Year Long Port Orleans Riverside Room Refurbishment Begins April 2025

Hey Disney Vacationers! Big news for Disney fans planning their next trip to Walt Disney World! Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is gearing up for a significant guest room refurbishment starting April 2025, with work expected to extend into 2026. If you’re curious about what’s happening, how it might impact your stay, and what changes to expect, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a look at what we know so far about the Port Orleans Riverside room refurbishment.

The Announcement: When and Where

Disney officially announced:

“From early April 2025 through the end of January 2026, guest rooms in the Magnolia Bend at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will undergo refurbishment. During this time, guests may see or hear construction work in the area.”

The focus of the refurbishment is the Magnolia Bend section of the resort, which boasts stately, Southern-inspired mansions. While Disney has assured guests that efforts will be made to minimize disruption, it’s worth noting that some construction noise or activity could impact your stay during this period.

What’s Likely to Change?

While Disney hasn’t shared specific details about the scope of the Port Orleans Riverside room refurbishment, there’s plenty of speculation based on recent updates to its sister resort, Port Orleans French Quarter. In November 2024, Disney completed a major overhaul of the French Quarter rooms, and here’s what changed:

• Hardwood-Style Floors: Goodbye carpets, hello sleek and modern flooring that’s easier to clean and maintain.
• Coffee Bar Addition: Perfect for guests looking for a quick caffeine fix before heading to the parks.
• Under-Bed Storage: A game-changer for families, offering more space to stash suitcases and gear.
• Tech Upgrades: The inclusion of Hey Disney, USB charging ports, and other modern conveniences.
• Princess and the Frog Theming: A touch of New Orleans magic with Tiana-inspired design elements.

If the Riverside refurbishment mirrors this approach, Magnolia Bend could see similar upgrades, blending enhanced functionality with subtle nods to the bayou.

How This Impacts Your Stay

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World during the refurbishment period, here’s what you need to know:

• Construction Noise: Disney has warned that guests may hear or see construction during their stay. While Disney is known for managing construction disruptions carefully, some impacts may be unavoidable.
• Availability of Rooms: Depending on the refurbishment timeline, certain room categories in Magnolia Bend may be unavailable. Be sure to book early if you’re set on staying at Riverside.
• Alternative Options: Consider booking at Port Orleans French Quarter for a similar vibe with newly refurbished rooms or explore other Moderate Resorts like Caribbean Beach or Coronado Springs.

What’s Next for Port Orleans Riverside?

While details remain under wraps, fans of Port Orleans Riverside are eagerly anticipating how Disney will blend its Southern charm with modern conveniences and storytelling enhancements. Will we see a Princess and the Frog makeover similar to French Quarter? Only time will tell, but it’s a safe bet that Disney will deliver a magical upgrade worth the wait.

Plan Ahead

If you’re planning to visit Walt Disney World between 2025 and 2026, keep the refurbishment schedule in mind when making reservations. Stay tuned for updates as more details are shared about the Port Orleans Riverside room refurbishment.

Disney’s commitment to constant improvement ensures that these updates will enhance guest experiences while preserving the unique charm of Port Orleans Riverside. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or planning your first trip, this refurbishment promises to add an exciting new chapter to one of Disney’s most beloved Moderate Resorts.

20% Off site-wide, plus Free Shipping on all orders of $65+

Over 75+ Designs! Your next park shirt is just a click away

Looking To Book Your Dream Disney Vacation?

Save time & money on your vacation

Your Disney vacation should create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a first-time Disney vacationer or looking to plan your next magical adventure, it isn’t enough just to go on a Disney vacation. We want you to talk about your vacation for years to come and create memories you’ll cherish forever. Vacation is calling! Are you ready to answer?

REQUEST QUOTE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Jonathan Cotton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I’m no stranger to Disney planning, as a Disneyland magic key holder and DVC member. I’m the person people ask for trip planning advice. But I had never been on a Disney cruise, and had heard great about Nate and decided to reach out. I’m so glad I did because we could not have been happier with our experience. His tips and insights were incredibly helpful, and he was incredibly responsive any time we had a question. Who do the Disney experts turn to when they need help? Nate, that’s who.

We’ll definitely be using him again.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Andria Skornik 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Our experience working with Nate as our Disney vacation planner was exceptional. He was responsive and thorough. He gave us insights that made the trip go much more smoothly. We were able to really relax and focus on quality time as a family and have so much fun doing it! I will definitely reach out for any future trips.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 rpwoodjr 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Could not have wanted or expected more from Nate, our Distrips and More agent as we planned our 2025 Disney World trip. Nate was VERY responsive to emails and texts and more than willing to do whatever he could to guide us and answer our questions.  On several occasions I emailed him over the weekend not expecting a response until Monday but each time he responded before the weekend was over.  He even participated in a Zoom session with our group of five seniors as we planned our trip. He also helped us at the 11th hour when we added a family member to our travel group less than a month before our trip.  Without a doubt, I will reach out to Nate when I'm ready to plan my next trip to Disney World!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Homero Rendon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We are so thankful we used Nate to plan not only our first Disney trip, but also our second. He made the process so easy for us, especially for us since it was our first time going. There was a lot to consider and many decisions to make, such as where to stay, when to go, and what to experience. Nate really helped us narrow down what we wanted to do overall, but he didn’t stop there. He provided detailed guides to help us navigate the airport and find our transportation to the resort, as well as a guide to explore the resorts and make sure we saw the best Christmas decorations. One of the many amazing things he also did was set up our dinner reservations for us. This saved us so much stress and allowed us to get some of our top choices. From the moment we landed in Orlando to the moment we headed back home, he made sure everything went smoothly. You truly can’t go wrong with going to him for your next trip.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Lee Mathes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate was absolutely the best planner I have ever had.  Will most definitely be using him again.   He took care of everything and kept me on track.  Was so very helpful in making all the dining reservations and everything.   Can't thank him enough.   He made our trip completely stress free!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Amanda Moran 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nathan has been an amazing trip planner for me! So helpful and responsive. I am a very type A person -- so someone who is even more on top of their game than me -- is so so appreciated! Nathan has booked 3 trips for me (1 completed 2 pending) and it was perfection. Thanks again!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Hyperion Adventures Podcast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate has helped us with our vacation planning for the last couple of years and we couldn't be happier with his service and expertise. We've used other travel agents in the past and none of them have done as phenomenal a job to make sure every detail is taken care of as he has. Switching to Nate was one of the best decisions we've ever made. He's always quick to answer questions and works tirelessly to make sure we get everything we want from our trips. Plus, he's just a genuinely great person who is wonderful to work with. Whether you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, or any other vacation, Nate is the guy you want putting it all together! Five stars across the board!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 7 reviews 
 
   
 
 

Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!