French quarter or Riverside in Port Orleans?

[bellamella]

My husband and I are traveling for the first time without our teenagers and are split in our decision as to where to stay.
Pros and cons:
Pro: French Quarter...More romantic, less children, classy
Con: Further away from things to do at Riverside. No lounge. Less bus stops and pools. Fewer eateries.

Pro: Riverside: Opposite of above
Con: Opposite of above.

What do you think? What are the true differences and why would you stay at one and not the other as an adult couple with no children? Thanks.

 

[Cinderella2004]

Have you been to either??

I think that POR is a very romantic resort, on the mansions side. All the lovely little paths, gazebos,and benches. It smells so beautiful too.

FQ, to me is more of a "hussle/bustle" resort. More Mardis Gras feeling.

We've stayed at FQ twice and Riverside 3 times. Riverside is my favorite resort. Just my opinions though!!! Hope this helps you!!

 

[DVC Grandpa]

We spent a week in 1991 at POFQ and although we enjoyed ourselves we moved over to POR (Riverside) on out next visit in 1996 and have stayed an additional nine times since then. We have reservations for two weeks in 2007.
We love the POR, much for what you have already said but primarily because of the landscape … love it. We always stay at Magnolia Bend in Magnolia Terrace and near the last bus stop. The bus was close but the dining area was a short walk although we got off the bus “up front” and went into the main facilities if we wanted something to eat or drink on our way back to out room.
We think POR is one of the nicest/quietest resorts at WDW.

 

[Simba's Mom]

You listed the lack of a lounge at French Quarter. Unless things have changed since November, there is a lounge there-Scat Cat's Lounge. And it does have live entertainment, Eliot Dyson (he has a website) who sings, plays all the saxes, and if I remember, he plays the guitar. He used to perform at Pleasure Islnad Jazz Company until it closed. He's only there 4 or 5 nights, I forget which ones he's off.

 

[Karnak]

Elliot Dyson is was still performing the last time I stayed at the French Quarter. (see dates below). I think he is there four nights a week: Thur.- Sun.,but that may have changed since I last checked.

I've stayed at both Riverside and French Quarter, and like the French Quarter a great deal more. But Riverside is nice too.

Enjoy.

 

[Kimmielee]

I prefer the size of FQ over Riverside.... and I was just there and the lounge was booming!! : )

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We have stayed at both Port Orleans resorts and we prefer POFQ. It is so much easier to get around since it is so much smaller. One of the things I really like is you are always the first ones picked up and let off on your return while using the buses. We love the boats to DD, it is so nice to ride a different mode of transportation.

 

[Mickeygotmymoney]

Stayed at FQ last year. We really enjoyed the resort, and found that is was easy to enjoy the best of both worlds. We loved being close and having the first bus stop and the closer of the boat stops. It was beautiful to walk along the River. We also spent a day or more up at Port Orlenes. The walk was beautiful and we considered it one big resort. So I would say to stay at FQ for the privacy and the romance and consider it one big resort and enjoy both

 

[dwmlaf]

I stayed with DBF at POR last year and this year at POFQ solo. I loved POFQ much more than POR. Less children, very, very, quiet. First on and off the bus route. Boat to DTD.

I would definitely return to POFQ

 

[TXGIRL1226]

I would go with French Quarter it is a smaller resort and easier to get around.

 

[*love*2*shop]

we havent stayed at Riverside, BUT have stayed at POFQ several times and LOVE IT!!!

 

[Terk-1]

Having stayed at both, I prefer the French Quarter.

1. It's smaller, so it's easy to get around.
2. One bus stop. You always get picked up and dropped off first at POFQ.
3. It's quaint and have had great experiences here.

 

[princessbride6205]

POFQ would be my choice too! I have stayed there twice and would definitely return. I have never stayed at Riverside, though, so I can't completely compare. I like the size, eatery, lounge, layout, and theming of POFQ. On our trip in May of last year, we stayed in the furthest building from the lobby...building 7, I want to say, and found it quiet, scenic, and romantic. Good luck deciding!

 

[Debi]

My preference is for POR, for the reasons you listed above. Both resorts are excellent; you will not be disappointed either way!

 

[yecats]

I agree with the above poster, you won't go wrong with either resort. PORS is wonderful in the mansions section (very romantic strolls in the gardens and not to mention take a stroll around the bayou homes area as well). Ole Man Island pool and hot tub are wonderful and take the carriage ride around the grounds as well. The main restaurant (name escapes me at this moment) has huge breakfast (french toast was great) but you'll need a ressie. I've always stayed in the mansions and have never had a bad stay or heard noisy neighbors (usually didn't see too many of the neighbors at all). Now the bus situation is different there and it usually is best to catch the bus at the front of the resort. Bob's show in the riverroost lounge is a great night of entertainment sure to put a big smile on you face for quite some time to come.

As for POFQ, it is a wonderful serene resort as well. Now that Scat Cat's is open and has entertainment it is surely another pro to stay there. Really either way you can't go wrong and there is a brief 10 minute walk between the 2 resorts which I don't think you'll regret taking the walk either way. Wow, now you'll have 2 wonderful nights of entertainment between the resorts not to mention the beautiful boat ride to DTD. Don't fret, go with your gut and enjoy your vacation.

 

[JPN4265]

I would go with POR, if only for the landscaping and the atmosphere.

 

[MiAimee82]

Just stayed at POR in March. I loved it because of Boatwright's Restaurant for breakfast. I found the food court to be very busy in the morning and for just about the same price DBF and I had a very relaxing morning each day. They even gave us coffee to go that we drank on the bus.

I also have to mention Bob the piano man at POR. He was a wonderful entertainer and it was a great way to have something to do at night if we didn't feel like actually going anywhere. We could just go to our room when we got tired.

We were in building 38 and I can't say that it was ever noisy. Very peaceful all the time.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!