When Walt Disney World Resort reopened in July 2020 following its pandemic-related closure, there was a phased reopening process in place, meaning that not all Resort hotels reopened at once.

Related: Disney Resorts Look Deserted in Aerial Images

Among the location that did not immediately reopen was fan-favorite property, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. Fortunately, Guests who enjoy both Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter do not have to wait too much longer to once again stay at the Louisiana-inspired hotel.

Related: Disney Fans Are THRILLED About Big Change to Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is due to reopen on October 14, 2021, with Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter following on October 28. And, now, it appears that the Resort may be getting some updates ahead of reopening for the first time in well over a year.

Walt Disney World Resort officials have filed a new permit for “General Construction” at the Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside check-in building [below]. While this description is vague and could mean anything from minor cosmetic changes to a major overhaul, it is not surprising that some refurbishment would be necessary following the Resort’s lengthy closure.

Related: How Disney Is Improving the Guest Experience at Select Resorts

In addition to this latest permit, Disney also recently filed a permit for work on the Alligator Bayou pool at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort.

Although Disney has not specifically shared details about what changes could be coming to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, it certainly seems that the Guest experience is set to get even better than it was before!

More on Disney’s Port Orleans Resort

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The official description of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside reads:

From the stately white-column mansions of Magnolia Bend to Alligator Bayou’s quaint backwoods cottages, delight in a picturesque setting that evokes the romance of rural Louisiana. Take a short walk along the Sassagoula River to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, known for Southern specialties like gumbo, jambalaya and beignets. 

Related: 4 Years Later, Disney Files Permit Signaling Completion of ‘Star Wars’ Hotel 

Meanwhile, the official description of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter reads:

Revel in the romance and pageantry of New Orleans’s historic French Quarter at this Moderate Resort hotel. Discover cobblestone streets, gas lamps, wrought-iron balconies and fragrant magnolia blossoms, along with colorful Mardi Gras characters and the sounds of jazz. Then stroll along the lushly landscaped Sassagoula River to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, where the bayou beckons, as do Cajun and Creole specialties.

Are you looking forward to staying at Port Orleans again soon?

Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district.