We all have our favorite Walt Disney World (WDW) resort and mine is Disney’s Port Orleans Resort—French Quarter. If you ever wanted to stay along the Bayou and embrace New Orleans all day long, but with a Disney twist, French Quarter is the place to stay.
French Quarter is a moderate resort, meaning it’s priced between value and deluxe resorts. So, it’s still pretty affordable (for Disney, that is) and you get more amenities compared to a value resort. (Looking to save the most money on your booking? Our friends at Destinations to Travel will save you the most money possible… and their services are free.)
I truly feel that French Quarter has that deluxe feel, but maybe I’m a little bias. I just love it that much.
So, here’s exactly why French Quarter is a top WDW resort and one everyone should at least try once.
1. One Of The Best Food Courts
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is a smaller-sized food court, but has truly great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including several plant-based choices for vegans and vegetarians (the Floatworks Burger is my favorite).
Hanging decor in Sassagoula Floatworks at Port Orleans French Quarter. Photo by Brett Svenson
And, of course, there are New Orleans-inspired dishes, like jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp and grits, and po’ boys.
2. The Size Can’t Be Beat
Compared to many of the other WDW resorts, French Quarter is quite small. You can walk from one end of the resort to the other in about 10 minutes or so. Yes, it’s that small, which is also a huge perk.
French Quarter isn’t overwhelming and you don’t need to set a lot of time aside to get acquainted with the lay of the land. The fact that French Quarter is so small is especially great after a busy day at the crowded parks.
Knowing you get to come “home” to a quiet resort is comforting.
A Port Orleans French Quarter greeter bids hello to new guests. Photo by Wayne Wood
3. Great Transportation Options
There are buses that will take you to all four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs. And there are only two bus stops right next to each other at the front of the hotel.
This is major because that means once you hop on a bus, you don’t have to go to other stops and it won’t take you 30 minutes to just get out of the resort.
However, sometimes there is combined bus service for Animal Kingdom, meaning the bus will go to the four bus stops at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort—Riverside (French Quarter’s sister hotel) and that will add about 10-15 minutes to your commute.
This is definitely a downside, but, overall, the bus service isn’t bad.
In addition to buses, there is also water transportation to Disney Springs along the Sassagoula River.
I highly recommend taking the boat, because you’ll get to take in the many views, including Disney’s Saratoga Springs & Spa and Disney’s Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs. The boat makes for a nice leisurely ride and takes about 20 minutes.
4. Beignets Galore
French Quarter is the only resort and place to get Mickey Beignets at WDW. You can also get vegan beignets, but they are not Mickey-shaped. Beignets can be found at Scat Cat’s Club Cafe, which also serves coffee drinks.
Vegan Beignets at Port Orleans French Quarter at Walt Disney World. Photo by Rain Blanken
Bonus: there is a special “Beignet Fun Run” every “Sunday Runday,” except on runDisney race weekends.
All you have to do is complete a 1.5 mile course in the morning to receive a finisher’s medallion and a beignet! The race costs $15 per person, plus tax.
5. The Trail Along The River Is Perfection
There is a lovely trail along the Sassagoula River. It makes a great exercise spot, whether you’re a walker or a runner. Or, if you simply just want to take a stroll, you can do that too. Plus, the trail stretches all the way to Riverside.
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6. Easy Access To Port Orleans Riverside
As previously mentioned, Riverside is right next door to French Quarter. You can walk to the resort or even rent a bike.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort is within walking distance of French Quarter. Photo by Mike Billick
It’s nice to have another resort so close, especially if you want to try a different dining option, like Boatwright’s Dining Hall (eat the cornbread!) or for more nighttime entertainment at the River Roost. The latter even has trivia night on Tuesdays.
7. Great Pool Area For Family
The Doubloon (get it?) Lagoon has a massive blue sea serpent water slide, 51-feet to be exact, with King Neptune standing in charge.
There’s also a water play area and a Mardi Grogs pool bar. This really is a fun area for families and perfect to soak up some sun… and with two hot tubs for the parents, everyone’s happy.
The French Quarter pool features this unforgettable serpent slide. Photo by Wayne Wood
8. Live New Orleans-Inspired Entertainment
At the Scat Cat’s Club, there is nightly jazz entertainment that really brings the resort’s theme to life. The entertainment used to be in the lobby before this separate club was designed.
The new space is a great way to enjoy the evenings and relax with a cocktail from the bar.
9. On-Site Laundry Facilities
Payment (credit and debit cards only) is required to use the washers and dryers, but having 24-hour laundry facilities on property is a huge bonus.
For example, during one of my recent trips, my suitcase sat on the airport tarmac in the rain and everything inside got completely soaked.
So, yes, the laundry room helped greatly. Dry cleaning and valet laundry service is also available.
10. Fun Outdoor Activities
There are several fun outdoor activities, including watching Disney movies outside in the beautiful courtyard under the stars and having a cajun campfire where you can roast marshmallows.
A walkway through the streets of Port Orleans French Quarter. Photo by Brett Svenson
11. The Views Can’t Be Beat
French Quarter has some of the most stunning views. Whether you’re just taking a stroll between buildings, taking the boat to Disney Springs (especially at night), or walking alongside the Sassagoula River, the resort is picturesque, to say the least. Your Instagram will thank you.
And that’s only a handful of the many reasons why Port Orleans French Quarter is so fantastic. I highly recommend booking a stay for this resort during your next WDW trip.
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