Port Orleans Riverside is the Disney resort formerly known as Dixie Landings. A few years back, Dixie Landings and Port Orleans merged to become sister resorts, known thereafter as Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter. Port Orleans Riverside is one of our favorite Disney resorts to return to. The resort is considered to be in the moderate category of Disney resorts, along with Caribbean Beach Resort and Coronado Springs Resort. This moderate category promises many more amenities than Disney value resorts (All Stars Movie, Music, and Sports and Pop Century) but does not come with the higher price tag of the Disney Deluxe resorts (Polynesian,Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Boardwalk Inn, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Wilderness Lodge).
Port Orleans Riverside Basics
Port Orleans Riverside rates are divided by season and range from $139-$189 per night plus 12.5% tax. The resort is divided by the mighty Sassagoula River, which separates the resort into two distinct sections.
The Mansion section hosts stately white mansions with guest rooms that can accommodate 4 people. This area of Port Orleans Riverside is marked by continuous blooms of flowers and southern trees. The room decor is a more refined flowery and delicate style in the Mansions. The general atmosphere might be ideal for those looking for a romantic setting, though families might enjoy the refined, southern style just as well.
The Alligator Bayou section is on the other side of Sassagoula River, surrounded by palm trees, little wooden bridges over small ponds, and a general tropical bayou feel and look. There are tons of small lizards, birds, and rabbits around to add to the theme. The Alligator Bayou buildings are 2-story, divided into building sections. Rooms are decorated with log post beds and darker green and burgandy colors. All the rooms at Port Orleans Riverside have free safes and refrigerators in the room. Trails with direction markers are posted along the many interior paths, encouraging guests to take leisurely walks within the Bayou section.
Port Orleans Riverside is uniquely designed to provide guests with a genuine resort feeling and atmosphere. The greenery around the resort and the peaceful environment make Port Orleans Riverside a great place to take an early morning walk around Sassagoula River. The main building of the resort hosts a large atrium area for guest check-in and concierge services. There is a large gift store, arcade, Boatwrights restaurant, a piano lounge and bar, and a decent sized food court within the main building. The back of the main building provides a waterfront boardwalk setting with benches and tables to sit down at and a boat dock area where you can rent watercraft or hitch a boat ride to Downtown Disney. A working water wheel adds to the old time feel of a resort somewhere in the old south.
Our Favorites at Port Orleans Riverside
1. The Alligator Bayou!
The rooms in the Alligator Bayou section will accommodate 5. This is the only Disney moderate resort that has a room capacity above 4 people, so it is a real draw for larger families. The fifth bed is actually a trundle bed, however, most suited for a child or person under 5 feet tall.
2. ‘Ol Man Island
‘Ol Man Island is the main swimming area at Port Orleans Riverside, named for a bayou legend. The pool is pleasantly shaded by some trees in areas and a small water slide is located at the main pool. Life jackets may be rented for free at the boathouse by the main dock for your length of stay. There are various sizes available for children of all sizes. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the day, with some occasionally organizing pool games. Lounge chairs and tables are spaced amply poolside and in small shadier areas. The island is central to most of the resort buildings by small bridges and walking paths. Behind the pool area is a bar that serves some potent tropical drinks. A children’s playground is also on the island, with a maze of wooden climbing areas.
3. The Added Perks
In addition to the main swimming hole, there are a total of 6 “quiet pools” on site, located among the resort building groups. The quiet pool does not have lifeguards or towels, but the pools are convenient to most rooms and often less crowded. They are great for late-night swims. Cane pole fishing can also be a fun time for kids and a pole with bait can be rented for about $4 for 1/2 hour.
The boat to Downtown Disney is a nice way to enjoy the Sassagoula River and get a nice water view of the old Disney Treehouse Villas and Saratoga Springs Resort. The boat service is free and runs daily, ending fairly late at night (depending on season). Bob the Piano Man hosts shows in the lounge on certain nights and this hand-clapping, foot-stomping free entertainment is a big hit among repeat Port Orleans guests.
Guests at Port Orleans Riverside may walk to the sister resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, and use the amenities there. The smaller dragon themed water slide and pool is an attraction that might be of interest to smaller children. Others might be interested in the 1/2 mile walk to try some of the beignets sold at POFQ (code for the French Quarter).
Final Tips and Thoughts
I’ve stayed at several of the Disney resorts over the years and we keep coming back to Port Orleans! It is an affordable family favorite, especially for those that cannot get by without having to book 2 rooms to accommodate more than a 4 person family. I have never paid the rack rate for our stays. There are AAA discounts, Annual Passholder discounts, Florida resident discounts, Dining Plan discount packages (2 years in a row for late summer/early fall), and occasional room-only discounts. The resort itself is worth a day or two away from the parks just to relax.
The resort layout is pretty large and the furthest buildings may be a 10 minute walk to the main building. We have had luck requesting an area close to the food court in the past. Bus service is available to all the parks and to Downtown Disney. Though we have never had problems with the wait (5-20 minutes on average), others have reported that it can be longer during busier times of the year. The bus service is shared with Port Orleans French Quarter.
The refillable mugs are a great deal if you plan to stay more than a few days. They cost 11.99 plus tax and are available for sodas, hot chocolate, teas, and coffee. The food court offers food court fare – mainly burgers, pizza, chicken fingers, and some other choices. You may also purchase snacks, refrigerated items, and drinks in the Riverside Mill food court area.
Port Orleans Riverside should appeal to Disney guests of all ages. The resort is kid-friendly without feeling like a massive summer camp or teen field trip atmosphere. The large resort is spread out enough for families to relax without worrying about crowds and noise. Port Orleans Riverside is a good choice for those hoping to find some peaceful southern comfort on the bayou at a moderate price.
