What is the Riverside Resort?

Port Orleans Riverside (originally known as Dixie Landings) is a resort themed to the Mississippi-bayou area of the Old South. Appropriate to the magic of Disney, numerous thematic elements recreate the feel of actually being in the bayou. The mighty Sassagoula River winds through the Resort, heading downstream to Port Orleans French Quarter and eventually the Downtown Disney area.

The Resort commercial center, which houses the registration area, food court, restaurant, and other services, carries a riverboat dock theme, as if you are booking passage with the Sassagoula Steamboat Company. The restaurant -- Boatwright's Dining Hall -- is designed as a boat building operation, the food court features an operating cotton press, and you check in under signs listing the Steamboat destinations.

There are two styles of rooms: Magnolia Bend rooms are located in plantation-style mansion homes, whereas Alligator Bayou rooms are in rustic lodges. And true to Disney, each area is themed to the hilt. The award-winning southern landscaping throughout the Resort is meticulously maintained, adding to the overall atmosphere.

Where is it located and I how do I get there?

Riverside is located in the Downtown Disney Resort Area, just off Bonnet Creek Parkway. It is just upstream from the French Quarter (formerly Port Orleans) on the Sassagoula River.

From I-4 (either direction), use exit #67 and follow the signs for the Downtown Disney Resorts. Once you reach Bonnet Creek Parkway, you'll first see Old Key West, then the French Quarter (was Port Orleans). Riverside (was Dixie Landings) will be next on your right. Turn in and follow the signs to check-in.

You will encounter a security kiosk at the resort entrance, where you will need to stop and tell the officer you are checking in. (Don't worry, they are quite friendly and willing to help.) To make things easier, have your reservation confirmation ready to show to the guard/officer (or "Security Host" in Disney-speak). Once you have checked in, you can use your resort ID card in the card-reader entrance adjacent to the kiosk, eliminating the need to speak to someone each time you enter the resort property.

How many rooms does it have, what kinds of rooms, and what are the rates?

The rate you are charged will vary depending on the time of year you visit and the view your room has. If you are an Annual Passholder or Florida Resident or a member of AAA, be sure to inquire about possible discounts when making your reservations.

2009 Room Rates

	Standard View Max Occupancy - 4 Addtl Adult Fee - $15	Water View Max Occupancy - 4 Addtl Adult Fee - $15	King Room Max Occupancy - 2
Value Jan 1-15	$149	$174	$174
Martin Luther King Jr. Jan 16-18	$159	$184	$184
Value Jan 19- Feb 12	$149	$174	$174
President's Day Feb 13-15	$205	$230	$230
Peak Feb 16 - April 3 Weekday Weekend
	$195	$220	$220
	$205	$230	$230
Easter April 4 - 18	$205	$230	$230
Regular April 19 - May 21 Weekday Weekend
	$170	$195	$195
	$180	$205	$205
Summer May 22 - July 2 Weekday Weekend
	$185	$210	$210
	$195	$220	$220
Independence Day July 3 -5	$195	$220	$220
Summer July 6 - Aug 8 Weekday Weekend
	$185	$210	$210
	$195	$220	$220
Value Aug 9 - Oct 1	$149	$174	$174
Regular Oct 2 - Nov 24	$170	$195	$195
Thanksgiving Nov 25 - 28	$180	$205	$205
Value Nov 29 - Dec 17	$149	$174	$174
Holiday Dec 18 - 24	$209	$239	$239
Holiday Dec 25 - 31	$219	$249	$249

 

The most expensive rate is for a water view room. This can be either a Sassagoula River view or a pool view. If you have a preference, be sure to indicate at the time you make your reservation, and again when you check in, that you prefer a "river view" or "pool view". Given the lush landscaping, most rooms have quite pleasant vistas. The lowest priced rooms may face a parking lot, or garden areas.

Also keep in mind that the rooms do not have private balconies or patios, or interior entrances. The windows overlook a public, outdoor walkway. So if you aren't planning to open your windows much or will be spending the majority of your time in the parks, it may not be a good value to pay for a water view room. Connecting doors between adjacent rooms allow friends and large families to easily visit each other. Be sure to ask for this option when making your reservation.

As of June 1, 2007, all Disney resorts and guest rooms are now smoke free. There are designated outdoor smoking areas. Check the resort map or with a Cast Member for locations.

What are the differences between Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou?

Magnolia Bend is themed as four 2- and 3-story mansion homes, reflecting the large plantation residences in Mississippi many decades ago. Here you'll find well kept lawns, wrought iron railings and trellises, crawling roses and an elegant motif. At any time you'd expect to see the Colonel and his wife greet you on the main lawn waiting to invite you in.

Another important feature to note about the mansions is the fact that you must cross the Sassagoula River bridges to get to the food court, gift shop and other main building features.

Alligator Bayou lodges are a more rustic, backwoods cottage setting, featuring 16 smaller two-story Cajun-style buildings with charmingly rustic wooden furniture and settings. In addition, the rooms in Alligator Bayou contain a trundle bed that will sleep a child bringing the room occupancy total to 5. The Trundle Bed is intended to accommodate children under 9; or persons under 5 feet tall. They are narrower than a conventional bed.

An important difference to note between the two sections are the lack of elevators in Alligator Bayou. If you are unwilling or unable to negotiate stairs but still prefer Alligator Bayou, be sure to inform the front desk at check-in, and they will do their best to accommodate you.

Though it rarely happens, it is suggested that if you find any aspect of your room to be inadequate, you contact the front desk and request nicely to be moved to a room that is what you wanted/expected. Disney is in the business of satisfying their guests, and they will almost always do everything in their power to make you happy.

Which are the most convenient buildings to the Resort center, pools, and bus stops?

In Magnolia Bend, Oak Manor is nearest to the Resort center, and is adjacent to one of the "quiet" pools. Magnolia Terrace is mentioned by many to be an ideal location, while others find Oak Manor to be a better choice.

In Alligator Bayou, buildings 14, 15 and 18 are closest to the resort center and are a short distance from a "quiet" pool. No room is more than a 4 minute walk from a bus stop [see below]. The main themed swimming area, Ol' Man Island, is located in the middle of the Resort. The closest buildings are Magnolia Terrace in Magnolia Bend and lodges 27 and 38 in Alligator Bayou. Unless you plan on spending a lot of time on Ol' Man Island, you are probably better off requesting a room closer to the Resort center/food court.

How do I keep from getting disoriented along the winding paths of Alligator Bayou?

In Alligator Bayou, look for gray concrete walkways. These run directly from the parking lot to the Sassagoula. The other colored paths will eventually get you where you are going, if you don't mind taking the scenic route! Also, there are signs at every junction, clearly pointing the way to wherever you need to go.

What is the best time to check in?

The busiest check-in time is generally noon to late afternoon. Earlier a.m. or late p.m. check-ins may be easier, but there is only limited likelihood of your room being ready earlier in the day, especially during peak seasons or when the Resort is near 100% occupancy (which we are told happens often). However, you can pre-register as early as 7 a.m.; your luggage will be stored, and you can obtain your resort ID cards. You can then return later in the day to obtain your room key. If your room is ready early they will let you in, though you shouldn't count on it being so. If desired, Bell Services, adjacent to the main entrance, will happily assist you with your luggage at check-in. The registration area of Port Orleans is certainly one of the most beautiful lobbies of the resorts at WDW and at Christmas is not to be missed.

Is there someplace to shop?

Fulton's General Store is located in the Resort commercial center, adjacent to the River Roost Lounge (was called Cotton Co-op Lounge). Fulton's (named after the famed steamboat inventor) carries a large assortment of postcards, souvenirs, over the counter pharmacy needs and convenience items. There's a bulk candy counter, a snack area with a limited selection of liquor, munchies, cold beverages, and toiletries. The clothing section has been enlarged over the last few years and it's surprising how many choices you have here. You can also find a newsstand, Disney character and Resort themed merchandise, and "country"-style clothing and knickknacks. We've found that many of the most popular Disney souvenirs including figurines, photo frames, pens/pencils and watches can be found here. Though you cannot benefit from discounts found at Downtown Disney using Annual passes and American Express cards, the pricing is identical to that found in the parks.

Posted hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 pm, but these do change from time to time, so you'll want to confirm the current schedule when you check-in. A sign outside the entrance advises contacting the front desk for emergency needs after store hours.

Can I get cash at the resort?

An ATM is located in the registration lobby directly to the right as you walk into the registration lobby, next to the cruise line desk. Be aware the bank may charge you a fee ($2 last time we checked). This fee will be added onto the withdrawal amount, and is in addition to any fee your bank may assess.

Where can I mail Postcards and Letters?

A mailbox is located to the right as you enter the registration lobby.

What about park and/or dinner show tickets, or information on non-Disney attractions?

For theme park, water park, and Pleasure Island tickets, you can visit the Lobby Concierge.

For tickets to the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review, visit Lobby Concierge. Keep in mind that advance reservations are required for all Walt Disney World dinner shows.

Lobby Concierge also will be happy to provide specific information on area attractions outside of Disney World. It is open from 7:00 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Is there a place to do my laundry?

A self-service laundry facility is located adjacent to each quiet pool, featuring coin-operated washers, dryers, and supply vending machines. Washing or drying costs $2 per load, and detergent for one load runs $1.00. After midnight, the laundry facility doors require a valid resort ID/room key card for entry.

Valet laundry service is available Monday through Saturday. Simply fill the laundry bag located in your room and complete the ticket. For same day service, drop the clothes off at Bell Services prior to 8:30 a.m., and your clothes will be returned to you after 6 p.m.

What can you tell me about transportation?

At check-in, you will be given a Walt Disney World Transportation Guide/Map, which contains a map of Walt Disney World as well as a route information chart which details how to get anywhere from anywhere. Take a moment to study it if you're a first-time visitor or trying to get somewhere not on a direct route, or stop by Guest Services or the Front Desk and ask for help.

...To the theme parks?

Direct bus service is available to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The buses drop you a short walk from each park entrance. Service is available to Animal Kingdom with a stop at Blizzard Beach.

...To the water parks?

To get to Typhoon Lagoon, hop aboard the Downtown Disney bus, and you will make a stop at the Lagoon prior to the Marketplace/Pleasure Island/West Side stops. In the afternoon, the Typhoon Lagoon stop will occur after the trip to Downtown Disney. The bus to Blizzard Beach also stops at its "wild" neighbor, Disney's Animal Kingdom.

...To Downtown Disney (including the Marketplace, Pleasure Island, and the West Side) Simply take the bus marked Downtown Disney. There is also a boat to Downtown Disney (hours are 4 PM to 11 PM). The boat to the French Quarter runs from 9 AM to 9 PM).

...To other resorts/resort areas?

Direct bus service is available to Fort Wilderness after 4 p.m. on the "Internal" shuttle bus, particularly handy for those heading for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Review.

Otherwise, there is no direct inter-Resort bus service. You must travel to a transportation hub and make a transfer there. The four theme parks make excellent hubs during park hours, but after that, the Downtown Disney area is basically your only option. Allow PLENTY of time to make the transfer. Note that it is virtually impossible to make an early (before 8 or 8:30 a.m.) Character Breakfast reservation at another resort relying on WDW transportation traveling from Riverside, so keep that in mind when making your vacation plans.

Where are the bus stops, and will I have a long wait?

There are four bus stops at Riverside. The main South depot, with the "Mason-Dixon" platforms, is located at the Resort commercial center. The other three are along the Resort's perimeter road, Sassagoula Circle. There is a stop within a 3-4 minute walk of any room. In the morning, there can be large crowds waiting to board the buses at the South depot after breakfast.

The buses run very frequently -- averaging every 20 minutes -- and it's been our experience that the wait is rarely more than 15 minutes. During the busiest times of the day, the Riverside buses can be full or standing room only before they reach the last stop (the East Depot). Therefore, especially in the morning, you may want to board at the South Depot.

Where can we eat at Riverside?

Riverside has two primary dining spots: a sit-down restaurant, Boatwright's, and a food court, Riverside Mill.

Boatwright's, themed around the days of wooden boat building (including a large hull "under construction" which hangs from the ceiling), offers dinner (5:00-10:00 p.m.). (Breakfast was discontinued in February 2009.) Reservations are suggested, especially during busy seasons. A children's menu is available. The Dinner menu features Cajun specials fresh from the bayou. Dinner prices range from $12 - $20, but lighter "appetizer" options are available.

Built to resemble a working cotton press, the Riverside Mill food court houses a fascinating set of massive working gears which are powered by a large water wheel. Open 6:00 a.m. to midnight, a good variety of fast food, much of it healthy, is available from several vendors, as are refillable mugs. Typical meals run from $4 - $12 per person.

Is there someplace to get a drink?

The River Roost Lounge, adjacent to Boatwright's, is themed to a cotton exchange/trading room and seats about 100 patrons. A full bar is available, as well as light appetizers. Live entertainment is provided five evenings a week although check in advance for the current acts. The lounge is normally open until midnight. During football season, the bartenders at the lounge have been known to don referee's outfits, and many of the games are shown on the lounge's big-screen TV. Monday Night Football is celebrated every week with games, trivia, and drink specials.

The Muddy Rivers Pool Bar is located on Ol' Man Island, and offers drinks and light snacks from around noon until early evening.

What about room service?

Sassagoula Pizza Express will whisk fresh, hot pizza, cold soft drinks, and beer to your room from 4 p.m. to midnight seven days a week. Just touch "Pizza Delivery" on your room phone to order or for more information. A menu will be located in your room.

Are those great refillable mugs available?

Large refillable mugs are available at Riverside. See the Refillable Mug page for complete details and current prices. At Riverside, mugs come in the traditional travel style for automobile holders and the wide profile mug sold for many years at the resorts.

Can I go swimming or ride a water slide at the Resort?

The main themed swimming area, Ol' Man Island, is centrally located between the bayou section and the mansions. The Island is home to a large pool, a spa (holds around 8-people), a kiddie pool (up to 36" deep), a wading pool and a short but fun water slide. The pools and water slide are open all day (usually 9 a.m. to around 10 p.m.) and lifeguards are normally on duty during most pool hours. As of spring 2003, the island now has a geyser at the main pool that shoots water through a pile of rocks and debris, adding to the theme. We're told that the "old man" was so upset with the geyser spouting off that he tried to block its eruptions with the debris we can now see. Fortunately for all of us, his efforts failed and a wonderful spray of water has been produced. Handrails and ramps have recently been created to aid wheelchair visitors.

There are also five leisure pools scattered throughout the Resort (3 in Alligator Bayou and 2 in Magnolia Bend); all are open 24 hours. These pools are usually more serene than Ol' Man Island because most kids prefer the Island due to the water slide. Be aware that these pools have no lifeguards.

All pools have restroom/changing room facilities. In fact, the restroom at Old Man Island next to the Muddy Rivers Bar is remarkably clean and very nice. A valid room key card is required at certain hours, so it's a good idea to have it with you. Be sure to take room towels with you, as none are provided pool-side (except at the main pool). While Housekeeping is good about making sure extra towels are available in the rooms, additional towels will be happily delivered upon request. Before heading for the pool, call Housekeeping, and towels will be waiting in your room when you return.

An important note: The pools can still be used once you check out, and many people find a relaxing morning or early afternoon spent at the pools while waiting for a later flight to be a fitting end to a Disney vacation.

The Muddy Rivers Bar located adjacent to the main pool has a large covered porch that is excellent for socializing while the kids are having fun in the pool. There is seating for a few dozen guests.

The Legend of Ol' Man Island: "Settled in 1835 by a Young Man, the island became his home in the solitude of the Bayou Country. Years later, as Riverside was settled and prospered, Ol' Man Island was discovered by the children of the town. They would steal away to play on the island where a wondrous world had been created. The island is a tribute to the Ol' Man and the happiness he gave the children and all of Riverside's Neighbors."

I hear there is an evening carriage ride?

Take an evening horse and carriage ride through the French Quarter and Riverside regions of Disney's Port Orleans Resort. Visit our Carriage Rides page for details and current pricing.

Are there any other forms of recreation?

Various forms of recreation are available, including hourly bicycle and boat/paddleboat rentals. Surrey bikes are available for rental for $16 per half hour at the Riverside Levee. On a warm, breezy day, there might not be a better way to pass the time than peddling through the "bayou". For details, check at the Riverside Levee rental window underneath the twin water towers. Bike rental hours are 8:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. although operating hours are seasonal.

You can rent a boat for a trip up and down the river, or motor to Downtown Disney for shopping and dining. Boats can be rented from 10:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

Adults can enjoy jogging or a leisurely walk around the grounds or along the riverside path to nearby the French Quarter.

For early risers, a two-hour guided fishing trip is available daily, leaving at 6:30 a.m. (weather permitting). The excursion travels down the Sassagoula River, and includes use of all rods, reel, and tackle. Advance reservations are required. Contact Guest Services, or call 934-5409. Pricing is $75.74 per person, $185 for up to 5-people. There are also excursions starting at 9 AM and the cost is $80 per person and $160 for up to 5-people according to pricing found on the Riverside map.

A children's play area is located adjacent to Ol Man Island.

What things are there for kids to do?

For kids (and kids at heart), catch-and-release fishing on Ol' Man Island is available at the Fishin' Hole. Open 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., it is stocked with catfish, bass, and blue gill, and a catch is almost guaranteed. Ol' Man Island is also home to a playground, where the little ones can burn off some energy (if they have any left after a day at the Magic Kingdom!). Craft activities, organized by Cast Members, are held near the pool on some days. If you're visiting during a holiday period, you may even find special activities such as an Easter egg hunt.

The Sassagoula River Adventure Cruise takes children along the Sassagoula River to learn the "Jester's" way of life. Along the way they explore the Sassagoula River and finally meet the character known as the Jester. The cruise is held Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for children ages 4-12. Cost is $28.17 plus tax per child. Call 407-WDW-PLAY to make reservations.

Butterfly Garden: relax and enjoy nature in the butterfly garden behind the Acadia House. No charge

Billed as one of the largest video arcades in Walt Disney World, the Medicine Show Arcade in the main building offers a fine selection of video games and pinball machines to empty out your pockets. Also Disney Quest, at Downtown Disney, is just a short bus ride away.

A painter operates a stand in the lobby between registration and the gift shop between 6-11 PM. Pricing starts at $15 for a B/W face painting up to $28 for a face-body full color painting. Frames start at $15. Tubes are available for $3 and celebrity prints are $25 each.

Riverside has a large variety of wildlife, including ducks, birds, and an otter that can be seen frolicking in the river from time to time. Rabbits, squirrels, and even a chipmunk or two (but, unfortunately, not Chip or Dale) have also been sighted on the Resort grounds. Cast Members caution against feeding the birds, as they become very aggressive when fed, and as the signs say, they "may bite the hand that feeds them". You can't say we didn't warn you. Let's keep the Alfred Hitchcock attraction at Universal, OK?

What other theming details should I notice about the Resort?

You'll see that the buildings in the Resort, starting with Parterre Place in Magnolia Bend, begin very luxuriously, and become more rustic and dilapidated looking as you move up river, culminating in the backwoods settings of Alligator Bayou. As the Riverside (was Dixie Landings) "legend" goes, this is due to the fact that, as pioneers traveled up the Sassagoula River (which we are told is the American Indian word for "Mississippi"), they started building residences with the grandest of building materials from the "city" of the French Quarter (was Port Orleans). As they got further upstream, the building supplies started running low, and they were forced to improvise. Similarly, the exterior of the Resort commercial center starts out looking mighty fancy at the Medicine Show Arcade, becoming rustic and weather-beaten by the time it reaches the Cotton Mill building.

As you walk along the Sassagoula River between Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou, look closely and you'll notice a transition area where the rustic pines of the Bayou give way to the grand flowering trees of the Bend. It's a seamless transition that keeps each area separate, yet blends them into one all at the same time.

When passing through the Resort commercial center lobby rotunda, be sure to notice the accurate compass on the floor.

What time is check-out?

The Resort requests that you check-out by 11:00 a.m. If you would like help with your luggage, you should contact Bell Services as soon as the day before but no later than 30 minutes prior to leaving your room. They can also help you with airport shuttle reservations or taxi service, or you can contact Guest Services.

If you are paying for your stay with a credit card, you will be given the option of using Express Checkout. All outstanding Resort charges will be processed on your card, and an itemized receipt delivered to your door prior to 8:00 on the day of departure. There is no need for you to return to the front desk, and the Resort ID/key cards can be kept as souvenirs of your visit.

Why should I choose the Riverside over another Resort?

Riverside is one of the nicest and best-themed moderate Resort at WDW. The extensive, award-winning landscaping, courteous cast, and choice of room themes will certainly add a large share of Disney magic to your vacation. While some of the "deluxe" Resorts are fancier and have more amenities, Riverside is a bargain that can't be beat.

What if something goes wrong? I don't want to lose a minute of the magic!

As magical a place as Walt Disney World may be, there's always a chance of something happening to break the fantasy. As much as the hardworking Cast Members try, they may not be able to fulfill your exact room request, there may be something minor wrong in your room, or another bit of "reality" may creep into your day.

Whatever the problem is, rest assured Disney will do whatever they can to make it right. Disney wants you to be happy. If you should encounter a problem, contact the Resort's front desk and explain what's wrong in a calm, relaxed manner. If you can suggest a solution, do that as well. You may be surprised at the outcome!

GUEST TIPS:

Buy the refillable mugs!

The best drink - Gator Tail. The best dessert - Bananas Foster.

Take advantage of Preferred Seating (reservations) for Boatwright's, otherwise you may have a two hour wait no matter what time you go.

After checking-out, we found that the pools at both Riverside (was Dixie Landings) and the French Quarter (was Port Orleans) have changing rooms, showers, and lockers. The showers even had shampoo and soap. The lockers rented for a quarter for the entire day. We were able to take a swim, change, and ride the boat to Downtown Disney for our last day there.

South Depot Platforms - read the signs posted on the outside front center roof overhang of each platform. They tell you which buses stop at which platform. We saw many confused people waiting at the wrong platform for the bus they wanted. The signs hanging from the inside end roof overhang can be confusing - they tell you what buses stop at the OTHER platform.

If you want to pay cash at the end of your stay be very specific when checking in - we found everything applied to our charge card and it would have taken weeks (or so they said) to have a credit applied to the charge card.

Laundry - dryer said 30 minutes drying for $1.00. While my load was not overly heavy it took 3 cycles at medium heat (high heat burned our neighbor's clothes). It also did not seem to run for 30 minutes.

Disney's Riverside Resort is located at 1251 Riverside Drive, PO Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. Phone 407-934-6000, Fax 407-934-5777.

To get to Riverside from the Orlando airports, visit our Driving Directions page.