Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort are two very popular resorts in the Moderate resort category. They are quaint, quiet, fun, and give guests great access to Disney Springs. In this resort category, I would say these are probably the “top resorts”. Guests absolutely LOVE them, and for great reason!
Today, I am going to share some tips and information with you, in hopes that you will make either Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter your home for your next Disney vacation!
Disney’s Moderate Resorts are a nice, “middle of the road” resort option on Walt Disney World property. These resorts have a more subtle Disney theming than the Values, but not quite all of the amenities or location perks of the Deluxe Resorts.
The Port Orleans Resorts are just that! The landscaping is lush and gorgeous, they offer great dining options for families, and the rooms can sleep 4 or 5 guests, depending on the room type.
Where are Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts Located?
These “sister” resorts are located RIGHT next to each other! They are connected via a walking path or a short boat ride, which makes it super convenient to access them for dining and to use the pools.
In the bigger area of Disney property, they are located in the Disney Springs area. Guests can access the Disney Springs area with a water taxi from these resorts. As far as theme parks, they are closest to EPCOT.
RELATED READING: Best Things to Do with Kids at Disney’s EPCOT Theme Park
Who Would Enjoy Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort?
While they are “sister” resorts, each one has its own theming. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort is themed after the mansions, the bayou area of Louisiana. Here you will find the Royal Guest Rooms, which are themed after princesses.
This is also the resort that sleeps up to 5 guests in a room. These rooms are spread amongst the resort, but are NOT Royal Guest Rooms.
RELATED READING: Disney World Resorts For Large Groups and Families (5 to 12 Guests)
Port Orleans Riverside is very charming in a southern kind of way. The details are not to be missed! While it is great for larger families, it has a romantic charm to it. This resort would be fantastic for an adult only Disney trip!
The Royal Guest Rooms really make this resort unique. They are the only rooms on Disney property themed after the princesses. As it should be, Princess Tiana welcomes guests to the Royal Guest Rooms with a cute letter, and shows off her collection of magical objects from her royal friends. These rooms are perfect for the princess fan in your family. They also have magical, twinkling headboards!
RELATED READING: A Family’s Review of Port Orleans Riverside’s Royal Guest Rooms
Who Would Enjoy Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort?
French Quarter is a much different atmosphere. So anyone who enjoys the Mardi Gras atmosphere, jazz music, beignets, and the fun New Orleans architecture, this resort is for you!
Port Orleans French Quarter Resort is smaller. It is the smallest of the Moderate Resorts. This resort has brighter, bolder colors, and houses up to 4 guests in the rooms.
This resort is more intimate, with nice walkways, classic Bourbon Street architecture, and a peaceful river. It’s very relaxing, as well, and you can easily access Riverside.
Dining Options and Amenities at the Port Orleans Resorts
Since they are a moderate tier resort, these offer BOTH table service AND Quick Service dining options. As an added bonus, they are close to each other.
These two resorts combined boast 4 bars (including pool bars), 1 table service restaurant and 2 food courts. Neither food court is amazing, but they take care of your needs.
Here are the dining options at each of the Port Orleans resorts:
Port Orleans Riverside:
Port Orleans French Quarter:
- Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory
- Scat Cat’s Club – you MUST try the Mickey-shaped beignets here!
- Mardi Grogs
Port Orleans Riverside is home to Boatwright’s Dining Hall, which is a Table Service Restaurant. While it isn’t a widely popular Table Service Location, it is a nice way to start your trip, or have a very quiet dinner after the theme parks. However, keep in mind that the proximity to Disney Springs outweighs the lack of dining options at these resorts.
RELATED READING: Dinner at Boatwright’s at Port Orleans Riverside
Guests at Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter can “pool hop” between the two since they are sister resorts.
Both Port Orleans Resorts also offer guests fantastic pool options. However, of the two, my preference is Doubloon Lagoon at Port Orleans French Quarter. The theming is SO much fun, and it houses a 51-foot water slide!
Over at Port Orleans Riverside, guests swim at Ol Man Island Pool. This pool was recently refurbished, and features a water play area for young children. In reality, the nice thing is the pools are close to each other, so you can easily have pool time at both!
Transportation Options at Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts
The transportation options at both of these resorts are simply Disney motorcoaches. They do offer guests boat transportation to Disney Springs, but for the Disney parks, guests need to take buses. The great thing is they buses do run really well. And, you can easily catch a bus to and from a theme park from either resort! They sometimes share buses, so just hop on the first one you see!
Overall, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort have a lot to offer to Disney travelers. As far as which one is better….I don’t think you can go wrong! Both have a beautiful atmosphere, they offer easy access to each other, and stand out amongst the Disney resorts as far as theming and ambiance.
