Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
On our recent trip to Walt Disney World we stayed at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter. This resort is by far my favorite moderate resort. Located along the Sassagoula River, Port Orleans is actually 1 large property, divided into 2 distinct sections. Port Orleans Riverside, designed to feel like Louisiana and the old south, with beautiful antebellum mansions and bayou buildings representing the sleepy towns along the Mississippi River. It is a gorgeous sprawling resort.
On the other side of Port Orleans property is The French Quarter. Much smaller in size, except the guest rooms, The French Quarter is designed to represent New Orleans and Mardi Gras. There are 7 guest buildings here all within approximately a 5 minute walk to the front desk, gift shop, bus transportation, and food court. The French Quarter underwent a major refurbishment in late 2010 through early 2011. Each guest room now has 2 queen beds or 1 king bed, flat panel TV, mini fridge, dresser, table and chairs, double vanity and separate shower/tub area. Disney recently added free wi-fi to all the guest rooms at Port Orleans as well. Each building has 3 floors with elevators in each building. The corner rooms all have 2 sets of windows letting in plenty of sunlight. Each building here has a lovely courtyard area with benches and tree lined walkways that lead to the lobby area. There is also a walking path along the Sassagoula River.
The food court here, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, is decorated with the same Mardi Gras theming throughout the resort. Huge carnival masks hang from the ceiling with greens and golds and purples all around. The food here is typical food court fare with some wonderful exceptions. They have delicious po’boy sandwiches and made to order beignets that melt in your mouth. The food court also has the refillable mugs available that you can use throughout your stay for drink refills at the food court.
The Mardi Gras inspired “Doubloon Lagoon” pool at Port Orleans French Quarter is a lively and fun swimming area with clam shell water jets and a fabulously themed slide in which you emerge from “Scales” the sea serpent’s mouth and slide down its pink tongue into the pool. Sitting atop Scales’ head is a colorful likeness of King Neptune and situated around the pool are comical Mardi Gras characters, many of which include water features and sprays. There is an adjoining shallow children’s pool and sun beds are located around the poolside area. A short distance away from the main pool you’ll find a hot tub and a welcoming pool bar for the grownups. There is also a small playground area near the hot tub.
Transportation services to all of the Theme Parks are available right out front of the resort. Busses run about every 15-20 minutes and during the slower months they will then go over to Riverside. Port Orleans also has riverboat transportation to Downtown Disney. It is a lovely 20 minute boat ride along the Sassagoula River. During the day boats depart from the dock located behind the pool area, every 20 minutes. In the evenings the boats depart every 10 minutes.
I love Port Orleans French Quarter because it is small and quaint. It’s a quieter resort that is beautifully themed and filled with wonderful, friendly Cast Members. The food court has good food, the pool area is great for families and it is centrally located to all of the Theme Parks and Downtown Disney.
Contact me today to book your Walt Disney World Vacation and stay at this amazing, gorgeous resort with your family.
Amy Ross-Manager
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
amy@mickeytravels.com
