Last updated on November 22nd, 2023 at 10:58 am
If there’s one thing Walt Disney World always gets right, it is its theming. And when you arrive at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort – with its cobblestone streets, fountains, wrought-iron balconies and jazzy ambiance – you most definitely feel like you’re arriving in the heart of New Orleans.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is a moderate resort in the Disney Springs area of Walt Disney World. I have stayed there several times now and can honestly say it is (along with Animal Kingdom Lodge and Caribbean Beach Resort) one of my favorite resort hotels on-property at Disney World!
What makes it truly unique and appealing is its size. With only 1,008 rooms, the French Quarter is the smallest of the moderate resorts. In a world where bigger is almost always better, staying at a small resort is a real perk when you don’t have to walk far from the bus stop to your room…or from the food court to your room…or from the pool to your room.
But don’t let its small size give you the impression that there’s not as much to do at the French Quarter! There are plenty of activities onsite, including bike rentals, fishing, campfires, horse-drawn carriage rides, complimentary movies and an arcade.
The French Quarter is also just a ten-minute walk along the lushly landscaped Sassagoula River to its larger sister property, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. This resort is bigger than the French Quarter, and is designed to represent the bayou and Louisiana’s more rural parts.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is designed to evoke the Antebellum era, with a jazzy, Disney twist! Perhaps this property’s biggest draw is that you can reach Disney Springs by boat. There is a dock right on the resort grounds that will take you on a leisurely cruise to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and Disney Springs.
The Port Orleans French Quarter has a great pool, complete with festive decorations that will immerse you in the magic of New Orleans. Kids can slide down the tongue of a 51-foot-long sea serpent slide. Jazz-playing alligators, a kids’ water play area, a whirlpool spa and the Mardi Grogs pool bar make it even more of a fun atmosphere! The whole pool area overlooks the river.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter At-A-Glance
- Beautifully landscaped, New Orleans-themed resort
- Nice pool area with sea serpent water slide and daily pool activities
- “Movies Under the Stars” play nightly on the lawn
- Cajun campfire offered each night with complimentary marshmallows for roasting
- Boat service direct from the resort to Disney Springs makes for a fun diversion from the buses
- Bus transportation to the theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom
- Disney World resort guests can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours at select theme parks
- The French Quarter’s elegant atmosphere might not be the best choice for families looking for a more vibrant, kid-centric Disney experience
- More amenities (surrey bike rentals, fishing, pirate boat excursion) are offered at the neighboring Port Orleans Riverside, but you have to take a boat or walk ten minutes to get there
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Rooms
There are seven guest buildings set among the immaculately landscaped walkways. Each building is three stories, with elevator access.
The French Quarter’s 1,008 rooms have all been recently renovated. They now feature hardwood floors and simple, clean French styling. Rooms are 314 square feet, with two queen beds and two sinks outside the bathroom – a nice feature for larger families and a step up from other moderate resorts that only offer one sink.
Rooms have flat screen televisions with convenient audio and video inputs. Other amenities include a mini-fridge, wall safe, coffee maker, iron/ironing board and hair dryer. A laundry room is centrally located near the resort’s pool.
Like the other moderate resorts, Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter features outdoor walkways rather than interior hallways. Most overlook the landscaped grounds and cobblestone streets. If you choose, you can upgrade to a water view room and be right on the river, but I say save your money for more worthwhile Disney ventures!
Dining at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter’s main dining area is a food court named Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. This quick-service dining location offers a variety of American and Louisiana-inspired cuisine, including pizza, hamburgers, jambalaya, chicken and ribs.
There is also a ‘grab-n-go’ section for pre-made sandwiches, snacks, drinks and desserts.
The French Quarter does not offer a full service sit-down restaurant. However, a boat ride to either the Port Orleans Riverside or Disney Springs will satisfy that need. For adult beverages, there is a poolside bar called Mardi Grogs and Scat Cat’s Club off the lobby, where live jazz is performed several nights a week.
For snacks, Sassagoula Floatworks has bakery items made fresh daily. You absolutely must try the resort’s New Orleans specialty: beignets, a deep-fried puff of dough covered with powdered sugar. (Obviously not the healthiest choice, but here I think a splurge is in order!)
If you are on the Disney Dining Plan an order counts as a snack credit and you will get enough for the whole family to sample! The bakery also serves espresso, cappuccino and lattes.
Healthy Tip for This Destination
While the Port Orleans Resort – Riverside might be a far walk if your goal is to use the pool or dine at their restaurant, if your goal is the journey and not the destination then this is a great place to head for a little exercise. The beautifully landscaped walkway curves along the riverfront for a truly scenic morning walk or run. It is exactly half a mile each way. Add to the distance by meandering back and forth across the bridges.
For more ideas on where to stay at Walt Disney World, check out this article on the Best Disney Deluxe Resorts.
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