Along the banks of Riverside Mill at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, a quiet transformation is taking shape, plank by plank.
The wooden boardwalk that circles the food court, passing beneath the shadow of the property's working water wheel, has long served as a scenic shortcut through the resort's bayou-inspired grounds. For the time being, though, that path is off limits to guests as an extensive refurbishment moves through its final stages.
A Walkway Rebuilt
Walk up to the construction zone, and the most obvious sign of progress is underfoot. The majority of the boardwalk's original decking has been pulled up and replaced with new timber, leaving only a modest section near one end still incomplete. Fresh lumber sits staged nearby, ready to fill in the remaining gaps where boards have yet to be installed.
The railings lining the walkway are undergoing a parallel transformation. Many stretches already showcase newly installed wooden posts, while a handful of spots remain bare, awaiting their replacements. Even the decorative rope work beneath the railings appears to have been refreshed in the sections where construction has wrapped.
Navigating Around the Work
To keep guests clear of the active build, Disney has installed low barriers at both entry points to the boardwalk, paired with signage that reroutes foot traffic elsewhere through the resort.
The progress was documented by WDWNT, which observed the steady advancement of work surrounding Riverside Mill. Disney has yet to confirm a firm completion timeline, but the volume of finished work suggests this segment of the broader refurbishment may soon be complete.
When finished, the rebuilt boardwalk is expected to blend seamlessly with the rustic, waterside character that sets Port Orleans – Riverside apart among Disney World's moderate resort offerings. The scope of the ongoing renovation is addressed directly on Disney's official website, which tells prospective guests: “From early May 2025 through August 2027, Guest rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will undergo refurbishment throughout different parts of the Resort hotel. During this time, Guests may see or hear construction work in the area.”
As Walt Disney World continues its wave of resort-wide renovations, how are these changes shaping your vacation plans? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
