Hi Sheila!
You're going to love
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside! It's one of my favourite resort properties to enjoy at Walt Disney World. The grounds are so lush and green ... and the central location is just perfect!
For the least amount of walking to Resort Bus Depots, Food Courts and Recreation, your best bets would be to upgrade to a 'Preferred Room Location' accommodation. Top building locations in this category would be Building 18 if being near a quiet pool is important to you, or building 14 if proximity to the Food Court and lobby is of higher priority. These buildings are in the 'Alligator Bayou' themed section of the resort.
If you're preferring to be in the Magnolia Bend 'mansions' section of the resort, your best bet would be a "Royal Guest Room" upgrade and then placing a request on your resort file to be in Building 90 - Oak Manor, on the water view side of the building. I recently stayed in this location myself and found it to be just a short stroll via foot bridge across the 'Sassagoula River' to the Food Court and Lobby/Main Bus stop, or a short walk to the East Depot Bus Stop.
Take a look at the resort's information on the website to see what best suits your tastes. Click 'View Gallery' to see the differing room options and themes. Once decided, simply call in at (407) 939-7675 to make changes to your room type, upgrade or to place 'requests' on file. Do note that if you're not in a 'Preferred Location' room type, your request cannot be guaranteed but will be based on availability at the time of your room assignment and check-in.
I hope these tips help you with your plans Sheila!
If you have additional questions, please don't hesitate to write me back.
Wishing you a simply Magical time at Walt Disney World!
Kirsten