The Resorts Gal Guide to
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort is a moderate resort located in the Disney Springs Resort Area at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The hotel is popularly known for its boutique feel and charming grounds inspired by the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Below, you’ll find our planning guide, which contains information from our travel experiences to Port Orleans French Quarter. Guests planning a stay will want to familiarize themselves with the different room types, restaurants, recreation, and transportation options available at the resort. This resort is one of two Port Orleans Resorts. The other is neighboring Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.
The Basics for Port Orleans French Quarter
- Check-In: 3:00 p.m.
- Check-Out: 11:00 a.m.
- Self-Parking: Complimentary
- Free Wi-Fi Internet
- Resort Address: 2201 Orleans Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
History
Port Orleans French Quarter first opened in May 1991 as Port Orleans Resort. At the time, it was comprised of three buildings with 432 guest rooms. When construction was complete, the resort had seven buildings with approximately 1008 guest rooms.
Nearby, another resort, Dixie Landings, was being built. It opened in 1992. At that time, Dixie Landings was what we know today as the Alligator Bayou Section of Port Orleans Riverside. Before its completion, the Magnolia Bend section of the resort was added, making for a combined total of 2048 rooms.
Then, in 2001, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and Disney’s Dixie Landing were combined, and their names were changed to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter. Combined, the resorts sit on over 325 acres with 3056 guest rooms.
Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Benefits
Guests of the French Quarter can participate in Disney’s early theme park entry, a perk extended to all Walt Disney World Resort guests.
Early Theme Park Entry: This perk allows resort guests to enter any Walt Disney World theme park 30 minutes before officially opening to the general public. This early entry provides several advantages:
- Lower Crowds: Being among the first to enter the park allows you to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times. This will help you to check off must-see rides and experiences ahead of the crowd.
- Photography Opportunities: If you love capturing the magic of Disney, the early hours provide a fantastic opportunity for photos in front of iconic landmarks with fewer people in the background.
- Cooler Temperatures: Morning hours are often cooler, making outdoor activities more comfortable. But if you visit during cooler weather, don’t forget a jacket!
Planning Your Stay
Below, we’ve listed our best resources for planning a stay at Disney’s French Quarter Resort. We’ve stayed at this resort multiple times and have photographed almost every inch of it! We consider our resort transportation guide (listed below) to be our most valuable resource for guests planning their vacations.
Port Orleans French Quarter Review: Our resort reviews share detailed accounts of our stays and experiences. We pay out-of-pocket to stay at each resort hotel to provide an objective and non-biased overview.
Port Orleans French Quarter Room Tour: These rooms have recently been updated! So, you might see a few updates to the decor. However, the overall layout and features is the same. Options include two queen beds, one king bed, standard view rooms, garden views, pool views, and river views. Guest bathrooms include a vanity with two sinks, storage, and a tub with shower combination. Handicap-accessible rooms are available.
Port Orleans French Quarter Restaurant Guide: This article provides a comprehensive overview of the resort’s dining options. The resort has one lounge (Scat Cat’s Club), a quick-service restaurant (Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory), and a poolside bar (Mardi Grogs). This is the only moderate resort that doesn’t offer a table service restaurant. However, Port Orleans Riverside is only a short walk away and has Boatwright’s Dining Hall as an option.
Port Orleans French Quarter Refillable Mugs: Find out where to refill Rapid Fill mugs at the resort, along with available beverages and the current cost of mugs.
Port Orleans French Quarter Pool: French Quarter is also unique in that it only has one pool. We love spending time at the Doubloon Lagoon Pool. It’s a fun pool with a Mardi Gras and King Neptune theme. It even has a sea serpent water slide! This pool area also has an excellent (separately fenced) aquatic play area for children. A private hot tub sits nearby.
Transportation Options at Port Orleans French Quarter: Complimentary transportation options include buses and water taxis. Guests can take boat transportation between Riverside and the French Quarter or continue to Disney Springs. Bus service is provided to all major Disney theme parks and destinations, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.) Also, see our French Quarter Transportation Map for highlighted locations to access transportation at the resort.
Laundry at Port Orleans French Quarter: The resort’s laundromat is called Laundry on the Levee. It is near the Doubloon Lagoon Pool.
Jackson Square Gifts and Desires: This is the resort’s gift shop. Our photo post gives an idea of what you can expect to find, from souvenirs to groceries and other personal items.
Individual Dining Reviews for Port Orleans French Quarter
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Review: This charming food court is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll find items like pizza, Mickey-shaped waffles, roast beef sandwiches, burgers, and chicken nuggets. They have a little something for everyone.
Scat Cat’s Club Cafe Beignets: Prepare to be tempted by the delicious smell of beignets at the French Quarter, especially first thing in the morning. Don’t be surprised if you find a line out the door!
Extra and Seasonal
A Photo Tour of Port Orleans French Quarter: This photo perspective shows the resort in a different light and what it has to offer.
Port Orleans Resorts at Christmas: Come along on a tour of both the French Quarter and Riverside during the holiday season!
Port Orleans French Quarter vs. Riverside: This article explores the differences between staying at the French Quarter and Riverside. Make no mistake—the resorts are near each other, but they couldn’t be more different!
Horse-Drawn Carriages: Guests can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides at the Port Orleans Resorts. This is an additional charge, and reservations are recommended.
Video
Related Reading
For your convenience, here’s a list of our articles related to the resort:
Other Moderate Resorts to Consider
If you’re considering a moderate resort, the only other comparable option in size is Disney’s Gran Destino Tower. It is part of Coronado Springs Resort.
Related: Disney’s Gran Destino Tower Review
The other three moderate resorts are as follows:
- Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Whether you’re new to the world of Disney or are a seasoned pro in search of a new adventure, their goal is to give you an experience like you’ve never had before. Check with our travel partner, Firefly Travels, to begin planning.