Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter vs. Riverside (Is Either a Clear Winner?)

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside are two popular moderate resorts at Walt Disney World. Each resort has a unique style with a few similarities and several significant differences. So, it’s essential that you know which one is right for you before making a reservation.

Below, we’ll compare Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside Resorts. We’ll discuss details that will impact your stay so you can make an informed decision. However, let me warn you ahead of time. In some cases, you might be able to select a clear winner. That said, both resorts have gorgeous landscapes that make for a pleasant backdrop to a Walt Disney World vacation. So, the decision will not necessarily be simple.

As far as location goes, the resorts sit adjacent to each other along Disney’s Sassagoula River. They are part of the Disney Springs Resort area. You can take a water taxi between the resorts or to Disney Springs. A walking path is also available between the resorts.

Complimentary bus transportation is provided to all other destinations, including a bus to Disney Springs. Epcot is the closest theme park to both resorts, then Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom.

However, that’s where the similarities end regarding bus transportation. Disney’s French Quarter only has one bus stop in front of the resort’s lobby, while Riverside has four. The key difference? Port Orleans Riverside is a massive resort that requires additional bus stops, while Port Orleans French Quarter is a boutique resort with a small footprint. It only needs one bus stop.

How does a resort having one bus stop versus four bus stops impact your stay? Well, it depends. If you’re staying at French Quarter, you’ll have to walk to the front of the resort to catch the bus. However, given the resort’s layout, it will be a short walk. When you stay at Port Orleans Riverside, you can walk to the bus stop nearest your room location.

Riverside is a huge resort, so you might have some difficulties navigating it at first. It might also be a long walk from your room to the resort’s feature pool, dining options, or lobby. You can use the resort’s internal bus system to travel from your resort area to another section of the resort. But that requires walking to a bus stop, waiting on a bus, and then making the other stops along the way. This route might save you a couple of steps, but it is time-consuming.

Additionally, you’ll want to consider these extra stops when traveling to and from the theme parks. For example, if you’re at the first bus stop, you’ll have to ride through three other stops. This could add an extra 10-20 minutes of travel time, especially when the driver has to load or unload guests with wheelchairs or ECVS. On the flip side, you’ll be dropped off first upon return to the resort (in this specific example).

Those with special needs, small children, multi-generational families, etc., will want to heavily consider this factor when deciding between the resorts. Are you okay dealing with multiple bus stops, or will a one-stop shop like Port Orleans French Quarter work better?

That’s hard for me to answer. But I can say that the first time I stayed at Port Orleans Riverside, many years ago, I was out of shape and miserable from all the extra walking. We had (what I considered at the time) a terrible room location that was a long walk to the bus stop. Do I feel this way now? No, but I’m in much better shape and walk long distances regularly. But these are things you might want or need to consider depending on your group.

Our next and probably the most critical factor to consider is the size of each resort. Port Orleans Riverside is among the largest resorts at Walt Disney World, offering over 2000 guest rooms. The resort is divided into two sections: Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou.

In comparison, Port Orleans French Quarter is one of the smallest resorts at Walt Disney World, with approximately 1000 guest rooms. French Quarter is comprised of seven buildings with guest rooms, all easily accessible to the resort’s central lobby.

Of course, Port Orleans Riverside’s lobby is also the hub of the resort. But in most cases, it will be a significantly longer walk between your room and the lobby area. Regardless of which resort you choose, the walk will be outdoors. Both resorts are comprised of buildings with exterior access.

Since both resorts are exterior hotels, you’ll want to consider how you’ll handle your luggage. Both resorts offer bell services. At French Quarter, we usually have someone unload our luggage as soon as we pull up and then call to have it delivered to our room. You can also do this at Port Orleans Riverside. But it has been our experience that it takes much longer to get your luggage delivered at Riverside than it does French Quarter.

Often, I see guests at Port Orleans Riverside managing their luggage, and it’s not always a pretty sight. But the reality is, given the size of the resort, you might have to wait 30 minutes to an hour to get luggage assistance. So, my impression is that many people think to themselves, “Oh, we can handle it,” and then realize halfway to the room that it was a bad idea. These people are usually standing on one of the bridges, every family member dripping with sweat from the humidity, bags in tow, while dad doublechecks the map to ensure they’re headed in the right direction. I don’t think this is a deal-breaker by any means for Port Orleans Riverside. It’s more of an observation and recommendation to have someone else deliver your luggage even if they tell you it will take longer.

Another thing to consider when comparing the two resorts is their theming. While they are different, both are stunningly beautiful resorts in their own right. Port Orleans French Quarter resembles the Victorian district in New Orleans. The buildings have bright colors and soft landscaping. Fountains are scattered throughout the grounds, and a variety of flowers bloom year-round.

Friendly alligators are positioned between the lobby and the pool area. These elements are sure to make everyone smile.

Riverside is beautiful in a completely different way from the French Quarter. Here, you’ll find two vastly different landscapes. The first is Alligator Bayou, which is made up of trees and moss, mimicking the feeling of a swamp.

It’s a lovely swamp, indeed.

Magnolia Bend is drastically different from Alligator Bayou. This resort area features buildings designed to look like old Southern mansions. The landscaping is meticulous, and roses bloom throughout the year.

You’ll find plenty of dining options between the two resorts. Port Orleans Riverside has one quick-service restaurant (a food court), one table-service restaurant, a lounge, and a pool bar with quick-service food items.

Meanwhile, Port Orleans French Quarter has one large quick-service restaurant (also a food court), a pool bar, and a lounge. French Quarter does not have a table service restaurant. However, they do have beignets available in the lounge (all day long), so that probably makes up for it.

Related: Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

Ultimately, dining is not something I would consider a dealbreaker at either resort, given their proximity to Disney Springs. Disney Springs has well over 60 dining options and is only a short (and very pleasant) boat ride away.

Related: Best Restaurants at Disney Springs

Another consideration between the two resorts is pools and recreation. Port Orleans Riverside has one feature pool and five quiet pools between the mansions and bayou buildings. Given the resort’s size, the feature pool is almost always busy. But that’s the case at most resorts.

Related: The Resorts Gal Pool Guide to Port Orleans Riverside

French Quarter has one large feature pool like Riverside. However, this resort does not offer any quiet pools. That said, the pool at French Quarter is a perfect size and one we consider among the most kid-friendly. They have a sizeable, separately fenced aquatic play area with plenty of seats surrounding it for mom and dad to relax.

Related: The Doubloon Lagoon Pool: Photos and More!

Lastly, there is one other difference that some of you might want to consider when choosing between these resorts. Both resorts offer standard rooms that sleep up to four guests.

However, Port Orleans Riverside has rooms in the Alligator Bayou that sleep up to five guests. The fifth bed is a pull-down trundle bed built into the wall. It sleeps one small child. So, this section of the resort might be worth considering if you need an additional bed. But there’s one caveat. The buildings in Alligator Bayou do not have elevators. So if you get a second-floor room, you will have to take the stairs when coming and going from the room.

Additionally, you might notice that Riverside offers royal princess room upgrades. We’ve stayed in these rooms, and while they are cute, they do not offer any advantages. Royal rooms are standard hotel rooms, and the selling factor is a headboard that lights up with the push of a button.

Ultimately, Port Orleans French Quarter’s small size gives it a few advantages over Port Orleans Riverside and all of Disney’s other moderate category resorts. You also have the option to walk to Port Orleans Riverside if you feel the urge to explore. (We hope you do! They both have the most serene settings!)

For more on Port Orleans French Quarter, you might enjoy:

In the Comments

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Which resort do you prefer when it comes to Port Orleans French Quarter vs. Riverside? Do you have any other green or red lights you would like to add for our readers? If so, add them below.