
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Best for families who want a relaxed riverside atmosphere, on-site activities, and multiple pools without the Deluxe price.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is a Moderate-category, family-focused resort on the Sassagoula River with Southern theming and multiple pools. Disney's Contemporary Resort is a Deluxe monorail resort with a modern A-frame tower and the fastest walking/monorail access to Magic Kingdom — read this if you need to choose between a scenic family resort and a deluxe, park-focused stay.
Updated

Best for families who want a relaxed riverside atmosphere, on-site activities, and multiple pools without the Deluxe price.

Best for guests who prioritize fastest access to Magic Kingdom, modern architecture, and Deluxe-level amenities.
When Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside wins: choose Riverside for a lower-category Disney stay with wide grounds, multiple pools (including a large feature pool with a 95-foot waterslide), riverboat access to Disney Springs, family-oriented activities, and a pronounced Southern theme.
When Disney's Contemporary Resort wins: pick the Contemporary when the priority is speed to Magic Kingdom (walking and monorail access), a smaller number of rooms in a landmark A-frame tower with Deluxe services, more on-site fitness/spa-style amenities and quicker park runs.
Bottom line: Riverside is the better family/value pick with a resort-outing feel and more pools and activities; Contemporary is the pick for guests who want immediate Magic Kingdom access and the features of a Deluxe monorail resort.
| Category | Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside | Disney's Contemporary Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Laid-back, Southern-riverside moderate resort with mansion and bayou sections | Deluxe, modern monorail resort centered on an A-frame tower |
| Location (to parks) | Complimentary buses to all parks; water taxi to Disney Springs; farther from Magic Kingdom by bus | Walk to Magic Kingdom or ride the monorail; very short transfer times to the park |
| Size | Large grounds with 2,048 rooms across multiple low-rise buildings | Large hotel with 1,008 guestrooms concentrated in an A-frame tower and surrounding structures |
| Best for ages | All ages — family oriented with kids' activities and kid-friendly pools | |
| Pools | Six pools total including Ol' Man Island feature pool with 95-foot waterslide and a whirlpool; quiet leisure pools around grounds | Two outdoor pools and one hot tub; poolside bar and quieter pool scene |
| Restaurants & bars | Quick-service food court, Boatwright’s (table service, dinner), River Roost lounge, Muddy Rivers pool bar | Three restaurants, two bars/lounges, room service available; cooked-to-order breakfast offered (surcharge) |
| Spa & fitness | No dedicated spa or gym on-site; jogging trail and outdoor activities for exercise | Health club, sauna and fitness facilities listed among amenities (Deluxe-level services) |
| Known for | Riverside themeing, water taxi to Disney Springs, evenings with Movies Under the Stars and live entertainment at River Roost | Iconic A-frame/monorail resort beside Magic Kingdom with fast park access and Deluxe amenities |
| Transportation perks | Complimentary buses to all parks; Sassagoula River water taxi to Disney Springs | Walkable to Magic Kingdom and on the monorail line; complimentary theme park shuttle available |
| Parking | Complimentary self-parking for registered overnight guests | Free self-parking onsite; valet parking available (surcharge) |
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside sits along the Sassagoula River with landscaped paths, boat access to Disney Springs, and shuttle service to the parks.
Choose Riverside if you want scenic grounds, water-based transport to Disney Springs, and a resort-first experience.
Disney's Contemporary Resort is a Deluxe monorail resort centered on a modern A-frame tower with the quickest access to Magic Kingdom.
Choose the Contemporary for the shortest travel time to Magic Kingdom and the convenience of monorail access.
Riverside offers a wide range of Moderate-category rooms across two themed sections, including Royal Guest Rooms for families with children.
Riverside gives families multiple room configurations and themed options at a Moderate price point.
The Contemporary's 1,008 guestrooms are organized around the A-frame tower with modern finishes and Deluxe-level conveniences.
The Contemporary offers modern, compact Deluxe rooms with conveniences aimed at park-focused guests.
Riverside's dining lineup leans Southern and family-friendly, with a substantial quick-service food court and a dinner-only table-service restaurant.
Riverside is strong on casual, family-oriented meals and a signature Southern table-service dinner option.
The Contemporary lists three restaurants and two lounges, with more Deluxe-level dining choices and room service availability.
The Contemporary provides more varied table-service and lounge options typical of a Deluxe Disney resort.
Riverside emphasizes family water fun with six pools and a 95-foot sawmill-themed waterslide at Ol' Man Island.
Riverside is the better pick for families who want multiple pools and a large waterslide.
The Contemporary has two outdoor pools and one hot tub, with a quieter pool atmosphere and poolside bar service.
The Contemporary offers fewer pools but provides a calm, Deluxe pool experience convenient to the parks.
Riverside focuses on outdoor activities and family entertainment rather than an on-site spa or gym.
Riverside is activity-focused with nights programmed for families but no dedicated spa or gym.
The Contemporary lists fitness and sauna amenities and typically has more Deluxe-style wellness services.
The Contemporary is stronger for guests seeking fitness and Deluxe-level services alongside park access.

Port Orleans Riverside gives families themed rooms, multiple pools including a large waterslide, and a full quick-service food court at a Moderate price point.

The Contemporary is walkable to Magic Kingdom and on the monorail line, cutting transfer time compared with bus or water taxi options.

Riverside offers boat access to Disney Springs, carriage rides, fishing, multiple pools, and evening family entertainment.

The Contemporary provides Deluxe-level services like a health club, sauna, more varied on-site dining, and quicker park logistics.
Port Orleans Riverside — more pools (including a big waterslide), family activities, themed rooms, and a large quick-service food court make it very kid-friendly.
Disney's Contemporary Resort — you can walk to Magic Kingdom or take the monorail directly from the resort, which is much faster than the bus or water taxi options from Riverside.
No — sources confirm Riverside does not have a dedicated spa or fitness center; enjoy the jogging trail or visit another resort for gym/spa services.
Yes — both welcome guests of all ages. Riverside leans family-focused; the Contemporary offers Deluxe amenities that suit families and adults.
Explore how Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·