Port Orleans Riverside is a large characterful Disney World resort that sprawls, as the name suggests, alongside the Sassagoula River.
The resort is full of charm, with guest accommodations split across two distinct neighborhoods, Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend.
Here, we take a look at the accommodation and room options at Port Orleans Riverside.
Alligator Bayou
Port Orleans Riverside’s Alligator Bayou neighbourhood is designed to be rustic and inspired-nature. The theming around the accommodation blocks is laid out to evoke the sense of a ‘bayou hideaway’.
Around the Alligator Bayou neighbourhood, the resort grounds are wooded, and feature winding paths and bridges over the water.
Magnolia Bend
In the Magnolia Bend areas, the vibe is intended to be more sophisticated, inspired by old-fashioned southern plantations. Compared to Alligator Bayou the surrounds are more open and maintained, with lawns and fountains.
The rooms
The resort offers three main room types, plus a number of upgrades based on location and the view.
Port Orleans Riverside’s standard room has two queen beds, sleeping up to four guests. The rooms offer free wifi, a coffee maker, and a beverage cooler.
Solo guests and couples also have the option to book a King bedroom, which has just one larger king-size bed instead of two queens - and therefore is also suitable for bookings of two or fewer.
Another version of the standard room adds a pull-down bed for a child, bringing the room capacity to five for larger families. Besides the extra bed, the rooms are the same for both configurations.
In the Magnolia Bend neighbourhood, Port Orleans Riverside offers a more heavily themed room option, with the Royal Guest Room.
These rooms, which are priced higher, feature princess-themed décor inspired by Disney royalty - a standout design piece is found in the headboards which sparkle, like fireworks.
Magical theming in the Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Besides the elevated decor, the room facilities themselves are similar in layout and size as standard rooms. Albeit, Royal Guest Rooms do not have pull-down beds. They all have a pair of queen beds and sleep up to four.
Views and locations
‘Preferred’ rooms are located closer to the Port Orleans Riverside Resort’s main facilities including the dining, shopping, and bus stop for theme park transportation.
Meanwhile, somewhat self-explanatory, the other upgrade options are more aesthetic and based on the view from the room - there are Woods view rooms, River view rooms, Pool view rooms, and the ‘Standard’ room locations.
Bathrooms and room facilities
All rooms come equipped with in-room safes, coffee makers, and mini beverage coolers which are ideal for storing snacks or drinksbut aren’t suitable for keeping certain foods.
Guests travelling with infants or small children are able to request, cribs and bed rails if needed.
Bathrooms feature either shower and tub combos or standalone showers. All include complimentary toiletries.
Rooms also come with plenty of power outlets, though we would always recommend guests make sure they pack sufficient adapters and USB blocks, as few things put a dampener on a family trip like low-battery, especially at Disney World where the theme park app can be integral to a positive guest experience.
Cleaning, laundry, check-in and check-out
Port Orleans Riverside offers daily housekeeping services, upon request, or guests can also have a reduced service if preferred.
Laundry services are also available on-site for an additional fee, which can be helpful for longer trips.
Check-in at Port Orleans Riverside begins at 3pm, and check-out is at 11am.
An extended check-out may be possible, but it is advisable that guests enquire with the resort ahead of their stay to find out ahead of time.
Thoughts …
Whilst a lot larger than the nearby French Quarter, the Port Orleans Riverside resort does not lack charm or comfort when it comes to accommodation.
Moreover, the resort has a choice of room configuration, to help accommodate a wider range of groups - the pull-down kids' bed is especially helpful for slightly larger family bookings.
The Royal Guest Rooms, meanwhile, help add extra Disney World magic without breaking the bank, and, it is easy to see why these rooms are popular among many guests.
