
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Best for families who want immersive Disney theming, multiple pools (including a waterslide), and complimentary Disney transportation.
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Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is a Disney Moderate resort with Southern theming and family-friendly amenities; read this if you want a themed, value-conscious Disney stay with water-taxi access to Disney Springs. Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is a modern, Marriott-affiliated hotel near EPCOT and the Swan & Dolphin complex; read this if you prefer a contemporary hotel with a full-service spa and Marriott-style service while staying near the parks.
Updated · about 0.8 km apart

Best for families who want immersive Disney theming, multiple pools (including a waterslide), and complimentary Disney transportation.

Best for travelers who want a contemporary hotel experience, a full-service spa, and Marriott Bonvoy-style benefits near EPCOT.
When Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside wins: choose Riverside for an explicitly Disney-themed Moderate resort where families can spread out in roomy, story-driven buildings, use the Sassagoula River water taxi to Disney Springs, and count on multiple pools and evening entertainment that appeal to kids.
When Walt Disney World Swan Reserve wins: pick the Swan Reserve if you prefer a modern, hotel-brand stay with a full-service spa, rooftop garden, contemporary rooms, and proximity to EPCOT/Disney's Hollywood Studios along with Marriott-affiliated loyalty benefits.
Bottom line: Riverside is the clear choice for a Disney-flavored, family-focused Moderate stay with waterside character and multiple pools; Swan Reserve is the better fit for guests who prioritize modern hotel amenities, an on-site spa, and a short walk/ride to EPCOT and the Swan & Dolphin complex.
| Category | Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside | Walt Disney World Swan Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Themed, Antebellum South / family-focused Moderate resort | Contemporary, boutique-feel Marriott property near EPCOT |
| Location relative to parks | On Disney property with complimentary Disney buses and a Sassagoula River water taxi to Disney Springs | EPCOT-area hotel on the Swan & Dolphin campus with a complimentary theme-park shuttle; very close to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios |
| Size / rooms | 2,048 rooms across Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou sections | 349 guestrooms |
| Audience / age policy | All ages; family resort (kids' pools, supervised activities available) | All ages; not adults-only |
| Pools & water features | Six pools including Ol' Man Island feature pool with 95-foot waterslide, children's play area, and whirlpool; five quiet pools elsewhere | Multiple pool areas plus private beach and hot tubs (hotel listing notes three hot tubs) |
| Dining & bars | Boatwright's Dining Hall (table service/dinner), Riverside Mill Food Court (quick service), River Roost lounge, Muddy Rivers pool bar | On-site restaurant Amare, bar/lounge and room service (limited hours); food options tied to Swan & Dolphin complex nearby |
| Wellness / spa | No dedicated on-site spa or fitness center (jogging trail for exercise) | Full-service spa and 24-hour fitness facilities |
| Known for | Theming, riverfront setting, water taxi to Disney Springs, family entertainment | Modern rooms, Marriott affiliation, spa and proximity to EPCOT |
| Transportation perks | Complimentary Disney buses to parks, water taxi to Disney Springs, Early Theme Park Entry | Complimentary theme-park shuttle; close walking/driving distance to EPCOT/Studios |
| Pet policy | Dog-friendly in designated buildings (up to 2 dogs; nightly surcharge) | Not published |
Port Orleans Riverside sits along the Sassagoula River with resort sections you can walk between and a dedicated water taxi to Disney Springs.
Choose Riverside if you want a riverside Disney setting and direct water access to Disney Springs.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve sits in the Swan & Dolphin campus area near EPCOT, practical for short trips to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Choose the Swan Reserve for short transfers to EPCOT and a central location inside the Swan & Dolphin complex.
Riverside offers many room types across two themed sections, including Royal Guest Rooms for kids.
Riverside’s rooms emphasize family-friendly layouts and Disney-themed options.
Swan Reserve provides a modern hotel-room experience and Marriott-brand service.
Swan Reserve is better if you want a modern, brand-standard guestroom and Marriott Bonvoy benefits.
Dining at Riverside focuses on family-friendly Southern and quick-service options plus pool bars.
Riverside’s restaurants are designed for families and Disney meal-plan integration.
Swan Reserve has a signature on-site restaurant and easy access to many dining options in the Swan & Dolphin complex.
Swan Reserve suits travelers wanting a contemporary restaurant and quick access to the wider Swan & Dolphin dining scene.
Riverside’s headline amenity is its multiple pools and family-oriented Ol' Man Island feature pool.
Riverside is the go-to for families wanting waterslide fun and multiple pool options across the grounds.
Swan Reserve’s property listing highlights pool areas, hot tubs and a private beach on its grounds.
Swan Reserve is a fit if you want modern pool facilities and a private beach feel close to EPCOT.
Port Orleans Riverside does not have a dedicated spa or fitness center on property.
If an on-site spa or gym matters, Riverside requires visiting another resort or off-site options.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve lists a full-service spa and 24-hour fitness facilities.
Swan Reserve is the stronger choice for guests who want spa treatments and hotel-style wellness amenities.

Port Orleans Riverside — themed rooms, six pools (including a waterslide), kids’ activities and evening family entertainment.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve — full-service spa and 24-hour fitness facilities on the hotel listing.

Port Orleans Riverside — Moderate Disney pricing, heavy theming and complimentary Disney transport/boat service.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve — positioned in the EPCOT-area Swan & Dolphin campus with short transfers to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is positioned in the EPCOT-area Swan & Dolphin campus and is the shorter transfer to EPCOT; Riverside uses Disney buses and is a longer ride.
Port Orleans Riverside provides complimentary Disney buses and a water taxi to Disney Springs; Swan Reserve offers a complimentary theme-park shuttle and is very close to EPCOT/Studios.
No — reliable Disney sources confirm Riverside does not have a dedicated spa or fitness center; Swan Reserve lists a full-service spa.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is affiliated with Marriott, so Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points and enjoy brand benefits; Riverside is a Disney-operated resort and participates in Disney’s guest benefits.
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