by Angela V A few weeks ago, I had the joy of staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, Riverside, with my mom and my son, as we were hosted by Disney to experience the magic of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. As a travel advisor and a mom who knows how important family comfort and fun are, I wanted to share our real experience, from the resort layout and room features to how it compares with another Disney favorite I’ve stayed at, the Beach Club Resort.
The Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, Riverside is a Moderate-level resort, offering a perfect balance between Disney’s Value and Deluxe categories. It’s located along the scenic Sassagoula River in the Disney Springs Resort Area and blends storybook magic with Southern charm.
The resort is divided into two themed areas:
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Magnolia Bend, inspired by grand plantation-style mansions.
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Alligator Bayou, a more rustic, lodge-style section that feels cozy and private, like a little neighborhood tucked into the bayou.
We stayed in the Alligator Bayou section, building 16, and I loved it. Our room was super convenient, just steps from the South Depot bus stop and a short walk to the main lobby, restaurants, and shops. After long mornings in the parks, being able to return easily for lunch or a dip in the pool made such a difference.
The smaller, lodge-style “houses” in Alligator Bayou felt peaceful and private, surrounded by trees and walking paths. It truly felt like a retreat after the high-energy pace of the parks, and we all loved that.
Rooms and Features
Our room was spacious, clean, and full of thoughtful touches. The highlight for us was the pull-down bed (Murphy-style) that my son loved. It gave us that little bit of extra space during the day, and the room could sleep up to five guests comfortably, making it ideal for families.
Because we were staying at a Disney Resort hotel, we also got some great perks, including Early Theme Park Entry, easy transportation to all the parks, and the ability to use the My Disney Experience app for planning and reservations. Staying “on property” makes everything more seamless and truly keeps you inside the Disney bubble from start to finish.
Pools, Dining, and Amenities
Port Orleans, Riverside features six pools in total:
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The main Ol’ Man Island pool with a waterslide, whirlpool spa, and fun activities for kids.
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Plus five quiet pools scattered throughout the resort, perfect for a more peaceful swim.
One of my favorite practical perks was the self-service laundry facilities. These are available at all Disney resorts and are surprisingly inexpensive. When you’re traveling with kids or staying for more than a few days, being able to wash and dry clothes easily is a total game-changer.
We also enjoyed the Southern-inspired dining at the resort. The comfort food at Riverside Mill Food Court hit the spot after long park days, with hearty meals, warm cornbread, and a little Louisiana flair. I loved being able to come back mid-day, have a relaxed lunch, and enjoy some downtime before heading back to the parks for evening fun.
Comparing Port Orleans, Riverside, to Disney’s Beach Club Resort
I stayed at Disney’s Beach Club Resort in the past, which is a Deluxe-level resort located near EPCOT and Disney’s BoardWalk. Beach Club has a more coastal, New England vibe with an incredible pool area called Stormalong Bay, which feels like a mini water park.
While Beach Club offers top-tier luxury and unbeatable proximity to EPCOT, I found Port Orleans, Riverside to be more relaxed, charming, and peaceful. The slower pace and nature-filled setting gave us space to unwind, which was perfect for a multigenerational trip like ours. It’s also more budget-friendly while still offering that signature Disney service and attention to detail.
Why Staying on a Disney Property is Worth It
Choosing to stay at a Disney resort means more than just convenience. You’re fully immersed in the magic 24/7. Here are some of the biggest benefits we loved:
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Early Theme Park Entry for resort guests, with shorter lines before regular opening hours.
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Complimentary Disney transportation to all the parks and Disney Springs.
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Access to dining plans and early access to dining and Lightning Lane bookings.
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Themed resorts and activities that extend the Disney magic beyond the parks.
For families, the combination of convenience, perks, and atmosphere makes staying on-property absolutely worth it.
Special Offer for Canadian Residents 🇨🇦
Right now, Canadian residents can take advantage of some great offers at Walt Disney World:
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Save up to 25% or more on 4-day (or longer) park tickets for select travel dates in 2025 and 2026.
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Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels when you stay five nights or more.
These discounts are perfect for planning those Spring Break or summer Disney trips, and they can be combined with resort offers for even more savings.
Ready to Plan Your Own Magical Disney Vacation?
If you’re thinking about planning your own Disney World or Disneyland vacation, I’d love to help! I’ve been to both parks many times and can help design personalized itineraries, handle resort and park bookings, and make sure you’re getting the best value and offers available, including those special Canadian deals.
Let’s make your next trip truly magical ✨ Start planning your Disney vacation with me here!
