When it comes to Walt Disney World resorts I love Port Orleans French Quarter, there are so many options and this is one of those resorts I keep going back to. While I rarely say I have a favorite resort, I love Port Orleans French Quarter. For me it is the quiet laid back atmosphere that make this the perfect resort. With its sister resort Port Orleans Riverside just a short walk away it’s like having two resorts in one. I recently had the chance to be back at this resort for a short stay and it just reinforced why I love this place.
Size
Port Orleans French Quarter is the smallest Walt Disney World resort but don’t judge it by its size. There are seven buildings each with three floors, these rooms are either standard view, garden view, pool view, or river view. All the room categories are great locations and an easy walk to any part of the resort. I had a pool view room and while the temperature was hot and the pool was always busy I never heard exterior noise. I love I could get a king bed, which makes for a great couples choice.
Upon arriving at Port Orleans French Quarter I am instantly drawn into the theming. The green wrought iron and bright building colors are warm and welcoming. Stepping into the lobby and park benches give the feel of a New Orleans park. The raw brick walls lead to the old city charm.
After leaving the lobby the resort itself has brick walkways. Between buildings large green areas are reminiscent of parks in New Orleans. Street signs can help you find your way with names such as Rue D’Baga and La Salle Street.
Accommodations
The majority of the rooms have two queen beds and accommodate families of up to four. I am a fan of the hard floors that have replaced carpeting. The bathroom is separated from the sleeping area with a curtain. This is great for adding privacy when everyone is trying to get ready in the morning. The vanity area is also separated from the bathtub/shower and toilet with a door. My favorite H2O bath products are on hand in the shower and vanity area. A dresser under the television and shelves in the bathroom area give plenty of space for everyone’s stuff. The two beds are elevated and provide ample storage for suitcases and luggage. The beds are queen size and fairly comfortable. I do not prefer a hard bed and I found these to be neither too hard or too soft.
I should note that all rooms do have exterior doors. While I do not consider this to be a down side, this is fairly standard in both the value and moderate room categories.
Transportation
Port Orleans French Quarter while not in the center of all the action is a quick bus ride from all the theme parks. This resort has one bus station that easily accommodates for all theme parks. A hidden gem here is that there is boat service to Disney Springs. The boats run every 20 minutes or so and do share service with Port Orleans Riverside. This is a super relaxing ride and makes getting to and from Disney Springs a breeze.
Both Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter do have a feeling of isolation from the theme parks due to their location. I prefer this feeling especially after a long day in the theme parks or when I want a relaxing getaway.
Pool
Doubloon Lagoon is the one and only pool at Port Orleans French Quarter and features a serpent slide. This pool just finished up a refurbishment and update of the splash pad. The pool can get busy in the afternoon but offers plenty of seating and a pool side bar “Mardi-grogs” with lots of shade. I arrived mid day and easily found a spot in the shade and near the water. The splash pad here is a great place for little ones to cool off and splash the day away. As with most Disney resorts afternoons at the pool have plenty of action including music, games for all age kids, and arts and crafts. I love to book evening flights home and enjoy a pool day. There are shower facilities near the pool which allow a chance to shower and change before heading home.
Dining
In the center of the resort is Sassagoula Float Works quick service food court offers great options for even the pickiest eater. During my visit I enjoyed dinner at Sassagoula float works, I had the salmon, green beans and mashed potatoes. While there is plenty of dining space indoors, I got my dinner to go and enjoyed it sitting on the lawn while watching the movie of the evening. In the evening hours Scat Club lounge, has limited food offerings and a variety of beverages. I ran out of time to check this out on this visit, however have enjoyed relaxing here after a full day in the theme parks. Beginning early in the morning I always stop for a Beignet, what better way to start your day?
With no real table service dining option at French Quarter, this resort does not draw in a lot of guests just stopping by to dine. This keeps the resort feeling laid back and relaxed, making it a perfect spot for me.
Other activities
While the Theme Parks tend to be the spotlight at Walt Disney World, this is one resort that I really can spend time at and not miss the theme parks. With Port Orleans Riverside a short walk from French Quarter there are a multitude of ways to spend your days. Several evenings each week Movies Under the Stars are offered. On select evenings head over to Port Orleans Riverside to see Yehaa Bob, his family friendly performances get everyone in the family involved and singing along. Make sure to arrive early for good seating. With walking paths between both French Quarter and Riverside, there is no lack of shade to enjoy a quiet walk. Want to spend a little time fishing, head to The Fishin’ Hole for a little old fashioned cane pole fishing. Surrey bikes are available for rent to explore the paths around the resort.
Port Orleans French Quarter is the perfect spot to get a Disney fix without needing to visit a theme park. Next time you are looking for a getaway, I encourage you to check out my favorite resort.
