If you’re thinking about staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort and are deciding about whether or not to upgrade to the Royal Guest Rooms at POR, you might find this review helpful.

My daughter is infatuated with Disney Princesses so my husband and I decided we’d reserve a Royal Guest Room at Port Orleans Riverside during a recent Walt Disney World visit.

Our son, who is 3 years younger than our daughter, is the complete opposite of his sister. No princess, glitter, pink and purple theme for him. He’s obsessed with cars, planes, trains, pirates, monsters and primary colours.

We figured we had to book this princess themed room sooner than later.

Cozy and Not Too Girly

Yes, there are pictures of princesses scattered around the room but the theming is not pink and sparkly like one would expect.

Dark wood furniture and a gold and royal blue colour scheme make the room feel rich and cozy.

There are two chairs, a dresser with TV on top, a mini fridge, 2 Queen Beds and a bathroom / dressing area (toilet, bath tub in one room and double vanity, shelf with hanging rail, and a small wall-mounted key lock safe just outside the bathroom area).

The chairs, headboards, lamps, table and stool are a bit larger than furniture and fixtures in a standard room because of the detailing and royal embellishments.

There is enough room for a play yard and a double stroller to fit in this room. Having both things open  little room for walking – so just a heads up for parents of little ones.

The heavy curtains do a great job of keeping the light out at night and at nap time and the beds are comfortable.

At just over 300 square feet, the room feels a bit small due to the dark colour scheme and large furniture.

Fireworks on the Headboards

The best part about the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort are the headboards.

Upon pressing a button at the side of the headboard, LED lights will turn on and you’ll be treated to a short fireworks show.

Our kids couldn’t get enough of this.

Turn the lights off, press the button. First thing in the morning, press the button. Right before bed, press the button.

You’d think by the end of our stay, the circuits would have been fried but no – still working after a million presses of the buttons!

Pack Good Walking Shoes

The Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort are located in the mansion buildings farthest from the food court and main lobby – Parterre Place and Oak Manor.

Our room was located at the back of Parterre Place, facing the parking lot, and it took us anywhere from 5 – 10 minutes depending on if the kids were in the stroller or walking to get to the food court.

This is not a long walk by any means but in colder weather, in the middle of a thunderstorm or rain showers or after a long day at the parks, the walk back to your room could feel like hours as opposed to a few minutes.

Perfect for Princesses

When we booked, the Royal Guest Room was only $10 more per night than a standard room. The theming and decor are spot on as you’d expect for a Disney owned resort.

If you have a princess fan in the family, it won’t break the budget.

You will need to trade in your princess heels for some comfortable walking shoes if you decide to stay in a Royal Guest Room though!

As for our toddler, he thought the room was only OK. The princess photos on the wall were “yucky” and he would much rather stay in a standard room than this one. Who knew a 2 year old could be so opinionated?

Click here to read what other families thought about Port Orleans Riverside. Over 80% of reviewers rated this hotel Very Good or Excellent.

More About Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Address: 1251 Riverside Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL 32830-8514
Price: Starts at $213 USD/night
Hotel Class: 3.5 stars (Moderate)
Availability: Click here for rates and availability

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