I had my eye on Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside Resort since the first time I had heard of the resort. I just knew the southern charm was calling my name and that my family would enjoy our stay there. Growing up in the south and living in several southern states, I had high expectations! In true southern style, Port Orleans Riverside (POR) did NOT disappoint!
When we arrived at Port Orleans Riverside I was immediately impressed at how beautiful the resort is in person. The porte cochere, grand entrance and the lobby felt like it could be a grand ballroom. There were names of cities that line the Sassagoula River (more commonly known as the Mississippi River) along the top of the wall just below the elegant ceiling. Having done online check-in, my arrival was effortless and fast.
The cast member handed us a special note from Princess Tiana, which explained she had a special room ready for us. We made our way to our Princess Room in the Parterre Mansion building. The room was amazing and my daughters enjoyed all the details of the room – there were so to take in! They were overwhelmed and so excited that Tiana had prepared a special room for them! If you have a princess fan, then I suggest that you look into booking this room.

My daughter loved all the small details! Even down to the Magic Carpt!

The vanity area of the bathroom is so spacious! Perfect for princess primping!
Fulton’s General Store is the gift shop at this resort. They have everything you could want – from T-shirts and ball caps to tylenol and food items! If you find you’re missing anything during your stay, chances are Fulton’s General Store will have what you need.
The Sassagoula River runs through the Port Orleans Riverside Resort. The theming here is amazing – it truly does look like a riverfront town. The docks that line the river are a beautiful place to wander. And you can catch a ferry to head to Downtown Disney, or enjoy some dockside fishing!
My family enjoyed Ol’ Man Island. Luckily, we planned a full day to enjoy the resort and they spent hours swimming here. This pool has a slide that my daughters rode no fewer than 50 times each. One of the great things about Disney Resorts is they provide life vests for children. My then two-and-a-half year old daughter reveled in the freedom of splashing into the pool all on her own thanks to those life vests. The pool bar has many delicious cocktails; I suggest the Black Cherry Lemonade!
Another great spot for my kids was the playground located near the Ol’ Man Island pool. This was a perfect location for them to play and run around. There are also hammocks in the area. But they are popular, so keep your eyes open in order to relax in the shade while your children play nearby!
Another great perk of choosing this resort is you get access to all the amenities of its sister resort, Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter! I suggest at least one trip to get an order of their famous beignets. It’s a short walk or boat ride to the French Quarter. The resorts do share buses, however walking between the two never presented any issues during our stay.

Beignets from Port Orleans French Quarter
Port Orleans Riverside is a perfect resort for families that wish to stay at a Walt Disney World Moderate Resort. They even have a table service restaurant, Boatwright’s Dining Hall, which is rare among the moderate resorts. And the quick-service option, The Riverside Mill and Market, has delicious options all day plus beautiful views of the Sassagoula River.
I am so glad I fulfilled this item on my Disney Parks Bucket List by staying at this resort. You can truly have a full day of activities just at Port Orleans Riverside! With options like renting surrey bikes or taking a horse drawn carriage ride around the resort, this is certainly more than just a place to sleep. Port Orleans Riverside is a place to enjoy a slower pace and some authentic southern charm.
Wow sounds amazing
It is an awesome resort! If you want a more relaxed trip, then it’s certainly the right choice!
I remember staying here when it was called Dixie Landings! The beignets at POFQ are AMAZING!!
I’m glad someone caught the Dixie Landing reference! 🙂
we are staying there for a week this June! I can’t wait! I’ve always wanted to stay at this resort!
You will enjoy it! Make sure you take at least a few hours to explore and enjoy the resort.
I have stayed in the Bayou and Mansions during my multiple stays at Port Orleans Riverside and find the resort to be awesome. I would recommend that everyone try this resort atleast once. I have never had a more relaxing vacation at Disney and really enjoy my stays. Coming back to stay in later 2015.
It really is a relaxing resort. It’s the slow southern way! You can’t help but walk a little slower and enjoy all the beauty surrounding you when you are visiting the Port Orleans Resorts!