Port Orleans Resort is a Moderate Resort at Walt Disney World featuring two distinct areas: Riverside and French Quarter. And, if you’re thinking about staying here, you might be wondering which one is better – Port Orleans Riverside vs. French Quarter. While both hotels are situated on the Sassagoula River and are themed to transport you into the heart of Louisiana, there are some key differences that can make a big difference in your stay. Here are 7 ways that the resorts differ and how to decide which one is right for your next vacation.

Theming

You’ll get a taste of the Big Easy at both Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, but what slice of Louisiana you experience depends on which hotel you choose!

Port Orleans Riverside transports you to a charming Southern plantation. It boasts a sprawling layout with lush landscapes and rustic charm. In the Magnolia Bend section of the resort, you’ll find stately mansions reminiscent of the antebellum era. And, Alligator Bayou is home to rustic bayou cottages. The resort’s green landscaping and winding paths create a serene, rural atmosphere.

French Quarter, on the other hand, whisks you away to the heart of New Orleans. Wrought-iron balconies, cobblestone streets, and gas lamps are designed to replicate the city’s iconic French Quarter atmosphere. The resort’s compact layout gives it an intimate, urban feel.

Both resorts embrace a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Riverside’s theming is more spread out and varied, offering distinct areas to explore. You can stroll along the Sassagoula River or relax on a wooden porch swing. Meanwhile, the French Quarter provides a more cohesive, immersive experience in a smaller footprint. Here, you can enjoy the fun nods to Mardi Gras, with colorful accents and jazz-inspired details.

WINNER: Port Orleans – French Quarter

Size

Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter differ significantly in size. In fact, Riverside is approximately twice as large as French Quarter, covering a more expansive area.

French Quarter’s compact layout makes it easy to navigate. You can walk from one end to the other in about 5 minutes. This makes the resort feel more similar to the quaint atmosphere of New Orleans’ historic district. Plus, this means that everything you might need to get to is within a short walk from your hotel room. So, you’ll save time (and steps!) getting to and from the dining options, pool, and park transportation.

Riverside, being larger, offers more ground to explore and, in turn, more amenities! You’ll find multiple quiet pool areas, expansive gardens, and walking paths that make it feel more like a resort than a small hotel. However, the trade-off is longer walks to amenities. Getting from your room to the main building or bus stops might take up to 10-15 minutes, depending on your location.

When you’re trying to decide which is better for you, consider your preferences: Do you enjoy sprawling grounds with lots to discover, or do you prefer a more compact, easily walkable resort?

WINNER: Port Orleans – French Quarter

Room Types

While both Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter offer similar room types that you might find at any Disney Moderate Resort, you may find that one hotel is better than the other if you’re traveling with a larger party or have Disney Princess fans in the family.

At French Quarter, you’ll find five standard room categories: Standard View, Garden View, River View, Pool View, and King Bed. These rooms blend comfort with subtle theming.

Riverside, on the other hand, provides more diverse choices. Standard Rooms come in several view options (similar to the French Quarter), but the hotel also has a handful of Royal Guest Rooms that are highly-themed with nods to many Disney princesses inside.

Along with the uniquely themed rooms, a key difference between the two resorts lies in room capacity. Some Riverside rooms, particularly in the Alligator Bayou section, can accommodate up to 5 guests. These rooms include a pull-down Murphy bed, making them ideal for larger families or groups. A 5th sleeper option is not available at Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter.

Both resorts offer similar amenities in their rooms, including:

• Air conditioning
• Mini-refrigerator
• Coffee maker
• Flat-screen TV

WINNER: Port Orleans – Riverside

Dining Options

Because the two resorts are considered sister hotels, the dining options are a bit different than other Disney Moderate Resorts. And, if food and drink options are a major deciding factor for you when it comes to choosing a Disney hotel, this is one of the biggest differences between the two.

Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter features one quick service restaurant, a combined cafe/lounge, and pool bar. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is a quick service restaurant serving American and Cajun-inspired dishes. The Scat Cat’s Club cafe serves the famous Mickey-shaped beignets and turns into a lounge in the evenings with a lively atmosphere and live jazz music. And, Mardi Grogs is your go-to for drinks and snacks by the pool.

Port Orleans Resort – Riverside boasts more dining options than French Quarter with a quick service restaurant, table service restaurant, lounge, and pool bar. Riverside Mill Food Court offers a variety of quick-service meals inspired by American and Cajun flavors. And, Boatwright’s Dining Hall is the table service restaurant serving up Southern Louisiana-inspired cuisine for dinner. River Roost is a full bar that opens in the evening, and Muddy Rivers is open for drinks and snacks by the main pool.

Here’s a quick comparison of dining options:

French Quarter:

• Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (quick service)
• Scat Cat’s Club (lounge)
• Mardi Grogs (pool bar)

Riverside:

• Riverside Mill Food Court (quick service)
• Boatwright’s Dining Hall (table service)
• River Roost (lounge)
• Muddy Rivers (pool bar)

You’ll find a wider range of dining choices at Riverside, but French Quarter’s unique offerings like Mickey beignets make it a popular spot for many guests. Keep in mind that these resorts are only about a 15-minute walk apart, so you can take advantage of dining options at both regardless of where you stay.

WINNER: Port Orleans – Riverside

Transportation Options

Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter offer the exact same convenient transportation options for your Disney vacation. This includes complimentary bus service to the theme parks and water parks and complimentary boat transportation to Disney Springs.

However, French Quarter has a bit of an advantage when it comes to bus transportation. It features a single bus stop, which potentially saves you time when heading to the parks. At Riverside, you’ll encounter multiple bus stops due to its larger size which can result in longer lines and wait times.

While Riverside is slightly farther from the theme parks, the difference in travel time is minimal. The great news is that both resorts offer equally reliable transportation services to get you where you need to go. Just remember that bus schedules can vary, so it’s a good idea to check the bus and boat schedule through the My Disney Experience app during your stay.

WINNER: Port Orleans – French Quarter

Things To Do

Recreation offerings are also relatively similar between French Quarter and Riverside. However, the larger size of Port Orleans – Riverside means that there’s a bit more to do. For example, at French Quarter, you can cool off in the Doubloon Lagoon pool, which features a 51-foot-long sea serpent slide and Mardi Gras-themed décor. But, Riverside boasts six pools, including the main Ol’ Man Island Pool and three additional pools in the Alligator Bayou section. This gives you more options for swimming and relaxing.

Both resorts provide campfire activities and nightly Movies Under The Stars for evening entertainment. Plus, you can also rent bikes or surrey bikes to explore the scenic grounds. Or, do some shopping that each resort’s gift shop.

If you plan to spend more time at your hotel during your stay, you can also take advantage of free catch-and-release fishing, playgrounds, and jogging trails at either resort. Riverside offers a few additional recreational activities including horse-drawn carriage rides, giving it just a bit of an advantage over French Quarter.

WINNER: Port Orleans – Riverside

Cost

You’ll find that room rates at Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter are quite similar. Prices typically range from $250 to over $400 per night, depending on the season and room type. However, it’s worth noting that Riverside often has slightly lower rates for standard rooms compared to French Quarter. While this is a small price difference, it can add up if you plan to stay for a longer period of time.

Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions, especially during off-peak periods. These deals can help make your stay more affordable and can usually be applied at both resorts.

WINNER: Tie

So, Which Resort Is Better?

The simple answer?…They’re both great! However, there are some differences that can impact which resort you end up choosing. Here’s a breakdown of what families each resort is best for:

Stay at Port Orleans – Riverside if…

• You prefer a more spacious, spread-out resort with more to do
• You’re traveling with a larger family and need space to sleep 5
• You enjoy a variety of dining options and want a table service restaurant at your hotel
• You want to do horse-drawn carriage rides
• You appreciate a rustic, “Old South” theme

Stay at Port Orleans – French Quarter if…

• You value convenience and shorter walking distances from your room to resort amenities
• You don’t want to deal with multiple bus stops when getting to the parks
• You like a more intimate setting with fewer crowds and noise
• You’re drawn to the charm of New Orleans’ French Quarter and its jazz-inspired ambiance.

Comments

Which resort are you choosing: Port Orleans Riverside vs. French Quarter? Let us know in the comments!