French Quarter or Riverside?

[Jackmaxclem]

Hi
I have promised my 11 year old daughter a trip to Disney next Spring!! It will be just the two of us. My priorities are easy access to parks (shuttle buses) in moderately priced accommodation. Having looked at the two above complexes, I thought either one would fit the bill however was wondering how 'child' friendly they were....I'd really appreciate some feed back and am also open to other hotel suggestions. We have never been to WDW before so it's all a bit daunting!!! We are planning on spending 11 days. Thanks

 

[PaulaT]

I have 2 daughters, 12 and 14, we have been ALOT, stayed at all the value, a few moderates and a few deluxe. Our favorite so far is Port Orleans Riverside.

 

[PrincessRachelT]

Both are awesome resorts and you can't go wrong! I personally like POR more than POFQ, but that's all a matter of taste. POFQ is smaller, yet POR has the "Magnolia Bend" section where the buildings look like big southern mansions. I'm not sure which is more "kid friendly" but they are wonderful and I'm sure your daughter will love either! You can always show her pictures and have her pick the resort

 

[tractor tipper]

POR has the Royal Rooms, excellent food court, I think your daughter will love bugle Bob in the lounge. For me and my family it is our favorite resort.

 

[jduncans]

We have stayed at Saratoga, Yacht Club, All Star Movies, Caribbean Beach, PO Riverside and will be staying at PO French Quarter this summer. So far PO Riverside mansion rooms have been our favorite. We wanted to try FQ to compare for ourselves. Either way you should be fine.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

We've stayed at POFQ twice - never at POR. POFQ is half the size of POR and we believe that this makes it more intimate and everything is closer at hand

 

[Lizcollins98]

We love POR, just booked again for Sep/Oct 2017 and this will be our 5th time at this resort! The benefit of Riverside vs FQ is the slightly larger QS restaurant which IMO has a better selection at most courses. It won't make much difference as it is easy enough to walk between the resorts if you fancy a change of scenery

 

[DizneyPryncess]

I've stayed at both with my daughter, FQ twice and Riverside once (royal rooms). We prefer FQ, mainly for the smaller size. We like having everything close at hand, and not feeling like the resort is very crowded. Riverside was nice as well, very kid friendly. Things were just a farther walk for us, and there were more people since it's larger of course, but no problems. It's all personal preference, you can't go wrong either way.

 

[jaklgreen]

All Disney resorts are child friendly. That being said, we usually stay at POFQ. My girls love that resort because it is smaller and has the shortest walk to the bus and the food court. But you really can't go wrong with either. They are in a great location to get to the parks and to Disney Springs. You will have a great time.

 

[bethymouse]

POFQ just added a new aquatic play pool area. My boys liked both resorts. They especially like the boat "ride" to Disney Springs ( my guys are 11). It's just a small matter, but both resorts are accessible by boat or a "short" walk. Have fun!

 

[DisneyWall-E]

FQ for my family and I.

 

[Noellikechristmas]

I've only been to POR. I Really liked the theming and liked that it was more spread out. FQ is a lot more compact and the theming is more Mardi Gras....which pushed me into wanting Riverside more.

 

[draybook]

We've been to FQ 4 times and we have our first time at Riverside this September. Can't wait to experience the difference.

 

[Jackmaxclem]

I have 2 daughters, 12 and 14, we have been ALOT, stayed at all the value, a few moderates and a few deluxe. Our favorite so far is Port Orleans Riverside.

 

[Jackmaxclem]

Thanks everyone, that has been really helpful. I think that we will go for POFQ (due to it being smaller and quieter) with the view of going to POR for the occasional swim and meals!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

with the view of going to POR for the occasional swim and meals!

UNLESS things have changed recently, you're not allowed to "pool hop". You can go sample the restaurants at other resorts but you're only supposed to use the pool of your own resort

 

[BigRedDad]

My $0.02 is for POR for the theming and activities. As far as buses, I recommend making that 10 minute walk to POFQ to save yourself at least 45 minutes each way. We learned that after Day 2 of our stay at POR. Another option which I think is even better is Coronado Springs. I think it is the best Moderate resort of all. Their buses are some of the best on property.

 

[Jackmaxclem]

Oh..ok, that's interesting, I will research further. Thanks for the 'heads-up'!

 

[Tuvalu]

UNLESS things have changed recently, you're not allowed to "pool hop". You can go sample the restaurants at other resorts but you're only supposed to use the pool of your own resort

Oh..ok, that's interesting, I will research further. Thanks for the 'heads-up'!

Since Riverside and French Quarter are "sister" resorts (both under the Port Orleans name) pool hopping is allowed between them .

 

[Jackmaxclem]

Since Riverside and French Quarter are "sister" resorts (both under the Port Orleans name) pool hopping is allowed between them .

Thanks!