
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Best for families who want a relaxed, Southern-river setting with multiple pools and value-minded Disney theming.
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Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is a Moderate-category, family-focused Disney resort set on the Sassagoula River with Southern/Cajun theming. Disney's BoardWalk Inn is an EPCOT-area deluxe resort styled after an Atlantic seaside boardwalk—this guide is for travelers choosing between a quieter riverside Moderate and a lively, waterfront Deluxe near EPCOT.
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Best for families who want a relaxed, Southern-river setting with multiple pools and value-minded Disney theming.

Best for guests who want walkable access to EPCOT/Disney's Hollywood Studios, evening entertainment, and a traditional boardwalk atmosphere.
When Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside wins: choose Riverside if you want a quieter, family-oriented Moderate resort with big feature pool (Ol' Man Island), water-taxi access to Disney Springs, and budget-friendlier Disney theming.
When Disney's BoardWalk Inn wins: choose BoardWalk Inn if you prioritize immediate proximity to EPCOT-area attractions, an active evening scene right outside your door, and the feel of a Disney Deluxe resort.
Bottom line: Riverside is the practical, family-focused choice for calmer evenings and value within Disney property; BoardWalk Inn is better for guests who want to be in the middle of EPCOT-area dining, nightlife, and short walk/boat access to parks.
| Category | Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside | Disney's BoardWalk Inn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Quiet, Southern-riverside, family-focused Moderate resort | Lively, waterfront boardwalk with nightlife and direct EPCOT-area access |
| Location | Sassagoula River, boat taxi to Disney Springs; bus to parks | On Crescent Lake/BoardWalk, within walking/boat distance of EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios |
| Resort category | Moderate | Deluxe |
| Size (rooms) | 2,048 guest rooms | Not published |
| Pools | Six pools total; Ol' Man Island feature pool with 95-foot waterslide and kiddie play area | Outdoor pool(s) and waterfront areas near the BoardWalk entertainment strip |
| Restaurants & bars | Boatwright's Dining Hall (table service), Riverside Mill food court, River Roost lounge, Muddy Rivers pool bar | Multiple signature restaurants and bars clustered along the BoardWalk entertainment district |
| Spa & fitness | No dedicated on-site spa or fitness center; jogging trail for exercise | Not published |
| Known for | Family activities, carriage rides, riverside walking trails, water taxi to Disney Springs | Boardwalk nightlife, easy EPCOT/Hollywood Studios access, waterside dining |
| Audience | All ages; family-first programming and rooms (including Royal Guest Rooms) | All ages; popular with adults for nightlife but also family-friendly |
| Transport to parks | Complimentary Disney buses to all parks and water taxi to Disney Springs | Walking/boat access to EPCOT and convenient transportation to other parks |
Port Orleans Riverside sits on the Sassagoula River with a water taxi to Disney Springs and bus connections to the parks.
Best if you want riverfront quiet and direct boat access to Disney Springs rather than immediate park walking distance.
BoardWalk Inn is positioned on Crescent Lake beside the BoardWalk entertainment district, placing EPCOT and Hollywood Studios within very short walk or boat distances.
Best if you want to be in the middle of EPCOT-area dining and nightlife with short walk/boat access to parks.
Port Orleans Riverside has 2,048 rooms split between Alligator Bayou cottages and Magnolia Bend mansions, including Royal Guest Rooms for kids.
Rooms are family-configured and themed for a Southern-river experience—good for families and groups needing extra sleepers.
BoardWalk Inn's rooms are styled to match its seaside-boardwalk character and target guests who want a Deluxe experience near EPCOT.
Choose BoardWalk Inn for higher-tier rooms and finishes if proximity and an upgraded in-room experience matter.
Port Orleans Riverside focuses on Southern/Cajun table-service plus a large quick-service food court and two bars.
Good mix for families and those who want hearty Southern dining without leaving the resort.
BoardWalk Inn gives you immediate access to multiple signature restaurants and bars along the BoardWalk promenade.
Pick BoardWalk Inn if you want a broader cluster of dining and evening bar options within a short walk.
Riverside's pool offerings center on Ol' Man Island, a sawmill-themed feature pool with a waterslide plus five quieter pools.
The resort is a strong choice for families who prioritize splash-friendly main-pool fun and quieter secondary pools.
BoardWalk Inn's appeal centers on the waterfront BoardWalk activity, with outdoor pool(s) complementing the entertainment strip.
Best if you want lakeside strolls and an entertainment-lined boardwalk as a primary resort feature.
Port Orleans Riverside offers outdoor fitness options and family-friendly evening entertainment but no dedicated on-site spa or gym.
Riverside focuses on outdoor exercise and casual family entertainment, not a full spa/fitness offering.
BoardWalk Inn centers on evening entertainment and nightlife along the promenade; spa and fitness options vary by resort and nearby offerings.
Choose BoardWalk Inn for evening nightlife and easy access to entertainment; for spa/gym needs verify offerings before booking.

Port Orleans Riverside gives family-friendly rooms, activities, and a big feature pool at Moderate-category pricing.

BoardWalk Inn places you within walking/boat distance of EPCOT and near the Skyliner/park transport hubs.

BoardWalk Inn puts restaurants, bars, and street entertainment steps from your door for post-park nights out.

Port Orleans Riverside's Ol' Man Island feature pool with a 95-foot waterslide is tailored to kids and splashy fun.
BoardWalk Inn—it's within walking or short boat distance of EPCOT, making repeated park runs much easier.
No—neither resort is all-inclusive; meals and drinks are additional unless covered by a separate dining package you purchase.
Port Orleans Riverside emphasizes family activities (movie nights, carriage rides, large feature pool) while BoardWalk Inn offers walkable evening entertainment that appeals to both adults and families.
No—Port Orleans Riverside does not have a dedicated on-site spa or fitness center; guests should plan to visit another resort or an off-site facility for spa services.
Explore how Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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