Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside With Kids: Is It Worth It?
Wondering what it’s really like to stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside with kids? I’ve stayed here twice recently with my little ones, and I know this resort better than most.
It’s where my family stayed when I was a kid, and it’s where I worked as a Concierge Cast Member during one of my Disney College Programs. Coming back with my own kids felt surreal in the best way.
But I promise this won’t be one of those overly sentimental “everything’s perfect” Disney reviews. I know this resort inside and out, and while it’s beautiful, peaceful, and full of charm, there are definitely a few things families should know before booking.
Both of my recent stays were with my kids while meeting up with extended family, and I was still managing a lot of the day-to-day logistics on my own. So I’m looking at Port Orleans Riverside through the lens of what actually makes a Disney resort easier, or harder, with young kids.
A Quick Note Before the Review: How to Save on Your Stay
Before I dive into the details, here’s a quick money-saving tip. While I didn’t book this stay through them, one of the best ways to save on Disney hotels like Port Orleans Riverside is through Undercover Tourist.
I’m an affiliate for Undercover Tourist, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through my link (at no extra cost to you). But I only recommend services I truly use and trust, and this one is genuinely helpful for parents planning Disney vacations.
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If you’re looking to book Port Orleans Riverside without paying full Disney rack rates, this is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to do it.
Ready to check pricing? Use the banner below to browse Port Orleans Riverside on Undercover Tourist for your travel dates.
Location & Layout
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is one of two resorts in the Port Orleans complex. The other is Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter. They’re located near Disney Springs along the Sassagoula River and are connected by a walking path and boat transportation.
The resort itself is sprawling and full of charm. It’s divided into two themed areas:
- Magnolia Bend, with its white-columned plantation-style mansions
- Alligator Bayou, with its rustic, swampy, backwoods feel
If you’ve never stayed here before, picture giant oak trees, quiet paths, and bridges that wind over the water. It really does feel like a little slice of Louisiana tucked inside Walt Disney World.
Port Orleans Riverside is a Moderate Resort, which means it’s a nice middle ground: more amenities and atmosphere than the Value resorts, but without the Deluxe price tag. You’ll find both a full-service restaurant and a food court, plus a large main pool, smaller quiet pools, and a playground.
Just know: this resort is huge. There are over 2,000 rooms spread across 200 acres. It’s gorgeous, but you’ll definitely get your steps in.
The Rooms
I’ve stayed here twice recently: once in a Standard View Room in Magnolia Bend and once in a Preferred Location – 5th Sleeper in Alligator Bayou.
Standard View – Magnolia Bend
This room was beautiful and felt pretty freshly renovated. It had two queen beds, a small table with two chairs, and a bathroom with a bathtub (always a win for little kids). The separate sink area has a curtain you can pull across for privacy, which is perfect if you’re trying to get ready without waking the kids.
Here’s a quick room tour so you can see what it looks like.
Preferred Location – 5th Sleeper – Alligator Bayou
This room had a totally different vibe. It was much more rustic with lots of wood accents. It was still cozy, but it definitely felt more worn and rugged than our Magnolia Bend room.
This one was categorized as “preferred,” meaning it should be close to the lobby and main amenities. But ours (Building 27) felt far from everything. It was about halfway between two different bus stops and not close to either one. The lobby, food court, and pool all felt pretty far away, as well. By the end of the trip, I honestly felt like we paid extra for a “preferred” room that wasn’t all that convenient.
Another big note for parents: Alligator Bayou buildings do not have elevators. Magnolia Bend does. If you’re traveling with a stroller or anyone with mobility issues (my mom uses a scooter when she joins us), this can make a big difference. Definitely request a first-floor room if you’re in Alligator Bayou—but even those sit slightly elevated off the ground, so you’ll still have to manage a few stairs to reach the walkway. I found only one accessible ramp for our building, which meant walking all the way around sometimes just to roll the stroller out.
This room also has a child-size pull-down bed (the “fifth sleeper”) that folds down from the wall. It worked perfectly for my 2- and 4-year-olds, but it’s small. Definitely meant for little kids only.
If you’ve got a child who loves princesses, this resort also offers Royal Guest Rooms over in Magnolia Bend. They’re newly refurbished and full of Tiana and other royal touches. I didn’t stay in one, but they look amazing for families with princess fans.
What It’s Like for Families
Port Orleans Riverside really shines for families. It has a ton to do without ever needing to step foot in a park.
It’s also one of the few Disney resorts where a lot of rooms can sleep up to five people, which is a big deal if you’ve got three kids and don’t want to book a suite.
Even with how spread out everything is, it never felt overly loud or chaotic. It was just peaceful and family-friendly.
Pool & Activities
The main pool, Ol’ Man Island, is themed after Tom Sawyer’s stories. It’s huge, has a fun water slide, and even has a fishing hole and campfire area nearby.
My kids’ favorite part was the fenced-in kiddie pool, which is always a relief when you’re the only adult watching multiple littles. They could splash safely while I sat close enough to keep eyes on both.
Here’s a short video showing what the main pool and kiddie pool areas look like in real life.
There’s also a playground on the island that’s great, but not fenced in—which means you’ll be doing a lot of “toddler herding” if you’re solo. It was also often quite busy which can make it harder to keep track of the kids.
Here’s a quick look at the playground so you can see what the setup’s like. It’s fun, but definitely a spot where you’ll want to stay close.
Beyond the main pool, there are five smaller quiet pools scattered around (three in Alligator Bayou, two in Magnolia Bend). You’re never far from a spot to cool off.
And if you’re hanging out at the resort for the day, there’s so much to do. You can rent surrey bikes, go fishing, or even take a horse-drawn carriage ride—something you won’t find at most Disney resorts.
We loved walking the path along the Sassagoula River to French Quarter for beignets in the evening. It’s such an easy walk and a really peaceful break from the chaos of the parks.
Transportation
Transportation is my one major complaint about Port Orleans Riverside, especially when traveling solo with kids.
Aside from the boat to Disney Springs, the buses are the only transportation option to get to the four parks. And since the resort is so big, there are four bus stops throughout the property.
On our last stay, the buses started at the West Depot and looped around, ending at the stop near the lobby. That meant if we waited at the lobby stop (which was closest to our room), we’d be the last ones picked up—and often the bus was already full. Trying to get on with a big double stroller and two small kids when there are no seats left is… not fun.
Buses are honestly the hardest form of Disney transportation for me when I’m alone with the kids and a stroller. If you’ve ever tried to fold a double stroller, carry bags, and keep track of little ones at the same time, you know what I mean. I shared all my best tips for handling that in Disney Transportation With a Stroller: A Solo Parent’s Guide.
We ended up walking to the West Depot instead so we could get on first, but then had to sit through the entire resort loop before heading to the park. Either way, it’s a bit of a process.
Coming back from the parks, there’s usually a long line, too. It’s manageable, but just something to mentally prepare for if you’re traveling solo with littles and a stroller.
Dining
Riverside has two main dining options plus a couple of smaller ones, and we really liked them all.
- Riverside Mill Food Court: Classic Disney quick-service with options for everyone—pizza, pasta, burgers, fries—plus a few Southern-inspired dishes like jambalaya and po’ boys.
- Boatwright’s Dining Hall: A full-service restaurant with Louisiana-inspired food and great service. We ate here as a big group of nine (four kids under eight!), and they were incredibly kind and patient.
- Muddy Rivers Pool Bar (on Ol’ Man Island) and River Roost Lounge (off the lobby) are great for drinks or a quick snack.
And since French Quarter is just a short walk away, you can easily head there for beignets or coffee. That ended up being one of our favorite evening routines.
Pros and Cons of Port Orleans Riverside with Kids
Pros
- Gorgeous, peaceful atmosphere with tons of space to explore
- Fenced-in kiddie pool that’s great for toddlers
- Tons of family-friendly activities right on property
- Can sleep 5 per room—great for larger families
- Easy walk or boat ride to French Quarter and Disney Springs
- Excellent food options at all levels
Cons
- No elevators in Alligator Bayou buildings
- Huge resort = lots of walking
- Bus transportation only, which can be stressful when solo with kids
- Preferred rooms aren’t always conveniently located
- Alligator Bayou rooms feel a little dated
Is Port Orleans Riverside Worth It With Kids?
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside will always be special to me. It’s beautiful, relaxing, and full of nostalgia, but it’s also realistic to say that it’s not the easiest Disney resort with young kids.
If your kids are still stroller-aged, just be ready for a lot of walking, a large resort layout, and some extra transportation time. Those things matter for any family, and they can feel even bigger if you’re managing everything on your own.
That said, if your family loves exploring, spending downtime at the resort, or just soaking in that slower-paced Disney magic, it’s hard not to love this place.
Want to Stay Here?
If you’re looking to book Port Orleans Riverside with your kids, I highly recommend checking rates through Undercover Tourist. They offer exclusive discounts on Walt Disney World Resort hotels, often saving families up to 35% compared to booking direct. Plus, with their flexible $200 refundable deposit option, it’s easier than ever to lock in your dates and budget ahead.
Ready to check current prices, compare your travel dates, and find the best deal on Port Orleans Riverside? Click below to book through Undercover Tourist and start planning your family’s Disney adventure:
Have questions about these tips or want advice from other solo parents? Join my free Facebook group for parents traveling alone with babies, toddlers, and young kids. You’ll find support, real-life answers, and tips from parents who’ve been there, wherever you’re headed in the world.