One of my absolute favorite resorts on Disney Property is Disney's Port Orleans Resort! The question lies, "Which section is the best?" I asked on twitter and here are the results.
Walt Disney's History with New Orleans can be seen throughout the Disney Parks. Walt actually considered New Orleans as a location for Walt Disney World. The story goes that he was hunting for antiques here where he found a mechanical bird singing in a metal gilded cage. As you can imagine, he purchased it in order to study it and it in turn helped with the advancement of animatronics in the Disney parks. This led to one of the classic Disney attractions, "The Enchanted Tiki Room." He loved the place so much he made a land dedicated to it in Disneyland, "New Orleans Square. "It houses another Disney classic attraction, "Haunted Mansion" and a well known secret, "Club 33", an exclusive club which is the only place that serves alcohol in the park, have to pay a rumored 33k to gain a membership and must be invited to even get a membership.
Walt's love of New Orleans came to Walt Disney World in the form of Disney's Dixie Landings Resort Hotel on February 2, 1992 which was themed after the old south. This resort is now Port Orleans- Riverside. Port Orleans Resort ,themed to the French Quarter in New Orleans , opened on May 17, 1991. The two resorts only merged as one on April 1, 2001.
Besides theme, there are quite a few differences that would help a guest determine which resort best fits their needs and desires. Let's take a look at layouts!
At first glance it could probably look a bit overwhelming due to the size of the property. As you can see from the first map, Riverside is a much bigger property. Therefore, depending on where your room is, you may have to take a bus just to get to the entrance. Or if you're the athletic type, you may want to take that walk since there is a walkway that connects both resort hotels. French Quarter is smaller but more intimate and so it's an easy walk to the front of the resort. Both are relatively quiet which isn't the impression you would get with French Quarter. French Quarter you would think is loud and rowdy due to its Mardi gras theme but it's very peaceful. Both resorts are Disney Springs Resort and this resort features water transportation that can take you to Disney Springs. It runs in 15 to 30 min intervals and runs during specific hours so be sure to check when you arrive because they are subject to change.
Let's talk rooms! I have only personally stayed at French Quarter and I loved the rooms. I was also fortunate to see the Royal Guest rooms at Riverside so I have a pretty good idea about what the rooms look like. But here are some videos for you so you can get a picture of what the rooms there are like.
French Quarter has the following room types: Standard, Garden View, River View, Poll View and King Bed. Riverside has far more options: Standard, Standard 5th Sleeper, Garden View, Garden 5th Sleeper, Pool View, King Bed, Preferred and River View. The Royal Guest Rooms have their own categories which are Royal Guest Room Standard, Pool, Garden and River. There is no king bed option for the Royal Guest rooms.
It's also good to note a tip you may not think of that I learned from my time as a Reservation Sales agent at Disney World. If you have pet allergies or wish to bring a pet, Port Orleans Riverside has blocked off certain rooms and sections of the resort to be pet friendly. Currently, only dogs are allowed and only 2 maximum are allowed. This is fee based and pets are expected to be well behaved. These rooms have easy access to walkways and pet relief centers and guests with pets will be welcomed with a gift from Pluto. This resort is 1 of 4 on Disney World property that allow dogs but other resorts and areas are canine free unless they are a service animal. If you fear getting a room that has homed a dog, you can always call and ask for the agent to note that you would like a VIP cleaning prior to your arrival. They will do their best to accommodate but be sure to double check at check in. Once you arrive, the agent can no longer help, only front desk.
When it comes to Dining options, I am personally more partial to Sassagoula's at French Quarter. The theming is a lot more fun and the food is a lot better compared to Boatwright's. French Quarter has a bar called Scat Cat's Club which serves "Boozy Beignets" and other alcoholic beverages while you enjoy Jazz New Orleans style. There is another bar called "Mardi Grogs" where you can sip and enjoy the views of the Sassagoula River. Riverside has Boatwright's which has New Orleans style home cooked meals and Riverside Food Court, which has 6 stations you can choose food from. There are two bars, River Roost, which has live entertainment and a hidden secret, Muddy Rivers. Muddy Rivers is secluded and on Ol' Man Island by the pool.
There is plenty of activities to do at either resort and some need to be booked in advance. Call 407-WDW-PLAY or ask at front desk when you arrive for more information. One of the most famous activities is the Carriage Rides which takes you along the Sassagoula river. The horse drawn carriage rides are done at French Quarter. You can go over to Scat Cat's and get a painting class, and for those who love going for a nice sunday run like I do, you can join the Sunday Runday for a quick jog around the resort. Family friendly options include are themed water play area and pools, movies under the stars, campfires, a playground and an arcade. You can partake in some surrey and regular bike rentals and fishing.
Overall, Both resorts I feel are good for families but I am partial to French Quarter. While I adore the romantic vibes of Riverside, there's just something about French quarter that intimate yet so full of life. It truly captures the essence of the New Orleans mood. As far as price, French Quarter is a bit more cost effective which is part of the reason why some go towards this option. Obviously price varies depending on the time of year but standard rooms for both resorts usually start at $219 a night without discount. The room type and amount of guests may change that price but ultimately research when deals happen and decide which one would best fit your family's needs.
Which resort do you prefer, French Quarter or Riverside?
But ultimately it's important that the resort you chooses fits your party's needs. If you're considering staying at either section, this is the perfect list for you to choose.Which resort do you prefer ?— Constance Hatchaway's Maid of Honor (@hecallsmePP) October 29, 2019
 |
| PC: DisneyParks Youtube |
Walt Disney's History with New Orleans can be seen throughout the Disney Parks. Walt actually considered New Orleans as a location for Walt Disney World. The story goes that he was hunting for antiques here where he found a mechanical bird singing in a metal gilded cage. As you can imagine, he purchased it in order to study it and it in turn helped with the advancement of animatronics in the Disney parks. This led to one of the classic Disney attractions, "The Enchanted Tiki Room." He loved the place so much he made a land dedicated to it in Disneyland, "New Orleans Square. "It houses another Disney classic attraction, "Haunted Mansion" and a well known secret, "Club 33", an exclusive club which is the only place that serves alcohol in the park, have to pay a rumored 33k to gain a membership and must be invited to even get a membership.
 |
Walt Disney in New Orleans Square on dedication day with the Firehouse Five plus two and former New Orleans Mayor Victor Schiro
PC: DisneyAvenue.com
|
Walt's love of New Orleans came to Walt Disney World in the form of Disney's Dixie Landings Resort Hotel on February 2, 1992 which was themed after the old south. This resort is now Port Orleans- Riverside. Port Orleans Resort ,themed to the French Quarter in New Orleans , opened on May 17, 1991. The two resorts only merged as one on April 1, 2001.
 |
Dixie Landings Postcard
pc: Portorleans.org
|
 |
Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside Map
PC: Disneymamas.com
|
 |
Port Orleans Riverside Map
pc: wdwinfo.com
|
Let's talk rooms! I have only personally stayed at French Quarter and I loved the rooms. I was also fortunate to see the Royal Guest rooms at Riverside so I have a pretty good idea about what the rooms look like. But here are some videos for you so you can get a picture of what the rooms there are like.
French Quarter has the following room types: Standard, Garden View, River View, Poll View and King Bed. Riverside has far more options: Standard, Standard 5th Sleeper, Garden View, Garden 5th Sleeper, Pool View, King Bed, Preferred and River View. The Royal Guest Rooms have their own categories which are Royal Guest Room Standard, Pool, Garden and River. There is no king bed option for the Royal Guest rooms.
 |
| PC: wdwinfo.com |
It's also good to note a tip you may not think of that I learned from my time as a Reservation Sales agent at Disney World. If you have pet allergies or wish to bring a pet, Port Orleans Riverside has blocked off certain rooms and sections of the resort to be pet friendly. Currently, only dogs are allowed and only 2 maximum are allowed. This is fee based and pets are expected to be well behaved. These rooms have easy access to walkways and pet relief centers and guests with pets will be welcomed with a gift from Pluto. This resort is 1 of 4 on Disney World property that allow dogs but other resorts and areas are canine free unless they are a service animal. If you fear getting a room that has homed a dog, you can always call and ask for the agent to note that you would like a VIP cleaning prior to your arrival. They will do their best to accommodate but be sure to double check at check in. Once you arrive, the agent can no longer help, only front desk.
 |
Sassagoula Floatworks at Port Orleans French Quarter
PC: Disney Tourist Blog
|
 |
| PC: PortOrleans.org |
There is plenty of activities to do at either resort and some need to be booked in advance. Call 407-WDW-PLAY or ask at front desk when you arrive for more information. One of the most famous activities is the Carriage Rides which takes you along the Sassagoula river. The horse drawn carriage rides are done at French Quarter. You can go over to Scat Cat's and get a painting class, and for those who love going for a nice sunday run like I do, you can join the Sunday Runday for a quick jog around the resort. Family friendly options include are themed water play area and pools, movies under the stars, campfires, a playground and an arcade. You can partake in some surrey and regular bike rentals and fishing.
Overall, Both resorts I feel are good for families but I am partial to French Quarter. While I adore the romantic vibes of Riverside, there's just something about French quarter that intimate yet so full of life. It truly captures the essence of the New Orleans mood. As far as price, French Quarter is a bit more cost effective which is part of the reason why some go towards this option. Obviously price varies depending on the time of year but standard rooms for both resorts usually start at $219 a night without discount. The room type and amount of guests may change that price but ultimately research when deals happen and decide which one would best fit your family's needs.
Which resort do you prefer, French Quarter or Riverside?
Comments
Post a Comment