Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is one of the most charming Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World, offering guests a delightful and immersive experience inspired by the lively streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Known for its compact layout, vibrant theming, and serene atmosphere, French Quarter is often considered a hidden gem among Disney’s Moderate Resorts. With fewer rooms and a smaller footprint than its sister resort, Port Orleans Riverside, French Quarter provides a more intimate and relaxed Disney stay, making it a favourite for both families and couples. Here’s a deep dive into what makes Port Orleans French Quarter a top choice.
Key Highlights of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
1. Compact and Easy to Navigate
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Port Orleans French Quarter is its smaller size. With only around 1,000 rooms, this resort is much more compact than other Disney Moderate Resorts, including its sister resort, Riverside. The smaller size means shorter walking distances to the main lobby, dining areas, pool, and transportation.
- Easy Access: No matter where your room is located, you’ll never be more than a 5-minute walk from the central hub of the resort, making it incredibly convenient for families with small children or anyone who prefers less walking during their stay.
- Quiet Atmosphere: Due to its size and layout, French Quarter offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to the sprawling Riverside. The beautifully themed courtyards and cobblestone streets give the resort a quaint and peaceful vibe.
Key Tip: If you’re looking for a more tranquil Disney experience without the hustle and bustle of larger resorts, French Quarter’s smaller footprint is perfect for a laid-back stay.
2. Theming and Atmosphere
Port Orleans French Quarter is designed to mimic the lively French Quarter of New Orleans, complete with wrought-iron balconies, colourful facades, cobblestone pathways, and gas lamps that light up the streets at night. The theming here is more vibrant and immersive than at Riverside, offering a lively yet elegant atmosphere.
- Jazz and Mardi Gras Vibe: The resort is filled with jazz music playing in the background and nods to Mardi Gras throughout the decor, from the alligator statues playing instruments to the festive beads hanging in the lobby.
- Christmas Magic: French Quarter is particularly well-known for its stunning Christmas decorations. The resort goes all out with festive lights, garlands, and wreaths, creating one of the most magical Christmas atmospheres of any Disney resort.
Key Tip: If you’re visiting during the Christmas season, don’t miss the chance to explore the resort’s holiday decor—it’s one of the best among all Disney resorts.
3. Great Pool with Mardi Gras Theme
The Doubloon Lagoon pool at French Quarter is a standout feature of the resort, offering a fun and playful environment with a Mardi Gras theme. The pool is dominated by Scales, a giant sea serpent slide that winds through the pool area, making it a huge hit with children and families.
- Unique Waterslide: The Serpent Slide, with King Neptune riding atop, is one of the most memorable waterslides at a Disney resort. The colourful design and theme make it a fun feature that adds to the festive atmosphere of the resort.
- Splash Pad: For younger children, there’s a splash pad area with smaller water features, providing a safe and fun space for little ones to cool off.
Key Tip: The pool at French Quarter is widely regarded as better-themed and more fun than the pool at Riverside, making it a great spot for families looking to spend time enjoying the resort’s amenities.
4. Boat to Disney Springs
One of the best perks of staying at Port Orleans French Quarter is the Sassagoula River Cruise, a boat service that takes guests directly to Disney Springs. This scenic boat ride is a relaxing way to travel to Disney Springs, avoiding the hassle of bus transportation.
- Convenient Transportation: The boat ride takes about 15 minutes and offers beautiful views of the Sassagoula River. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy a night out at Disney Springs for dining, shopping, or entertainment.
Key Tip: The boat ride is especially peaceful in the evening when the lights of Disney Springs reflect on the water, making it a romantic option for couples or a fun adventure for families.
5. Dining Options
Although French Quarter has fewer dining options than some of the larger resorts, it still offers excellent choices for guests, including a fan-favourite quick-service spot.
- Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory: The quick-service restaurant at French Quarter offers a variety of American and Cajun-inspired dishes, including beignets, a New Orleans staple. These warm, powdered sugar-coated treats are a must-try during your stay and are considered one of the best snacks at Disney World.
- Mardi Grogs Pool Bar: Located near the pool, this casual bar offers a selection of drinks and snacks, perfect for a mid-afternoon break or a refreshing cocktail while relaxing poolside.
Key Tip: If you’re looking for more dining options, you can easily walk or take the internal bus to Port Orleans Riverside, which offers additional dining experiences such as Boatwright’s Dining Hall.
6. First Stop on the Bus Route
One advantage of staying at French Quarter is that the resort is often the first stop on the shared bus route between the two Port Orleans resorts. This means that French Quarter guests are typically picked up and dropped off first, reducing the time spent on the bus, especially during busy periods.
- Fewer Bus Stops: Because French Quarter is smaller than Riverside, the buses make fewer stops around the resort, making transportation more efficient.
Key Tip: If you prefer quicker bus rides to and from the parks, French Quarter’s position as the first stop on the shared route makes it more convenient than staying at Riverside.
Downsides of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
1. Limited Dining Options
While French Quarter’s Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory is excellent for quick-service dining, the resort lacks a table-service restaurant, which can be a downside for guests who prefer more dining variety without leaving the resort.
Key Tip: You can easily walk or take the internal bus to Port Orleans Riverside to dine at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, which offers Southern-inspired table-service meals.
2. Bus-Only Transportation to Parks
Although the boat to Disney Springs is a major perk, guests staying at French Quarter will still need to rely on bus transportation to get to the parks. Unlike resorts with access to the Skyliner, monorail, or boats to the parks, French Quarter only offers buses for park transportation.
Key Tip: The buses at French Quarter tend to be less crowded due to the smaller size of the resort, but it’s still a good idea to plan extra time for transportation, especially during peak hours.
Final Thoughts: Is Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Worth It?
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter offers a charming, vibrant, and relaxed atmosphere with a New Orleans twist. Its compact layout, beautiful theming, and fun pool make it one of the most popular Moderate Resorts for families and couples alike. The Sassagoula River Cruise to Disney Springs is a huge plus, offering convenient access to one of Disney’s top shopping and dining destinations.
While the resort is smaller and lacks some of the more extensive dining and recreation options found at larger resorts like Caribbean Beach or Riverside, its tranquil atmosphere, easy navigation, and first bus stop make it a fantastic option for those looking for a more intimate Disney experience.
For those seeking relaxation, fun theming, and convenience, French Quarter is a wonderful choice, especially if you plan to explore Disney Springs or simply want a resort that feels like a charming escape from the busy parks.
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