There are four tiers of hotel resort at Walt Disney World – Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa. Disney themselves assigns them categories and the amenities vary in each resort depending on the category they are on.
Moderate resorts are in the middle in terms of price from other categories of hotels in Walt Disney World.
There are currently five resorts in this category:
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Each hotel has its own unique charm and style, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any on-property hotel at Disney World. The advantages of staying on-site are so significant that it should be a top priority for your trip.
Our Winner – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
When it comes to the best Moderate Resort at Walt Disney World, Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter reigns supreme for several reasons. From its picturesque New Orleans-inspired theming to its smaller, intimate size, fun pool area, and unique boat access to Disney Springs, French Quarter offers a refined experience that sets it apart from other Moderate Resorts. If you’re looking for a combination of charm, convenience, and Disney magic, this resort ticks all the boxes.
Here’s why Port Orleans French Quarter remains our top choice for a Moderate Resort in 2024:
1. Beautiful Theming Inspired by the French Quarter of New Orleans
The theming of Port Orleans French Quarter is one of its standout features, recreating the charm and romance of New Orleans’ famous French Quarter with cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and gas lamp lighting.
- Architecture and Landscaping: The buildings are adorned with colourful facades, elegant ironwork, and lush courtyards with fountains. It’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing resorts at Walt Disney World, capturing the essence of old New Orleans in a serene, peaceful environment.
- River Views: The resort’s location along the Sassagoula River enhances the beauty of the property, and strolling along the waterfront provides a tranquil escape after a busy day at the parks.
Key Tip: French Quarter’s smaller size allows guests to soak in the immersive theming without feeling overwhelmed by a sprawling resort layout, which is typical of other Moderates like Caribbean Beach Resort or Coronado Springs.
2. Smaller, More Intimate Size
One of the main reasons French Quarter stands out among the Moderate Resorts is its smaller size. Compared to other Moderate Resorts that can feel vast and spread out, French Quarter is a compact resort, meaning no room is too far from the lobby, food court, pool, or transportation options.
- Convenient Layout: Unlike resorts like Caribbean Beach or Coronado Springs, which often require long walks or internal bus systems just to get to dining or transportation, everything at French Quarter is within a short walking distance.
Key Tip: The resort’s smaller size means less time walking and more time enjoying the parks and amenities. It also fosters a more intimate and quiet atmosphere, which is great for families and couples alike.
3. Fun and Unique Pool Area – Doubloon Lagoon
French Quarter’s pool, Doubloon Lagoon, is often considered one of the most fun pools at a Moderate Resort. The pool features Scales, a giant serpent water slide themed after Mardi Gras, with whimsical details like jazz-playing alligators surrounding the pool area.
- Water Play Area: In addition to the main pool, there’s also a water play area for younger children, making it a fantastic resort for families with little ones.
- Poolside Bar: The Mardi Grogs poolside bar offers a range of drinks and light snacks, allowing guests to relax poolside while enjoying the lively theming.
Key Tip: Doubloon Lagoon isn’t just for kids – adults will love the relaxing hot tub and lively atmosphere too. It’s also rarely overcrowded, thanks to the smaller size of the resort.
4. Boat Transportation to Disney Springs
One of the most unique and beloved features of Port Orleans French Quarter is the boat service to Disney Springs. The leisurely ride down the Sassagoula River offers a relaxing alternative to buses and provides easy access to the shopping, dining, and entertainment at Disney Springs.
- Scenic River Ride: The boat ride takes around 10-15 minutes and provides beautiful views along the river, making it a peaceful and scenic way to reach Disney Springs.
Key Tip: The boat service is an enjoyable way to get to Disney Springs, and it’s a great option for a relaxing evening after spending time in the parks.
5. Easy Access to Port Orleans – Riverside Amenities
While French Quarter stands on its own as a top-tier Moderate Resort, guests staying here also have access to the amenities at its sister resort, Port Orleans – Riverside, which is a short walk or boat ride away.
- More Dining Options: While Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, the food court at French Quarter, offers some excellent quick-service meals (more on that below), Riverside offers even more dining options, including Boatwright’s Dining Hall, a table-service restaurant serving Southern comfort food.
- Recreation: Guests at French Quarter can also enjoy fishing, horse-drawn carriage rides, and additional pools over at Riverside.
Key Tip: It’s like getting the amenities of two resorts for the price of one! Be sure to explore Riverside’s offerings, especially if you want to expand your dining and recreational options during your stay.
6. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory – Beignets, Anyone?
French Quarter may be smaller than some of the other Moderate Resorts, but its food court is not to be overlooked. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory serves up classic New Orleans cuisine, including one of the most famous snacks in all of Walt Disney World: the Mickey-shaped beignets.
- Beignets: These delicious, deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar are a must-try and are available in both regular and boozy versions for adults. They’re a favourite among Disney foodies!
- Varied Menu: The food court offers a variety of other Cajun-inspired dishes, like jambalaya, gumbo, and po’boys, as well as more standard fare like burgers, pizzas, and salads.
Key Tip: Start your morning with a cup of coffee and some Mickey beignets before heading to the parks. It’s one of the tastiest ways to kick off a Disney day!
7. Romantic and Peaceful Atmosphere
One of the standout features of Port Orleans French Quarter is its peaceful, romantic atmosphere. The lush landscaping, wrought-iron balconies, and quiet courtyards give the resort a more grown-up feel compared to other Moderate Resorts. This makes it a popular choice for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
- Quiet Retreat: Even though the resort is close to the hustle and bustle of Disney Springs and the parks, it maintains a serene and quiet atmosphere, especially at night when the lights along the river and courtyards give the resort a magical glow.
Key Tip: Couples looking for a more romantic Disney experience will love French Quarter’s quiet, beautiful setting, and the horse-drawn carriage rides along the river are perfect for a relaxing evening activity.
8. Affordability Compared to Deluxe Resorts
Though French Quarter offers a lot of the charm and amenities found at some of the Deluxe Resorts, it remains more affordable. As a Moderate Resort, it offers more value for money than many of the Deluxe properties, especially considering its intimate size, unique theming, and close proximity to Disney Springs.
Key Tip: If you want the experience of a smaller, beautifully themed resort without paying Deluxe prices, French Quarter is the perfect middle ground.
Final Thoughts: Why Port Orleans French Quarter Is the Best Moderate Resort in 2024
When it comes to Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World, Port Orleans French Quarter offers the best combination of theming, location, and value. From its compact and intimate size to its beautiful New Orleans-inspired architecture, lively pool, and boat service to Disney Springs, it provides a unique and magical Disney experience without the higher price tag of a Deluxe Resort.
The relaxed atmosphere, scenic river views, and the ability to enjoy beignets in the morning make this resort stand out, and the proximity to Riverside’s amenities adds even more value. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun, convenient stay or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, French Quarter is a standout resort that brings Disney magic to life in a serene, charming setting.
In 2024, Port Orleans French Quarter continues to set the bar high for Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World, combining affordability with charm and convenience, making it the top choice for those looking for a well-rounded, memorable Disney stay.
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