Port Orleans French Quarter Review

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Port Orleans French Quarter Resort at Walt Disney World is often overlooked by those planning to stay on site.  Perhaps it is the small size of the resort or the lack of the in-your-face theming that characterize the value resorts.  But those wanting to have an on-site stay at a moderate price would be highly satisfied by Port Orleans French Quarter.

Size

Port Orleans French Quarter is the smallest of the moderate resorts and smaller than any of the value resorts by far. The small size comes with two great advantages.  First, the walk from the furthest room to the main building that has check-in, bell services, food service, theme park transportation, and the gift shop is only 5-7 minutes.  Second, a smaller resort means fewer people in general.  If you are not one who likes being with thousands of other people at all times, then French Quarter’s intimate size might appeal to you.

Rooms

Rooms sleep up to 4 guests and are in configurations of two queen beds or one king bed.  There is a table and two chairs, a small bench seat, a dresser with three drawers, and flat-screen TV.  The theming is not particularly bold, but rather subdued purples and golds.  A curtain separates the sink area from the rest of the room.  A refrigerator is in the dresser, and a hair dryer is available.

Pool and Playground

There is just one pool at French Quarter, Doubloon Lagoon, but it is well-done and has high kid appeal.  There is a water slide (who doesn’t want to come out of a dragon’s mouth?) and a kids splash area for those 48 inches and under.  A hot tub is in a separate, secluded area a hundred feet away to give some privacy from the louder pool area.  Opposite the hot tub area is a small playground.

Dining

There is no table service restaurant at French Quarter, but the quick service location is particularly good in Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Food Court.  There are some traditional New Orleans options (po-boys, gumbo, and the delicious beignets) as well as popular stand-by options (burgers, pizza, nuggets, pasta).  The space in the ordering area is very tight, so visiting during busy meal times might cause some claustrophobia.  There is also the Mardi Grogs pool bar and Scat Cat’s Club lounge that has limited food options available.

Shopping

The gift store is sized just right for the resort.  It has some traditional Disney merchandise (plush toys, mugs, etc.) and some resort-specific items.

Recreation

Movies under the stars are played daily, and there is a “Cajun Campfire” with marshmallow toasting available most days.  For a price, surrey bike rentals and horse drawn carriage rides are a good way to relax along the Sassagoula River.

Entertainment

Scat Cat’s Club features live music.  While not specifically entertainment, the resort does have a bellman dressed in colorful Mardi Gras clothes that will happily pose for pictures with your family!

Transportation

Like all of the moderate and value resorts, transportation to the theme parks is by bus only.  At French Quarter, however, unlike all of the other moderates that have multiple internal stops, there is just one bus stop and at most times, it goes directly to the theme parks.  (Occasionally, the bus will make stops at one or more of the Riverside stops on its way to the parks.). Bonus:  There is boat transportation to both Disney Springs and to Port Orleans Riverside.  The boat ride at night is particularly delightful.

Proximity to Riverside

If you need some of the amenities that go with a larger resort, such as a sit-down table service restaurant (Boatwright’s Dining Hall), a larger feature pool, an additional entertainment option (Yeehaw Bob Jackson), going to Riverside is a boat ride or short walk away.

You can have a wonderful time at all of the Disney resorts and you would do well by staying at Port Orleans French Quarter.  However, in particular, I would recommend French Quarter for repeat visitors with children who have already stayed at one of the more highly-themed resorts for their kids’ first trip (the All-Stars, Art of Animation, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, and Animal Kingdom Lodge have better kid appeal).  I also recommend it for an adults-only trip for its authenticity to the New Orleans look.  Those who want a quieter experience and less walking also would find French Quarter very appealing.

We really enjoyed our stay at Port Orleans French Quarter.

What are your tips for staying at Port Orleans French Quarter? Share your thoughts on the comments.

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