Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside vs Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Photo: Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Moderate Disney Springs Resort Area
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Photo: Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Deluxe Disney Springs Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Moderate

Saratoga Springs

Deluxe

Area

Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Disney Springs Resort Area

Saratoga Springs

Disney Springs Resort Area

Transportation

Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Boat, Bus

Saratoga Springs

Boat, Walk, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

1 restaurant

Saratoga Springs

1 restaurant

Quick-Service Dining

Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

3 locations

Saratoga Springs

6 locations

Pool Amenities

Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Pool, Hot Tub, Quiet Pool

Saratoga Springs

Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

No

Saratoga Springs

Yes

Top Highlight

Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Large, beautiful resort grounds with a bayou and river setting

Saratoga Springs

Boat service to Disney Springs is the most convenient of any resort

Overview

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

The larger Port Orleans property, themed to the antebellum South and riverfront mansions, with boat service to Disney Springs.

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Inspired by historic Saratoga Springs—a late-1800s’ New York retreat famous for its spas and horse racing—this charming, Victorian-style Resort hotel is nestled between rolling golf course greens and the shimmering Lake Buena Vista. Delight in stately Studios and multi-bedroom Villas, dazzling pools and a spa.

Amenities

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Campfire Program
  • Playground
  • Arcade
  • Jogging Trail
  • Quiet Pool
  • Fishing excursions
  • Bike/Surrey bike rentals

Wellness

  • Spa

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Recreation

  • Pool
  • disney's lake buena vista golf course
  • Children's themed interactive wet play area with pop-jet fountains
  • Tennis Courts
  • Running Trail listed in Activities & Recreation
  • Boat Rental listed in Activities & Recreation; information from Horsing Around Rentals

Wellness

  • Spa

Other

  • Laundry Facilities
  • Artist Palette shop and merchandise at Carriage House

Transportation

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

  • Boat

    Disney Springs

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Boat

    Disney Springs

  • Walk

    Disney Springs

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Pros

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

  • Large, beautiful resort grounds with a bayou and river setting
  • Royal Guest rooms with princess theming are uniquely themed for the tier
  • Multiple pools including the Ol' Man Island pool complex
  • Sassagoula River boat service to Disney Springs
  • Quieter and more relaxed atmosphere than busier resorts

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Boat service to Disney Springs is the most convenient of any resort
  • Largest Disney Vacation Club property with extensive room variety
  • Treehouse Villas offer a unique and secluded resort experience
  • Congress Park section has rooms literally adjacent to Disney Springs
  • Full spa and fitness center on property

Cons

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

  • Very large resort can mean long walks from room to main building
  • Bus-only transportation to theme parks; boat service only goes to Disney Springs
  • Limited dining, Boatwright's table service is the only full-service option
  • Alligator Bayou rooms are more rustic and less recently renovated
  • Can feel isolated due to the spread-out layout

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Very large resort with extremely long walks between some sections
  • Primarily a DVC property with limited cash booking options
  • Dated theming compared to newer Disney resorts
  • Bus-only transportation to theme parks; boat and walk options limited to Disney Springs
  • Pool complex is spread out, with multiple smaller pools instead of one standout

On-Site Dining

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

  • Boatwright's Dining Hall

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • Muddy Rivers

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • River Roost

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Riverside Mill Food Court

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast

    View menu

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Backstretch Pool Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Chip 'n' Dale's Café at Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

    Quick Service

    American

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • On the Rocks Pool Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • The Artist's Palette

    Quick Service

    American

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • The Paddock Grill

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • The Turf Club Bar and Grill

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • The Turf Club Lounge

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

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