Disney's Port Orleans- French Quarter
- Feb 26
- 4 min read
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is one of Walt Disney World’s most charming and intimate resorts, designed to feel like a stroll through the heart of New Orleans. Colorful buildings, gas-lamp-style lighting, and festive details inspired by Mardi Gras create a resort that feels lively yet peaceful.
This is the smallest of Disney’s Moderate Resorts, making it especially appealing for guests who don’t want long walks after a full day in the parks. With its relaxed atmosphere and scenic pathways along the Sassagoula River, French Quarter is a favorite for couples and families looking for a quieter stay with plenty of character.
Resort at a Glance
Resort Category: Moderate Resort
Best For: Couples, adults, and families who want a quieter, romantic atmosphere with easy access to dining and nightlife
Price Range: $$
Location: Disney Springs Resort Area
Transportation Highlight:
Boat Service: Disney Springs
Bus Service: Theme Parks
Room Style: Exterior corridors (village-style buildings)
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests in standard rooms (ages 3+)
Standout Feature: New Orleans-inspired charm with cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and vibrant Mardi Gras flair in a compact resort
Who Should Stay Here and Why
Port Orleans Riverside is a great choice for:
Guests Who Prefer a Smaller Resort: With fewer rooms than most Moderate Resorts, everything feels close and convenient.
Couples & Adult Groups: The romantic theming, quiet pathways, and lounge atmosphere make this a popular choice for adult trips.
Families Who Want Moderate Comfort Without the Sprawl: You get the benefits of a Moderate Resort without long walks or internal transportation.
Disney Springs Fans: Boat transportation makes shopping, dining, and nightlife easy and scenic.
Guests who love beignets: French Quarter is the only Disney World resort with beignets.
Who Should Consider Another Resort
This resort may not be ideal for:
Guests who want Skyliner or walking access to theme parks
Travelers who prefer sleek, modern, or convention-style hotels
Resort Theming
French Quarter is designed as a single, cohesive resort rather than multiple villages. Buildings are arranged around courtyards, fountains, and pathways inspired by the real French Quarter.
The Mardi Gras theme is woven throughout with colorful accents, festive masks, and playful details — without feeling overwhelming or noisy.
Room Types Available
Standard Location
Bed Configuration: 2 Queen Beds
Approximate Size: ~314 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 4 guests (ages 3+)
Location: Located in buildings 1, 6, and 7
King Bed
Bed Configuration: 1 King Bed
Approximate Size: ~314 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 2 guests (ages 3+)
Typical Location: Scattered throughout resort
Preferred Location
Bed Configuration: 2 Queen Beds
Approximate Size: ~314 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 4 guests (ages 3+)
Location: Located in buildings 2, 3, 4, and 5
Located closer to Port Orleans Square (main lobby, dining, shopping, and transportation)
Honestly, this resort is small enough the extra cost for a preferred location is probably not needed.
Accessible Rooms
Widened doorways, roll-in showers, and other accessibility features
Building or room requests are never guaranteed.
Room Tour
Room Amenities
Mini fridge
Cuisinart single-serve coffee maker with Joffrey’s coffee pods
H2O shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Complimentary cribs or Pack ’n Plays (upon request, subject to availability)
Communal microwaves available at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory
Under-bed storage
Multiple outlets and USB ports
Location
Located in the Disney Springs Resort Area, Port Orleans French Quarter offers boat transportation along the Sassagoula River directly to Disney Springs. This makes it a fantastic choice for guests who enjoy dining, nightlife, and shopping outside the theme parks.
Transportation Options
Getting around Walt Disney World from Port Orleans-French Quarter
Boat Service: Disney Springs
Bus Service: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom
Estimated Travel Times (once onboard)
Magic Kingdom: ~20 minutes
EPCOT: ~25 minutes
Hollywood Studios: ~25 minutes
Animal Kingdom: ~20 minutes
Dining Options
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory
Type: Quick Service
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Price Range: $
Mobile Order: Available
Dining Plans Accepted: Quick Service & Snack Credits
Scat Cat's Club - Cafe
Type: Quick Service
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Known for: Beignets!
Scat Cat's Club- Lounge
Type: Lounge
Meals: Dinner
Known for: Swinging jazz performances from Thursday to Sunday and southern style cocktails
Mardi Grogs
Type: Pool Bar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Known for: Good drinks
Pools at Port Orleans- French Quarter
Doubloon Lagoon:
Feature pool with sea serpent waterslide
Mardi Gras-inspired design
Splash play area for kids
Poolside Activities
Themed games and trivia hosted daily
Other Activities at the Resort
Movies Under the Stars: Outdoor Disney movies on select nights
Campfire S’mores: Evening marshmallow roasting
Arcade: Located near the main lobby
Shopping: Jackson Square Gifts & Desires
Fishing: Catch-and-release fishing at designated locations
Jogging Trails: Scenic riverside walking and running paths
Bike Rentals: Surrey bikes available
Laundry & Dry Cleaning: 24-hour self-service laundry
Final Thoughts
French Quarter offers the perfect balance of charm, comfort, and convenience. Its smaller size, relaxed atmosphere, and unique theming make it a standout Moderate Resort — especially for guests who value easy transportation and a peaceful retreat after busy park days.
For travelers who want Disney magic with personality and warmth — without the scale of a large resort — Port Orleans French Quarter is a wonderful choice.
Need help deciding if this is the right resort for your trip? Get in touch with our friends at Willow + Wand. They are always happy to help match you with the perfect fit based on your travel style, group size, and priorities.
Comments