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Among all of the resorts at Disney World, no two resorts are uniquely related like Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside. Both resorts sit alongside the Sassagoula River and are in close proximity to one another allowing guests at either resort to walk to the other to enjoy some of the amenities of the other resort, but if you are interested in staying at either of the resorts, here is the information that you need to know to make the right decision!
1. Size
Even though both resorts are classified as moderate resorts, the resorts vary greatly in overall size. Port Orleans French Quarter is very small with the buildings located centrally around the main building. This is keeping with the overall theme of the resort with close, compact buildings found in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Port Orleans Riverside is much more spacious with many buildings sprawling across the resort. The resort is themed after large Southern estates, as well as rural cabins, so the additional space contributes to the theme. All of the amenities for both resorts are located in the central building, so keep this in mind in when selecting which resort is correct for you!
2. Dining Options
Both resorts are home to a quick service restaurant where guests can grab meals on the go before heading to the parks or on their way back to their room after a busy day. The offerings are largely similar, but there are some unique additions to the menus at both — at French Quarter, guests will find delicious, savory beignets that can either be an amazing meal or a tasty dessert! Riverside features stronger Cajun flavors and a homestyle menu. While you are able to easily walk to the other resort to grab some food, at the end of the day, you might not want to add the extra steps in to get an extra special treat. Riverside also offers guests a table service restaurant with dinner being served at Boatwright’s Dining Hall — the menu is replete with meals that will tingle your tastebuds and will fill your stomach!
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3. Transportation
During the slower periods of the year these resorts will share bus transportation to and from the parks. During peak times, there will be separate bus transportation for both resorts, but since the resorts vary in size, keep in mind that guests choosing to stay at Riverside will make four stops throughout the resort, while guests at French Quarter are required to travel to the main building to catch the bus. In addition to bus transportation, guests at either resort will be able to travel to Disney Springs via boat.
4. Unique Offerings
Guests staying at Riverside can specially reserve a Royal Room which features unique flourishes to the room from “Princess and the Frog,” as well as other Disney princesses. Guests choosing to stay at French Quarter can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around the stone streets throughout the resort. After a long day in the parks, guests will definitely enjoy relaxing and cooling off in the lounge available at either resort. At Riverside, guests can relax at the River Roost Lounge while enjoying the entertainment of Yeehaw Bob, while guests at French Quarter will enjoy the entertainment at Scat Cat’s Lounge!
5. Theme
The grounds at Riverside offer guests sprawling paths to explore, as well as resort buildings that change from large Southern estates to more rustic cabins. The main pool is designed to reflect a swimming hole in a shaded atmosphere. Over at French Quarter, guests will find well-manicured gardens and small streets and colorful buildings with wrought-iron finishings that make guests feel like they are exploring the real French Quarter. The pool digs into the pageantry guests would find in New Orleans at Marci Gras with large cartoon alligators playing a variety of instruments!
All of the resorts at Disney offer unique additions to the standard room that guests will find appealing, but if you are trying to decide between either of the Port Orleans Resorts, be sure to consider where the resorts differ in making the right decision for your vacation. Have you stayed at either resort? Which do you enjoy and why?
