Trust me: As an expert who’s stayed in many Disney World Resort hotels, I’m going to skip Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for all future visits.

We all have our favorite Disney World Resorts – but sometimes, it’s nice to change things up. That’s why on my most recent trip to Disney World, I returned to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, a resort I haven’t stayed at in a long time. It used to be one of my absolute favorites, and it holds a lot of nostalgia for me. Port Orleans – Riverside is where my husband and I stayed on our honeymoon, and it was the resort we chose for our son’s first Disney trip.

However, after my recent stay, I’m not sure if I’ll ever stay at Port Orleans – Riverside again. Here’s why.

Transportation at Port Orleans – Riverside is Limited (and Takes Forever)

Photo by Mike Billick

Disney World transportation makes it super convenient to get from your resort to the theme parks (and other destinations like Disney Springs). But there’s a catch: When you have to rely solely on bus transportation to visit all the parks, it can seriously slow you down.

The lack of transportation options at Port Orleans – Riverside is a major reason why I won’t be staying here again. After experiencing a resort like Disney’s Pop Century Resort or Disney’s Contemporary Resort, both of which provides alternative transportation options to at least one of the parks like the Skyliner or Monorail, I learned it takes significantly longer to get to and from the parks when a bus is the only option. 

This Disney World Resort does offer another form of transportation in the form of boats. However, unless you plan to spend a considerable amount of time at Disney Springs, it’s pretty useless. The boat transportation only takes you from the resort to Disney Springs. 

The boat ride to and from Port Orleans – Riverside can be enjoyable and relaxing, especially if you don’t have a specific time to visit Disney Springs and are taking a leisurely ride to explore. However, if you do have a dining reservation, it’s essential to allow plenty of time for the boat ride from your resort, as it’s not a fast trip. Additionally, keep in mind that the boat does not operate during storms, in which case you’ll need to take a bus to reach Disney Springs.

There Isn’t Much to Explore Beyond the Amenities Offered at Port Orleans – Riverside

Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is quite large, and since it’s a Moderate Resort, there are a number of amenities onsite. However, it’s more secluded compared to other Disney World Resorts, and there are limited activities in the surrounding area.

Unlike some other resorts where you can easily take the Skyliner, Monorail, or Friendship Boats to explore various dining options and nightlife, such as the Boardwalk and EPCOT-area resorts or the Magic Kingdom resorts, Port Orleans – Riverside offers fewer options, other than Disney Springs. Everything is a bit of a hike to get to.

After you’ve explored the resort and visited the nearby Port Orleans – French Quarter, which has a charming atmosphere, there isn’t much else to do or see. The resort does offer horse-drawn carriage rides and surrey bikes, but in my experience, if you’re planning a resort day, there aren’t many other amenities.

Plus, the resort’s large size means that depending on where your room is situated, walking to and from the lobby is a hike to grab some food or drinks. 

The Pool at Port Orleans – Riverside Isn’t Very Good

Photo by Laurie Sapp

Disney World Resorts are home to some of the most incredible pools – including ones that are well worth paying more to stay near, if you and your family love spending time at the resort. But in my experience, you won’t find one of the best pools at Port Orleans – Riverside.

Here, the pool is relatively small, especially considering the resort’s size. My family and I visited during an off-peak time, yet the main pool was always very crowded whenever we went. Even while in the pool, we were constantly bumping into other guests. The hot tub was also consistently full.

If that’s how jam-packed the pool was during a non-crowded time of the year, imagine how much busier it might be during peak seasons!

Although Port Orleans – Riverside is a large resort and provides access to additional pools within the resort blocks, the constant buzz at the main pool led to overflow at the other pools, which were just as busy. One day, my family and I had difficulty finding a place to sit even while visiting the quieter pool near our room.

Also, make sure to pack bug spray! The wooded area around the pool at Port Orleans – Riverside is home to many mosquitoes, especially during nighttime swims. We learned the hard way and fell victim to many bug bites. 

Port Orleans – Riverside Wasn’t Right for My Family, But It Can Be Ideal for Others 

Port Orleans – Riverside is an overall great Moderate Resort, and I think it offers good value and proximity to Disney Springs. While my family found it too secluded and distant from our favorite Disney World destination, it can still be a great option for others.

For example, if you plan to visit Disney Springs frequently during your trip, this is the resort for you. Or, if you’re the parent of a baby or toddler, odds are you’ll love the sprawling grounds here. When I first brought my son, I’d put him in his stroller and just walk around the resort in the mornings; it was so peaceful.

Port Orleans – Riverside is also a great resort if you’re looking for a slower pace and don’t mind walking a lot. I enjoyed the resort much more with a younger child, but not as much with a teen, so I’d recommend this resort for families with younger children. Port Orleans – Riverside will always hold a special place in my heart, but for now, I’m moving on to a resort that better suits my family’s needs.