My perfect day at Port Orleans Riverside begins with breakfast at the Riverside Mill & Market, where the working water wheel sets the tone for a laid-back Louisiana morning. After breakfast, I make my way to the Fishing Hole on ‘Ol Man Island for some good old-fashioned cane pole fishing—or, if I’m feeling adventurous, a chartered fishing boat from the marina.
Port Orleans Riverside Marina and Sassaqoula River Water TaxiPort Orleans Riverside Marina Boat Rental, why not get a Sea Raycer and head down the Sassagoula
A slow walk through the Alligator Bayou brings hidden Mickeys, photo ops, and peaceful pathways. On our trip, we rented a Sea Raycer and explored the Sassagoula River—a highlight of the day and a perfect way to enjoy the scenery. Said Note: Watercraft rentals like Sea Raycers are no longer available at Riverside. However, bike rentals are still an option, and the scenic trail around the resort and down to the French Quarter offers a great way to explore.
Inside one of the Alligator Bayou rooms, double queen beds and a not-so-hidden Mickey.
By midday, I’d made it to the Swimmin’ Hole, the resort’s feature pool on Ol’ Man Island. After a few runs down the waterslide and some poolside fun like Goofy Bingo or Name That Disney Tune, it’s time for a snack from Muddy Rivers Poolside Bar. I always try to make it back in time for the 3:00 Ol’ Man Island Pool Party, followed by the Best on the Bayou Dance Off at 4:30. The nearby playground and children’s splash area help little ones burn off even more energy.
What’s for Dinner?
Before dinner, I head to the Campfire on de’ Bayou at 5:30 for Disney storytelling and marshmallow roasting. Dinner is usually a toss-up between Boatwright’s Dining Hall for Southern classics like jambalaya or catfish or a casual bite from the food court.
Port Orleans Riverside Marina and “Sassagoula Steamboat Company”
By 7:00, it’s Movie Under the Stars time near Magnolia Bend. And to finish off the day, it’s over to the River Roost Lounge for Yehaa Bob Jackson’s legendary piano comedy show starting at 10:00. It’s a perfect Disney day—without ever stepping foot in the parks.
A Resort with Storytelling Built In
Port Orleans Riverside isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s an experience. Built with immersive theming from the ground up, the resort features the rustic charm of Alligator Bayou’s lodge-style rooms and the southern elegance of the Magnolia Bend mansions. Each offers unique room layouts and atmosphere, including Royal Guest Rooms with fiber-optic headboards and décor inspired by Disney royalty.
The Magnolia Bend Mansion Buildings offer southern charm and elegance, not to mention lots of Photo Opportunities.
Themed check-in at the Sassagoula Steamboat Company lobby, a fully stocked arcade, and convenient on-site amenities like Fulton’s General Store and the Riverside Marina make this feel like a Disney destination all its own.
Guests can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, walk the scenic Sassagoula River trail, or hop aboard the Sassagoula Water Taxi for a float downriver to Port Orleans French Quarter and on to Disney Springs. Families will appreciate the variety of daily recreation activities, from pool games and scavenger hunts to Pirate Adventures for kids. Even the quiet pools come alive during peak seasons with nighttime movie screenings.
The Hidden Magic Between the Parks
Port Orleans Riverside be sure to check the Recreation Activities schedule.
Riverside’s charm isn’t in its proximity to a theme park—it’s in the way it makes you feel. It’s the way Yehaa Bob fills the River Roost Lounge with laughter. How the fiber-optic fireworks in your Royal Room create a bedtime story. And how a quiet morning walk through the bayou can become your favorite memory.
Whether you build a rest day into your packed park itinerary or create a full no-park staycation. Port Orleans Riverside delivers comfort, magic, and immersive storytelling like only Disney can.
Port Orleans Riverside: Feature Pool: The Swimmin’ Hole
Port Orleans Riverside, Welcome to the Sassagoula Steamboat Company
Port Orleans Riverside Marquee
Port Orleans Riverside Marquee
Port Orleans Riverside Lobby, The Sassagoula Steamboat Company
Port Orleans Riverside Marquee
The headboard in one of the Mansion Buildings, featuring the Garden District.
The Fold-Down Bed is perfect, and themed to match the Alligator Bayou, complete with glow in the dark stars.
Inside an Alligator Bayou room. The Banquette Bench Seat folds down to reveal a 63″x30″ bed.
Inside one of the Alligator Bayou rooms, double queen beds, and a not so hidden Mickey.
Port Orleans Riverside Lobby, The Sassagoula Steamboat Company
Port Orleans Riverside Marina and “Sassagoula Steamboat Company”
Port Orleans Riverside Marquee at Night
Port Orleans Riverside Marina and “Sassagoula Steamboat Company”
Port Orleans Riverside Marina and “Sassagoula Steamboat Company”
Port Orleans Riverside Marina and “Sassagoula Steamboat Company”
Port Orleans Riverside Marina and “Sassagoula Steamboat Company”
Port Orleans Riverside Marina and “Sassagoula Steamboat Company”
Port Orleans Riverside Marina and “Sassagoula Steamboat Company”
Port Orleans Riverside: The River Roost
Port Orleans Riverside Marina and Sassaqoula Steamboat Company
Port Orleans Riverside Marina and Sassaqoula River Water Taxi
Port Orleans Riverside The Sassaqoula River from the Water Taxi
Port Orleans Riverside a view of the Riverside Mill and Market
Port Orleans Riverside Marina
Port Orleans Riverside , the Sassagoula River
Port Orleans Riverside , the Sassagoula River
Port Orleans Riverside , the Sassagoula River
Port Orleans Riverside Boat and Bicycle rentals at the Riverside Levee
Port Orleans Riverside: Ol Man Island features the “Majestic Live Oak”
Port Orleans Riverside Marina Boat Rental, why not get a Sea Raycer and head down the Sassagoula
Port Orleans Riverside Boat and Bicycle rentals at the Riverside Levee
Looking for Pins? You’ll find a pin board at the Riverside Levee
Port Orleans Riverside Marina Boat Rental, why not get a Sea Raycer and head down the Sassagoula
Port Orleans Riverside: The Legend of Ol’ Man Island.
Port Orleans Riverside: Muddy Rivers, Poolside Bar
Port Orleans Riverside This way to Ol’ Man Island
Port Orleans Riverside Mill and Market (aka The Food Court)
Port Orleans Directory (Port Orleans Riverside Marina)
Port Orleans Riverside be sure to check the Recreation Activities schedule.
Port Orleans Riverside: Ol Man Island features the “Majestic Live Oak”
Port Orleans Riverside: The Swimmin hole sits right behind the Legend of Ol Man Island
Port Orleans Riverside: Welcome to Ol Man Island.
Port Orleans Riverside Mill and Market
Port Orleans Riverside: Ol Man Island features the “Majestic Live Oak”
Port Orleans Riverside: Muddy Rivers
Port Orleans Riverside: Feature Pool: The Swimmin’ Hole
One of the 5 quite pools found at Port Orleans, get away from the crowds of the main Swimmin Hole
Port Orleans Riverside: Feature Pool: The Swimmin’ Hole
The Alligator Bayou is themed to the rural bayou of Southern Louisiana. Lots of Photo Opportunities
Port Orleans Riverside: Feature Pool: The Swimmin’ Hole
The Alligator Bayou is themed to the rural bayou of Southern Louisiana. Lots of Photo Opportunities
Port Orleans Riverside: Feature Pool: The Swimmin’ Hole
The Alligator Bayou is themed to the rural bayou of Southern Louisiana. Lots of Photo Opportunities
Port Orleans Riverside: How do we get back?
The Alligator Bayou is themed to the rural bayou of Southern Louisiana. Lots of Photo Opportunities
The Alligator Bayou is themed to the rural bayou of Southern Louisiana. Lots of Photo Opportunities
The Alligator Bayou is themed to the rural bayou of Southern Louisiana. Lots of Photo Opportunities
The Magnolia Bend Mansion Buildings offer southern charm and elegance, not to mention lots of Photo Opportunities.
The Magnolia Bend Mansion Buildings offer southern charm and elegance, not to mention lots of Photo Opportunities.
The Magnolia Bend Mansion Buildings offer southern charm and elegance, not to mention lots of Photo Opportunities.
The Magnolia Bend Mansion Buildings offer southern charm and elegance, not to mention lots of Photo Opportunities.
The Magnolia Bend Mansion Buildings offer southern charm and elegance, not to mention lots of Photo Opportunities.
The River Roost Lounge, Spirits & Victuals
Wednesday – Saturday evenings “Ye Haa” Bob is a must see!
The River Roost Lounge, home to the one and only “Ye Haa” Bob
Boatwrights Dining Hall is open for Lunch and Dinner, the only Table Service restaurant at Port Orleans.
Boatwrights Dining Hall is open for Lunch and Dinner
The Sassagoula River Cruise, transportation to Downtown Disney seen across the marina.
The Sassagoula River Cruise, transportation to Downtown Disney seen across the marina.
You’ll find a few Penny Presses near the food court… Some you won’t find anyplace else.
Pin Trading? Look for the pin board at package pickup at Fulton’s General Store
Port Orleans Riverside Medicine Show arcade, much bigger than most Arcades on Property.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides at Port Orleans Marina
Visiting the Carriage ride Horse at Port Orleans Marina
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides at Port Orleans Marina
The Port Orleans Riverside Mill & Market features elaborate theming as a working mill (and food court)
The Port Orleans Riverside marina at Night
Sassagoula Steamboat Company at Port Orleans Riverside at Night
Port Orleans Directory as seen outside the Sassagoula Steamboat Company
A beautiful View of the Sassagoula Steamboat Company at night.
[…] my last blog and video, I took a tour of Port Orleans Riverside (Episode #28) which, in my opinion, is the best moderate resort in Walt Disney World. With features such as […]
[…] Resort. Spend the day at Epcot, leave via the International Gateway and be minutes from your room. Yacht Club offers access to Stormalong Bay and a boat stop that’s central to both Epcot and Studios (you should consider walking to Epcot). They are all deluxe resorts, the top tier from a pricing point of view. If you can afford it, go for it. If not, there are many other options including Port Orleans Riverside, offering activities you don’t usually find in a moderate price resort. I reviewed Port Orleans Riverside a few episodes ago here: SamsDisneyDiary Episode #28 – Port Orleans Riverside: Losing yourself on a trip down the Mississip… […]
[…] my last blog and video, I took a tour of Port Orleans Riverside (Episode #28) which, in my opinion, is the best moderate resort in Walt Disney World. With features such as […]
[…] Resort. Spend the day at Epcot, leave via the International Gateway and be minutes from your room. Yacht Club offers access to Stormalong Bay and a boat stop that’s central to both Epcot and Studios (you should consider walking to Epcot). They are all deluxe resorts, the top tier from a pricing point of view. If you can afford it, go for it. If not, there are many other options including Port Orleans Riverside, offering activities you don’t usually find in a moderate price resort. I reviewed Port Orleans Riverside a few episodes ago here: SamsDisneyDiary Episode #28 – Port Orleans Riverside: Losing yourself on a trip down the Mississip… […]
thanks My Husband & I are organizing a group that will be staying there this October 2014… this was a great help.