Port Orleans Riverside may often appear lower on the list of 'must visit' Disney World Resorts, compared to its quaint and smaller sister hotel French Quarter - nevertheless, the more sprawling Riverside resort offers a lot for guests to enjoy.
Guests looking for a more comprehensive resort, not just a comfy bed between theme park days, at the 'moderate' price point, will find several fun and engaging activities and facilities at Riverside.
Port Orleans Riverside combines the excellently themed Southern charm with an all-around family resort. From splashing in themed pools to evening campfires, horse-drawn carriage rides, and even a boat ride to Disney Springs, there’s always something to do.
Here we take a closer look at some of the top things for guests to enjoy Port Orleans Riverside.
Make a Splash at Ol’ Man Island
At the heart of Riverside is Ol’ Man Island, a popular 3.5-acre pool complex themed to look like a rustic sawmill.
The top feature is a 95-foot waterslide that twists through a mill-style structure, adding some water-based thrill for kids and grown-ups alike.
Guests will find waterfalls, rope bridges, and plenty of shady spots around the pool. It really delivers on the Louisiana theming that's splashed across Port Orleans Riverside.
For families with little ones, there's also a shallow kiddie pool, as well as junior poolside play area for kids aged 5–12.
Meanwhile, adults will appreciate the bubbling whirlpool spa. Also, don’t miss the Muddy Rivers pool bar.
It’s tucked away on the island and serves up refreshing cocktails, cold drinks, and snacks.
Whether you’re sliding down the sawmill chute or lounging with a frozen margarita, Ol’ Man Island is one of the most memorable pool areas at Walt Disney World.
For a quieter dip, five leisure pools are scattered around the resort's accommodation areas, in the Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend sections of the hotel grounds.
Activities
During the afternoons, the resort's recreation team hosts lively poolside games, keeping kids entertained but keeping the vibe fairly calm still.
As the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts to a slower pace with evening traditions that the whole family can enjoy together. Campfire on the Bayou is a favorite activity, with marshmallows roasting over a crackling firepit on Ol’ Man Island.
Guests of all ages love building gooey s’mores, and, on select nights, the resort hosts Movies Under the Stars, over near the Oak Manor courtyard. Watching classic Disney films projected on a giant inflatable screen under the open sky makes for a uniquely Disney World night of entertainment.
It’s a casual, memorable way to wind down after a busy park day.
Speaking of unique. Riverside is also home to a one-of-a-kind Disney World entertainment offering - the Yehaa Bob Jackson show, at River Roost Lounge.
Yehaa Bob’s piano performances are high-energy, interactive, and wildly popular, with audiences clapping and singing along to Disney songs and boogie-woogie classics.
The show is free to attend, though picking up refreshments in the lounge is a great way to elevate your evening.
Bikes and bites
As well as Port Orleans Riverside's complimentary activities, Riverside also offers a selection of fun and fairly active recreation that guests can book for an additional cost.
In Riverside's marina, guests can, for example, hire both standard bicycles and whimsical 4-way surrey bikes. Families can pedal together under a canopy along the riverside pathways, but staying in sync may take some effort and communication!
As the resort's name might naturally suggest, fishing is another popular activity at Port Orleans Riverside.
The resort’s Fishin’ Hole on Ol’ Man Island offers casual cane-pole fishing, complete with provided bait and simple gear.
For something a bit more involved, meanwhile, Disney also runs guided bass fishing excursions from Riverside. Up to five guests can head out on a pontoon boat with a guide in search of largemouth bass.
It’s a peaceful and very different way to spend a morning a Disney World, drifting through the Sassagoula River away seemingly a world away from the theme park crowds.
Another quite different Disney World activity, and potentially a romantic one, comes in the form of a horse-drawn carriage ride. Starting at Riverside, guests can hitch a ride along the lantern-lit paths that wind through Riverside and sister resort, French Quarter.
The gas lamps glowing in the night air through the Magnolia Bend courtyards, and the quiet atmosphere can create an almost storybook ending to a day at Disney World.
Arcades
Families looking for fun indoors will find the Medicine Show Arcade in Port Orleans Riverside's main lobby, which delivers old-school fun with racing games, pinball machines, and air hockey tables.
Nearby, a Disney caricature artist often sets up shop in the evenings, drawing playful cartoon portraits that make for a lighthearted souvenir.
Fitness and relaxation
Like almost all 'moderate' resorts at Disney World, Port Orleans Riverside doesn't have its own gym or spa on-site, but active guests can still find opportunities for exercise.
A scenic jogging trail runs along the Sassagoula River and loops through both Riverside and French Quarter, across the pair of resorts, the routes allow a decent distance, whilst giving both runners and walkers a shaded, peaceful place to stretch their legs.
Early mornings are especially popular, so whether you're getting after it (or people watching with your morning coffee), the resort has a special atmosphere for early birds.
Port Orleans French Quarter is next door
Guests staying at Riverside are also welcome to explore and enjoy certain amenities at Port Orleans French Quarter, with the neighboring sister resort being just a short walk or bike ride away.
It is common for guests to mix things up by swimming at French Quarter’s Doubloon Lagoon pool and enjoying the Mardi Gras–themed splash play and giant sea serpent waterslide.
The French Quarter atmosphere is more compact compared to Riverside’s sprawling grounds, so spending time there gives you the best of both worlds.
With shared recreation activities and easy access between the two resorts, staying at Riverside essentially gives you a two-for-one experience.
A Boat Ride to Disney Springs
One of the standout highlights of both the Port Orleans resorts is the complimentary boat ride down the Sassagoula River to Disney Springs.
The journey itself is worth it. It is a peaceful fifteen-minute ride past cypress trees, waterfront views, and occasionally even a glimpse of wildlife.
In the day, it is a great way to get another perspective of Disney World's (sometimes hidden) natural charms, whilst at night it's a lovely and (mostly) calming way to wind down your day.
As guests step off the boat into the heart of Disney Springs, Walt Disney World’s massive shopping and entertainment district opens up in front of them.
Disney Springs offers lots to do, and it’s easy to fill an entire evening without setting foot into a restaurant.
How about ... taking a tethered hot air balloon ride, soaring above the water for sweeping views of Walt Disney World.
Or, sticking to the water, The BOATHOUSE restaurant also offers vintage Amphicar tours, giving guests the chance to enjoy quirky retro vehicles that drive straight into the water for a guided cruise around the lake.
Guests can take in the cinema, or a spectacular show over at Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes offers a retro-themed bowling night, with live music, food, and a family-friendly vibe.
Nights at Disney Springs hum with live music at venues like Raglan Road Irish Pub, House of Blues, and even free outdoor performances scattered around the district.
For kids, there are 'can't miss' retail experiences at the LEGO Store, with its massive sculptures, or the Marvel store, not to mention the immensely colorful Goofy's Candy Company store, or the Once Upon a Toy store, where you'll pick up unique and harder-to-find toys, gifts and Disney IP merchandise.
Failing that, guests can enjoy a Coke on the rooftop terrace on top of the Coca-Cola store (you can also meet the brand's iconic Polar Bear if you're lucky).
The convenient boat service makes Disney Springs feel extremely connected to the Port Orleans resorts, and it is a clear perk for guests staying at these sibling hotels.
Thoughts on Riverside ...
As one of Disney World’s popular 'moderate' resorts, Port Orleans Riverside offers guests a lot more than just a comfy place to sleep between park days - it’s a destination in its own right.
The themed pools, daily activities, evening entertainment, and scenic riverfront setting mean there’s plenty to keep rest days fun.
Add in the bonus of shared amenities at French Quarter and the easy boat ride to Disney Springs, and you’ve got a resort that offers fun, relaxation, and Disney magic in equal measure.
If you’re looking for a resort that blends Southern charm with plenty of activities for all ages, Port Orleans Riverside is one of Walt Disney World’s more popular choices.
In case you missed it ...
What pools and water features does Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside offer?
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside features the 3.5-acre Ol’ Man Island with a 95-foot waterslide, a whirlpool spa, a kiddie pool, the Muddy Rivers pool bar, and five additional leisure pools across Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend.
Does Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside have a boat to Disney Springs?
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside offers a complimentary Sassagoula River boat service to Disney Springs, with a scenic journey of around fifteen minutes.
What free activities and entertainment are available at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside?
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside hosts poolside games, Campfire on the Bayou with s’mores, Movies Under the Stars near Oak Manor, and the free-to-attend Yehaa Bob Jackson show at River Roost Lounge.
What paid recreation can guests book at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside?
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside offers bike and surrey bike rentals, casual cane-pole fishing at the Fishin’ Hole, guided bass fishing excursions for up to five guests, and romantic horse-drawn carriage rides.
Can Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside guests use amenities at Port Orleans French Quarter?
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside guests can enjoy select shared amenities at nearby Port Orleans French Quarter, including the Doubloon Lagoon pool with its Mardi Gras–themed splash play and giant sea serpent waterslide.
