Port Orleans French Quarter review
Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort is unique and lively inspired by the romance of New Orleans’ most historic district. This resort is moderately priced but so nice. You’ll find tons of fun things to do here as well. Splash in the pool, enjoy live jazz and funky drinks, or even horse-drawn carriage rides. I think this is one of the best Disney World hotels for the price!
The Location
Port Orleans – French Quarter is located in the Disney Springs Resort Area and located closest to Epcot. You can find the hotel at 2201 Orleans Drive Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. While this hotel is not super close to any of the parks, you still have a large variety of way to get to the parks with ease. This hotel offers bus services to all of the parks and Disney Springs.
You can also call a Minnie-van to pick your crew up to head to the parks, Disney Springs, or the airport! The Magical Express is also available to you, providing free transportation to the airport. Another fun way to travel is the Water-Taxi which can take you to and from Disney Springs for a day of fun, food, and tons of shopping!
The Resort
Port Orleans – French Quarter is modeled after New Orleans’ historic French district. Here you’ll find lovely cobblestone streets lit with gas lamps leading you to your room. You will pick up fragrances of Magnolia blossoms along your strolls. Enjoy long walks along the Sassagoula River as well with beautiful flowers and greenery surrounding you. This will take you to the Port Orleans – Riverside Resort. I think this is one of the greatest Disney World hotels for adults thanks to its romantic vibes and plethora of activities.
This resort has a great variety of food and drinks to try. There are classic American foods as well as combinations of bright flavors inspired by Mardi Gras at this resort. Port Orleans – French Quarter also has tons of recreational activities to partake in. From painting to fishing, to swimming and more no family member can be bored here. There are also tons of amenities to take advantage of, so be sure to speak with your concierge if you need any assistance. They will be happy to help!
The Rooms and Décor
The Rooms at Port Orleans – French Quarter are moderately priced, averaging about $350 per night. There are multiple view options to choose from as well. Enjoy views of a beautiful garden or a lush courtyard. The riverfront and pool views are fantastic as well. If budget is important to you, there are parking area views that go for a lower rate!
You can choose from a king bed, queen bed, and two queen beds in your rooms here. These rooms are minimally decorated featuring beautiful hardwood floors. You’ll also find ornate wooden detailing on your headboard, nightstands, and dressers. A unique feature of these rooms is that they actually have ceiling fans! This is great for those who can’t sleep without the fan on, most Disney resorts do not also have ceiling fans.
The bathrooms offer a large mirror with two sinks as well as a bath and shower which hold complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and soap. These bathrooms also have a pull-out magnified mirror for those touching up their makeup before leaving for the parks!
These rooms are nostalgic, convenient, and perfect for adults and kids alike. This is definitely a great resort for the whole family, especially if you’re sticking to a bit of a budget.
The Shopping and Dining
There a few different options for dining at this resort. You’ll find many flavors are inspired by the cuisine in downtown New Orleans. The Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is the largest restaurant in Port Orleans – French Quarter. This quick-service spot has a ton to offer at every meal. Some breakfast options include: Buttermilk Pancakes ($8.79), Mickey Waffles ($8.79), Breakfast Po’Boys ($8.99) and more! One of my favorite meals here is The Big Easy Breakfast ($11.59). This meal is served with scrambled eggs, house smoked ham or breakfast sausage, breakfast potato casserole, and a buttermilk biscuit.
It is a great, protein-filled, start to the day! They also have an extra yummy French Toast ($8.29) made of a baguette with a warm fruit topping, powdered sugar, with your choice of bacon, sausage or house-smoked ham. At lunch and dinner you have options such as, Bacon Cheeseburgers ($13.49), Jambalaya ($9.99), Gumbo ($8.99), Shrimp & Grits ($12.99), and so much more. A great option here is the Cheese Steak ($14.99) filled with sautéed onions, banana peppers, and cheese sauce.
They also have a ton of kids meal options and a variety of desserts here. The Southern Classic – Fried Chicken ($14.99) is delicious as well. Crispy fried chicken served with your top three choices out of the following sides: Mache Choux, Collard Greens, Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Macaroni Salad, and Red Beans and Rice.
Next, we have Scat Cat’s Lounge. This is a unique little spot where patrons can enjoy live jazz and fun drinks. Scat Cat’s serves a delicious Mardi Gras Mac & Cheese ($13.00) featuring gulf shrimp, andouille sausage, cheddar cheese sauce, and a cornbread crumble. This is one of my favorite meals at this resort. The epitome of comfort food meets the flavors of Mardi Gras and melt together beautifully. They also serve a delicious Chicken & Waffles ($11.00) dish that is crispy, warm, and truly hits the spot! The Baton Rouge Beignets ($8.00) are the perfect sweet treat at Scat Cat’s which you can have topped with Baileys, Kahlua, or RumChata!
They have a selection of beverages to choose from here as well, but their specialty drinks truly shine. The Blood Orange Margarita features Sauza Commemorativo Anejo Tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and blood orange sour. Ramos Fizz is a fun drink including Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lemon and lime juices, half and half, orange flower water, and agave nectar topped with soda water.
The most popular drink is the Southern Hurricane which features Myers’ Original Dark Rum, Don Q Cristal Rum, and tropical jices topped with a float of Southern Comfort. Every one of these drinks is delicious and the perfect way to end a fun day at the parks.
If you’re lounging by the pool for a while, you might want to stop by Mardi Grogs for some fun food and drinks. Here you’ll find small dishes like a Turkey Club Wrap ($10.99), Ham & Cheese Croissants ($9.99), and Specialty Pretzels ($5.59 – $6.59). You will also find a selection of beer, wine, sangria, and more specialty drinks. The Hurricane ($16.75) is a fan-favorite including Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Bayou Silver Rum, tropical juices, and grenadine topped with a float of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and served in a souvenir glass!
The All That Jazz cocktail is also delicious layering Gata-Melon juice, Front Porch Freeze, and the Nola Cola! This is a great way to try out multiple cocktails in a unique way!
Lastly, you can order room service at the end of a long day! Pizzas, salads, wings, and more can be delivered straight to you so you can relax with your family and watch Disney movie while you eat. Port Orleans – French Quarter has some great options for dining, so explore the resort and find your flavor!
If you’re ready to hit the shops, you are in luck! Jackson Square Gifts & Desires is located right inside the resort. This gift shop sells clothes, plushies, mugs and cups, Minnie and Mickey ears, and so much more. This is a great place to grab some Disney merchandise and not have to tote it around the park. They also have necessities such as sunscreen, advil, and phone chargers. If this isn’t enough, the Disney Springs shopping center is just a bus, water taxi, or car ride away!
Booking a Room
Port Orleans – French Quarter is one Disney’s moderately priced resorts, and it isn’t too hard to get a great reservation here. You can do this by visiting Disney World’s website or calling their customer service line. Be sure to pick the correct bed and view that you want! They have plenty of options and wheelchair accessible rooms to choose from. You won’t ever have any trouble finding a great room at this incredible Disney resort.
The Amenities
There are many amenities to enjoy at Port Orleans – French Quarter. Commemorate any special occasion with Disney’s In-Room Celebrations. Order a romantic bouquet and champagne, a Frozen celebration or birthday wishes from Mickey and Minnie themselves to celebrate whatever occasion you please! Here you can also enjoy complimentary wi-fi, easy online check-in, an atm, and other banking options. You’ll also have access to Childcare Services, Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Services, Mail Services, as well as Merchandise Delivery and Pickup.
Recreation Options
There are a few fun pools to splash around in at Port Orleans – French Quarter. The Doubloon Lagoon is a massive, Mardi Gras themed pool featuring a 51-foot sea serpent named Scales! Slide down Scales into the pool alongside an alligator jazz band as King Neptune watches from above! Head down the Sassagoula River to Port Orleans – Riverside for another fun pool option called Ol’ Man Island. This swim spot features waterfalls, a 95-foot waterslide, kiddie pool, and whirlpool spa! There are pool lifts at both locations for any handicapped guests as well!
If you have some artists in your party, prepare for Painting on de’ Bayou. Your party can relax while painting a Disney-inspired canvas at Scat Cat’s lounge. This instructor-lead class happens every Wednesday at 6pm. This class is $35 per person, so go ahead and make your reservation just in case it fills up! You can make this reservation 180 days in advance of your vacation, so call (407) 939-7529 to book your crew today!
Every Sunday Runday, the Beignet Fun Run takes place here. This trail is 1.5 miles of scenic greenery. At the end of the race, you’ll receive a finisher’s medallion and complimentary beignet! Check in for the races begins at 7:30am and the run begins at 8:00am, right before the heat hits! You can check in at the Riverwalk in between Building 5 and the Doubloon Lagoon. The entry fee is $15 which can be paid the day of or in advance by calling the Disney recreation line!
If you’re looking for a slightly romantic activity, Port Orleans – French Quarter offers Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides. You’ll ride along the Sassagoula River and idyllic woods in this activity. This will be a 25-minute ride, boarding at Riverside Levee Marina. Each carriage holds up to four adults, or two adults and three small children. These rides are $55, and reservations can be made 180 days in advance!
If you are a true Disney fan, make time for Movies Under the Stars. On select nights, there are complimentary screenings of classic Disney movies between Buildings 5 and 6. Call the hotel or check with your concierge for movie dates and times!
If you are a s’more lover, the Cajun Campfire Activities are perfect for you! Circle up around a toasty fire and roast marshmallows for the perfect sweet treat to finish off the day. There are many more recreation activities at this resort including bike rentals, surrey bike rentals, fishing, jogging trails, playgrounds, arcades, and more!
The Conclusion
Overall, Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter is a fantastic option for the whole family. My favorite thing about this resort is the sheer variety of recreational activities. There really is something to please every family member at this resort. This moderately priced resort packs a lot in the price of admission which is really what makes this place worth the money. Here is a list of my top five moderately priced resorts in case you are still looking at all of your options!
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
No matter where you choose to stay during your Disney vacation, you are sure to have a magical time with your family and friends. Make the most of whatever you resort you choose, and enjoy your stay at the happiest place on Earth!
Overall Rating: 4/5
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