Walt Disney World Resort is undergoing significant changes at the Royal Rooms in Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, leaving Disney Princess fans concerned about the future of these beloved accommodations. The iconic Princess and the Frog (2009) themed rooms, once a highlight for many Disney Resort hotel guests, are now seeing their assets liquidated and their presence diminished.
Last fall, Walt Disney World Resort first announced a refurbishment plan affecting Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and other Resort hotels. At Port Orleans – Riverside, the Magnolia Bend section, home to the Royal Rooms, is at the center of this transformation. While these rooms were praised for their detailed theming, some guests have criticized their distance from key amenities and transportation, and high price point as major drawbacks.
Evidence of the ongoing changes surfaced when Reddit user u/Classic_Pumpkin_7950 shared a Facebook post from Forever Vintage featuring furniture, framed portraits, coat hangers, and other decor items sourced from the Royal Rooms. This sparked speculation about the extent of the refurbishment and the possible removal of princess theming.
Are they really getting rid of the princess rooms at riverside? I’m hoping this is fake…. 😞
Are they really getting rid of the princess rooms at riverside? I’m hoping this is fake…. 😞
byu/Classic_Pumpkin_7950 inWaltDisneyWorld
Instagram account @recyclingthemagic also revealed photos of Royal Room pieces—including signature fireworks headboards and tables accompanied by a handwritten note from Princess Tiana—available for resale at their Central Florida store:
We just got another round of Port Orleans Princess room items. We will be getting another load over the weekend as well. Our store is FULL of so much magic. Consider Recycling the Magic your LIGHTNING LANE to Disney props & collectibles (coming soon more Universal) For a little more AVOID I-4!! We are just 15 miles from Disney. Opened 10-5 everyday.
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A Reddit user claiming to work at Walt Disney World Resort shared that one building (90) housing Royal Rooms is reverting to standard rooms, prompting the liquidation of furnishings, while another building (95) will keep a “toned down” version of the themed rooms.
Though Disney hasn’t confirmed these details, the absence of Royal Room availability from August 2025 through early 2026 aligns with this report. The rumors claim building 95 will close in August to modernize the remaining Royal Rooms.
Despite the changes, Walt Disney World Resort’s official website still describes the Royal Rooms as “fully refurbished” with “fun regal touches from Tiana and her prince and princess pals.”
Construction and refurbishment at Port Orleans Riverside will continue through February 2026, while the nearby Port Orleans – French Quarter remains unaffected. Guests are encouraged to check Walt Disney World Resort’s official website before booking to understand how ongoing work might affect their visit to this Moderate Disney Resort hotel.
Is a Royal Room at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside worth it? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments!
