Ever wonder what the difference is between Riverside (RS) and French Quarter (FQ)? Many people do. They are both moderate resorts so why the difference with the nightly rate? The biggest difference is theme. Here are a few other differences to help you choose which one to stay at.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
This resort gives you the feel like you are in New Orleans historic French Quarter. It has cobblestone streets, gas lamps, wrought-iron balconies, fragrant magnolia blossoms and colorful Mardi Gras characters. They also have jazz music to keep everyone moving. Click here to see a video of one of the rooms.
Pros: The FQ allows easy access to the parking lot, has smaller crowds at the quick service restaurant, PoBoy sandwiches are available for purchase and is more compact. One bus stop to go to and from the theme parks. Usually the first stop when on the shared bus with RS coming from Disney Springs.
Cons: Less options at the quick service restaurant, no table service dining, less rooms causing an issue to appease the demand.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
This resort is all about simple pleasures. They have white-column mansions of Magnolia Bend, backwoods cottages of Alligator Bayou and picturesque sites of the rural Louisiana Bayou.
Pros: Bigger selection at the quick service restaurant, table service dining available, plenty of rooms available.
Cons: Depending on where you stay, it could be a long, daunting walk to the parking lot, lobby, bus, restaurants, etc. and cannot purchase a PoBoy. Multiple bus stops throughout the property to go to and from the theme parks.
Both places are great to see and stay. If you have not stayed at either resort, choose the least expensive for the upcoming trip and then splurge a little for the next trip by staying at the other.
TIP: I must warn you that if you have someone with a disability in your vacation party, I strongly encourage you to stay at FQ or pay extra for a room close to a bus or the lobby at RS. Unless you bring a wheelchair with you to the resort, it is A LOT of walking just to go to breakfast or get a bus to go to a park.