As I stepped off the bus from Orlando International Airport, I immediately noticed how quiet the 2,048-room Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside was compared to many Walt Disney World Resort hotels I’ve stayed at — and it wasn’t even peak theme park hours, when I expect to see fewer guests.
Furthermore, with around 1,000 guest rooms, Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is Walt Disney World's smallest resort, offering guests a more intimate experience within Disney's sprawling 43-square-mile destination.
Located near Epcot and connected to Disney Springs by just a leisurely boat ride along the scenic Sassagoula River, the sister resorts offer different themes. Port Orleans Resort – Riverside captures the elegant charm of a Southern riverfront mansion, while Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter recreates the lively Crescent City with the same attention to detail as Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, complete with gas lamps and wrought-iron balconies.
Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter features iconic New Orleans details such as gas lamps and wrought-iron balconies.
Photo Credit: 2026 Walt Disney World ResortFrom May 2025 through August 2027, guestrooms at both resorts are being renovated with details and decor inspired by the animated movie "The Princess and the Frog," set in New Orleans and the surrounding bayous.
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“This resort is all about transporting guests to the heart of New Orleans, and the recent enhancements bring that story to life in exciting new ways,” said Diane Petit, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort’s general manager, in a Disney Parks Blog post. “Everything ties back to the charm and culture that our guests love.”
Reimagined Guestrooms
In recent years, Walt Disney Imagineering has introduced character-inspired rooms to several Walt Disney World hotels, including mid-century-modern-style “The Incredibles” rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Moana-themed accommodations in the new Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.
While New Orleans theming at both Port Orleans Resorts has always been central, the new Princess Tiana-inspired details add an extra layer of signature Disney magic guests are looking for.
New "Tiana touches" add signature Disney magic to guestrooms.
Photo Credit: 2026 Samantha Davis-FriedmanGuestrooms at French Quarter celebrate Mardi Gras with the city’s signature purple, yellow and green beads, along with artwork featuring characters from the movie dressed in their Mardi Gras best.
In the white-column mansions of Riverside’s Magnolia Bend, headboards depict the Louisiana bayou where Tiana and Prince Naveen meet in their frog form, while the wedding portrait on the wall emphasizes their happily ever after. At the touch of a button, the headboards illuminate with magical fireworks effects. My favorite detail, however, was a nod to the entrepreneurial spirit of Princess Tiana and her restaurant above the coffee maker.
New artwork features characters from the movie.
Photo Credit: 2026 Samantha Davis-FriedmanUnique Experiences
Port Orleans – Riverside is one of only two locations at Walt Disney World Resort where clients can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, alongside Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Reservations for the relaxing, 25-minute ride along the Sassagoula River can be made up to 60 days before arrival, and carriages fit up to four adults or two adults and three small children.
The 3.5-acre Ol’ Man Island not only includes a “swimmin' hole" and 95-foot-long rustic waterslide, but The Fishin’ Hole is the only place at Walt Disney World where clients can try their hand at old-fashioned cane pole fishing. The Fishin' Hole is open daily from 7 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., with the last pole issued at 1:15 p.m.
Clients can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides at Port Orleans – Riverside.
Photo Credit: 2026 Walt Disney World ResortAt French Quarter, Scat Cat's Club Lounge features live jazz music starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The venue serves New Orleans-inspirited specialty cocktails — including the classic Hurricane — and, of course, Baton Rouge Beignets with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur (non-alcoholic Mickey-shaped Beignets are available at Scat Cat's Club Cafe).
Clients won’t want to miss local legend Yehaa Bob Jackson’s popular piano show at River Roost Lounge at Port Orleans – Riverside. Held from 8 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, the performance blends Disney favorites, standards and plenty of kid-friendly tunes.
Benefits and Amenities
Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is one of only four Disney Resort hotels with designated dog-friendly accommodations (along with Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort). At this time, only dogs are allowed at Walt Disney World Resort, with a maximum of two per guestroom. Other than service animals, dogs are not permitted in theme parks, water parks or common areas such as restaurants, pools and recreational spaces.
The Sassagoula Steamboat travels between the Port Orleans Resorts and Disney Springs.
Photo Credit: 2026 Walt Disney World ResortIn addition to water taxi transportation between the Port Orleans Resorts and Disney Springs, clients can take advantage of Walt Disney World's complimentary bus service to all four theme parks, early park entry and seasonal admission to a Disney waterpark on check-in day.
Guests who drive can take advantage of complimentary overnight self-parking at the resorts and complimentary standard self-parking at the parks. Preferred parking is available for an additional daily fee, which varies by date.
