Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside has quietly rolled out a complete overhaul of its iconic Royal Guest Rooms, swapping out the ornate, fairy-tale furnishings that fans adored for a fresh look rooted in Louisiana culture and the world of Princess Tiana. The update, which debuted in late summer 2026, leans heavily into bayou imagery, New Orleans motifs, and nods to the film The Princess and the Frog.
The centerpiece of the redesign is an illuminated art installation above the headboards. In one setting, soft front lighting highlights a bayou scene; flip to the second setting and a hidden black light transforms the mural from day to night — arguably the most dramatic and memorable feature in the refreshed space. Elsewhere, decorative wall molding incorporates symbols tied to Tiana and Naveen, including Ray the firefly, lilies, lily pads, and crowns. A letter from Tiana herself is embedded in the table, and a piece of Princess Tiana artwork — styled to resemble stained glass, though it isn't — hangs on the wall. Family photographs of Tiana's family are displayed in the corner above the counter, set against lily-and-crown-patterned wallpaper.
Modern conveniences received a quiet upgrade: each bedside nightstand now offers two standard electrical outlets, a USB port, and a USB-C port, and under-bed storage has been added beneath each elevated bed. The bathroom and vanity area, however, are essentially identical to those in the resort's standard rooms — same floor tile, same vanity layout — with one exception: a striking gold mirror engraved with Tiana and Naveen's initials. The former Little Mermaid–inspired shower curtain is gone, replaced by a frosted-glass sliding door with wall-mounted soap and shampoo dispensers.
Several beloved details from the previous design didn't survive the transition. The ornate headboards and overhead princess decorations have been removed. The Cinderella carriage coat rack is gone, replaced by three plain hooks on a board. The chairs are noticeably simpler, the curtains match the rest of the hotel, and the bayou artwork no longer features fireworks or appearances by other Disney Princesses. The overall impression, according to those who've toured the room, is of a space that still tells a story — just with considerably less theatrical flair than what came before.
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Port Orleans Riverside, one of Walt Disney World's Moderate Resorts, is known for its rural Louisiana aesthetic, winding bayous, and water taxi service to Disney Springs. Full details and a video room tour of the redesigned Royal Guest Rooms were first published by WDW News Today.
