Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort Review | Disney World Resorts for Families

Considering a stay at Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter resort? Find out what makes this Disney resort so unique! Located on the Sassagoula River near the Disney Springs area, this moderate resort has a fun New Orleans theme.

Convenient boat transportation makes it a nice choice for those who want to explore the shopping, dining, and entertainment options at Disney Springs.

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Updated July 2025: On our recent stay at Port Orleans – French Quarter, we were able to stay in the newly renovated rooms! As we’ll discuss later in the article, these updates truly give the resort an upscale vibe! I loved the new room updates, and touches throughout. This remains a favorite resort choice to recommend for small families (3-4 people total), couples, and friend groups to visit Walt Disney World!

Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter offers a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other moderate Disney resorts. The grounds make you feel as if you’ve been transported to the New Orleans French Quarter.

The New Orleans theming is consistent throughout the resort, from the cobblestone streets to the wrought-iron balconies. 

If you’re a fan of jazz music, you’ll also appreciate the live evening performances that take place in the Scat Cat’s Club lounge.

Port Orleans – French Quarter Highlights

• Port Orleans – French Quarter is a moderate resort with a New Orleans theme located in the Disney Springs area.
• The resort offers a unique atmosphere that immerses you in the French Quarter, complete with cobblestone streets and live jazz music.
• This is a great moderate resort option at Walt Disney World – we recommend this one as a top choice for couple stays, friend group visits, or small families (of 3-4 people in a room).

Overview of Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort

If you’re looking for a unique and immersive experience during your stay at Walt Disney World Resort, Port Orleans – French Quarter may be the perfect choice for you.

This is one of my favorite resorts for solo trips! The grounds are small and easy to get around. There really are no “bad” room locations here, as all of the rooms offer easy access to the main building where the food and single bus stop is located.

Resort Theme and Atmosphere

The theming at Port Orleans – French Quarter is one of its main draws of this moderate resort. It’s designed to resemble the iconic architecture and ambiance of New Orleans. From the wrought-iron balconies to the cobblestone streets, every detail has been carefully crafted to transport you to the heart of the French Quarter.

The resort rooms were recently redone and offer modern upscale touches that make you have to double check you’re not staying in a deluxe. We also really like the room layout at this moderate resort and it works well for our family of four.

The overall atmosphere of the resort is lively and energetic, with jazz music playing throughout the day and night. The pool area is particularly inviting, with a Mardi Gras theme and a waterslide that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Location and Transportation Options

Located just a short bus ride away from all of the Disney theme parks, Port Orleans – French Quarter is a convenient choice for those looking to explore all that Walt Disney World Resort has to offer. Additionally, the resort is just a short boat ride away from Disney Springs.

There is complimentary bus transportation from French Quarter to all of the Disney theme parks. They also have routes available to get to the water parks, when seasonably available.

There is an internal resort shuttle to get between Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort as well. If you have your own car, there is ample parking lot space available at the resort for guests.

Room Accommodations and Pricing

We love the relaxed vibes at this resort! All of the rooms have been recently updated and I loved the new decor touches!

You’ll find nods to Princess Tiana and characters from Princess and the Frog throughout your room.

Room Types and Amenities

Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort only has a few different types of rooms to book, and the main difference is typically the view of the room. 

Standard Rooms come with either two queen beds or one king bed, accommodating up to four guests.

Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, mini-refrigerator, coffee maker, and resorts have complimentary Disney Guest Wi-Fi.

The rooms are decorated with a New Orleans inspired theme with unique artwork of Princess Tiana and friends. We love the subtle use of characters in the recent resort room refurbishments Disney has done.

The bathroom configuration at the moderates work exceptionally well for our family of four, with the two sinks separate from the shower area. You can have one family member taking a shower and another in the sink area getting ready!

View and Building Preferences

At Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort, you can choose a Garden View, Standard View, River View, or Pool View room.

The Garden View rooms overlook the beautiful landscaping and courtyards of the Resort. The Standard View rooms offer views of the parking lot or nearby buildings.

River and Pool View rooms both have views of the water, as suggested by their name either facing the Sassagoula River or overlooking the main pool area. 

If you have a preference for a specific building, you can request it at the time of booking. The Resort has seven buildings, each with its own unique charm. Building 5 is located closest to the main lobby and dining areas, while Building 7 is located closest to the pool.

Cost Comparison with Other Resorts

The pricing at Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort is competitive with other moderate-level resorts at Walt Disney World.

The Standard Rooms typically average around low to mid $200s per night, while in busier times of year prices might reach into the $300s per night range. However as the resort fills up, you’ll see that price jump up and the other moderates may become more affordable.

When compared to other moderate-level resorts, Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort offers a unique theming and a more intimate setting. The Resort is smaller in size compared to other moderate-level resorts, making it easier to navigate and more relaxing.

Smaller families, couples, and solo travelers may find Port Orleans – French Quarter particularly appealing, because of the ease of getting around the resort and transportation options.

Photo Spots Around Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter

Disney’s Port Orleans- French Quarter is one of my favorite spots to get outfit photos, because of the small footprint and number locations that have unique backdrops.

Found in photo: Cutout Dress

In the garden areas there are fountains and arches that make for great photos.

Found in photo:

Lemon Set / Tropical Dress

Also, since the resort sits along the river, there are many vantage points with the river in the background that make a great photo op. Also, with the faux brick lined streets running throughout the property, there are just lots of great nooks and crannies to stop and take some lovely photos!

Found in photo:

Yellow Dress / Teal Dress

Recreation and Entertainment

The Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort has a fun pool and splash pad play area.

Pools and Water Features

The main pool, Doubloon Lagoon, is a Mardi Gras themed pool featuring a large sea serpent water slide and a hot tub.

The pool area also includes a children’s play area with a splash zone. The pool is open daily, and lifeguards are on duty during operating hours.

Since this is a smaller resort, there is only one pool location. However since this resort has fewer rooms, we have never felt like it was overly crowded when we were there. All rooms at the resort are fairly close to both the pool and main building area with just a short walk from the outer rooms.

Mardi Gras at Port Orleans – French Quarter

It’s no surprise given the New Orleans theme, that Port Orleans – French Quarter has a fun Mardi Gras celebration every year that is unique to this resort.

One year when I was visiting in March, I happened to coincidentally be checking in on Mardi Gras (much to my delight!) and caught these fun activities as a part of the celebration! There was a golf cart parade, with carts that are decorated by cast members.

And in the evening, there was a special dance party celebration. It was such a fun time, and if you’re planning on being at Walt Disney World during Mardi Gras, Port Orleans – French Quarter is the place to be!

There were also decorations all around the resort, and I even came home with some beads that were left as a gift in my room by housekeeping!

Dining Options

When it comes to dining, Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort has a variety of options that are top notch! We love the quick service here, and it is great to stop in throughout the day for any meal.

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

The Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is the resort’s primary dining option, offering a range of delicious meals and snacks throughout the day.

The food court is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features a variety of stations serving up everything from pizza and pasta to sandwiches and salads. 

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, be sure to try the famous beignets – a New Orleans-style pastry that is a must-try.

Scat Cat’s Club

If you’re looking for a lounge to unwind in after a long day at the parks, Scat Cat’s Club is the perfect spot.

This cozy lounge features live music, a full bar, and a small menu of light bites. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a drink or two with friends or family.

Mardi Grogs Pool Bar

For a refreshing drink by the pool, head to Mardi Grogs Pool Bar. This outdoor bar serves up a variety of cocktails, beers, and frozen drinks, along with a selection of snacks to keep you fueled up while you splash around in the pool.

Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort has great dining options that should work for most families. Do note there is no table service at this moderate resort, and it’s the only moderate resort that lacks a table service option.

However you can walk or take a quick boat ride over to its sister resort, Port Orleans – Riverside Resort, to visit their table service restaurant.

Moderate Resort Comparison

Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort and Port Orleans – Riverside Resort are sister resorts located in Walt Disney World. Both of these moderate resorts offer a unique experience to their guests, but they have their differences.

Port Orleans – French Quarter vs. Port Orleans – Riverside

French Quarter is smaller and more intimate, while Riverside is larger and more spread out. French Quarter has a more New Orleans-style theme, while Riverside has a more rustic, general southern theme.

One of the biggest differences between the two resorts is the option of a fifth bed sleeper at Port Orleans – Riverside in some rooms. Making Riverside the better choice for slightly larger families. 

Another difference between the two resorts is their dining options, Riverside has a restaurant and a lounge with standard southern fare. However, French Quarter has a popular quick-service restaurant, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, and Scat Cat Cafe which serves beignets.

Comparison with Other Moderate Resorts

Compared to other moderate resorts in Walt Disney World, Port Orleans – French Quarter offers a unique experience to its guests. It is smaller and more intimate than the other moderate resorts, which makes it a great choice for families who want a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.

The rooms here only will sleep up to four adults, so it works best for smaller parties and couples on a Walt Disney World vacation, however if your travel party fits this designation it is an excellent option to consider. 

The theming at French Quarter is well done, with beautiful architecture and landscaping that transport you to the streets of New Orleans. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, and the amenities are top-notch.

Port Orleans – French Quarter is a great choice for smaller families who want a unique and relaxing resort experience in Walt Disney World. With its beautiful theming, excellent amenities, and great location, it is sure to be a hit with guests looking for a cozy resort experience

Would I Stay at Port Orleans – French Quarter Again?

This remains one of my personal favorite moderate resorts! Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort is a charming and comfortable place to stay during your visit to Walt Disney World. The resort’s romantic and quiet atmosphere is perfect for couples or anyone looking for a relaxing getaway.

For families, I do rate it a bit lower on our ranking of the moderate resorts, simply because it doesn’t offer larger room sizes and you’re constrained to smaller parties of 4 people or less in a room here.

I’ve stayed at French Quarter for a solo Disney trip and with our family of four, and it was a great resort in both of those instances. The rooms are comfortable, we loved the resort vibe, and it was an easy resort to stay at. 

The resort’s character and theme are top-notch, with beautiful architecture and landscaping that transports you to the heart of New Orleans. The Mardi Gras-inspired decor is festive and fun, without being overwhelming.

The resort’s amenities, such as the pool and the quick service dining, are also convenient and enjoyable.

The biggest thing to note is that the resort is smaller than some of the other Disney World resorts, which can be a plus or a minus depending on your family’s preferences. If you’re looking for a quieter and more intimate experience, Port Orleans – French Quarter is a great choice.

However, if you’re looking for more dining and entertainment options, or need a larger room size, a different Walt Disney World Resort will be a better fit.

If you’re looking for a charming and comfortable resort with a romantic and quiet atmosphere, Port Orleans – French Quarter is a great choice. This is one resort we absolutely will return to again!