World resorts are both beautiful Disney World moderates, but couldn’t be more different when comparing several key factors.
Size
Port Orleans French Quarter is one of the most compact of all Disney World resorts. For example, French Quarter has one Disney World bus stop versus four stops at Port Orleans Riverside. French Quarter’s small footprint minimizes walking and makes the French Quarter easy to navigate.
Riverside is a sprawling estate with several sections of hotel buildings. I have an excellent sense of direction, but Port Orleans Riverside has occasionally challenged me when trying to find a room at night.
Dining Options
Both French Quarter and Riverside have some amazing dining options. Riverside is larger and has more restaurants than the compact French Quarter resort. Currently the quick service options are nearly identical at Sassagoula Floatworks (FQ) and Riverside Mill Food Court (R).
However, if you are craving beignets, Port Orleans French Quarter is the only place for this little taste of powdered sugar goodness.
After our family trip to New Orleans, homemade jambalaya and gumbo are now some of our favorite dinners. I decided to try the jambalaya and was surprised at the quality. Spicy andouille, cajun tomato spiced rice, and chicken came together perfectly.
I loved the jambalaya, but less adventurous eaters have classics like burgers, chicken sandwiches, and pizza on both menus. Or opt for dinner classics like turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Overall the quality of food is good at both resorts.
Rooms
Port Orleans French Quarter roomsare nearly identical throughout the resort. There are only two main room options: two queen or one king sized bed. Location of the room can vary from standard to garden, pool, or river view, but rooms are identical inside.
Riverside has a variety of room options.Port Orleans Riverside royal guest roomshave fun princess details throughout and two queen beds.
Most Riverside rooms have varied views with two queen and one king bed options. However, Port Orleans Riverside does have some rooms with a 5th sleeper option while French Quarter rooms only sleep up to four. This makes Riverside a good choice for families of five.
Resort Styling
Port Orleans Riverside
Riverside has two distinct areas, Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. Although the rooms inside the buildings are similar the outsides differ greatly.
Magnolia Bend looks like large Southern antebellum mansions with tall columns holding up porticos accented by wrought iron staircases. Alligator Bayou styling reminds me greatly of riverside estates similar toLaura Plantation outside of New Orleans.
Port Orleans French Quarter
Not surprisingly, Port Orleans French Quarter decor is reminiscent of the most famous part of New Orleans. Wrought iron balconies, a garden square, plus purple, green, and gold throughout representMardi Grasat French Quarter resort.
Port Orleans Riverside Resort Overview
By now you may have guessed that Port Orleans Riverside is one of my favorite Disney World resorts. Although the sprawling estate can be a little overwhelming at first, the gorgeous tree lined walkways and river views make this resort a quiet oasis.
Riverside has one main pool centrally located on Ol’ Man Island, but several leisure pools are sprinkled around the resort so you’re never too far from one.
Port Orleans Riverside quick service dining was surprisingly good with mobile ordering making it super quick and easy. Boatwright has recently reopened and I’m hoping the food will be better than on our previous visit.
For a more in depth look at Port Orleans Riverside dining, pools, and bicycle rentalscheck this article.
Port Orleans Riverside Room with 5th Sleeper
Riverside Bedroom
Entering the Riverside resort room crisp white linens, warm wood tones, and rich blue details welcome you. The Alligator Bayou room styling has some cute details like the lantern lights over the beds and a bench that seems like a stack of wooden shipping crates.
Please note there are slight styling differences between Port Orleans Riverside Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou room, but these are aesthetic, not functional differences.
Two queen beds are the focus of the room with a small nightstand between them. Near the entrance a small rustic table and two chairs are the perfect spot to eat or work while in the room.
Tucked next to the bench is a small cabinet with a coffee maker plus supplies up top and a mini fridge hidden below. Two shelves complete the cabinet and are the perfect spot to store snack or breakfast items in the room.
Most rooms have a large dresser instead of the bench. This is because the bench is actually the 5th sleeper bed with a hidden Louis, Tiana, and Prince Naveen mural inside. Fold up to use as a bench during the day and then convert it to a twin bed at night.
Since the Riverside 5th sleeper room doesn’t have a dresser, three small drawers are tucked under the bench seat. I love the option of having 5 people in a room at Port Orleans Riverside, but I think the storage space is extremely tight with that many people.
Port Orleans Riverside Bathroom Area
Searching the room further reveals funThe Princess and the Frogdetails. A blackout curtain separating the bedroom from the bathroom shows Tiana and Prince Naveen in frog form looking out over the bayou. The Riverside shower curtain also has Ray staring up at the night sky admiring his love, Evangeline.
There is no closet or armoire in a Port Orleans Riverside room, but instead a long hanging bar near the bathroom sinks. A shelf above holds spare blankets and can be used as extra storage. Tucked in a corner of the bathroom is the in-room safe.
Double sinks and a door between the shower area and sinks mean people can get ready simultaneously. Although a fan of split bathrooms, the shower and toilet area feels a bit cramped with the door closed.
The beautiful wood grain tile in our Alligator Bayou room brought an upscale rustic feeling to the bathroom. Bulk shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles are mounted on the back wall of the shower and replenished during your stay if needed.
We had a rain head showerhead only, no handheld option which I know is important to some families.
Riverside Room Accessibility
Port Orleans Riverside buildings generally have stairs and no elevators. This means guests with strollers must carry them up a handful of stairs for first floor rooms or a large set of stairs if in a second floor room.
Guests with mobility issues can request an accessible room.
Port Orleans Riverside Woods View
I opted for a Riverside woods view room and loved the serene views plus relative quiet of the area. The only issue was my woods view 5th sleeper room was a long walk to the lobby anddining options.
The Port Orleans Riverside 5th sleeper woods view room had the following great features:
- Laminate floors
- Gorgeous views
- Split bathroom with double sinks
- Blackout curtain between bedroom and bathroom
- Mini fridge
- Sleeps five
In Room WiFi
Free in room WiFi is included in your Riverside stay. My room had decent WiFi for working and social media, but was inconsistent when streaming video.
Port Orleans Riverside Parking
Self-parking is complimentary for guests of Port Orleans Riverside.
Transportation To Parks
Port Orleans Riverside To Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios
There are four bus stops at Port Orleans Riverside which means one should never be far from your room. The only way to access Disney World theme parks from Riverside is via Disney World buses.
Riverside to Disney Springs
When going from Port Orleans Riverside to Disney Springs you have two options. Take a bus or hop a boat from the Riverside marina and cruise to Disney Springs.
Final Thoughts On Port Orleans Riverside Rooms
Disney World’s Port Orleans Riverside is a peaceful resort perfect for riding bikes, going to the pool, or enjoying a relaxing atmosphere after a hectic theme park day. Riverside rooms are comfortable and have some great features like laminate floors, split bathrooms with a blackout curtain, and cuteThe Princess and the Frogdetails.
Our Riverside 5th sleeper room had a good setup for larger families with ample sleeping spots. The 5th sleeper room used space well without crowding the room with furniture, but lacked storage space.
Not sure Disney World’s Port Orleans Riverside is the right resort for you?Use this overview of all Disney World resort typesplus our favorites in each category to find the perfect hotel.
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FAQs
What does Port Orleans Riverside smell like? ›
Enjoy days gone by with our new Riverside Rendezvous - the fragrance of fresh and floral cotton blossom. Riverside Rendezvous is our interpretation of the fragrance at the Port Orleans resort. Riverside Rendezvous is the scent of Cotton Blossom with notes of jasmine, violets, gardenia, lemon and vanilla.
Does Port Orleans Riverside have microwaves in the room? ›The Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside does have both microwaves and toasters for Guests to use. While there is not a microwave or toaster in the room, you can feel free to use these appliances in the food court during operating hours, which are 7am to 11pm.
Can you get beignets at Port Orleans Riverside? ›Swing by Scat Cat's Club – Café for tasty beignets and coffee beverages. It's always time for dessert! Enjoy a Disney spin on a classic dish with these Mickey-shaped beignets. Immerse yourself in atmosphere of Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter while you enjoy tasty treats from Scat Cat's Club – Café.
How big are the rooms at Port Orleans Riverside? ›Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Rooms. Each of Riverside's 2,048 rooms is 314 square feet. All rooms provide two queen-size beds, a table and two chairs, a mini-fridge and coffeemaker, and two sinks.
How do Disney hotels smell so good? ›Lobby Scents
Disney does actually employ a special system that pipes smells through the public areas of Resorts. Our personal favorite Resort scent is the green aloe and clover fragrance you'll smell at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Contemporary Resort, and Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort.
Large Water Slides: One (1) large, 95-foot water slide at Ol' Man Island Pool. Lazy River: There is not a Lazy River at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort in Orlando. Childrens Pool: A shallow kids pool is located beside the main Family Pool in Ol Mans Island.
Are there coffee makers in the rooms at Port Orleans Riverside? ›All rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside feature Cuisinart dual-cup 'pod' coffee machines, complete with complimentary coffee pods. The pods contain Joffrey's Coffee, both regular and decaf. If you run out before they are replenished, just mention to housekeeping that you would like more.
Does Port Orleans Riverside have mini fridge in the room? ›Guest rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside do come equipped with a small mini-fridge. Unfortunately, these refrigerators do not have a separate freezer section.
Do Port Orleans Riverside rooms have coffee makers? ›The coffee machines in the rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside are dual-cup Cuisinart units, and come with several servings of tea and Joffrey's coffee.
How long does it take to walk from riverside to French Quarter? ›The wide path is an easy walk and should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes. From either resort, you're just a short bus ride away from the theme parks. And each offers a water taxi to take you on a relaxing ride down the Sassagoula to Disney Springs for dining, shopping and entertainment.
Can you take a boat to Disney Springs from Port Orleans Riverside? ›
The “Sassagoula River Cruise” is a free service which ferries guests from both of the Port Orleans resorts all the way down the river to Disney Springs. The twenty minute boat trip is a very pleasant and relaxing alternative to road transport and shouldn't be missed.
Can you walk from Disney Port Orleans French Quarter to Riverside? ›The Walking Path from Port Orleans French Quarter to Port Orleans Riverside is an easy one! Depending on your walking speed, you can easily make it from the back end of French Quarter to the food court area of Riverside in about 10-15 minutes. It's about a half mile, so it just depends on your walking speed.
What level hotel is Port Orleans Riverside? ›Disney's Port Orleans Resort — Riverside (sometimes “Port Orleans — Riverside” or “Riverside”) is a moderate-level hotel at Walt Disney World.
What is a royal room at Port Orleans Riverside? ›Royal Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside are the only princess-themed guest rooms at Walt Disney World, featuring Tiana's friends from animated films such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Little Mermaid, and Snow White.
Which Port Orleans resort is smaller? ›Port Orleans Resort is split into two sections- the bigger Riverside and the smaller French Quarter.
Does Disney clean hotel rooms? ›When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, enjoy peace of mind knowing that your room will be thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival and throughout your visit. You can expect housekeeping services throughout your stay.
How do I make my house smell like an expensive hotel? ›Oranges, lemons, limes, and even grapefruits add a bright note to candles and make them smell as fresh as a crisp pair of clean white sheets on a hotel bed. If you find some other scents on this list too sweet or cloying, seek out a citrus candle for a clean, perky fragrance.
What is the scent in Disney bathrooms? ›That's right, folks: we have found the scent for all four theme park restrooms! Introducing, Rubbermaid's Tcell Air Freshener! Behold, above you can see the holder for the Rubbermaid Tcell air freshener system!
How long is the water slide at Port Orleans Riverside? ›Make a splash at Ol' Man Island pool complex, just a short walk away at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. Located down the Sassagoula River, this 3.5-acre refuge includes a swimmin' hole with rushing waterfalls and a rustic 95-foot waterslide fashioned after an old mill.
Does Port Orleans Riverside have a water slide? ›There are a total of 5 leisure pools at Port Orleans Riverside. The feature pool, complete with a 95 foot-long water slide is located on Ol' Man Island, centrally located within the resort.
How often do boats run at Port Orleans Riverside? ›
Sassagoula River Cruise routes and schedule. Ferryboat leaves every 20 minutes traveling from Port Orleans Resorts to Disney Springs Marketplace from 10:30am to 11:30pm.
Does Port Orleans have Keurigs? ›While specific furnishings are always subject to change, generally you will find Cuisinart single-serving coffee pods in all of the rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside. Unfortunately, these machines don't use standard Keurig pods.
Does Port Orleans Riverside have ice machines? ›You'll find vending and ice machines in the center of each building, and on every floor.
Do preferred rooms at Port Orleans Riverside have the pull down bed? ›This unique Disney Resort hotel is just brimming with Southern hospitality! You ask a really great question. I wasn't absolutely sure about the answer, so I checked in with a Cast Member and she confirmed that, yes, all Preferred Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside feature the child-sized pull-down bed.
Is it a good idea to have a mini fridge in your room? ›A mini-fridge in your room or office will help you stay safe, save money, and change your lifestyle. Remember, it is hard to survive without a refrigerator. Get a great mini-fridge and enjoy all the freezing facilities.
Is mini fridge free at all inclusive? ›your mini bar items are included as most places, unless you call and request more. Most places will fill every day or two, but if you request a refill, then you can get charged -- not all AI's are this way, but they will let you know upon check-in how it works.
What do hotels put in the mini fridge? ›A minibar is a small refrigerator, typically an absorption refrigerator, in a hotel room or cruise ship stateroom. The hotel staff fill it with drinks and snacks for the guest to purchase during their stay.
Do the rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter have microwaves? ›In your room at Disney's Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter you will find a small refrigerator. However there is not a microwave oven in the rooms. You will find microwaves available for use at the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory aka the food court at the Resort.
Do Disney hotel rooms have Keurigs? ›Types of Coffee Makers Available in Disney Resort Rooms
Keurig machines are also available in select resorts, such as The Contemporary, The Grand Floridian, Disney's Riviera Resort, The Polynesian, and Club Level rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Boardwalk Inn.
In addition to the coffee maker, your Disney Resorts Collection Hotel room will also come equipped with all of the supplies you need to brew that perfect cup of coffee each morning.
Is it better to stay in the French Quarter or Bourbon Street? ›
The French Quarter is undoubtedly the best place to stay in New Orleans thanks to its convenient location to all the best things to do and explore in the city including the famous and iconic Bourbon Street. Be sure to check out some of the most iconic drinks to try in New Orleans based in this area as well.
Is it better to stay in the French Quarter in New Orleans? ›For first-time visitors, it is better to stay in the French Quarter than downtown New Orleans. Staying right in the New Orleans French Quarter ensures a central location with easy access to many of the attractions in New Orleans. These include the nightlife on Bourbon Street, the Saenger theater on Canal Street, St.
How often do boats come to Port Orleans French Quarter? ›The boats run approximately every 20 minutes during the day, and more frequently during the evening. The trip from Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter to Disney Springs takes around 15 minutes.
Does Port Orleans Riverside have monorail? ›Sassagoula River Cruise to Disney Springs
While Port Orleans is not on the monorail loop, nor is it within walking distance of Epcot, it does have its own direct Sassagoula River Cruise ferry service to the Disney Springs shopping and dining zone (the new name for the old Downtown Disney area).
Donna, once you depart the resort, travel time on the Walt Disney World Resort Bus Service will be about 15-20 minutes to the Magic Kingdom, about 10-15 minutes to both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, and about 20-25 minutes to Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Is Disney Springs water taxi free? ›Water taxi service is available from several Walt Disney World Resort hotels, such as Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside, as well as Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney's Old Key West Resort. These water taxis are free for Guest usage to arrive and depart from Disney Springs.
How much is an Uber from Port Orleans Riverside to Universal Studios? ›Trip prices can vary a bit depending on a number of factors. The average trip price to get from Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort to Universal Studios Florida Theme Park is $24.00 - $68.00. You can also use Uber's price estimator tool to check a real-time estimate.
Do buses run from Port Orleans to Disney Springs? ›Complimentary bus transportation to and from all Disney theme parks and water parks is available. Buses also run to Disney Springs and Disney′s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course. The bus stop at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is located in front of the Colonel's Cotton Mill building.
Does Port Orleans have a boat to Magic Kingdom? ›No, Port Orleans is located on the Sassagoula River which leads to Disney Springs (to which there is a ferry boat ride) and a couple of other resorts, but there is no connecting waterway to any of the parks.
How late is Port Orleans Riverside pool open? ›| Front Desk & Bell Services: | 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Ol' Man Island Feature Swimming Pool: | 9am—11pm peak season, varies seasonally (e.g. Jan/Feb often 10am—8pm). Times are enforced to match lifeguard hours |
| Pool Slide & separate Hot Tub: | As per main pool hours (also enforced) |
| Muddy Rivers Pool Bar: | 11am—9pm, varies seasonally |
Does Port Orleans Riverside have microwaves? ›
The Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside does have both microwaves and toasters for Guests to use.
Are Royal Guest rooms worth it? ›Are the Royal Guest Rooms Worth It? Now that we stayed here, we feel like the Royal Guest Rooms are definitely a good value. Especially if you have girls who are into princesses. It probably helps if they are younger girls, but we can definitely see the desire to stay there from Anna and Elsa as they get older.
What is the standard room size at Port Orleans Riverside? ›Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Rooms. Each of Riverside's 2,048 rooms is 314 square feet. All rooms provide two queen-size beds, a table and two chairs, a mini-fridge and coffeemaker, and two sinks.
How much is the Royal room at Port Orleans? ›| Riverside Royal Guest Rooms | Standard | River View |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Daily Rate in 2023 | $532.13 | $562.50 |
| Average Daily Rate for 2023 | $428.55 | $445.52 |
| Average Daily Rate vs. 2022 | +5.81% | +5.81% |
| Average vs. pre-COVID (2019) | +24.24% | +26.37% |
The walking distance between these two Disney Resort hotels is about 0.5 miles or 10 minutes, depending how fast you plan on walking.
Are Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter connected? ›Making Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter Resort, are both great options if you're adding shopping days to your trip. The Walking Path that connects the two resorts is also quite nice and inadvertently gives you a 2-for-1 feeling if you choose to stay here.
What is that smell in Port Townsend? ›Sulfur dioxide is an extremely toxic substance, and nature has equipped us with a sensitivity to the smell. The Department of Ecology estimates Port Townsend Paper discharges 689 tons of sulfur dioxide a year. That's right, tons.
What smells are associated with New Orleans? ›Between the Confederate jasmine, the sweet olive, gardenias, magnolia flowers, and, if you're lucky, blooming angels' trumpets, it's difficult if not impossible for a person's nose to not fall headlong in passionate love with this town.
What are the smells of New Orleans? ›Depending on where you are (or “where y'at,” rather) and what time of year it is, New Orleans might smell like horse manure, cigarettes, urine, dead fish, marijuana, vomit, diesel fumes, fried chicken, Confederate jasmine, old wood, coffee, Angel's Trumpet flowers, mown grass, mossy trees, and sweet olive.
What scent is at the Ritz in New Orleans? ›Transport to a lush Southern garden full of spring blooms when you diffuse the Classic Gardenia scent cartridge, featured at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans.
What is the smell in Coral Bay St John? ›
A very large amount of sargassum continues to pile up in Coral Bay. I did notice a bit of a smell yesterday when standing right near the shore. Again, it is not affecting the most popular beaches here on St. John, including Hawksnest, Gibney, Oppenheimer, Trunk, Cinnamon, Maho, Francis, Hansen or Saltwell Bottom.
What is the gas smell in Port Moody? ›Pacific Coast Terminals confirms wastewater treatment plant at its Burrard Inlet site was to blame. Air-quality investigators have pinpointed the source of a pungent rotten-egg stench that's been polluting the air in some neighbourhoods of Port Moody, B.C., near the Barnet Highway since Aug. 9.
What is the new house smell scent? ›What exactly is new-house smell? Also known as new-construction smell, it's essentially a combination of smells given off by the many materials that go into building a house—things like fresh paint, carpet, wood, and adhesives. If there's any new furniture in the home, that could be contributing to the smell as well.
What does Orleans No 9 smell like? ›Sandalwood and patchouli blended with lush white floral, warm vanilla and musk. Lasting Fragrance Freshness; this delicious smell will permeate your entire room.
What is Hawaii scent? ›Hawai'i is known for its lush tropical scents thanks to all the amazing botanicals that grow there. Hawai'i smells like plumeria and pikake, the beautiful flora that grow all over the islands. It also smells like the sweet and luscious fruits you can find throughout like mango, coconut and pineapple.
What flowers represent New Orleans? ›The fleur de lys is the most instantly recognized symbol of New Orleans, and Louisiana. Yet it remains a mysterious emblem veiled by centuries of history.
What is the best smelling town in the US? ›Pleasantville was actually named the second best-smelling city in the world, according to GQ's Chandler Burr, who noted “maple, oak, and pine smell cyclically different as the seasons turn, and Pleasantville's scent is based on these trees and their leaves at all stages—green, yellow, dead brown, and budding.”
What is the most famous smell in the world? ›Vanilla may be the world's most popular scent, but you'll find these five scent categories anywhere you run off to.
What is a luxurious smell? ›Fresh, clean, and revitalizing, citrus is a popular aroma used in luxury home scents and personal fragrance products. Incorporating notes of citrus scents help balance out bolder aromas that otherwise might be too overpowering, like wood, spices, and certain florals.
What is the Ritz Carlton signature scent? ›Fill your home with the unforgettable scent of The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna. Top notes of bergamot, bright citrus, and white tea blend beautifully with floral notes of jasmine and lavender. Subtle amber notes complete this signature scent for a well-balanced fragrance that instantly enhances your space.
What scent does Beyonce wear? ›
Beyonce's favorite perfume is Emporio Armani Diamonds by Giorgio Armani. A clean, fresh and elegant scent in a sparkling way.
How do I make my house smell like a hotel? ›Oranges, lemons, limes, and even grapefruits add a bright note to candles and make them smell as fresh as a crisp pair of clean white sheets on a hotel bed. If you find some other scents on this list too sweet or cloying, seek out a citrus candle for a clean, perky fragrance.