
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Best for families or couples who want a calmer, scenic resort with southern-inspired dining and multiple pool options.
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Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is a Moderate-category, atmospheric resort themed to the Antebellum South best for guests who want quieter grounds, riverside walks and a classic Disney resort feel. Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a Value-category, highly themed family resort centered on oversized character areas and family suites — read this if you’re choosing between a more relaxed Moderate stay and an in-your-face character experience for kids.
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Best for families or couples who want a calmer, scenic resort with southern-inspired dining and multiple pool options.

Best for families with young kids who want immersive character environments, bright themed pools and affordable family suites.
When Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside wins: pick Riverside if you want a more peaceful resort footprint, riverside walking trails, multiple quiet pools plus a main feature pool with a big waterslide, and table-service Southern dining (Boatwright's).
When Disney's Art of Animation Resort wins: pick Art of Animation if oversized, kid-pleasing theming, larger-than-life character areas, many family suites and Value-level pricing are top priorities.
Bottom line: Riverside is the choice for atmosphere, quieter leisure pools and a more traditional Moderate Disney experience; Art of Animation is the choice for families seeking bold character design and budget-minded family suites.
| Category | Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside | Disney's Art Of Animation Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Atmospheric Moderate resort—mansion-style Magnolia Bend and rustic Alligator Bayou areas | Playful Value resort with large, cartoon-style character areas (Finding Nemo, Cars, Lion King, Little Mermaid) |
| Location | On the Sassagoula River with a complimentary water taxi to Disney Springs | Lake Buena Vista area inside Walt Disney World property; close to parks via Disney buses |
| Size (rooms) | 2,048 guest rooms | 1,120 guest rooms (mix of standard rooms and family suites) |
| Ages | All ages — family-oriented with kid activities and quiet-pool options | |
| Pools | Six pools total, including Ol' Man Island feature pool with a 95-foot waterslide and five quiet pools | Multiple themed pools including the Big Blue Pool (Finding Nemo) and smaller play areas |
| Restaurants & bars | Boatwright's Dining Hall (table service), Riverside Mill Food Court, River Roost and Muddy Rivers bars | Landscape of Flavors food court is the main dining spot; limited table-service options on-site |
| Spa / fitness | No on-site spa or dedicated fitness center (jogging trail available) | |
| Known for | Riverside setting, quiet leisure pools, southern/Cajun table-service dining, water taxi to Disney Springs | Oversized character theming, family suites that sleep larger families, bright kid-focused public spaces |
| Transportation | Complimentary Disney bus service to parks; water taxi to Disney Springs | Complimentary Disney bus service to the theme parks |
Port Orleans Riverside sits along the Sassagoula River with boat access to Disney Springs and walking paths to its sister resort.
Choose Riverside if you value riverside scenery, easy boat access to Disney Springs and a quieter resort footprint.
Art of Animation is located in the heart of Walt Disney World’s resort loop and served by Disney bus transportation to the parks.
Choose Art of Animation for immediate, unmistakable Disney character theming and easy park-bus access for families.
Riverside offers standard rooms and themed Royal Guest Rooms across two distinct sections (Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend).
Riverside works for families who want traditional hotel rooms plus a few specialty Royal Rooms for kids.
Art of Animation mixes standard rooms (Little Mermaid) with larger family suites meant to sleep groups comfortably.
Art of Animation is the better option if your group needs a family suite or wants bold character-themed rooms.
Riverside combines a table-service Southern restaurant with a large quick-service food court and casual bars.
Riverside offers a fuller table-service dining choice plus casual quick-service and evening lounges.
Art of Animation centers guest dining around a large quick-service food court tailored for families.
Art of Animation is ideal for families who prefer quick-service convenience over multiple table-service restaurants.
Riverside has six pools, with the Ol' Man Island main pool offering a waterslide and family play area.
Riverside balances a big activity pool with multiple quiet pools for families who want options.
Art of Animation’s standout amenity is its large, themed pools and visually immersive courtyards.
Art of Animation emphasizes bold, character-driven pool spaces that excite young children.
Riverside provides low-key evening entertainment and outdoor exercise options rather than a full spa or gym.
If you want some evening entertainment and outdoor exercise without a gym or spa, Riverside fits well.
Art of Animation focuses on family-friendly daytime activities; nightlife and wellness facilities are limited.
Art of Animation is family-centric for daytime activities; it lacks upscale wellness or adult nightlife options.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside — riverside grounds, quiet pools and walking trails.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort — oversized character areas and kid-focused courtyards.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort — many family suites that accommodate larger groups.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside — Boatwright's Dining Hall offers a true table-service option.
Art of Animation is more directly aimed at young children with oversized character areas, themed pools and family suites; Riverside still has family amenities but is quieter and more atmospheric.
Port Orleans Riverside provides a fuller mix—table-service Boatwright's plus a large food court and two bars—whereas Art of Animation focuses on quick-service dining for families.
Neither property offers a full-service on-site spa; Riverside does not have a dedicated fitness center and Art of Animation does not have a full spa—guests should plan to visit another resort for those services.
Yes—Riverside’s quieter rooms and landscaping appeal to mixed groups, while Art of Animation’s family suites offer extra sleeping space for larger families; choose based on whether atmosphere or suite space matters more.
Explore how Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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