Where does your family typically stay when you visit the Walt Disney World Resort? Chances are you stay somewhere on property, or very close to it, if you know what’s good for you. The options are seemingly endless, and they can be confusing if you’re a novice. Today I want to hone in on a specific resort that has spoiled me for all others. I hope you find my Disney World Port Orleans French Quarter hotel review informative and entertaining!
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel Review
If you live in the south, or just love southern culture, you’ll be very happy with all of the details you find at the French Quarter. From the intricate wrought iron fences to the charming horse and carriage rides, you’ll feel like you just stepped into a bit of New Orleans come further south.
What to Expect at Check-In
As is customary at all Disney resorts, we were warmly greeted upon our check-in. I could tell we had really upgraded our accommodations simply by counting the number of “Hellos” and “How may we help you?” statements we encountered before even leaving the lobby!
The staff of the French Quarter really did their best to emanate southern charm to every guest that walked through their property.
The Best Room Location
As much as we love this resort, we were not over the moon with our room location. We had requested a river view thinking it was going to be the best view. While it was quiet on our side of the property, I do wish we had opted for a pool view to be closer to the center of the property.
That’s really, really minor, though. The entire property is so small you could walk from one side to the other in less than 10 minutes. Honestly, there isn’t a bad thing I could say about the accommodations, even if we did have a little bit of a walk. It was certainly nothing like the walk from backside of Pop Century or any of the All-Star resorts!
I did appreciate how quickly we were able to get to the main building and pool. Even the busses were short walk from our building. We did have to cut through the parking lot and past the garbage area…not exactly “magical” but, hey, it made our walk 2 minutes instead of 4!
Port Orleans French Quarter Amenities
After check-in, we inadvertently walked into the “Quarter Krewe” mini parade. It takes place each day around the lobby, restaurant, and gift shop at the front of the property.
This is a free, fun activity all guests can participate in. My girls loved marching around the resort in style!
Dining at Port Orleans French Quarter
While there is no table service restaurant at French Quarter, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory offers a lot of options for quick service meals. If nothing else, you need to visit this restaurant and get your hands on some beignets!
Not as awesome as Café du Monde, but it’ll do in a pinch! There is also the Mardi Grogs pool bar and Scat Cat’s Club lounge that offer limited food options and lively entertainment.
Port Orleans French Quarter Pool
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter only has one pool, Doubloon Lagoon. The resort does make up for its lack of pools. A dedicated splash pad area for kids is nearby, and it is virtually brand new. We really loved the main pool slide.
It was fun to be near the playground area too. We love the compact nature of Port Orleans French Quarter. It’s not a wonder to me anymore why both Port Orleans-French Quarter and Port Orleans-Riverside are rarely part of package and hotel discounts offered by the Walt Disney Travel Company. They have no trouble selling the rooms!
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel Review
If I could leave you with any piece of advice it would be this: every once and awhile, treat yourself by upgrading your accommodations on your Walt Disney World vacation, but be aware that you may never go back to your “old” resort again! I have a feeling Port Orleans-French Quarter is going to become our new “home” at Walt Disney World.
