Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Review
Is Port Orleans French Quarter the right resort for your Disney World Vacation? In this post, I will share our experience and opinions of Port Orleans French Quarter so you can decide if this resort is right for you.
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Port Orleans French Quarter immerses guests in the feels and sounds of New Orleans. Cobblestone pathways are lined with beautiful gas lamps that give the feel of the historic French Quarter. You’ll find greenery hanging from wrought-iron balconies, and enjoy the sounds of jazz music in the air. The gorgeous magnolia trees truly give you the feel of walking down a street in the French Quarter.
We found this resort to be overflowing with charm and the perfect escape from the busy parks, without losing that Disney Magic.
About our recent stay at Port Orleans French Quarter
We visited the Port Orleans French Quarter Resort at Disney World in late September 2023. We requested a corner room, which placed us on the ground level across from the pool in building 5. We loved our room location! Being on the ground floor across from the pool and laundry building was perfect. It took me just 2 minutes to walk over to the main building but it was still super peaceful and quiet.
Overview of Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
Port Orleans French Quarter is categorized as a moderate resort. The pricing is a bit higher than Value resorts and you’ll find extra amenities and nicer quality features.
Theme & Atmosphere:
This resort is meticulously themed after New Orleans. As always, the Imagineers at Disney World created a beautiful resort with all the feels and sounds of New Orleans. The resort is right along the Sassagoula River which adds to the authenticity.
I would consider this resort to have a very laid-back feel. It is also a smaller resort, not as sprawling as its sister resort, Port Orleans Riverside which is a very large spread-out resort.
We enjoyed the smaller size of the resort and theming at Port Orleans French Quarter. The size meant we could easily explore the whole resort without adding thousands of steps to our day. This was especially nice after a long day of walking at the parks. Getting around was fairly easy, and it is a beautiful resort.
Location of Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort has a very convenient location for many of the parks. It is located right behind EPCOT so you’ll find transportation to be fairly reasonable for the parks.
Port Orleans French Quarter map
Click the Port Orleans French Quarter Map below to enlarge:
Transportation at Port Orleans French Quarter
Transportation Options: Bus | Boat
Hopping from Port Orleans French Quarter to the parks is a breeze! Disney buses are always available to take you right to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
The bus stop is right outside the lobby, and buses generally roll in every 15-20 minutes. Since Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is a small resort, your walk to the buses will be under 5 minutes! This is a huge perk! There are plenty of paths you can use to get to the buses quickly.
How long does it take to get to each park from Port Orleans French Quarter?
- EPCOT is only a mile away and the bus takes about 9 minutes.
- Magic Kingdom is around 3.4 miles away, about a 10-minute bus ride.
- Hollywood Studios is 3.9 miles away and the bus takes just around 20 minutes.
- Animal Kingdom is a bit further away about 7.5 miles. This bus ride is about 20-25 minutes.
Boat transportation at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
If you would like to head to Disney Springs or visit the neighboring Port Orleans Riverside Resort, you can enjoy a scenic boat ride to get there. The boat comes by every 10-15 minutes and will bring you to either location. Or you can enjoy the boat ride and take a round-trip back to your resort.
The boat will drop you off at the Landing in Disney Springs.
Can you walk between Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter?
Port Orleans Riverside is only a 15-minute walk from the French Quarter. You can enjoy a peaceful walk along the Sassagoula River path. It’s a really beautiful walk. Riverside has many activities and dining options that you can enjoy during your stay.
Rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter
The rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter are intended to fit up to four people. Most rooms have two queen beds. You can also request a King Bed room. You will not find a pull-down fifth bed at Port Orleans French Quarter; however, you will find 5th sleeper rooms at Port Orleans Riverside. Click here to read my review and find out more.
Room options available at Port Orleans French Quarter
- Standard Room: 2 queens with views of the garden areas.
- River View Room: 2 queens with views of the riverfront.
- Pool View Room: 2 queens with views of the courtyard pool.
- King Bed Room: 1 King Bed with views of the Garden, Courtyard, Riverfront or Parking Area
Room Features and Decor
Each room is furnished well with a small table and bench seating. The beds are very comfortable! The headboards are lovely, and there’s plenty of space under the beds for your luggage, which is a huge space saver and something I think is important if you’re traveling with lots of luggage.
You will find plenty of plugs and USB outlets throughout the rooms. There are 2 USB and 2 standard plugs between the beds at the nightstand. You will also find 4 more USB and 4 more plugs at the dresser. This is so helpful if you’re charging phones, MagicBands, rechargeable power banks, fans, or other electronics.
Most rooms at POFQ will also have the new Hey Disney Alexa that you might find helpful. You can ask it questions, check the weather, even play a few games on Hey Disney!
The Princess and the Frog Theming in the Rooms
When you stay at any of the Walt Disney World Resorts, you will notice small Disney theming throughout the rooms. Some resorts have more obvious Disney Character theming, like Art of Animation while others have more discrete Disney touches, like the Boardwalk Resort and Port Orleans French Quarter.
Disney World imagineers have done an excellent job at Port Orleans French Quarter of adding small, subtle touches throughout the rooms. The rooms and resort grounds are themed after The Princess and the Frog. You’ll notice small touches of Tiana and the Prince Frog throughout the rooms.
The first thing I noticed was the art on the walls. This is a new addition since the French Quarter was updated.
Storage in the Port Orleans French Quarter standard room
Our room had a large wooden dresser with 6 large drawers, plus a smaller drawer under the coffee maker. You will also have storage in the single nightstand between the beds and a shelf beside the bed on the left.
Above the drawers, you’ll have a large television. You can connect to your Disney+ account or connect to any Chromecast-enabled device to stream to the TV.
You’ll find a beverage cooler under the TV. Be sure to note that Disney has switched from regular fridges to these beverage coolers that do not have a freezer section and are not safe to use for dairy, medications, or anything that needs to be stored below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Contact the resort if you would like to request a regular mini fridge for medications or other needs.
There are 3 hooks by the door, which we used for our backpacks, purses, and sweatshirts. This is also a great spot to put a pop-up laundry basket if you have one or a pop-up bin with your shoes.
Coffee and Tea
Each room also comes with a Cuisinart coffee maker that will make a single cup of coffee using Joffrey’s Coffee pods that are provided. You’ll also receive Twinings tea bags and a few coffee creamers and sugars.
Don’t hesitate to request a refill or extra coffees, teas, sugars, creamers, cups, etc. Housekeeping is happy to refill your items during your stay. There’s also an ice bucket you can use and fill at the ice machines throughout the resort.
The Bathroom layout at Port Orleans French Quarter:
There is a sliding door to separate the main sleeping area from the bathroom. We found this very helpful in the mornings. It allowed us to get ready without disturbing the sleeping teenagers in the room. It also gave us an extra private area to get dressed.
In the bathroom area, you will find a double-sink vanity with storage. You’ll see another door that separates the toilet and tub/shower from the sink and counter area.
Having the tub/shower and toilet in a separate room was very nice. This allowed someone to get ready at the sinks while someone was in the shower. Also, having double sinks was a huge plus! At the sink, you’ll find a bar of body soap, liquid soap (This is new!!), and body lotion.
Storage in the bathroom area included a long shelf below the mirror where we like to keep our toothbrushes, haircare, and makeup products. There is also a makeup mirror that lights up.
The closet area is behind the vanity. It is an open-concept closet with a long closet rod and several hangers. You can request more hangers if you need them.
The safe is above, along with extra blankets and a pillow. There was a luggage stand stored in this area and a full-length mirror on the wall.
Opposite the closet space, you’ll find shelving to store your bathroom items. There is also an iron and iron board for you to use.
Under the sink, you’ll find more storage, some extra towels, and a storage drawer that also acts as a step stool if you have younger children who might need help at the sink.
In the toilet/shower room, you’ll find the toilet and a tub with a shower. (Some units may not have a tub; be sure to confirm with the resort if this is something you need.)
You’ll find shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the shower. Above the toilet, you’ll find plenty of towels. If you need more towels during our stay, just ask at the front desk or call housekeeping to request more.
Food and drinks – Dining at French Quarter
What are the dining options at Port Orleans French Quarter?
- Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory – Quick Service – See the menu and our review here.
- Scat Cat Club Cafe – A must-do! You’ll want to get your Beignets here – See the menu and our review here.
- Scat Cat Club Lounge
- Mardi Grogs Pool Bar
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory
The quick-service dining option at Port Orleans French Quarter is at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. It has that Mardi Gras vibe with fun decor. You’ll find classic food and snacks as well as Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes.
Breakfast features staples like Mickey-shaped waffles and scrambled eggs, while at lunch and dinner, you’ll find gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys. I was impressed by the serving size for the omelet and tater tots.
We were excited to find that Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter has a Freestyle soda machine which gives everyone so many options for soda, Vitamin water, lemonades, and iced teas!
Try the Beignets at Scat Cat’s Club Cafe
Grab an iconic Mickey Mouse-shaped beignet, or better yet, try the Beignet sundae. You can also pick up a delicious coffee or espresso in the morning.
Read my review of the Scat Cat’s Club – Cafe and find out more about the popular Mickey Beignets at Disney World.
Scat Cat Club Lounge
Another perk of staying at Port Orleans French Quarter is their weekend Jazz Club. Head to the Scat Cat Lounge starting at 7:30 pm, Friday through Sunday, and enjoy the live jazz along with delicious appetizers, a sweet Beignet, or a tasty cocktail.
Mardi Grogs Pool Bar
You will also find the Mardi Grogs Pool Bar where you can order sandwiches, snacks, and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy by the pool.
The Pool at Port Orleans French Quarter
Dive into the fun at the serpentine Doubloon Lagoon pool, complete with a waterslide. During the refurbishment of the pool at Port Orleans French Quarter (January-April 2024) you can walk over (or take the boat) to Port Orleans Riverside Resort and enjoy the quieter Ol’ Man Island pool.
Kids Splash Area
There is a fun kids’ splash area by the pool in its own fenced-off area.
Other Activities
Check the schedule at Port Orleans French Quarter to see the days and times these activities are available.
Scat Cat’s Lounge
Adults can catch a live jazz performance at Scat Cat’s Lounge. Enjoy live Jazz while sipping on a nice beverage or trying a tasty Cajun appetizer.
The Arcade
The South Quarter Games has over 70 fun arcade games to enjoy. You’ll find this arcade right off the lobby.
The Playground at Port Orleans French Quarter
The Playground at French Quarter is in the courtyard by the Dooblagoon pool.
Rent A bike or a Surrey
You can rent a 2 or 4-person Surrey bike and go for a fun adventure with your family as you ride between the two resorts along the Sassagoula River.
Cajun Campfire Activities:
Enjoy an evening campfire and roast a marshmallow under the twinkling stars.
Horse-Drawn Carriages at Port Orleans Riverside
Take a romantic clip-clop through the resort, feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.
Activities at French Quarter:
Get swept up in the infectious energy of street performers, live music, and festive décor during select times of the year. Port Orleans French Quarter offers several activities. You can find updated information on the Recreation Calendar at the resort.
Movie Under the Stars.
These usually happen at 7:30 pm nightly on the French Quarter green. You’ll find this area between buildings 5 and 6.
Mondays: Painting on de’ Bayou ($ Additional cost) –
Check the recreation calendar for times
Enjoy a night of trivia and prizes for the whole family!
Wednesdays: Mosaics Class ($ Additional cost) –
Times vary – Check the recreation calendar for updated time.
The mosaics class is a great activity for children. It’s a popular one too! You can design your own mosaic creation.
Other activities:
There are several other activities that you can participate in. Check the recreation calendar to see what’s available during your visit.
Mardi Gras Parade and Party at Port Orleans French Quarter
If you happen to visit during Mardi Gras you can expect a super fun Mardi Gras party at Port Orleans French Quarter. There is usually a parade and other fun events. This celebration usually happens on Fat Tuesday (the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday).
Sassagoula River Cruise:
Take a leisurely boat ride to Disney Springs, enjoying the scenery and the occasional gator sighting (don’t worry, they’re friendly!).
The Cost to Stay at Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
Rooms cost vary from around $250 up to over $400 (for prime dates)
The cost of a room at Port Orleans French Quarter varies depending on the time of year, discounts available, or the day of the week.
We’ve seen the average non-discounted pricing starting at $364/night
During our stay in September 2023, we scored great prices! Our weekday pricing was just $216/night. (weekends were $245). This was during an Annual Passholder discount, which is offered occasionally throughout the year.
** We’ve found the best pricing for Port Orleans French Quarter Resort is in January before President’s Day.
Is Port Orleans French Quarter good for families?
I think Port Orleans French Quarter is a great resort for families or couples who prefer a more peaceful resort to come home to after a busy day at the parks.
The pool at the resort is a highlight for most kids. The theming is super colorful and fun and kids of all ages love the 51-foot water slide too! There is also a nice hot tub for the adults to enjoy!
Bonus Tips for staying at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter resort:
Don’t forget to factor in the Early Theme Park Entry benefit available to resort guests. This allows you to enter the parks 30 minutes early on most days, giving you more time to ride the rides, eat the treats, and make lots of memories!
*Try to get to the bus stop an hour before the early park entry time to get to the park in time for “rope drop”.
Don’t forget to grab a resort pin or some Bbeignet-themed Minnie ears as a fun keepsake and souvenir from your stay at Port Orleans French Quarter!
Stay organized in your room. When we travel with our kids, we always bring a super convenient foldable closet organizer and a shoe organizer. This gives us extra storage for their clothes or shoes when there aren’t enough drawers for everyone.
The photo below is from 2022 – before the resort was renovated, but I’ve shared it to show you how we organized our closet! Keep scrolling to see the new closet and bathroom updates.
Have you stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter? Share your experience in the comments below!
