Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Review

Never did I intend to enjoy my stay at Port Orleans French Quarter so much. When I started Resorts Gal, both of Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts were put on the back burner. Many years ago, we stayed at Riverside, a neighboring resort, over the Christmas holidays. To this day, that trip stands out as our least favorite because we didn’t care so much for the resort.

However, our love for Riverside has grown significantly since that trip, and we now enjoy staying there. This past year, I’ve made it a priority to spend more time at both resorts. We started with simple things like the pools and the gift shops. Then, we moved on to more coverage, including transportation and dining. After many visits as a day guest to the French Quarter, I planned a stay.

So, for this review of Port Orleans French Quarter review, I’ll share the details of our most recent stay at the resort. We’ll discuss everything from the convenience of staying here to recreation, dining, and other important aspects. 

Update: Port Orleans French Quarter is undergoing a resort refurbishment, with rooms expected to be completed by the end of the year (2024). So you may or may not get the same room shown in the photographs below. You can check our resort refurbishment page for more details.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love both Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside. They are stunningly gorgeous resorts with landscapes true to their theme. When we stayed at Riverside, I was in a different place in my life. That’s a kind way of saying I was unhealthy and overweight. I was by no means a person intent on walking everywhere like I am now.

Our room assignment on that trip was as far away from the main lobby as you could possibly imagine. I had also paid for an upgraded room, unknowingly thinking we would have a preferred location. My main memories from that trip are walking, what felt like five miles, back and forth to the bus stop at the front of the resort. Thankfully, I don’t look at the resort that way anymore. But it was hard to see past the long distances to reach everything at the time.

Then, a few years back, I started jogging. Ironically, the resort that I thought would kill me became one of the places I love to jog the most. If you’ve never been to either resort, you’ll probably be happy to know there are shade trees everywhere.

When I arrived at Port Orleans French Quarter, I had been on a whirlwind of hotel stays and was ready to land somewhere for a few days. Thankfully, I had booked a four-day, three-night stay at the resort. I remember feeling a twinge that I hoped I didn’t regret staying here that many nights. But in order to provide a thorough review of Disney’s French Quarter, I felt that length of stay was necessary.

Earlier that morning, I checked out of a deluxe studio at Disney’s Old Key West. Since this was considered a split stay, and my reservations were linked, I anticipated my room would be ready upon arrival. I arrived at the resort a few minutes after 11:00 a.m. Shortly after, I received a text stating that my room wasn’t ready.

However, when I pulled up to the breezeway, a cast member was waiting to greet me. From my experience, this level of service is not standard unless I stay at a deluxe resort. He apologized for my room not being ready, and I mentioned that I did expect it to be seamless. So he asked me to wait and told me he’d see what he could do.

Moments later, he returned with a bell service person and told me he’d escort me to my room. My room assignment was in building four on the third floor.

Normally, check-in at the Walt Disney World Resorts is at 3:00 p.m. But for this trip, I was staying at Disney World for a little over a week with three different reservations. Disney does their best to accommodate guests in this situation as if they only have one stay.

Rooms

My room was a standard guest room with two queen-size beds. All the rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter sleep up to four guests. Unfortunately, none of the rooms have the fifth sleeper option. If you need a fifth sleeper, we have a review of a fifth sleeper room in the Alligator Bayou section of Riverside.

A table with two chairs sits in the corner.

I appreciated the shelf on the wall with knobs to hang items. Underneath the shelf, there’s a bench that provides a place to remove your shoes and store them underneath. Considering these rooms accommodate up to a family of four, these extras help keep things organized.

A dresser provides several drawers for storage, outlets on top for electronics, and a beverage cooler tucked in the side.

One of the things I like about the moderate resorts is the split layout of the bath area. At Port Orleans French Quarter, you can close the curtain in the vanity area and use the space to get ready. The bath had two sinks, a shelf to store personal items, and an open closet space. Other room amenities include a wall safe, an iron with an ironing board, a makeup mirror, toiletries, extra blankets, and a hair dryer.

The water closet has a tub with shower combination.

During this stay, I felt like I was staying at a deluxe resort instead of a moderate one. Details like the solid-surface flooring and subtle room decor felt fresh and modern.

As far as Disney theming goes, there were a few nods to The Princess and the Frog. Also, the artwork in the room reminded me of Disneyland’s New Orleans Square.

Another factor that contributed to the feeling of staying at a deluxe resort was the boutique layout of the Port Orleans French Quarter. It’s not your average moderate. French Quarter is only a fraction of the size of other moderate resorts. In addition to the lobby, the resort has seven buildings with guest rooms.

The front of the resort is home to the lobby, reception area, dining, a gift shop, and an arcade. Pathways from the lobby lead straight out to the Sassagoula River. The resort’s pool, playground, hot tub area, pool bar, and laundromat sits between the lobby and the river. Everything is within short walking distance of each other.

As far as rooms go, buildings one through three are located on one side of the resort, and buildings four through seven are located on the opposite side. Building seven is closest to Port Orleans Riverside. However, the two resorts are still some distance apart.

It was a breeze to get around the resort for dining, the pool, and transportation. I remember coming in from the bus stop one evening, picking up something to eat at the quick service, and then returning to my room within no time. If I’d stayed at one of the other moderates, chances are I would have had a ten-minute walk back to my room after getting something to eat.

Each morning, I’d have breakfast outside of the resort’s lobby area. There were plenty of tables and chairs available. I could literally walk out of my room, walk down the staircase, and be at the entrance of Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. (Port Orleans French Quarter has elevators in the center of all its buildings. But my room was closer to the staircase, which was next to Sassagoule Floatworks and Food Factory.)

So, if you’re considering staying at a moderate resort and are concerned about having to do a lot of extra walking, you might consider Port Orleans French Quarter. The only other option that wouldn’t require too much walking is the Gran Destino Tower portion of Disney’s Coronado Springs. We have a separate Gran Destino Tower Review if you want to learn more.

Recreation

We’ve already discussed several nuances between Port Orleans French Quarter and the other moderate resorts at Disney World. Another significant difference is that the French Quarter only has one pool. That said, Doubloon Lagoon, the feature pool, is a fabulous pool unlike any other. A giant sea serpent named Scales straddles the length of the pool, forming bridges across it in certain areas.

King Neptune is perched high above the serpent with his trident. A fun, kid-friendly waterslide spouts from its mouth.

In addition to Scales, you’ll find several fun-loving alligators and water features around the pool.

Adjacent to the pool area is a considerable aquatic play area designed for children 48″ or less in height.

You’ll find the resort’s playground between the pool and the lobby.

A separately fenced area is home to a whirlpool spa tub. This area is separate from the pool to provide some privacy for the adults. However, don’t expect it to be private. On my last stay, it was full of splashing children.

South Quarter Games, the resort’s arcade, is located off the lobby near the gift shop.

You’ll probably want to check out the resort’s recreation calendar during your stay. It lists the times and days for various activities around the resort for each week.

One of my favorites is the Movies Under the Stars program, which is held four nights a week at French Quarter. A projection screen is set up in a grassy area between buildings five and six. While I didn’t take advantage of any movie nights during this stay, I can say these nights have been some of the most relaxing evenings I’ve spent at Walt Disney World.

Anyone who likes to jog or take long walks on vacation might enjoy the running trail. If you stay on the French Quarter side, the distance is about 0.7 miles long, or you can add another full mile by continuing on the Riverside.

Other recreation items at Port Orleans French Quarter include:

• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides (extra cost)
• Campfire Activities
• Bike Rentals (extra cost)
• Surrey Bike Rentals (extra cost)
• Fishing (extra cost)

Restaurants

Port Orleans French Quarter has a quick-service restaurant, cafe, lounge, and poolside bar. Unfortunately, the resort doesn’t offer a table-service restaurant. That said, a table-service restaurant is available at nearby Port Orleans Riverside. Additionally, Disney Springs, a short boat ride away, offers dozens of choices.

To help narrow down those options, you might enjoy our guide to the best restaurants at Disney Springs. It includes our top choices for table service meals at the venue. The resort’s main dining options are Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, the resort’s quick service. We cover the quick service in depth in a separate review. Sassagoula is open daily and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s among our top choices for the best quick service at Disney World.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is also associated with a popular food item–Mickey-shaped beignets. You can find them at Scat Cat’s Club Cafe off the lobby.

Related: Beignets at Scat Cat’s Club Cafe

Scat Cat’s Club Lounge is open each evening and serves a separate menu that includes appetizers. The lounge offers live entertainment on select evenings. Last but not least, the resort has a pool bar, Mardi Grogs. This location serves cocktails and has a small selection of quick service items. If you would like to know more, we have a complete dining guide for the resort: Dining Options at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter.

Transportation

Most of the moderate resorts, except for Coronado Springs, offer more than one form of transportation. In this instance, Port Orleans French Quarter falls in line with the other resorts of its category. Like every resort, bus service is available. Buses at Port Orleans French Quarter travel to the following locations:

• Magic Kingdom
• Epcot
• Hollywood Studios
• Animal Kingdom
• Disney Springs
• Typhoon Lagoon (transfer bus)*
• Blizzard Beach (transfer bus)*

When taking a bus to the water parks, you’ll first travel to one location, then transfer to another bus that takes you to the water park. For example if you’re visiting Typhoon Lagoon, you’ll take a bus to Disney Springs. Then, at Disney Springs, you’ll board another bus that takes you across the street to Typhoon Lagoon.

Important Mention: Someone recently shared with me that a cast member told them to take a boat to Disney Springs and then find the bus for Typhoon Lagoon. You would not want to do this unless you wanted to walk across the entirety of Disney Springs. French Quarter has buses that travel back and forth to Disney Springs. That bus will drop you off near the transfer bus.

In addition to Disney’s bus service, Port Orleans French Quarter offers water taxis to and from Disney Springs and Port Orleans Riverside. These are pleasant boat rides. But if you’re visiting during a cooler time, make sure to wear layers or bring a jacket. One evening last winter, I thought I might freeze on my way back to the resort.

Related: Transportation Options at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter

Other Amenities

We’ve covered the bulk of staying at Port Orleans French Quarter. However, there are a few small items I think are worth mentioning. For starters, Port Orleans French Quarter has a laundry room called Laundry on the Levee near the pool area. They have multiple washers, dryers, and a vending machine with detergent and fabric softener.

Related: Laundry Facility at Port Orleans French Quarter

French Quarter also has a commendable gift shop, Jackson Square Gifts and Desires. You can usually find a nice selection of resort-branded merchandise inside.

Final Thoughts

My stay at Port Orleans French Quarter went much more smoothly than most stays. From the resort taking care of my room assignment upon arrival to the unexpected ease I found getting around the resort, the entire visit was to my liking.

Of course, I don’t like to complain. But I think we all want to be treated kindly in most circumstances. That’s why travel is part of the hospitality industry. As I prepared to write this review, I reflected on my visit. I have a list of questions that help me pinpoint the pros and cons of each stay.

Ultimately, I didn’t have any negative experiences at French Quarter. It’s a beautiful resort with pleasant grounds. But you have to take the time to notice it. If you’re not the kind of person who’ll spend a Friday evening roaming the resort at sunset and appreciating its beauty, then you might be as well-off at one of the value resorts. But if you’re on a moderate budget and like the idea of the boutique layout of the resort, this is an outstanding option. If you run out of room to roam, you can always walk next door to Riverside, where there’s an abundance of acreage to cover!

I hope my ramblings have helped you discern whether a stay at Port Orleans French Quarter is right for your next vacation. I don’t know for sure when I’ll be back, but God-willing, I will happily return.

For more information about this resort, our resort guide lists every article we have available: Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter. You might also like:

• Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter vs. Riverside
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Review
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Review
• Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Review

In the Comments

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