Why I love Disney's Port Orleans Riverside

Looking for one of the best Moderate Resorts to stay at while in Walt Disney World?

HERE’S A REVIEW OF DISNEY’S PORT ORLEANS RIVERSIDE (MY FAVORITE RESORT) TO STAY AT WHILE AT THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!

For this particular trip, with my friend who has never visited Walt Disney World, I was between booking the Port Orleans Riverside or the French Quarter (Port Orleans sister resort) and I'm so glad we picked Riverside! This Moderate Resort is gorgeous, quiet, and accommodating. In fact, I’m wondering why it’s not considered a Deluxe Resort!

We spent our girls vacation at Riverside during the first week of October to attend the Food and Wine Festival in Epcot and enjoy Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

I've separated my review into a few different sections because each is very unique.

Transportation:
This resort has bus and boat transportation to get to the parks. For the buses, we only waited a max of 10 minutes for one to arrive to take us to the parks. The boat transportation only takes you to Disney Springs. It took about 15 minutes to get to Disney Springs on the boat and was relaxing at night coming back from Disney Springs. I wouldn't take it if you're in a hurry. We had to get back quickly from Disney Springs on our last day and had to call an Uber and got back in about 4 minutes. There are designated areas marked for Uber and Lyft pick ups. (There is also “Minnie-Van” service - but more on that in another post.)

Food:
The food at the Riverside Mill Food Court was fairly good for a quick bite! I suggest getting the Disney Dining plan, for all of your meal needs, because a breakfast for 2 can cost upwards of $35-$45. The Caprese Pizza was great on our first day. Mickey Waffles were, as always, super delicious as well! I really loved the bacon here too. We did not dine at Boatwright’s Dining Hall but the menu looked and smelled delicious each time we walked past.

Entertainment:
There is so much to do at this resort that you may never need to leave! From movies under the stars, S’mores on the bayou, bike rentals, surrey rides, Horse Drawn Carriages, multiple pools, fishing, a jogging trail, a playground, AND an arcade this place has it all. We got back to the hotel late one night and Yee-haw-bob was performing but there was no where to sit in the bar so we just stood and listened- he’s super popular! He was such a wonderful act to watch. There was always something going on at the main pool for kids, so if you have children with you the lifeguards and pool staff seemed to keep the kids busy with things to do while parents got a chance to relax by the pool and have a drink. We wished that we stayed longer to just be able to relax by the pool and enjoy all of the entertainment available here at Riverside.

Room:
Our room at Riverside was beautiful. We were in the Magnolia Bend section. People complain about the walk from where we were located but honestly it's a quick walk through the grounds to the lobby, you pass the pool and walk over a small bridge. Honestly, I didn't find any issues with the location at all. It was calm, in a great location, near one of the quiet pools and a short walk to the main pool, spacious enough for 2 girls with a LOT of stuff, beautiful furniture, fridge, plenty of storage space, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, hot shower and great decor. We loved our room! I believe it was 7850 (it was a corner room on the second floor. Even though we weren't on the top floor that wasn't an issue because we couldn't hear anything or anyone.) Don't be afraid to make room requests! I requested a corner room in the Magnolia Bend section and we got it! Remember requests are only requests so don't expect to get everything you ask for in a room. We did but we got lucky :)

Cleanliness:
The resort overall is SUPER CLEAN! Never a problem at all except during a breakfast or lunch rush in the food court near the soda machines you'll find the floor a bit sticky. But that is normal with little ones running around with soda and fruit punch. Public bathrooms were super clean also.

Drinks:
We bought a bottle of wine for about $13 in Fulton's General store and had no time to drink it in our room because we were so busy. The prices in Fulton’s are pretty reasonable for alcohol and gifts - Not sure on food though. We spent most of our time in the parks so we did not have time to enjoy the libations at the bars and restaurants in POR.

Weather:
The weather was beautiful all week except for one day where it was extremely hot.... it's Florida of course it's going to be hot. Expect that. Check the weather before you leave and pack accordingly. After visiting only in summer months in the past I absolutely LOVED visiting in October. I won't visit any other time of year except for maybe winter? I loved the decor all over the parks for Halloween it was so cool! The weather at night was perfect! One night we needed a small jacket but that was only once.

Sleep Quality:
I was usually dead asleep by the time my friend got out of the shower at night hahaha so yeah I'd say it was a comfy bed. Air conditioning was perfect and it was adjustable to your liking.

Resort Overall:
Overall, this resort was FANTASTIC. They took care of all of our needs without us even needing to ask. There's something for everyone... relaxation and adventure. I can't wait to come back with my son. I'm definitely staying here again. If they add a monorail stop then this place has it all. Class, quiet, adventure, options, and sleep quality!

NO MATTER WHERE YOU DECIDE TO STAY AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED. THE ACCOMMODATIONS HERE ARE AMAZING AND YOU’RE BOUND TO FIND SOMETHING TO MEET YOUR NEEDS THAT YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH, AND WANT TO COME BACK YEAR AFTER YEAR!

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