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Resort Overview||As part of my recent TravelWhizz/Travelbizz famil, while visiting my daughter who is currently working as part of a cultural exchange. I spent two nights at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort — one half of the Port Orleans duo that also includes the neighbouring French Quarter.|Set along the Sassagoula River, Riverside offers a relaxed, Southern-inspired setting filled with leafy walkways, grand magnolia trees, and classic plantation-style buildings.||Although this is one of Disney’s largest resorts, its clever homestead-style layout, where guest rooms are grouped within charming mansion buildings, ensures a genuine sense of space and calm. Unlike some of Disney’s busier properties, Riverside feels expansive yet tranquil — a welcome retreat at the end of a theme park day.||Guests can stroll the riverside path connecting Riverside and French Quarter, a highlight of our stay. It’s an easy and scenic walk — perfect for stretching your legs after a day in the parks — and the reward at the end? Disney’s famous Mickey-shaped beignets from the French Quarter food court.||The resort is also connected by boat service to Disney Springs, adding a touch of convenience and charm for those looking to shop or dine off-site.||⸻||Rooms & Comfort||Our stay in a Magnolia Bend Royal Room, featuring Princess Tiana theming, was a genuine highlight for our family. The room was beautifully detailed, with regal touches and subtle lighting that delighted our daughter the moment we arrived.||The space was comfortable for two adults and two younger children, though families travelling with older teens may wish to consider adjoining rooms for extra space and privacy. The theming makes it one of the most memorable moderate-level rooms on Disney property, and housekeeping standards were excellent throughout our stay.||⸻||Dining & Recreation||The Riverside Mill Food Court offers a broad range of quick-service options, while Boatwright’s Dining Hall provides a more relaxed table-service setting.||One of our favourite experiences was the evening campfire, where guests gather to toast marshmallows and s’mores under the stars — a family moment that truly captures the Disney spirit.||Between the Ol’ Man Island pool complex and several smaller quiet pools, there’s plenty of space to unwind. The resort encourages a slower pace — many guests were content to spend the day relaxing by the pool, exploring the grounds, or enjoying the short riverside walk to French Quarter for a beignet fix.||⸻||Atmosphere & Guest Profile||During our stay, we met several repeat visitors, many of them local U.S. families who return each year — some even celebrating every family birthday at the resort. This loyal following creates a warm, community-like atmosphere.||It’s clear that many guests come here not to rush between parks, but to relax and enjoy the resort itself, which gives Port Orleans Riverside a wonderfully calm and nostalgic feel rarely found so close to Disney’s major attractions.||⸻||Transport & Access||Transport operates via the Disney bus network, with several internal stops conveniently littered throughout the resort. This thoughtful layout helps negate the need for long walks when heading to or from the parks — a welcome touch in such a large property.||While the system runs efficiently overall, the internal loop and peak-hour crowding can make journeys slow. If you happen to be departing the parks at closing time along with the majority of guests, it’s not unheard of to wait an hour or more — and sometimes require multiple buses — for the return journey to Riverside.||That said, guests should be ready for some walking, particularly those in the outer buildings. This didn’t bother our family — after marching more than 20,000 steps a day in the parks, we were well-conditioned for a few extra at the resort.||⸻||Areas for Improvement| • The internal bus network can be slow and congested during peak return times.| • Walking distances between buildings, dining, and reception can be long.| • The Riverside Mill dining hall, while convenient, lacked variety and served food similar to what’s found within the parks. For a resort positioned at a higher price point, a greater range and quality of dining options would elevate the experience.| • Room layout best suits younger families; adjoining rooms are recommended for those travelling with older teens.||Agent Summary||Overall, Port Orleans Riverside delivers a relaxed and character-filled alternative within Disney’s moderate resort range. It’s ideal for families who value theming, tranquility, and space, with access to both Disney Springs and the neighbouring French Quarter adding real value.||For travel agents, this resort suits clients who:| • Want the Disney experience without the intensity of the deluxe resorts,| • Appreciate Southern charm and riverside relaxation, and| • Enjoy immersive theming that captivates both kids and adults alike.||⸻||Rating: 4½ Planes out of 5||A beautifully themed moderate resort with a loyal following — ideal for families seeking slower-paced Disney magic.||⸻||Disclaimer|Dane Taylor is a corporate travel agent with over 20 years of experience in both leisure and corporate travel.|This review is based solely on personal experience as part of a professional famil. No payment or sponsorship was received.