As you step into Disney's Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter, you're immediately enveloped by a whimsical experience that transports you to the heart of New Orleans. Take a deep breath and breathe in the sweet aroma of magnolia blossoms. Listen out for the faint sound of jazz music in the background while taking in the lush landscaping and colorful buildings. You can hear the gentle sound of water trickling from the fountains scattered throughout the resort. As you make your way through the property, you'll catch glimpses of the tranquil Sassagoula River and the boats gliding by. The sound of laughter and conversation fills the air, as families and couples enjoy the many amenities found throughout the resort. It's a feast for the senses, and one that will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and eager to explore this enchanting resort. Are you ready to learn more about Disney's Port Orleans — French Quarter? Let's hop in!
Disney's Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter Overview
Disney's Port Orleans — French Quarter is a charming resort located at Walt Disney World Resort. Inspired by the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, this resort offers a combination of southern hospitality and Disney magic that creates a one-of-a-kind experience.
Not only is this moderate resort a Frog Family favorite, but this resort is a popular choice for those who frequently visit Disney World. Leap enjoys capturing footage of the Antebellum details, while I love the quaint and quiet atmosphere. You can usually find Tad and Lily hopping around at the Mardi Gras-themed pool — Dabloon Lagoon. With a sea serpent waterslide and water playground, our two froglets just can't get enough!
In addition, the resort features colorful and whimsical buildings, cobblestone streets and lush landscaping that create an ambiance of old-world charm.
The rooms are comfortably sized and elegantly decorated with nods to The Big Easy, and guests can choose between garden, pool or river views.
French Quarter also offers a variety of amenities. In addition to the themed pool with a sea serpent slide, you'll find a playground and an arcade, plus bus and boat transportation to other parts of the Walt Disney World Resort. Your crew will love frogtastic recreational activities such as Movies Under the Stars and nightly cajun campfires (complete with complimentary marshmallows!). Dining options include the well-known, quick-service food court Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory, as well as Scat Cat's Cafe and Scat Cat's Lounge — a lively jazz lounge.
Disney's Port Orleans — French Quarter Rooms
One of the many things that guests love about Port Orleans — French Quarter is the different room options available, each with its own unique features and views.
Standard Rooms
The standard rooms at Port Orleans — French Quarter are moderately sized (314 square feet) and elegantly decorated. These rooms come with two queen beds, a nightstand, a chest of drawers, a table and chairs, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge and a coffee maker. There's also a vanity area with double sinks and a large mirror, as well as a separate bathroom area with a full-sized bathtub & shower and toilet. Some rooms come with a view of the courtyard or the garden, while others offer a view of the pool.
River View Rooms
For guests who want a more scenic view, the river view rooms at Port Orleans — French Quarter are a great option. These rooms come with all the same amenities as the standard rooms, but offer a stunning view of the Sassagoula River. Grab a seat next to your room window and watch as boats glide by, or simply take in the peaceful beauty of the water. It's a great option for those who want a little extra tranquility during their stay.
Pool View Rooms
If you have young tadpoles or frogs in your squad who enjoy spending time by the pool, the pool view rooms at Port Orleans — French Quarter are a frogtastic choice. These rooms come with all the same amenities as the standard rooms but have a great view of the resort's main pool. Although there are no private balconies in any of the rooms, each floor is equipped with ornamental iron-railed accessways that serve as a great place to take in all of the lovely views!
King Bed Rooms
For couples or solo travelers who want a little extra space and comfort, the king bed rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter are a froggerific option. These rooms come with a plush king-size bed, two nightstands, a chest of drawers, flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge and a coffee maker. Some king bed rooms offer a view of the courtyard or the garden, while others offer a view of the pool.
Accessible Rooms
Port Orleans — French Quarter also offers accessible rooms for guests with disabilities. These rooms feature hearing accessibility with visual alarms and notifications and/or wheelchair accessibility with roll-in showers with grab bars. For more information on room accessibility, call (407) 939-1936 to speak with a cast member about your specific needs.
Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter Transportation Options
Centrally located, Port Orleans French Quarter offers close proximity to some of Disney World's most popular destinations, including EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs.
Guests can easily access all four Disney World theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs via Disney bus transportation. With just one central bus stop situated at the entrance of the resort, guests can exit the lobby and turn right to reach the bus stop. For a more scenic route, guests can hop on a short and relaxing boat ride to Disney Springs.
Port Orleans — Riverside is the sister resort to French Quarter. Guests can easily access it by taking a leisurely walk along the scenic Sassagoula River. If we're lucky enough to have a rest day or two scheduled during our trip, we take advantage of the variety of amenities, including the multiple dining options, bike rentals, fishing or even booking a horse-drawn carriage ride. Because Riverside and French Quarter are sister resorts, you can enjoy the amenities at both, no matter which Port Orleans resort you happen to be staying at.
Recreation & Amenities at Disney's Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
Port Orleans — French Quarter at Disney World is a resort that offers a plethora of recreational activities. From outdoorsy activities, water fun or indoor entertainment, we're hoppy to share that you'll never get bored during your stay!
The pool at Port Orleans — French Quarter is one of the resort's main attractions. The Dabloon Lagoon pool is themed after a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade, complete with wrought-iron gates and a jovial jester at its center. The pool area features a waterslide that winds its way around a sea serpent, as well as a hot tub and a water playground for younger children. Loungers and umbrellas are available for guests to relax and soak up the sun, while the Mardi Grogs pool bar offers refreshing drinks and snacks.
Join in on the Cajun Campfire Activities at the designated courtyard between buildings 5 and 6 every day of the week from 6 to 7 p.m. Experience classic family entertainment as you toast marshmallows by a crackling fire as the sun sets.
Our kiddos love catching the Movies Under the Stars where we can view complimentary showings of Disney films on certain nights at the courtyard situated between buildings 5 and 6. The screenings take place at 8:30 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Be sure to check out both the bicycle and surrey bike rentals over at Riverside Levee Marina. You can get in some extra exercise and cruise around the resort in style! :) And a trip to Port Orleans — French Quarter wouldn't be complete without trying our hands at a little catch-and-release fishing over at 'Ol Man Island watering hole over at Riverside.
Port Orleans — French Quarter also offers a playground and jogging trails if someone in your crew needs a little more space to unwind.
Similar to other hotels at Walt Disney World Resort, Port Orleans French Quarter provides Early Theme Park Entry, granting guests access to the parks 30 minutes prior to opening each day. In addition, guests at Riverside can take advantage of the new Disney Genie+ service, which offers early access to individual Lightning Lane selections. With this service, hotel guests can begin booking at 7 a.m., providing a crucial advantage for riding new and popular attractions such as TRON Lightcycle / Run or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Guests staying on-site can also book their Advance Dining Reservations 60 days in advance for the length of their stay.
It's important to link your hotel reservation to your My Disney Experience account to ensure you can enjoy all of these benefits. To learn more about the benefits of staying on-site, check out our full guide.
Additionally, the Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter offers:
- ATM and banking service
- Bell services
- Laundry and dry cleaning services
- Mail services
- Merchandise shops
- Complimentary self-parking
Dining at Disney's Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
Both Port Orleans resorts offer dining options to satisfy any craving. From quick-service meals to fine dining experiences, guests can enjoy a range of delicious dishes.
Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory is the resort's quick-service food court where you can find yummy dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For breakfast, you can grab traditional favorites such as Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes. Lunch and dinner options include burgers, pizza, jambalaya and gumbo. However, the star of the show can be found next door at Scat Cat's Club - Café because ... Mickey beignets! These fluffy, deep-fried pastries come in both traditional and seasonal flavors during the holiday season. They are a must-try!
If you're looking to kick back and relax after a long day at the parks, Scat Cat's Club is the resort's lounge that serves specialty cocktails and small plates. There's a full bar onsite and guests can choose from a selection of beverages, including the Southern Hurricane, a signature cocktail made with rum, orange juice and passion fruit juice. Live jazz music is featured at the lounge in the evenings. As a huge fan of jazz, Leap couldn't stop talking about this place long after our stay!
While you won't find a table-service restaurant at French Quarter, Boatwright's Dining Hall is an upscale eatery located just a short hop away at Port Orleans Riverside. The menu features classic Southern dishes, such as jambalaya, seafood boil and shrimp and grits. The restaurant also offers prime rib and seafood dishes. For the tadpoles, they will love the grilled chicken and mac and cheese. The atmosphere is rustic and cozy, with wooden beams and a large fireplace creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. Just don't leave without trying the dessert. We highly recommend the Mississippi Mud Crème Brûlée! (Boatwright's currently only serves dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Things to Consider Before Staying at Disney's Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
Staying at Port Orleans French Quarter at Disney World has many things to consider. It's no secret that the grounds are gorgeous and the resort's theming is second to none. Another benefit is the resort's location, which is close to Disney Springs, EPCOT & Hollywood Studios. The resort also has a nice selection of dining options, not to mention all the fun amenities such as the pool, arcade and recreational activities.
On the flip side, French Quarter is the smallest resort on-site and offers the least amount of guest rooms. Unless you book your vacation well in advance, you may find it more difficult to reserve a stay here due to the limited availability. Further, even with several different room types, each room only accommodates up to four people. Larger families may find it more convenient to book a room with the fifth sleeper bed at neighboring Riverside, or stay in a family suite such as Disney's Art of Animation or All-Star Music Resort.
Overall, we LOVE Disney's Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter! We think it's a unique resort that evokes the spirit of New Orleans right in the heart of Disney World. What's not to like about that? While the resort may have some drawbacks, such as limited room availability, it remains a popular choice for many Disney fans because of its quaint charm. If a laid-back and immersive experience with a touch of southern charm sounds good to you, Port Orleans — French Quarter is definitely worth considering for your next Disney World vacation.
Is Port Orleans — French Quarter on your list of places to stay at Disney World? Don't froget that we offer hoppin' discounts on all the Walt Disney resorts. We can't wait to help you plan a trip of a lifetime!
Related: Which Disney World Moderate Resort is Right for You?
Hoppy planning!
