When you arrive you’ll find yourself in the “Old South” at a riverboat landing, your first stop is the Sassagoula Steamboat Company where you will check in.
Choosing between the Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend sections will depend on what kind of décor you prefer in your room. As well as the ambiance you are happier with on the exterior. Do you like antebellum mansions or rustic, Cajun homes? Note that the Alligator Bayou rooms offer a trundle bed if your boys prefer to sleep separately.
Part of the Alligator Bayou section is extremely convenient. Building 14 is closest to the bus stop, Riverside Mill food court, pool and other amenities. Building 18 is close by but also gives easier access to the quiet pool and laundry room, if these are important to you.
It’s a lovely walk across a bridge to Magnolia Terrace building 85 which is convenient to all the amenities at the front of the resort, as well as a quiet pool, laundry room and the East Depot bus station. This bus stop is much quieter than the main bus stop that you would utilize for Building 14 in the Alligator Bayou. I think this stop tends to get busier due to guests going directly to the bus after dining at the Riverside Mill.
Port Orleans Riverside offers a lot for boys including an arcade, fishing, pirate cruise, bike rentals, pool, playground, boat transportation to Downtown Disney and bicycle trails. I’ve always loved walking through this resort at night and never tire of listening to the crickets - courtesy of Disney magic.