Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is one of those hidden gems you almost don’t want to tell anyone about… because it’s that special. If you’re looking for a resort that’s peaceful, beautifully themed, and rich in atmosphere, this is it. The moment you arrive, you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook version of New Orleans. The cobblestone paths, wrought-iron balconies, vibrant Mardi Gras colors, and jazz music floating through the air make this place feel magical. It’s a resort with soul, and it never feels overcrowded or chaotic — just relaxing and welcoming. This is the smallest of Disney’s moderate resorts, which means everything is incredibly walkable. No 15-minute hikes to the lobby or pool — everything is just a few steps away. The layout is compact and charming, with beautiful landscaping and plenty of places to stroll or sit and soak in the ambiance. ⸻ 🛏️ Rooms The rooms were recently refurbished and are clean, comfortable, and nicely themed without being over-the-top. You’ll find queen beds, solid water pressure in the shower, and enough space for a small family or couple. They’re not luxurious like deluxe resorts, but they absolutely meet the mark for a moderate stay — and the peaceful setting more than makes up for any simplicity. ⸻ 🏊 Pool & Amenities The Doubloon Lagoon pool is a standout for families. It features a sea serpent water slide, a splash pad for little ones, and fun Mardi Gras alligator statues that keep the theming alive. There’s also a dry playground right nearby. The pool water can feel a little warm during hot summer days, but it’s still a great spot to unwind. Plus, the resort shares amenities with Port Orleans Riverside, just a short walk or boat ride away, so you can switch things up during your stay. ⸻ 🍽️ Dining Don’t underestimate the Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory food court. It’s got more personality than most quick-service spots, with New Orleans–inspired dishes alongside Disney staples. The pizza here is surprisingly good (especially for theme park pizza), and the highlight of it all? The Mickey-shaped beignets. Light, fluffy, and loaded with powdered sugar, they’re made fresh — and you can even get a boozy version for adults. A must-try! There’s also a pool bar (Mardi Grogs) with drinks and snacks for adults needing a little extra vacation fuel. ⸻ 🚤 Transportation While there’s no monorail or Skyliner here, the boat ride to Disney Springs is a true highlight — peaceful, scenic, and a perfect way to unwind after a long park day. Bus transportation to all four parks is efficient, and thanks to the resort’s size, the bus stop is never too far from your room. ⸻ 🎷 Final Thoughts French Quarter is a resort that marches to the beat of its own drum — literally. The theming is flawless, the vibe is peaceful but playful, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to balance the excitement of the theme parks with some much-needed downtime. Whether you’re walking along the river with coffee in hand, enjoying a splash at the gator-themed pool, or sinking into a fresh beignet, there’s something about this resort that just feels magical in its own unique way. ⸻ 💡Tips for Travelers: • Try the beignets early in the morning for the freshest batch (mobile order available!) • You can use Riverside’s pool and restaurants, too — it’s just a short walk away • The resort is compact, so you don’t need to pay extra for a preferred room • Boat to Disney Springs runs regularly and is much more relaxing than a bus • Elevators aren’t available in all buildings — request first floor if needed • Great choice for couples, small families, or guests who want a quieter stay without sacrificing Disney magic Read less

It’s a given that you will always pay more at Disney, but it has reached the point of just ridiculousness. I’m happy to spend more, when what I’m getting feels worth it in some form (Whether it’s location, amenities, cleanliness or food etc.) However, This place fell massively short in every area. All I will say is that some staff members were extremely lovely. They are fortunate for their staff. But for the price, the hotel itself is no better than a glorified motel. The pool is not big enough for the size of the resort, there is a lack of shaded areas at the pool for those with young families. Free water is warm, or 5-6 dollars for a bottle. Without a refill cup, be prepared to spend hundreds on drinks and basic food in a day or so. Service and food quality at the food court is slow and sloppy. It may be that I went in July, but the impression I have is that it is Disney prices, but not a disney experience like it once was. Universal and their hotels are leagues ahead. Without the free waterpark day, It is just not worth it at all. Read less

My wife and I enjoyed a stay at Disneys Port Orleans resort for our honeymoon. My wife is a big Disney fan and had been there several times as a child, however it was my first visit. Check in were brilliant at making us feel special, giving us Happily Ever After pins and myself a First Visit pin. We were given a lovely room on a high floor close to the buses/main building. The breakfast choices are brilliant and all cast members in the restaurant lovely. The refillable mugs a real bonus. Beds were comfortable and housekeeping great. The boat transport unfortunately did not run anytime we had wanted to go to Disney Springs due to the weather, and bus transport back from Springs to the hotel took almost an hour to arrive. I would say it was frustrating the boats stopped when there was heavy rain or lightening d this occurs daily. Otherwise buses to parks were reasonably good. Especially when going to the park in the morning. However, our air conditioning unfortunately was leaking during our stay, leaving quite a significant amount of water outside the room. Water then began leaking through the floorboards, which was difficult for storing our things. We reported the issue to maintenance during our stay. The water outside the room was removed after about 24 hours, but unfortunately water was still coming through the floorboards. We were not offered to move rooms. We again reported the issue at checkout, and unfortunately received no apology and the cast member just said she’d put in another maintenance request. We were quite disappointed about how this was handled. My wife has previously had very positive experiences staying at Disney resort hotels, but I do think this experience would make us perhaps look elsewhere if we were returning to Orlando. Read less

I used to come here (Riverside) every year as a Child, from the age of 9-17 my parents would bring me and my sister here every year! I came back here after 13 years of not visiting and it was just as beautiful as I remember, i loved the fact everything was still the same, the Free Drinks refills, the smell, food, boats to Disney Springs, Busses to the Parks it was great! Staff could have been quicker with their service, and its touch and go if they are either Amazing Staff Members, or not very Good! Overall though so happy I came back and cannot wait to visit again soon Read less

Spent 11 nights here with my husband and 4 year old son. Check in on my phone was so easy by the time we landed had hotel number and key access on phone via my Disney app. Block 7 which is the furthest but you are talking 5 minutes to the buses, that’s not far but of course you can request closer but the room was silent which was great after long day at parks Room was much bigger than I expected. Lots of storage and the My Disney interactive console was great, my boy loved the stores and great if needed anything, for instance hairdryer wasn’t working so requested a new one on there and arrived straight away! My only comment was how small the bathroom towels are, we aren’t large and they were a struggle to wrap around! Staff were fantastic always an hello and smile! Matilda (think that was her name, so helpful on first day when we needed advice on Disney dining). Characters would arrive every few days which my little boy loved and just adds to Disney magic! Restaurant food was good. Lots of variety and after long day at the parks a piece of pizza was needed! Large portions too (they love their potato barrels) there’s a great kids section too with Disney tv on and drawings which my boy loved. The beignets were AMAZING!!!! Random but Sundays where super super busy, might be holiday change over so we did avoid 6-8pm! Facilities such as shop and arcade were great to have. Pool was lovely, the photos online don’t do it justice! Laundry room became my husbands escape place lol Transport services were quick and easy. Buses plentiful and always got a seat. Loved the boat to Disney springs, just a nice extra touch. There where improvements being made to the pavement (walkways) when we where there but minimal disruption and zero noise. French Quarter you have my heart. 100% will be coming back when we return in a few years! Thank you for a magical trip! Read less