Hi Maureen,
You've made a great choice of resorts! Port Orleans French Quarter is my absolute favorite among the moderate resorts. It is the smallest on the Walt Disney World property and has a quiet, laid-back feeling. And it's the only place I know at Disney to get fresh, hot beignets!
If you and your boys want to check out the pools, restaurants and activities at Port Orleans Riverside, you are just a short walk away. Depending on your pace, it should take you only about 10 minutes to reach the main area of the larger sister resort. There you will find a host of
recreational activities, including a pirate cruise, boat rentals, bike rentals and more. (I'm partial to the sea serpent slide at the Port Orleans French Quarter pool myself, but there are five other pools to explore at Riverside.)
I also think access to the theme park buses is a little better from Port Orleans French Quarter.
From either resort, you are just a short water taxi ride away, too, from the shopping, restaurants and fun of Downtown Disney.
I hope that helps. You will have a fantastic stay no matter which of the Port Orleans resorts you choose. There's no wrong decision here.
Please let me know if I can do anything else to assist in your planning. Enjoy your vacation with your family!
Wilma