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Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside Lake Buena Vista, Florida
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Hotel comparison guide

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside vs Disney's Art Of Animation Resort

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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Lakeside dusk view of the waterfront and lit buildings at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Moderate · Riverside setting · Mansion & bayou sections

Best for families or couples who want a calmer, scenic resort with southern-inspired dining and multiple pool options.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort

Value · Oversized character theming · Family suites

Best for families with young kids who want immersive character environments, bright themed pools and affordable family suites.

Quick Verdict: Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside vs Disney's Art Of Animation Resort

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.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside vs Disney's Art Of Animation Resort – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside and Disney's Art Of Animation Resort
CategoryDisney's Port Orleans Resort - RiversideDisney's Art Of Animation Resort
Overall vibeAtmospheric Moderate resort—mansion-style Magnolia Bend and rustic Alligator Bayou areasPlayful Value resort with large, cartoon-style character areas (Finding Nemo, Cars, Lion King, Little Mermaid)
LocationOn the Sassagoula River with a complimentary water taxi to Disney SpringsLake Buena Vista area inside Walt Disney World property; close to parks via Disney buses
Size (rooms)2,048 guest rooms1,120 guest rooms (mix of standard rooms and family suites)
AgesAll ages — family-oriented with kid activities and quiet-pool options
PoolsSix pools total, including Ol' Man Island feature pool with a 95-foot waterslide and five quiet poolsMultiple themed pools including the Big Blue Pool (Finding Nemo) and smaller play areas
Restaurants & barsBoatwright's Dining Hall (table service), Riverside Mill Food Court, River Roost and Muddy Rivers barsLandscape of Flavors food court is the main dining spot; limited table-service options on-site
Spa / fitnessNo on-site spa or dedicated fitness center (jogging trail available)
Known forRiverside setting, quiet leisure pools, southern/Cajun table-service dining, water taxi to Disney SpringsOversized character theming, family suites that sleep larger families, bright kid-focused public spaces
TransportationComplimentary Disney bus service to parks; water taxi to Disney SpringsComplimentary Disney bus service to the theme parks

A Look Inside Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

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Location: Riverside vs Art of Animation

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside – Location

Port Orleans Riverside sits along the Sassagoula River with boat access to Disney Springs and walking paths to its sister resort.

  • Dock and water taxi service to Disney Springs.
  • Near Port Orleans French Quarter (about a 10–15 minute walk).
  • Complimentary Disney buses to all theme parks; park transportation varies by stop.

Choose Riverside if you value riverside scenery, easy boat access to Disney Springs and a quieter resort footprint.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort – Location

Art of Animation is located in the heart of Walt Disney World’s resort loop and served by Disney bus transportation to the parks.

  • Clusters of large themed courtyards (Finding Nemo, Cars, Lion King, Little Mermaid).
  • Designed for quick access to Disney buses for the parks.
  • Bright, open public areas that cater to families with young children.

Choose Art of Animation for immediate, unmistakable Disney character theming and easy park-bus access for families.

Rooms: standard vs family suites

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside – Rooms

Riverside offers standard rooms and themed Royal Guest Rooms across two distinct sections (Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend).

  • 2,048 rooms total with standard rooms accommodating up to 4 (select 5th Sleeper rooms for 5).
  • Royal Guest Rooms in Magnolia Bend with princess theming and illuminated headboards.
  • Preferred rooms and views (river, woods, pool) available.

Riverside works for families who want traditional hotel rooms plus a few specialty Royal Rooms for kids.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort – Rooms

Art of Animation mixes standard rooms (Little Mermaid) with larger family suites meant to sleep groups comfortably.

  • About 1,120 rooms including numerous family suites sized for larger families.
  • Suites provide separate sleeping/living areas suitable for families who need extra space.
  • Rooms follow bold character motifs tied to each courtyard.

Art of Animation is the better option if your group needs a family suite or wants bold character-themed rooms.

Dining & drinks: Boatwright's vs Landscape of Flavors

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside – Dining & drinks

Riverside combines a table-service Southern restaurant with a large quick-service food court and casual bars.

  • Boatwright's Dining Hall — dinner-only table-service with Southern/Cajun dishes (reservations recommended).
  • Riverside Mill Food Court — six-station quick-service hub open for all meals.
  • River Roost lounge and Muddy Rivers pool bar provide evening entertainment and poolside drinks.

Riverside offers a fuller table-service dining choice plus casual quick-service and evening lounges.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort – Dining & drinks

Art of Animation centers guest dining around a large quick-service food court tailored for families.

  • Landscape of Flavors is the primary quick-service dining venue with diverse stations.
  • Limited on-site table-service options compared with Moderate resorts.
  • Dining is designed for fast family service and convenience.

Art of Animation is ideal for families who prefer quick-service convenience over multiple table-service restaurants.

Pools & signature amenity

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside – Pools & signature amenity

Riverside has six pools, with the Ol' Man Island main pool offering a waterslide and family play area.

  • Ol' Man Island feature pool includes a 95-foot waterslide, waterfall and whirlpool spa.
  • Five quieter leisure pools are placed across the property for peaceful swimming.
  • Muddy Rivers pool bar sits on a deck overlooking the main pool.

Riverside balances a big activity pool with multiple quiet pools for families who want options.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort – Pools & signature amenity

Art of Animation’s standout amenity is its large, themed pools and visually immersive courtyards.

  • Big Blue Pool (Finding Nemo) is a large, themed pool area suited to families.
  • Smaller courtyards and splash/play areas accompany the main pool for younger kids.
  • Pools are designed with dramatic character visuals to appeal to children.

Art of Animation emphasizes bold, character-driven pool spaces that excite young children.

Wellness & nightlife

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside – Wellness & nightlife

Riverside provides low-key evening entertainment and outdoor exercise options rather than a full spa or gym.

  • River Roost features live cabaret-style entertainment on select nights.
  • No dedicated on-site spa or fitness center; a jogging trail is available along the river.
  • Evening 'Movies Under the Stars' and occasional campfires are offered.

If you want some evening entertainment and outdoor exercise without a gym or spa, Riverside fits well.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort – Wellness & nightlife

Art of Animation focuses on family-friendly daytime activities; nightlife and wellness facilities are limited.

  • Evening programming is family-focused; no adults-only nightlife venue on-site.
  • No full-service on-site spa; fitness facilities are limited at Value resorts.
  • Public spaces and pools are lively and geared to children’s activities.

Art of Animation is family-centric for daytime activities; it lacks upscale wellness or adult nightlife options.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for quiet, scenic stays
Bright resort lobby with white columns and check-in desk at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

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

Best for immersive character theming
Disney's Art Of Animation Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort

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

Best for extra space/family suites
Disney's Art Of Animation Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort

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

Best for table-service dining
Guest sliding down a waterslide into the pool area at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside — Boatwright's Dining Hall offers a true table-service option.

Frequently asked questions

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside vs Disney's Art Of Animation Resort: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which resort is better for young kids?

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.

Which resort has better dining options?

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.

Do either resort(s) have a spa or gym?

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.

Are both resorts good for multi-generational groups?

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.

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Three children seated on a rock feature at a pool at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
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The nightly rate shown is the lowest nightly rate we found for Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside after searching every available night up to 12 months in advance, based on single occupancy (one guest). We compared that rate with publicly available rates on other online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia, Hotels.com and similar sites, and show the price difference we found. We don't name the specific site each comparison came from.

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