As someone from New Orleans, I was honestly a little nervous about staying at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. I mean, how many times have you seen theme parks completely butcher your hometown’s vibe? However, after our stay a few years ago, I can confidently say that this has become my absolute favorite Walt Disney World resort. Here’s why you’ll love it too.
First Impressions: This Place Just Feels Different
The moment you walk into Port Orleans French Quarter, something clicks. There’s this relaxed, laid-back energy that makes you want to slow down and enjoy being on vacation. It’s like the resort is telling you to take a deep breath and leave the rush outside.
And can we talk about the size? This is Walt Disney World’s smallest moderate resort, which means you’re never more than a five-minute walk from the lobby. Trust me, when you’re dragging yourself back from the parks at 11 PM, those short walks feel like a gift from the Disney gods.
What Makes the Size Perfect
- The food court never feels overwhelmingly crowded
- Every room is genuinely close to everything
- Only one bus stop (no hunting around different buildings)
The Theming Actually Works (And I’m Picky About This)
Look, I was ready to cringe. As a New Orleans native, I’ve seen some truly awful attempts at capturing our city’s magic. But Disney did their homework here. The wrought iron details, the street signs, even the way the buildings are laid out – it all feels authentic without being over-the-top touristy.
Little Details That Matter
The devil’s in the details, and Disney got them right:
- Even the room decor feels genuine, not theme park cheesy
- Street signs that look like they are from New Orleans
- Authentic architectural elements (not just cartoon versions)
- Jazz music is playing softly in the background
The Pool Situation is Pretty Great
Doubloon Lagoon isn’t just a pool – it’s an experience. The Sea Serpent waterslide (called Scales) is genuinely fun for adults, not just kids. My favorite part? The huge pool area means you can actually find space to relax, even during busy seasons.
Plus, here’s a little-known perk: since Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside are sister resorts, you can use both pool areas. Pool hopping is usually a big no-no at Disney, but these two resorts are the exception.
Pool Amenities That Matter
- Complimentary towels and life jackets (one less thing to pack)
- Pool bar for when you need that vacation drink
- Splash area that keeps little kids entertained for hours
- Plenty of seating
The Resort Activities Don’t Suck
I’ll be honest – resort activities at Disney hotels can be hit or miss. But Port Orleans French Quarter keeps things fun without being forced. Entertaining pool parties, trivia nights that don’t feel like summer camp, and on Mardi Gras Day, they even do a golf cart parade with Princess Tiana throwing beads.
The horse-drawn carriage rides around the resort are surprisingly romantic if you’re traveling as a couple. And the boat ride to Disney Springs along the Sassagoula River is one of those hidden Disney gems you don’t want to skip.
Activities Worth Your Time
- Daily pool parties (surprisingly fun for adults too)
- Movie nights in the lobby with classic Disney films
- Bike rentals for exploring both Port Orleans resorts
- That scenic boat ride to Disney Springs
- Playground and arcade that keep kids busy
Let’s Talk About the Food
Okay, Mickey beignets are the star here, and yes, they’re good. However, the entire food court exceeded my expectations. The blackened rib-eye was genuinely delicious, and my ex-husband couldn’t stop talking about the beignet burger (which sounds weird but works).
But here’s my favorite thing about the food court: those Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. After a long, hot day at the parks, being able to grab a Powerade Zero instead of just basic Coke options felt like a luxury. It’s such a small thing, but it made a huge difference.
Food Court Highlights
- Extended hours so you’re not stuck if you get back late
- Mickey-shaped beignets (both regular and gluten-free)
- Good jambalaya and red beans & rice
- Shrimp and grits that didn’t make me homesick
- Grab-and-go options for those rushed park mornings
Transportation That Works
Here’s the thing about Disney transportation – it can make or break your vacation. Port Orleans French Quarter gets it right. During peak hours, you get dedicated buses to all four theme parks. During slower times, you might share with Riverside, but honestly, the wait times are still reasonable.
The boat to Disney Springs is worth taking at least once. It’s about 15-20 minutes of pure relaxation, and you get to see parts of Disney property most people never experience.
Getting Around from POFQ
- Magic Kingdom: 15-20 minutes by bus
- EPCOT: 20-25 minutes (most direct route)
- Hollywood Studios: 15-20 minutes with frequent service
- Animal Kingdom: 25-30 minutes (plan accordingly)
- Disney Springs: 15-20 minutes by boat, 10-15 by bus
The Rooms Are Comfortable
At 413 square feet, the standard rooms aren’t huge, but they’re laid out smartly. If you can swing it, the river view rooms are worth the upgrade. Waking up to see the Sassagoula River instead of a parking lot starts your Disney day on the right note.
Room Tips from Experience
- Buildings 2-3 are closest to everything
- Higher floors mean less hallway foot traffic noise
- Corner rooms have more windows and feel more spacious
- The mini-fridge is useful (not just decoration)
How It Compares to Other Disney Moderate Resorts
I’ve stayed at all the Disney moderate resorts, and here’s my honest take:
- Caribbean Beach feels too spread out and impersonal. You’ll spend half your vacation walking to the bus stops.
- Coronado Springs has that massive convention center that makes it feel less like a vacation and more like a business trip.
- Port Orleans Riverside is beautiful, but it’s also huge. The theming is lovely, but you might need a map to find your room.
Port Orleans French Quarter hits the sweet spot – intimate enough to feel special, but with all the amenities you need.
When to Book (And When to Avoid)
Best times: January through early February and September through early November. Lower crowds, better prices, and you’ll get to enjoy the resort amenities.
Busy times: Summer and December are beautiful, but they can be crowded and expensive. If you visit during peak season, book your dining reservations in advance and expect longer wait times for the bus.
Money-saving tip: Standard rooms are fine, as no room is far from anything. Save your money for park tickets and good food.
Is Port Orleans French Quarter perfect? No resort is. The buses can get crowded during park closing, and if you need multiple bedrooms or suites, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But for most families, couples, or solo travelers who want that Disney magic without the overwhelming scale of the deluxe resorts or the bare-bones feel of the value resorts, this place is pretty much perfect. The authentic theming, convenient size, quality food, and that indefinable “vibe” make it special. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to spend time at the resort, not just crash between park days.
If you’re considering planning a Disney trip and want someone who understands and loves the magic as much as you do, I’m here to help. I’ll handle the details so you can focus on the fun. Reach out anytime at cara@magicaldestinationstravel.com or visit this page to get started.
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