When I booked my stay at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside, I thought I knew what to expect. As a travel advisor, I'd researched the resort, recommended it to clients, and seen countless photos—but experiencing it firsthand gave me a whole new perspective. From discovering just how expansive the resort is to finding hidden perks and realizing a few things I would do differently next time, I walked away with valuable insights that can help other families make the most of their stay. If you're considering Port Orleans Riverside for your next Walt Disney World vacation, here are seven things to know before checking in!

1. The Resort Is Much Bigger Than I Expected

I knew Disney's Port Orleans Riverside was a large resort, but I didn't truly appreciate just how expansive it was until we started exploring. With five leisure pools scattered throughout the resort in addition to the main feature pool, there's plenty to discover—but be prepared to do some walking! One evening, we made the trek to Boatwright's Dining Hall for dinner, only to realize I'd forgotten my ID needed for the passholder discount. That meant an unexpected walk all the way back to our room before heading back again. We also walked over to Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter for Mickey-shaped beignets, and while they're absolutely worth it, it's farther than it looks on the map. By the end of the day, we'd logged so many steps that we were too tired to head to a theme park that evening like we'd originally planned. That said, the walking paths are absolutely beautiful. Surrounded by towering trees, peaceful bayous, and the Sassagoula River, I couldn't help but think they'd make the perfect morning run or leisurely stroll—just maybe not in the middle of a Florida summer when it feels like 100 degrees outside!

2. Plan at Least One Resort Day

If your vacation schedule allows, I highly recommend setting aside an entire day to simply enjoy Disney's Port Orleans Riverside. It's easy to think of your resort as just a place to sleep between park days, but Riverside is a destination in itself. Spend the afternoon relaxing by one of the six pools, join in the scheduled poolside games and activities, gather around the evening campfire, or unwind with a Disney movie under the stars. Slow down and take time to wander the peaceful walking paths, admire the beautiful landscaping, and enjoy the charming Southern atmosphere that makes this resort so special. Some of my favorite memories from our stay weren't made in the parks—they were made simply taking the time to appreciate everything the resort had to offer.

3. Don't Overlook Seasonal Activities

Before your trip, take a few minutes to see if Disney is offering any seasonal activities during your stay. We visited during Cool Kid Summer, and Port Orleans Riverside was one of the featured resorts. That meant there was so much more to do than we expected! Throughout the day, there were special character appearances with surprisingly short wait times, giving the characters plenty of time to chat, play, and interact with the kids instead of simply posing for a quick photo. In the evenings, families could enjoy a fun pajama party, participate in crafts, and gather for other special activities. Even the resort lobby had thoughtful touches for younger guests, including a cozy library of children's books and a television playing classic Disney cartoons.  At check in, the resort had Cool Kids Summer goodies for the kids and cast members were handing out sunglasses and trading pins as well!  These little extras made the resort feel even more magical and reminded me that some of Disney's best experiences aren't found inside the theme parks.

4. Boatwright's Is Worth Trying

If you're staying at Port Orleans Riverside, don't overlook Boatwright's Dining Hall. We decided to take advantage of the 40% Annual Passholder dining discount, and it ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip. We ordered the Taste of the Bayou Sampler, which included smoked brisket, barbecue chicken, and ribs—a great option if you want to try a little bit of everything. The service was fast, the food was flavorful, and the rustic riverboat-inspired atmosphere reminded us why Disney dining is about more than just the meal. One of the biggest perks was not having to leave the resort for a delicious dinner. After a full day of relaxing and exploring Port Orleans Riverside, it was nice to simply walk over to Boatwright's and enjoy a quality meal without worrying about transportation or heading to Disney Springs.

5. If You're Traveling During the Summer, Prepare for the Heat

Florida summers are no joke, and our stay at Port Orleans Riverside was a great reminder of that. During our visit, there wasn't a single afternoon rain shower to provide relief, and the heat index climbed well above 105 degrees. If you're visiting Walt Disney World in the summer, plan ahead by drinking plenty of water, applying (and reapplying) sunscreen, and taking advantage of the air-conditioned shops, restaurants, and resort lounges whenever you need a break. One of my favorite Disney touches was seeing Cast Members walking around the pool handing out ice-cold towels to help guests cool off. It was a simple gesture that made a big difference! The key isn't to avoid visiting during the summer—it's to be smart about the heat. Build in breaks, slow down when you need to, and you'll be able to enjoy everything Disney has to offer without wearing yourself out.

6. Take Advantage of the Complimentary Water Park Benefit

If you're staying at a Disney Resort while the complimentary water park promotion is available, don't let this perk go to waste! We spent the day at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. In fact, it had been 31 years since my last visit, and I had forgotten just how much fun Typhoon Lagoon is. Floating the lazy river, enjoying the wave pool, and taking a break from the hustle of the theme parks was the perfect way to recharge. Even better, complimentary towels are provided, so that's one less thing you need to pack. If your vacation includes this benefit, I highly recommend building it into your itinerary. It's a fantastic value and a fun way to experience another side of the Disney magic.

7. Consider Whether a Royal Guest Room Is Worth the Splurge

Before our trip, I debated whether upgrading to a Royal Guest Room would be worth the extra cost. Since we had five people in our room, it wasn't an option for this stay, but after spending several days at Port Orleans Riverside, I can honestly say it's at the top of my list for next time. The recently refurbished Royal Guest Rooms are absolutely stunning, featuring beautifully themed décor, elegant barn doors, and enchanting light-up headboards that add a little extra Disney magic at the end of the day. They're also located in the Magnolia Bend section of the resort, which puts you closer to the main amenities like the lobby, dining, and feature pool—something I definitely appreciated after realizing just how expansive the resort is. If you're traveling with four or fewer guests and your budget allows, I think a Royal Guest Room is well worth considering for both the immersive theming and the more convenient location.

If you have been thinking about planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, now is a great time!  There are still a couple more weeks left this summer and the Cool Kids Summer Activities are still going on!  I would love to help you plan something and take advantage of all this beautiful resort has to offer.  Click here to get started!

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