Port Orleans Riverside vs. French Quarter
Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside are sister Moderate Resort hotels at Walt Disney World that we recommend to anyone who loves themed environments. So…which is the better option for your WDW vacation? This post offers our head-to-head smackdown to see which reigns supreme. (Updated February 11, 2023.)
We won’t bury the lede–they’re both great hotels and there’s no one-size-fits all answer to the question of which Port Orleans Resort is best. This is not trying to reach a definitive conclusion (although we will) as much as weigh the pros and cons of each Port Orleans Resort so that you can decide for yourself. Notwithstanding theme, we think Riverside and French Quarter each have a lot to offer.
This comparison addresses whether you should choose Port Orleans French Quarter, or if Riverside is the better choice for your family. With that in mind, we’ll compare theme, cost, dining, pools, and other amenities to help you determine which is right for you.
Depending upon your perspective, one thing that might be a pro or con is that both Port Orleans Resorts are the most “thematically pure” Moderate Resorts. While Coronado Springs added the new Gran Destino Tower and Caribbean Beach had Disney’s Riviera Resort built on a portion of its (former) grounds, this has not occurred at Port Orleans.
The upside to this is that both Port Orleans Resorts retain their charm and thematic integrity. The downside is that Gran Destino and Riviera Resort brought with them exceptional new dining and other amenities. Both Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs are now arguably “Moderate+ Resorts” in some regards, and it feels somewhat like time has passed by the Port Orleans Resorts as a result, at least from a functional perspective. Nevertheless, we love both Port Orleans Resorts, and the atmosphere is the big reason why…
Theme: Port Orleans Riverside – Both of these resorts are the height of romantic theming and Southern charm at Walt Disney World. Due to the expansion projects at the other Moderates, these two resorts are now the pinnacle of theme among the Moderate Resorts.
This is especially true at Riverside, which is divided into Alligator Bayou (bayou) and Magnolia Bend (mansions), and offers a subtle transition between the two and more thematic variety. The backstory at Riverside is interesting, engaging, and cleverly-executed throughout the resort.
The quiet pathways that criss-cross Port Orleans Riverside make it a great place to take a romantic stroll late at night, early in the morning, or (we guess?) under the high noon sun. These grounds are nothing short of stunning, with rich wilderness in the bayou and perfectly manicured gardens around the mansions. Despite being fairly spread out, it presents as intimate and romantic, and we’ve long recommended Riverside as the best budget resort for an adults-only or honeymoon trip.
French Quarter is likewise charming thematically, and its idealized presentation of New Orleans is fun. (It’s also a clever theme for masking the hotel buildings.) It also has a lot going for it, and a great sense of romanticism, but it still falls short of Riverside. The environment is just more enjoyable and has a greater sense of depth at Riverside.
Transportation/Layout: Port Orleans French Quarter – Both resorts rely exclusively upon bus transportation to get to the Walt Disney World theme parks, with boat service available at both to Disney Springs. Transportation is where French Quarter shines. It’s the only Moderate Resort that has a single bus stop, which offers a significant time-savings advantage when you’re trying to get to or from the parks. That can mean a slightly longer walk to the bus stop, but that usually is not the case.
This is because (and this is another advantage), Port Orleans French Quarter has very compact layout. It is easily walkable, and although guest rooms are spread among multiple buildings, French Quarter is not a sprawling resort like the other Moderates. Unless you get stuck in one of the farthest rooms from the lobby, everything at French Quarter is about a 5-minute walk from your room. That’s pretty significant if you have small children, or just don’t feel like making a 15-minute trek to refill your mugs in the morning.
For many people we know, this is French Quarter’s single-biggest selling point. Sarah is one of those people, whereas I’m crazy and actually enjoy the sprawling resort style of Riverside. (Fortunately, I can have the best of both worlds by staying at French Quarter and wandering over to Riverside.)
Rooms: Push – Both have rooms that we’d call perfectly fine, and they’ve benefited from functional improvements thanks to the latest soft goods refurbishment. Those room renovations also made them thematically less interesting, but a bit brighter and lighter, which is nice from a mood perspective.
Neither Riverside nor French Quarter has rooms that are as good as the recently redone rooms at Coronado Springs, which are a higher caliber because they cater to business and convention travelers. Conversely, both are now arguably better than the “Poly-lite” rooms at Caribbean Beach that are starting to show their age again.
The upside at Port Orleans Riverside is that the rooms in Alligator Bayou can sleep 5 thanks to the pull-down Murphy bed, so there’s that. On the flip side, we prefer the aesthetic of the Magnolia Bend rooms. At both resorts, the rooms are well-appointed, and tasteful from a thematic perspective. We find them perfectly comfortable, and have zero complaints…but we don’t consider them stand-out Walt Disney World rooms, either.
Dining: Port Orleans Riverside – French Quarter has the least dining options of any Moderate Resort, and is the only one without a table service restaurant. Many people consider this to be a “big deal” when planning a first visit, but we would caution you against giving too much weight to this.
The main reason is because you can walk to Riverside to dine there; it’s like a 10-15 minute walk. Second, although we think Boatwright’s Dining Hall is underrated, you will probably only eat there once–at most–during your stay. With both of these resorts offering boat transportation to Disney Springs–which offers a wealth of exceptional table service options–that is really the route you should go if you’re doing dinner outside the park.
Counter service is more or less a push. Both Port Orleans Resorts have large, loud food courts with items of varying degrees of quality. We’ve had bad and good meals at each, so we wouldn’t draw any conclusions from those, either.
With that said, Port Orleans French Quarter does have freshly-made beignets…and beignet ice cream sundaes, which are a strong selling point. (We’re not kidding.)
Pools: Port Orleans French Quarter – On our list of the Top 10 Pools at Walt Disney World, Doubloon Lagoon at French Quarter ranked #8 and Ol’ Man Island Pool at Riverside is unranked. In reality, the two pools are not that far apart.
Where Doubloon Lagoon has a distinct advantage, from our perspective, is in terms of character. It features have a troupe of musically-inclined alligators, which collectively (more or less) form the Bayou Gator Jamboree. It also has the 51-foot long slide themed as a SerpentDragonSnake, a giant half serpent, half dragon, and half snake creature known to scour the depths of the waters, leaving no one alive.
It’s all of these details at Doubloon Lagoon that have captivated my imagination since I was a kid, and have left a lasting impression. This all gives the pool a fun vibe, whereas Ol’ Man Island Pool is kind of dull and forgettable from our perspective. If you strip away theme, these pools would be pretty closely-matched (if you favor quiet, unthemed pools, you’ll favor Riverside). Why you’d arbitrarily ‘strip away’ theme at a place like Walt Disney World is beyond us.
Cost: Port Orleans Riverside – From the best we can tell, room rates are identical every rate season of the year for standard rooms at each of the Port Orleans Resorts. Prices are a bit less consistent/comparable once you get into the different view options or the specialty rooms, but the point stands that rack rates are the same.
So then, why does Riverside get the edge here? Discounts. If you’re booking a trip far in advance (before discounts have been released), it’s important to know that French Quarter often receives inferior room-only discounts, and is blocked out from other discounts (such as the popular Free Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World promo). The ‘discount differential’ can turn these neck and neck rack rates into a huge chasm in favor of Riverside.
Verdict: Port Orleans Riverside – When we think of the best Moderate Resort at Walt Disney World, it’s difficult to look past what Riverside offers in terms of a resort experience. The charming theming, the relaxed & romantic ambiance, the many amenities, and the beauty of its wonderful grounds all are significant selling points.
Add to that the greater likelihood of finding deals at Riverside, and we are inclined to give it a slight edge, overall. Now, this is not to say that some parties will not find more that appeals to them at French Quarter. For first-timers, Walt Disney World can be an overwhelming place, and French Quarter removes that from the hotel by offering a more compact layout.
Port Orleans French Quarter also can be said to arguably offer the best of both worlds. Those in your party who would prefer a compact resort have that option by confining themselves to POFQ, whereas those who want the true resort vibe can easily walk over to Riverside.
There’s no doubt truth to this (and I do it on every one of our stays at French Quarter), but it feels like a cop out. Following this logic, there’s no difference among any of the resorts situated around Crescent Lake, nor does anything separate the monorail resorts. That’s just us, though and your mileage may vary when it comes to some of these categories, or how much weight you put on various strengths and weaknesses of each resort. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Ultimately, both Port Orleans Resorts are wonderful resorts that we highly recommend. Although we gave the edge to Riverside here, we regularly stay at each of them, with which we pick depending upon the nature of our trip (and available discounts!). Important amenities, recreation, and other variables might going to matter differently to you.
Our goal is for this post to be helpful in offering a head-to-head comparison of the most crucial elements of each Walt Disney World resort experience. With that said, we suggest supplementing this with our full review of Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort and our Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort Review.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Do you agree or disagree with our verdict in this Port Orleans Riverside v. French Quarter head-to-head? What about our conclusions in each category? Is there something we missed or got wrong? Share any questions, tips, or additional thoughts you have in the comments!
Over the years, we have stayed/dined at/at least seen every Disney resort except the ones over near Disney Springs (Port Orleans, Key West, Saratoga Springs). We have friends who absolutely love POR, we should try to get over there some time.
Please forgive the off topic question, but another commenter mentioned dogs being allowed and I know they are also allowed at least one other hotel in WDW that I know of. Can someone answer the question of-what are these people doing with their dogs while they are away in the parks for potentially over 12 hours at a time? I just don’t see how a WDW vacation is pet friendly-unless I am missing something!! Thank you!
POR was the first place I stayed onsite, so I’m sure some of my fondness for it is pure sentimentality. But I do think it’s the best moderate on property. Love the boat to Springs. Love the foodcourt. Alligator Bayou Building 15 was perfection–so close to the main bus stop and main building. The landscaping around the property is so pretty. We stay pretty much exclusively deluxe now, but I wouldn’t hesitate to stay at POR again!
My husband and I consider the French Quarter to be our “go to” resort. We just got back from DW last week and have already booked our stay for next year over Halloween. I did find that not many room types seem to be available next year during our stay, but decided that sharing a king sized bed for our 2nd anniversary wouldn’t be a problem. I am curious about the 2018 room renovations at French Quarter that I have heard about. Any inside information?
I really enjoy these head-to-head hotel comparisons. When researching a place to stay, I compare resorts using the same criteria, but add one more level. If a resort fails disastrously in any area, I award them negative points. Using POR and POFQ as an example, both resorts are a push in rooms, dining and theme. No standouts there. I give a slight edge to the POFQ pool due to having a toddler play area. Although my kids are too old for this area, my youngest did get some kicks out of the slides & fountains. Regarding cost, I could give the slight edge to Riverside due to slightly cheaper rates whenever I have looked at both.
Where POFQ leaves POR in the dust is transportation / layout. The compact size and one bus stop of French Quarter obliterates the “sprawlingness” and multiple bus stops of Riverside. For my family, that is a huge negative! During our last stay at FQ, we were one minute from the pool, two from dining, three from the bus stop and three from the boat transportation.
VERDICT: Port Orleans French Quarter
Great post, Tom. With the exception of one stay at Caribbean Beach and another at the Beach Club Villas when we somehow scored a huge percentage off rack price, all of our 20+ trips have been at either POR or POFQ, back to the time of “Dixie Landings” and simply “Port Orleans.” IMHO, you can’t go wrong with either, but nothing beats that single bus stop at POFQ, which is why we’ve stayed there more often (and so far we’ve been lucky each time to get a discount). And every trip includes a couple of hours strolling through POR and taking the full length boat ride to Disney Springs from there. Biggest disappointment was when they no longer allowed guests to rent small canopy boats that you could pilot on your own down the Sassagoula River to what was Downtown Disney at the time. We did that on every trip…incredibly relaxing. But apparently they removed that activity from all Moderates.
We stayed at POR several years ago and were relatively unimpressed. We were in the bayou section and we were pretty far away from the main building. I also found the theming in the bayou section to be underwhelming – it’s totally a matter of taste, but it just didn’t really do much for me. We also found the bus situation to be terrible – we always had a long wait for busses. I’ve never really had any interest in going back to POR, but I saw a resort tour on Youtube recently and the section with the mansions was really pretty. I would like to try staying in that area. I would also definitely like to try our POFQ. I think the smaller layout and single bus stop would be huge pluses for me.
After many years of visiting Disney for the day on beach trips, Riverside was my first on property hotel. My husband at the time chose it because I love Gone with the Wind. We had a river facing room and the customer service was great. As adults with no kids, we appreciated the quiet pools and loved the entertainment and the spacious grounds for walking. The boats were out of order due to a lightning strike earlier that shut them down, so we drove to Downtown Disney, but that would be a selling point now with the revamped DD offerings. My only complaint was it was hard to do make up with the pedalstal sinks- the wasn’t space to lay things out.
Once again, a great review. My first ever trip to WDW with a family we stayed at POR. It was great. Since then we’ve stayed at all the moderates once…well, other than POFQ. We stayed there a half dozen times. I love how close everything is and as Tom mentions, the one bus stop is a big plus.
I don’t think you can go wrong at either but I cannot see anyone feeling they are equal. Everyone will like one better than the other…so try them both!
We have been to WDW nine times, and have stayed at on POR four of those trips, and POFQ once. The themes are indeed both nice, but quite different. At POR, however, it is easy to forget that you are “only” at a moderate resort. (We also like Coronado Springs, but have less luck using our lodging discount PIN codes for there. The Pepper Market is the one thing we miss at POR.)
riverside has pianist yehaa bob Jackson for entertainment 2 shows a night 5 days a week. after staying at both resorts, he won us out for riverside.
yehaa: bob Jackson, so much fun!!! https://youtu.be/YBK7-l1ifvc
I stayed in AoA last time and after agonising over which part of Port Orleans we wanted, we opted for Riverside. Considering I only choose pools based on where I can peacefully consume a cocktail, I guess we made the right choice.
We have just got back from POFQ and we loved it. With 2 small children we were given the furthest away building, but the walk still wasn’t that bad. My daughter (6) loved the hotel despite it not being overly ‘charactered’ like AoA where we stayed last time. The fact it doesn’t have a table service restaurant doesn’t matter to us as we had so many restaurants in parks we wanted to go to that we were never at the resort at dinner time. Also we got POFQ with free dining, free memory maker, and $200 spending money. All good for us
Will be at POFQ in a little over a week for a Christmas visit. Our go-to hotel is usually Riverside (Manor room), but due to Riverside’s new pet policy, we can no longer stay there. Thankfully, we booked FQ many months ago.
Of the moderates, I believe Riverside to be the best, not withstanding its pet policy. Although, I don’t know if I could honestly recommend it without knowing in what way the policy affects guests (if at all).
Riverside’s restaurant, Boatwright’s, is not good. I’ve tried it on at least five occasions, and have been disappointed every time. I do think Riverside’s food court is better than FQ’s though. So there’s that.
If the budget allowed, I’d opt for a deluxe hotel. If money is an object, I wouldn’t mind a stay at Pop Century. To tell the truth, Riverside was more attractive to me before the pet policy. I think it’s actually clouding my opinion.
Having said all that, I moved my reservation for next spring from Riverside to Wilderness Lodge.
We stayed at POFQ with a 25% AP discount this fall. They also had a 20% general public room only discount. And it appears to not be excluded from spring deals. So I think discounts are definitely able to be found there!
We got back less than 2 days ago from a week-long stay at PO Riverside. Having stayed at an all star resort two years ago we were excited to upgrade to a moderate resort and after reading your review and others, we decided on Riverside. We booked three rooms, and our party consisted of two families with young children and a set of grandparents, one of whom regularly uses a cane and often rents a scooter for the parks. Our verdict is that Port Orleans Riverside is way too sprawling for our family, and the lack of elevators in Alligator Bayou and long trek to/from the lobby, restaurant or bus mean we won’t be returning. Our kids also really loved the look of the FQ pool as we walked past. Riverside’s pool was just that – a pool with a slide. No splash pad or anything but a small baby pool for non swimmers. However I doubt we will try FQ either … we’ll probably go back to a value resort or stay off site if Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge arent in the budget.
On another topic – why don’t Disney resorts provide a tear-free soap option along with the standard shampoos/conditioners and soaps??!
French Quarter is one of my favorite resorts!! While staying there last year my boyfriend and I wanted to check out Riverside to compare and while we liked the look of the Mansions very much, preferred the small size and romantic feel of FQ. We’ll be staying at Coronado Springs in a few weeks due to it being the only resort available with a discount for three nights in a row and am looking forward to having another moderate to compare FQ to. (Side note- any consideration on a future post on the lack of availability within many discounts this year at WDW? Yikes! I have an AP for the first time and my boyfriend lives in FL and we have rarely been able to book a reservation using either discount. I asked the chat window that pops up just for the heck of it, why there seemed to be such limited availability and the person said they thought it might be due to rescheduled reservations from the hurricane. Seems plausible. Just curious if others have had this experience as well.)
It was a good review but you did not mention the fact that Port Orleans Riverside now allows dogs. That might be a decision factor for some people.
My sister and I went to WDW last June and did a splt-stay at the Royal Guest room of Riverside and a refurbished room of Pop Century. Call me crazy but I loved Pop Century while felt indifferently towards Riverside.
We’ll find out in a week! We stayed at Riverside last year at the beginning of October for a surprise 8th birthday present for our son. We loved it but he broke both of his arms 4 weeks prior and we got caught in Matthew while there and were not able to go to the Halloween party as planned. Soooo… we thought we’d try a “do over” this year and go for Christmas and stay at French Quarter instead (switching up the mojo). We loved Riverside so much and I am sure we will feel the same about FQ. The boat ride to Disney Springs alone is worth the stay at either! Thanks for all you do, Tom.