Resort Thread Disney's PORT ORLEANS RIVERSIDE Resort

[dansdad]

Just returned from a quick stay at Riverside. We hadn't stayed there in over 20 years and really enjoyed it. However we had one issue that really bugged me and I am curious if it is a common problem. We had planned on spending some time at the pool and enjoying the hot tub.

However every time we went to the pool the hot tub was completely loaded with small young children using the hot tub as a kiddy pool. The entire hot tub area was taken over by a couple of large family groups and they were using the hot tub as their personal pool. I'm talking a dozen or more little kids wearing life vests with 1 or 2 adults in the pool with them. Our group was at the pool for over 3 hours and the hot tub was always full of children. We went to the pool three separate times and this was always the case. I did finally stop at the hot tub and asked one of the adults if we could use the hot tub and was told they were currently using it.

Didn't want to be confrontational and didn't know who to complain to so just left. Anyone else have this issue? I thought young children weren't suppose to use the hot tub. They were jumping off the side into the hot tub and racing around while the adults in the group sat at the tables drinking.

That is a very common complaint across all WDW resorts with hot tubs. You are not alone and it sucks.

 

[DizneyFamof4]

Well it's been a long time since we have stayed at POR, but we are excited to say that we have just booked a room for our 7th stay and will be there for New Years Dec. 30 thru Jan 6. I showed my DW a video of the newly refurbed rooms and she did not like them, "it looks blah with very minor Disney touches" LOL So we went with a Royal Room, that we have stayed in before. We are very excited to enjoy this great themed resort and walking around it in the day and night. The reason for the trip is to visit our oldest DD who is working in the DCP She is working in Epcot at the Living with the Land ride, so we will be doing EPCOT on New Years eve

 

[vamassey1]

The reason for the trip is to visit our oldest DD who is working in the DCP She is working in Epcot at the Living with the Land ride, so we will be doing EPCOT on New Years eve

What a fun visit!

My DD started with Disney in the DCP and is still there as a leader in Studios. We love going to visit her too.

 

[Ensusieasm]

Just returned from a quick stay at Riverside. We hadn't stayed there in over 20 years and really enjoyed it. However we had one issue that really bugged me and I am curious if it is a common problem. We had planned on spending some time at the pool and enjoying the hot tub.

However every time we went to the pool the hot tub was completely loaded with small young children using the hot tub as a kiddy pool. The entire hot tub area was taken over by a couple of large family groups and they were using the hot tub as their personal pool. I'm talking a dozen or more little kids wearing life vests with 1 or 2 adults in the pool with them. Our group was at the pool for over 3 hours and the hot tub was always full of children. We went to the pool three separate times and this was always the case. I did finally stop at the hot tub and asked one of the adults if we could use the hot tub and was told they were currently using it.

Didn't want to be confrontational and didn't know who to complain to so just left. Anyone else have this issue? I thought young children weren't suppose to use the hot tub. They were jumping off the side into the hot tub and racing around while the adults in the group sat at the tables drinking.

I’ve seen signs at many Disney World resort hot tubs that say something about “swim diapers” being required. So I take that to mean children can use the hot tub. I don’t really think a swim diaper will be very effective in a bubbling hot tub, so I just stick to the quiet pools.

 

[DizneyFamof4]

I’ve seen signs at many Disney World resort hot tubs that say something about “swim diapers” being required. So I take that to mean children can use the hot tub. I don’t really think a swim diaper will be very effective in a bubbling hot tub, so I just stick to the quiet pools.

Here is a pic of a Spa sign at BC. I marked the 3 rules that are normally ignored by arrogant adults or parents

 

[crazy4wdw]

Just noticed this info on the WDW website:

From early April 2025 through the end of January 2026, Guest rooms in the Magnolia Bend at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will undergo refurbishment. During this time, Guests may see or hear construction work in the area.

 

[Laura's Dad]

Just noticed this info on the WDW website:

From early April 2025 through the end of January 2026, Guest rooms in the Magnolia Bend at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will undergo refurbishment. During this time, Guests may see or hear construction work in the area.

These really need it. We like Acadian House and Magnolia Terrace. We are staying at PO-FQ for Mardi Gras in March. The next trip will probably be to Riverside mansion rooms. Great news.

 

[FLCA026]

Do the buses go from port orleans to the contemporary?

 

[andrewilley]

Do the buses go from port orleans to the contemporary?

No, there are no Disney buses between any of the resort hotels, you normally need to change at a park or Disney Springs.

However as the Contemporary is right next to the Magic Kingdom, get a bus to the MK and walk over to the Contemporary from the bus stop (walking there directly is much easier and quicker than using the monorail).

Andre

 

[FLCA026]

No, there are no Disney buses between any of the resort hotels, you normally need to change at a park or Disney Springs.

However as the Contemporary is right next to the Magic Kingdom, get a bus to the MK and walk over to the Contemporary from the bus stop (walking there directly is much easier and quicker than using the monorail).

Andre

Ok thank you.

 

[FLCA026]

Would we be able to drive and park at the contemporary? Since we are staying at port Orleans?

 

[andrewilley]

Would we be able to drive and park at the contemporary? Since we are staying at port Orleans?

If you have a meal booked there, yes - and they will probably check for your name on a list.

They officially only allow three-hours of non-resident parking, so you are not meant to leave your car there for the rest of the day...

Andre

 

[FLCA026]

If you have a meal booked there, yes - and they will probably check for your name on a list.

They officially only allow three-hours of non-resident parking, so you are not meant to leave your car there for the rest of the day...

Andre

So we wouldn't be able to just park to go in to the shops there and see the fireworks from there? Too bad since we used to be able to go to the resorts and just check them out and the shops a long time ago.

 

[bnf0522]

So we wouldn't be able to just park to go in to the shops there and see the fireworks from there? Too bad since we used to be able to go to the resorts and just check them out and the shops a long time ago.

I believe you could park at the TTC for free (bc it's Magic Kingdom parking) then take the monorail to the Contemporary.

 

[FLCA026]

ok thanks. that can work!

 

[andrewilley]

So we wouldn't be able to just park to go in to the shops there and see the fireworks from there? Too bad since we used to be able to go to the resorts and just check them out and the shops a long time ago.

That changed quite some time ago. You might get away with it at some of the "non-connected" resorts (for example Port Orleans is one) but too many people were abusing hotel parking in order to access the parks. Now the monorail loop and the Epcot resort hotels (and some others) are very strict with their parking being for hotel guests, plus people with specific bookings at that hotel. So you can either park at the TTC (free for anyone staying on Disney property) and get the monorail, or take the bus to the MK and then walk to the Contemporary (or monorail to visit the other hotels).

Andre

 

[JoAnnPan]

These really need it. We like Acadian House and Magnolia Terrace. We are staying at PO-FQ for Mardi Gras in March. The next trip will probably be to Riverside mansion rooms. Great news.

These really need it. We like Acadian House and Magnolia Terrace. We are staying at PO-FQ for Mardi Gras in March. The next trip will probably be to Riverside mansion rooms. Great news.

Is there anymore info on this? We are booked for the first week of April Are these the Royal Room updates?

 

[FLCA026]

That changed quite some time ago. You might get away with it at some of the "non-connected" resorts (for example Port Orleans is one) but too many people were abusing hotel parking in order to access the parks. Now the monorail loop and the Epcot resort hotels (and some others) are very strict with their parking being for hotel guests, plus people with specific bookings at that hotel. So you can either park at the TTC (free for anyone staying on Disney property) and get the monorail, or take the bus to the MK and then walk to the Contemporary (or monorail to visit the other hotels).

Andre

probably best to just take a bus since we wanted to go to The Contemporary walk around there.

 

[andrewilley]

@JoAnnPan As far as I know, the first rooms at Riverside to be updated will be the Royal Rooms (including potentially some category adjustments). However none will be done by next April as that's when the work starts. My gut feeling is that work will most likely start with building 95, but I have nothing concrete about that.

Andre

 

[Goldelpack]

Will be at PO-R starting next week. Curious about the current last ride time for the Sassagula River cruise to DSprings - last time it closed early for a show at DSprings - Last cruise was like 730pm. Anyone there recently that knows?
Thank you!