There’s just something extra magical about Walt Disney World at Christmas. The twinkling lights, festive music, and holiday decorations make every corner feel like a dream. In December of 2023, our family of six from spent six nights at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, and it quickly became one of our favorite Disney stays. Between the cozy Southern charm that reminded us of home and the holiday sparkle all around, it was the perfect place to celebrate the season.

First Impressions

Arriving at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside instantly felt welcoming. The lobby was warm and inviting, with garlands, wreaths, and a beautiful Christmas tree adding a festive touch to the resort’s Southern charm. Cast members greeted us with holiday cheer, and check-in was seamless, which made the start of our trip easy after a long travel day.

Walking the grounds for the first time, we were struck by how peaceful the resort felt. The oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the meandering pathways, and the Sassagoula River winding through the property all created a sense of calm — almost like we were back home in Louisiana, but with a touch of that Disney magic.

Our Room:

As a family of six, space is always a big factor when choosing a Disney resort, and Port Orleans Riverside delivered. We stayed in building 16 in the Alligator Bayou section, which turned out to be a great location — close to the food court and bus stop, but still tucked away enough to feel quiet and peaceful.

Our room had a Princess and the Frog theme, which was a huge hit with the kids. The details were so charming. The kids especially loved the pull-down Murphy bed with the painting of Louis. The setup worked perfectly for us with two queen beds, the Murphy bed, and a crib(request needed) offering plenty of room to spread out and store our things.

Dining at Riverside

The Riverside Mill Food Court became our go-to for quick breakfasts before hitting the parks and late-night snacks after fireworks. The variety worked well for our crew — Mickey waffles for the kids, heartier platters for the teens, and coffee (lots of it!) for us parents. We also enjoyed a dinner at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, where the Southern-inspired menu was delicious!

Pools & Activities

Even with so much time spent in the parks, we made sure to carve out moments to enjoy everything Port Orleans Riverside has to offer. We did check out Ol’ Man Island, the resort’s main pool area, with its waterslide and fun design. Unfortunately, during our December stay it was just a little too chilly for us to go swimming — but we could easily imagine how perfect it would be for warmer months.

For quieter moments, there are several smaller pools scattered throughout the resort, giving families plenty of options to cool off without the crowds when the weather is right.

One of the highlights for us was renting a pedal bike and riding together along the Sassagoula River. It was such a fun way to explore the grounds as a family.

Another fun option here is cane pole fishing at the Fishin’ Hole on Ol’ Man Island. It’s a simple, old-fashioned activity that lets kids and adults try their luck at catching bluegill, catfish, and bass. Everything you need is provided, and it’s catch-and-release, making it an easygoing and memorable way to spend some downtime outside the parks. The cost is $6 for 30 minutes, which makes for an affordable activity.

Families will also love the playground on Ol’ Man Island, a great spot for kids to burn off energy between meals or after a long park day. In the evenings, the fun continues with the Campfire on de’ Bayou from 5:30-6:30 pm nightly, where you can roast marshmallows around a crackling fire. Right after that, head over to the Movie Under the Stars, held on select nights (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) at 8:30 pm on the Oak Manor Lawn, for complimentary screenings of Disney favorites.

For something extra special, you can also book a horse-drawn carriage ride along the Sassagoula River. It’s a charming way to see the resort at a slower pace and adds a touch of romance or magic to the evening.

Another convenient feature we appreciated was the self-service laundry facilities. With kids, having easy access to washers and dryers made a big difference during our six-night stay.

Transportation & Location

Getting around from Port Orleans Riverside was smooth and convenient. The resort runs multiple bus stops, which helped cut down on walking with little ones in tow. Since Riverside is a large property, having nearby stops made it easier to catch a ride to whichever park we were headed to that day. The buses could get crowded during peak times, but overall, we found them reliable.

Beyond the buses, Riverside offers a scenic boat ride to Disney Springs. The ride was calm, easy, and gave us the chance to enjoy a quieter side of Disney — almost like a little attraction in itself.

Tips for Families Staying at Port Orleans Riverside

• Request a Convenient Building: If possible, request a building close to dining and bus stops. We stayed in building 16, which was ideal — close enough to everything without being noisy.
• Budget Time for the Boat Ride: Don’t skip the scenic boat to Disney Springs! It’s not only convenient but also feels like a relaxing attraction on its own, especially at night.
• Try the Pedal Bikes: Renting a surrey (pedal bike) is a fun way for families to explore the resort together. It’s a great break from the parks and makes for memorable family moments.
• Pack for the Weather: If visiting in December, bring swimsuits just in case, but be realistic — the pools may feel too chilly, even though they’re heated.
• Plan Quick-Service Meals: The Riverside Mill Food Court is your best friend for quick breakfasts and late-night snacks. Mobile ordering helps save time when everyone is hungry at once.
• Use the Laundry Rooms: For longer stays, the self-service laundry rooms are a huge convenience. They’re located near the quiet pools, so you can wash clothes while the kids swim or play.
• Request a Ground-Floor Room if Needed: The Alligator Bayou buildings do not have elevators. If you’re traveling with strollers, little ones, or wheelchairs, be sure to request a first-floor room to avoid hauling everything up the stairs.

Final Thoughts

As a Moderate Resort, Riverside hit that sweet spot between Disney’s Value and Deluxe categories. It gave us more space, better theming, and extra amenities than a Value resort, without the higher price tag of a Deluxe stay. For our family, it felt like the right balance of comfort, convenience, and affordability.

Would we stay here again? Absolutely. Riverside felt like home away from home, with just the right mix of relaxation and Disney fun. For families looking for a resort that blends Southern charm with unforgettable Disney touches, Port Orleans Riverside is an excellent choice — especially if you’re traveling with kids or a larger group.