Hi Marlena,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thank you for sending us your question. I completely understand your concern regarding crowds and your son with special needs, it has been my experience that Walt Disney World Resort does go above and beyond to accommodate guests with special needs.
Port Orleans Resort - Riverside, would be a fantastic choice for a child who cannot be in crowded areas, it is a very large resort with numerous buildings for resort hotel rooms. The main lobby is spatious as well, however during peak hours Riverside Mill Food Court, the Quick-Service Dining Location can get crowded, although most resort Quick-Service Dining Locations do tend to get crowded.
The resort itself is very spatious and has plenty of green space for guests to enjoy. The main pool on Ol’ Man Island can be crowded, my husband and daughter tend to enjoy the smaller pools that are much less busy. Port Orleans Resort - Rivreside is a very large resort, which lends itself to more guests. With that being said, I have never felt like the resort was crowded and we have visited during several peak times such as New Years and Spring Break. If you would like a smaller resort hotel,
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter has the same feel as Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Rivreside, but is smaller, making it less crowded and busy. Both resort hotels are a perfect choice for someone who doesn’t like crowds. I would however recommend not visiting either Quick-Service Dining location during off peak hours.
I hope you have a magical time at Walt Disney World Resort, Marlena. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Stephanie