Disney Port Orleans Riverside vs French Quarter Comparison Guide

Disney Port Orleans Riverside vs French Quarter – which of these Disney mid-range resorts is the right place for your family to stay during your Disney World vacation?  We will compare the resorts side by side with their pros and cons to help you make the right and informed decision for your family. 

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Overview of Disney Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter

But before we can get into a comparison of the two resorts we thought it would be best to give you an overview of each resort. Although both resorts start with Port Orleans, the two resorts are separate and operate independently with their own transportation arrangements and restaurants and pools. However there is some overlap in their Southern theming. 

Having said this, there are some key differences in the resorts. For this reason we thought it would be worth giving you an overview of the theme and amenities at each resort before we compare them. 

Port Orleans Riverside Overview

Port Orleans Riverside is one of the most popular resorts on property at Disney World. 

It is classified as a moderate resort and is often cited as one of the best moderate resorts at Disney World because of its price point and size. (Other moderate resorts include Port Orleans French Quarter, Coronado Springs Resort, and Caribbean Beach Resort). 

So what is there at Port Orleans Riverside and what is the them? 

Port Orleans has a Louisiana vibe that reflects the towns of the state that run alongside the Mississippi river. However instead of the Mississippi, this resort is located on the banks of Sassagoula River. 

It should come as no surprise then that given the Louisiana theming of the resort that you will find plenty of Princess and the Frog touches, as this is the only film set in this region of the USA. 

The resort is split into 4 areas:

• Alligator Bayou
• Magnolia Bend
• Old Man Island – the area of the resort with the main port and other amenities and 
• Sassagoula Steamboat Company – the area of the resort with check, shop and restaurants. 

If you opt for one of the more adult themed and luxurious rooms, aka Royal Guest Rooms then you will be housed in the more antebellum looking buildings in Magnolia Bend. However if you are in a standard room, you are more likely to be over in Alligator Bayou as we were. 

The resort has several dining options in the:

• Boatwright’s Dining Hall – a table service restaurant
• Riverside Mill Food Court – a quick service restaurant offering three meals a day
• Muddy Rivers – the pool bar
• River Roost Lounge – the main bar inside the resort

And on top of that there are several recreational activities that are great at Port Orleans Riverside. For instance not only does Port Orleans have a resort style pool complete with slides, but some smaller pools located near to the accommodation blocks around the resort. 

On top of that guests here can enjoy fishing and horse and carriage rides at an additional cost and daily activities such as Pool Parties, trivia nights, campfires and movies under the stars.

Whenever you are staying at a Disney World on-site resort perhaps one of the most important things to consider is the transportation options between the resort and the parks (especially if you are visiting Disney World without a car).

From Port Orleans Riverside you will reach all of the parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios) by bus. 

There is no boat or skyliner access from Port Orleans Riverside to the parks. However Port Orleans Riverside is very conveniently located a short boat ride from Disney Springs. If you plan on visiting Disney Springs, this is a very well positioned park. 

Port Orleans French Quarter Overview

Port Orleans French Quarter is similar to Port Orleans Riverside in the fact that this is another moderately priced resort. 

However whereas Riverside has a more riverside town feel, the French Quarter Resort is more like downtown New Orleans with lots of townhouses and wrought iron fencing and gates. 

The resort is much smaller than the Port Orleans sister site, taking only around 5 minutes to get from accommodation to main building.

And due to the size differences you will find a reduction in amenities. For instance the French Quarter does not have a table service restaurant like Port Orleans, only have a food court called Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory.   

While most of the resort quick service restaurants serve similar fare i.e. burgers and pizzas. However there is something here that does draw the crowds in and that is the Mickey beignets as the Scat Cat Club. 

There is also a pool bar called Mardi Grogs. There are also weekly pool parties, trivia evenings and movies under the star but less paid for add on activities than at Riverside. 

So now you know about the amenities, what are the transportation options at French Quarter? 

From Port Orleans French Quarter you will reach all of the parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios) by bus. 

There is no boat or skyliner access from Port Orleans French Quarter to the parks. However Port Orleans Riverside is very conveniently located a short boat ride from Disney Springs. If you plan on visiting Disney Springs, this is a very well positioned park. 

So now you have an overview of each which is better Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter?

What is Better Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter?

I personally don’t think there is one right answer when it comes to Port Orleans Riverside vs French Quarter. It really depends on the thing that is most important to you and your family. In this guide we will compare on site perks, transportation, amenities, theming and more to help you decide what is right for you based on your needs. 

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Vs French Quarter On Site perks?

One of the main reasons to stay on-site at Disney world as opposed to offside in nearby Celebration, International Drive or Windsor Hills for example is because of the perks you get on-site. 

Some of the perks of staying on-site at a Disney world moderate resort are: 

• Early Entry – this is the most important benefit to us as we get a lot done by using Early Entry and Rope Drop strategies at the parl. 
• Magic Band room keys – we think Magic Bands are more worthwhile if you are staying on-site than off site. For more information on if Magic Bands are worthwhile for your family check out this post.
• Dining Reservations – dining reservations, particular character dining is something that is very popular and can be hard to snag a reservation for particularly at busy times of year such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. By staying on-site you get earlier access to dining reservations which greatly increase your chances of getting into the restaurant of your choice.

However the benefits of staying on site are the same across all the moderate range hotels and resorts so therefore this should not be the deciding factor in making your Disney World accommodation choice.

Winner: Tie

Which has the best theming Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter ? 

Although Port Orleans Riverside and french Quarter operate as independent resorts. there is some overlap in theming as they both have Southern Louisiana feels. 

However the best theming will depend on what you are looking for. 

If you want a more IP (intellectual property) filled resort i.e. a resort with more Disney touches then you should definitely visit Port Orleans over French Quarter. 

While French Quarter is styled to be like downtown New Orleans there aren’t many character touches at this property. 

However at Port Orleans Riverside has been rethemed to include Princess and the Frog touches in the room. Therefore if you want more Disney touches I think Port Orleans Riverside is better than French Quarter

Winner: Riverside.

Which is better for kids Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter?

Overall I think that Port Orleans Riverside is slightly better for children than French Quarter. 

The reason for this is because I think the theming of Princess and the Frog rooms, larger resort pool and added activities make it better for kids. 

However, if you are traveling to Disney World with toddlers but not using a stroller, the larger resort may be more challenging after a long day in the parks. 

Winner: Riverside

Which is better for Adults Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside? 

If you are traveling at adults you may want to look for a more adult resort. One of our favorite resorts for Adults at Disney World is the Dolphin and the Swan. however if you want a moderate Disney Resort for adults I don’t think you can go wrong with French Quarter. 

It is also a great resort for those considering a Disney World babymoon.

The theming is slightly more grown up as there is no IP in the rooms, and the smaller more compact size tends to appeal more to adults. 

Winner: French Quarter

Which has better transport options Port Orleans French Quarter Vs Riverside?

Whenever we look at the best Disney World resorts to stay in, our top priority is transportation into the parks. 

Some of the most convenient ways to travel to the parks from the resorts are via Skyliner, monorail and boat. However none of these are options at the Port Orleans Resorts.

At both these resorts your only option for transferring to Disney World parks by Disney supplied transportation is via the bus. I found that there tends to be more buses running from Port Orleans Riverside as opposed to French Quarter due to the fact that Riverside is the larger resort.

However overall I don’t think that transportation should be the deciding factor in which resort you stay at when looking at these two resorts. 

Winner: Draw

Which has the best pool and amenities Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside?

Whenever you are traveling to Florida, chances are you will want to be using the pool at your resort to cool off after a long day in the parks or on your park rest day. 

Both resorts have good pools. French Quarter has a sea serpent in the centre of its pool while the pool on Ol Man’s Island at Riverside has more of a mine theme with slide. 

Though both pools are good I personally think that Riverside has the edge. And as an added bonus Riverside also has smaller pools dotted around the site. Although these don’t have slide and bars, they are a great way to get away from the crowds at the Central Pool.

Winner: Riverside

Which is the best size?

One of the biggest complaints we hear about Riverside is that it can be too big for some. 

I personally didn’t find it too large but I am used to walking long distances in the heat having lived in the Middle East. However if you want a compact resort then French Quarter has to be the out and out winner as it only takes five minutes to walk anywhere at this resort.

Winner: French Quarter

What resort the best restaurants out of French Quarter and Riverside? 

If you are a foodie traveling to Disney World or simply just want to have plenty of food optins at your accommodation you will definitely want to stay at Riverside instead of French Quarter. 

French Quarter only has a food court while Riverside has a food court and a table service restaurant which offers more variety food wise. 

Winner: Riverside

Overall Which is Best between Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter?

OVerall I think the battle between Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter is a really tightly run race. However overall I personally think Riverside has the edge over French Quarter due to the larger pool greater dining options and theming. 

However if you are looking for a moderate / midrange resort you really can’t go wrong with either Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter.

FAQS about Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside

Are Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter connected?

Despite the Port Orleans name in the start of both these resorts, it is worth that they are independent resorts and have their own pools and restaurants etc and are not connected. 

However it is easy to walk between the resorts or you can catch the Disney Springs boat between the two resorts. 

How far apart are Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter?

Depending on your start and destination at the resorts you are looking at around a 0.5 mile walk between the resorts.

When we walked from Riverside to French Quarter to go and get beignets it took us just over 10 minutes to get from our room at Alligator Bayou to the Scat Cat Club. 

Which is bigger Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter?

Port Orleans Riverside is the far bigger resort. French Quarter is a lot more compact and has far fewer rooms. 

What is the main difference between Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter?

I would say that the main difference between Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter is their size. Port Orleans Riverside is one of the biggest resorts at Disney World while French Quarter is one of the smallest.

As you would expect, due to the size difference there are larger pools and more restaurants consequentially at Riverside than French Quarter. 

Which is smaller Riverside or French Quarter?

French Quarter is a lot smaller than riverside. It has less guest rooms and therefore has less amenities on the site. 

Have you been to Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter? We would love to hear which you prefer and why in the comments. 

And if you are still deciding which resort is right for you and have questions we have not answered please leave us a comment below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.