Walt Disney World offers a wide variety of resorts, including value, moderate, deluxe, and villas. Needless to say, Disney values theming in its storytelling. One resort for me captures the essence of New Orleans – Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. This moderate resort has the highest repeat-guest ranking among all Disney Resorts. It has captured my heart as my favorite moderate resort on property and here’s why.
Port Orleans French Quarter is one of Disney’s moderate resort hotels. Of all the moderate resorts (Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Port Orleans Riverside), Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is the smallest, which makes it ideal for getting around. Nestled along the scenic Sassagoula River, the resort offers guests a blend of colorful architecture, Southern hospitality, and cobblestone streets. This resort is inspired by the historic French Quarter in New Orleans. The resort features beautiful decorative fountains throughout, gas lamps, wrought-iron balconies, and lush landscaping.
Accommodations
You will also find the resort’s accommodations comfortable. Rooms offer 2 queen beds or 1 king bed. There are three types of bookable room categories at this resort: Standard Location Rooms, Preferred Location Rooms, and King Bed rooms. Both Standard Location Rooms and Preferred Rooms will sleep a maximum of four plus a child under 3 in a pack ‘n play. King Bed Rooms sleep a maximum of 2 plus a child under 3 in a pack n play. Each room offers complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen televisions, mini refrigerators, and plenty of storage for everyone in the room. Bathrooms offer either a tub or a shower only. There are seven buildings throughout the resort. Buildings #1, 6, and 7 are your Standard Location Rooms. Buildings #2, #3, #4, and #5 are your Preferred Location Rooms. King rooms are located in all the buildings. Preferred Location Rooms are closer to the main building, food court, and bus stop. But honestly, it takes at most 10 minutes to go from one end of the property to the other. This is why it’s so ideal for everyone. You can easily navigate strollers, wheelchairs, or scooters throughout the resort.
Where to Eat
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is at the front of the resort and the only place to get a bite to eat. There are no sit-down restaurants here. You can enjoy the sit-down restaurant at Port Orleans Riverside, which is a short 10 to 15-minute walk away or a quick boat ride. This food court offers up breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as snacks, drinks, and desserts. Mardi Gras-inspired decorations are the theme here, and they feature bright, colorful accents. You will find everything from the classic American menu to Southern-inspired dishes.
Next door is Cat’s Club Cafe. We all know this is the hub of everything good because they are cooking up my favorites every day— freshly made beignets. These warm, powdered-sugar-covered delights have become a must-try for resort and non-resort guests alike. It’s extremely popular and busy.
Looking for some lively entertainment at night? Scat Cat’s Club Lounge features live jazz performances. Currently, they are open from 7:30 pm on Thursday to Sunday. A great place to relax, listening to some music and having a unique drink (and beignets, don’t forget the beignets).
Amenities and Recreation
French Quarter offers many recreational activities for guests of all ages. In the center of the resort is The Doubloon Lagoon pool. The slide is a whimsical sea serpent with a Mardi Gras inspiration. Children can also enjoy the nearby water play area designed for the younger guests. Additional amenities include horse-drawn carriage rides along the riverfront (reservations required). Bike rentals, arcade games, walking paths along the river, campfire activities, and outdoor movies under the stars. Looking to do a little shopping? Head over to Jackson Square, where you will find merchandise of all sorts.
Guests can also take advantage of the shared amenities offered at Port Orleans Riverside (their sister resort), including restaurants and pools.
Getting around
To get to the theme parks, you will take the bus, which is conveniently located at the front of the resort on the right-hand side. Signs are marked for the parks, and you will go to that designated area. Buses run about every 20 minutes. During busier times, you will not share a bus. You may share a bus with Riverside in the early afternoon when going to/from the parks, when it’s less busy.
One of my favorite parts of staying at French Quarter is the boat service to Disney Springs. You can catch the boat along the riverfront; it takes about 20 minutes, but it’s so fun and relaxing. It does accommodate scooters, strollers, and wheelchairs, as do the buses. Strollers must be folded up.
Ready to go?
If you are thinking of going to Disney World and would like a free, no-obligation quote, just send me an email, and I will be happy to get you booked at Port Orleans French Quarter or any Disney Resort. Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort offers a unique escape from the parks for relaxation. Ready to make your memories?
