If you’ve ever been to Disney World you know that there are a TON of options when it comes to where you’ll dine at. And we mean OPTIONS! Whether you’re just looking for something quick and easy, some comfort food, or high-end and fabulous, you’ll find it all at Disney World.

We recently stopped by River Roost at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside to see what was cookin’, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to Disney World? Let’s find out together!

Atmosphere

River Roost is everything you want in a hotel lounge: dim lighting, comfy seating, and a warm, welcoming feel. It has that old-school Southern charm, with dark wood accents and a relaxed energy that makes you want to kick back and stay a while.

If you arrive before the lounge officially opens at 5 PM, the lights are brighter, but once the evening rolls in, the ambiance shifts to a cozier, intimate setting.

When Yehaa Bob plays (typically starting at 8:30PM, Wednesdays through Saturdays), expect the place to get busy—he’s a Disney World favorite, and finding a seat can be tricky if you don’t plan ahead.

But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?!

Menu

River Roost offers a mix of Southern-inspired bites and classic bar food, making it a solid spot for those looking for a quick snack or even a light dinner. For example, you’ll find appetizers like Andouille Nachos, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, and Barbecued Wings.

And being that it is a bar, you’ll find plenty of cocktails, draft beer, and wine options.

And now, onto the main event — the food!

Eats

First up, we grabbed the Pimento Cheese Fritters for $12. These are house-made Pimento Cheese Fritters with Pepper Jelly. 

Let’s be real: fried cheese is always a good idea. These pimento cheese fritters were golden brown, crunchy on the outside, and filled with a creamy, gooey cheese blend on the inside. The texture starts out perfectly melty but does firm up a bit as they sit.

The secret star of this dish has to be the pepper jelly. It has a subtle kick that sneaks up on you after a few bites, adding just the right amount of heat and sweetness to balance out the richness of the cheese.

For $12, this is a solid shareable appetizer. It’s cheesy, indulgent, and everything you want from a deep-fried snack.

Next up, we tried the Barbecued Wings for $16. These are smoked chicken wings tossed in a sweet-and-spicy barbecue sauce and served with cajun fries.

Now, wings can be hit or miss, but River Roost gets it right. These smoked chicken wings had great depth of flavor—sweet upfront with a slow-burning heat on the back end.

The cajun fries packed their own seasoning punch. If you’re not a fan of spice, you might want to pace yourself because between the wings, fries, and pimento cheese fritters, things can get pretty heated.

For an appetizer, this portion was huge — around a dozen wings — which makes it a great option if you’re looking for something more substantial. Honestly, this could pass as an entrée.

Drinks

To drink, we picked up the Southern Hurricane for $15.50. This is made with Bayou Silver Rum, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Orange, Pineapple, and Lime Juices with Grenadine and a float of Myers’s Original Dark Rum.

If you’re expecting a next-level cocktail experience, the Southern Hurricane might leave you a little underwhelmed. It’s served in the classic hurricane glass, but the flavor was pretty standard — think of a sweet, fruit-forward cocktail you’d find at a chain restaurant like Texas Roadhouse.

That being said, it does pack a bit of a punch. It had a stronger alcohol presence than expected, but overall, it felt like a pre-mixed drink that was just a little “beefed up.” If you’re looking for something truly special, you might want to explore other drink options on the menu.

Nosh or Not

River Roost is a must-visit if…

• You love a relaxed lounge with live entertainment (especially if Yehaa Bob is playing!).
• You’re in the mood for solid Southern-inspired bar food.
• You want a casual spot to grab drinks and unwind after a long park day.

You should skip River Roost if…

• You prefer a more refined or upscale cocktail experience.
• You’re looking for a full-service dining experience rather than a lounge setting.
• You’re not a fan of dimly lit, cozy spaces.

Overall

River Roost is a great hidden gem at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. It’s not the flashiest or most innovative spot, but it offers solid food, a welcoming atmosphere, and (on the right night) one of the best live entertainment acts at Disney World.

The pimento cheese fritters were the standout, the barbecued wings were a solid, shareable option, and while the Southern Hurricane wasn’t anything groundbreaking, it got the job done. If you’re staying at the resort or just want to check out a chill lounge with some good Southern bites, River Roost is worth a visit!

In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!

The Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2025

Have you eaten at River Roost before? Tell us in the comments!

The post REVIEW: You Come for the Show at this Disney World Hotel Lounge, But the Apps Surprised Us! first appeared on the disney food blog.