“Hello Princess!” It was a friendly greeting you often hear from members of Disney and, although I am older and lack members of the royal family, it really made me feel a little more regal. . During a recent visit to Disney World, I decided it was time to take my rightful place on the throne by staying in a room befitting a princess like myself at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
The overall design of the resort is inspired by Louisiana Bayou, with a steam train ticket station-themed lobby, sawmill-themed waterslide at the pool, and a teeming fishing lake. Most guests stay in Southern-style rooms and give a subtle nod to “The Princess and the Frog,” set in New Orleans – but most of all I’m not a guest. Luckily, I found the right accommodation in one of the resort’s “Royal Guest Rooms”.
If you also want royal treatment on your next Disney World vacation, here’s what you can expect from the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
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The entrance is magnificent
The stately white columned residences that housed the Royal Living Rooms sit on the banks of the Sassagoula River. To reach them, you have to cross a bridge from the main area of the resort, where the pool, dining area and check-in are located. Once you reach the other side, the walkway leads you to a series of buildings with manicured lawns, fountains, and grand staircases (also elevators).
My room was in the Parterre Place building, where there were additional royal banners bearing Disney princesses’ names on lampposts throughout the courtyard.
Note that the buildings are located quite far from the main area of the hotel. The luggage attendant suggested that I take the golf cart (alas, not the carriage and carriage) to my room so that I wouldn’t have to carry my suitcase that way. I declined, but I appreciate them providing that service.
Your favorite Disney stories shown
As soon as I entered the room, I noticed the decorative elements themed in Disney princess movies. Portraits of Ariel, Belle, Jasmine and their friends decorate the wall by the bed, banners with silhouettes of their suitors hang at the entrance, and Aladdin’s magic rug is woven into a rug pattern.
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TARAH CHIEFFI / DANGEROUS POINTS
At each turn, I noticed more details related to the princess theme. Oak furniture accents with gold carvings, shower curtains designed with golden starfish, sand dollars and “dinglehoppers” from “The Little Mermaid”, and sink faucets shaped like a van golden lamp of the genie in “Aladdin”.
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TARAH CHIEFFI / DANGEROUS POINTS
All practical aspects of the room resembled any standard room at a moderate Disney resort. The room has a mini fridge, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and makeup area outside the bathroom.
Tiana is the star of the show
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TARAH CHIEFFI / DANGEROUS POINTS
While there are quite a few princesses represented, Princess Tiana stands out the most. There was a large ornate framed portrait of Tiana hanging from a red and yellow upholstered couch and a letter from Tiana herself welcoming me into the room and inviting me to make my own at home and enjoy the Magical memories during stay at home.
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TARAH CHIEFFI / DANGEROUS POINTS
The standout feature of these royal living rooms are the beds. The headboard extends all the way to the ceiling and is painted with bayou at night in dark blue and purple tones. When you press a small button on the side of the bed, the headboard magically comes to life as fireworks explode in the sky above the marsh and fireflies light up the night. Let’s just say, I’ve pressed that button more times than you might think an adult would.
Some amenities are outdated
Most of the rooms at Port Orleans – Riverside had been refurbished by the time the resort reopened following the temporary closure of Disney World during the pandemic, but most of the Royal Guest Rooms were left in place. For the most part, I consider this a good thing because I’m impressed by the intricate layout, but that means some of the amenities are outdated.
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TARAH CHIEFFI / DANGEROUS POINTS
There were no USB ports in the room and the television was smaller and older than I’ve seen in other Disney World hotel rooms. Most now have newer remotes with channel guides and other features, but this forces you to scroll through every channel and do nothing else.
Peaceful location
While this was my first time staying in a royal suite, it wasn’t my first visit to Disney’s Port Orleans resort. I’ve previously stayed at the French Quarter, Riverside’s sister property, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite Disney resorts.
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TARAH CHIEFFI / DANGEROUS POINTS
I like the quiet setting by the river and the walking paths you can explore the resort. The area around the resort has lots of trees and architecture that gives it a very Louisiana feel (especially the New Orleans themed rooms at Port Orleans – French Quarter). Thanks to its location along the Sassagoula River, I was also able to take a leisurely ferry ride from the hotel to Disney Springs.
Relatively reasonable price
When it comes to pricing at Disney World, everything is relative. I wouldn’t necessarily call the Royal Living Room a “budget option,” but the nightly rate is only slightly more than a standard room at Port Orleans – Riverside. Using a sample date of February 15, 2023, a standard room with a river view costs $364.00 per night plus tax. Royal Guest Room with river view is only $17 more, $381 a night plus tax.
Key point
For some, the princess decor in Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Royal Guest Rooms might make you feel too great, but if your family is a fan of princesses, then this theme will suit you. – and the price difference between the standard room and the room suitable for royalties is minimal.
