Port Orleans - Riverside or French Quarters?

[Laura1994]

Booked french quarters for April... We did it just because it's newer. We've never been to either so didn't have much to base it on.

Which side would you recommend? We're going w/our four kids ages 4-14. Kids like the pools, especially a good slide. I imagine we can use the pools at either resort? I believe from my limited knowledge they resorts connect.

Is the food court selections similar? If we're on the french quarter side, is it a long walk to the food courts on riverside side?

Any reason you'd choose one over the other, based on hanging out w/the kids there for the week?

 

[Stiff]

The pool at the FQ is perfect for your kids...ESPECIALLY the slide.

The resort is smaller, so the walks are shorter. They both have food courts, I cannot comment on what they have. POR is connected, when you call they even talk like its all one resort.

I think you will be fine where you are

 

[pluto's fan]

POFQ gets my vote everytime. I Love this resort because of it's size. No matter what building you're in, there's never a long walk to the food court, pool, or bus stop. My DD loves the pool because she gets to "slide down the dragons tongue". As for walking over to POR, I would just take one of the buses due to the fact that they stop at both POFQ and POR. The one thing I do miss is the full service rest. at POFQ (I miss having my steak and eggs) but POR still has theirs and it's no problem if you eat there even though you're at FQ. I hope you and your family have a wonderful time!!

 

[TLinden16]

The POFQ is my favorite resort. I really love the compact size of the resort. Your kids will love the sea serpant slide on the pool--I think it's the coolest slide on Disney property.

I would guess the walk between the two resorts is about 10-15 minutes, depending on your room location. It's actually a pleasant walk along the river.

An another poster said, they do share a bus. The buses usually pick up at the French Quarter, and then move to the Riverside. I would ask the driver if he is going to the Riverside when you get on the bus, though. Sometimes the buses will go directly to a park if they are full. I do not know if you can get a bus from the Riverside back to the French Quarter, though.

Although I can't remember exactly what the choices are at at the food courts, they are probably pretty much identical. Most food courts have the basics (burgers, chicken fingers, salads, pizza, and pasta), and maybe one or two specialty items. I can't imagine wanting to go to the other food court.

Have a great trip!

Karen

 

[Letsbgoofy]

I like POR (although we have never stayed at FQ, only visited). They have 6 pools, so you can swim at the quiet pool near your building if the main pool is too crowded (it is always packed in the afternoon). The food court is much better. We ate at FQ one night and I couldn't believe the difference! POR also has the full service restaurant. FQ may have changed their food court since the resort was redone, we were there about 3 years ago to eat. There are 3 or 4 bus stops at POR, so you never have a long walk. Bob Jackson plays at the lounge at POR several night a week. His show is so much fun for the kids(and adults!).

The walk would be quite long for young kids; we rented bikes and rode to FQ. I'm not sure if you can rent boats at FQ anymore, the marina was closed when we were at WDW 8/2002. The POR marina is open.

POR is our favorite resort. We always request and get building 16 or 17. We are right next to a quiet pool, laundry room, and it is a 5 minute or less walk to the food court, main pool and bus stop.

 

[jtjarvis]

After having the very same dilemma I just booked POFQ too. The reports of manageable size, slide (!) and RENOVATIONS sold me. My children are 6 and 4. Too, the very nice CM who helped me pointed out, the POR is slated for renovations next. Why not visit the "new" one this time and catch POR next time, when they're "new" too!

Just my 2 cents!
JT

 

[disneycuban]

I think the POR is the best choice. They have beautiful grounds, nice rooms, a marina, a sit down restaurant. A great gift shop, a nice lounge, a nice lobby(where you can just sit and talk), they offer carriage rides. They have an area outside the main building to sit and people watch. Ol' Man Island wins in the pool category for me.

POR is my favorite resort. If you're going to stay there stay in one of the Mansions, they're great. Hope you have a good time.