Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is one half of the Port Orleans Resort at Walt Disney World. Designed to evoke New Orleans and the spirit of Mardi Gras, the French Quarter delivers colorful, intimate theming and a relaxed atmosphere.
Port Orleans is split into two distinct sections — Riverside and the French Quarter — each with its own character. This article focuses on the French Quarter and covers its location, room types and features, dining options, transportation, pools, and activities to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your visit.
Location
Situated along the Sassagoula River, Port Orleans French Quarter is a compact, convenient resort with easy access to the theme parks and Disney Springs. Travel times by Disney bus are typically:
- Magic Kingdom: approximately 15–20 minutes
- EPCOT: approximately 10–15 minutes
- Hollywood Studios: approximately 10–15 minutes
- Animal Kingdom: approximately 15–20 minutes
One of the resort’s standout perks is the Sassagoula River boat service to Disney Springs, offering a scenic and relaxing alternative to buses for part of your transportation.
Resort Rooms
Although Port Orleans French Quarter is the smallest of Disney’s Moderate resorts, it provides several room layouts to suit different group sizes and budgets.
Standard Rooms
- Views: Parking, service areas, garden, pool, or river views depending on the room location.
- Bedding Options:
- Two queen beds (sleeps 4)
- One king bed (sleeps 2)
- Ideal for: Guests seeking a budget-friendly stay with classic Port Orleans charm.
Rooms with a 5th Sleeper (Child-Size Pull-Down Bed)
- Available in limited rooms and only in the two-queen configuration with an additional child-size pull-down bed.
- Capacity: Up to 5 people (4 adults + 1 child).
- Not offered in king-bed rooms.
- Ideal for: Families who need an extra small bed for a child without booking a second room.
Room Features (All Types)
Standard amenities in every room include:
- Mini-refrigerator
- Coffee maker
- Flat-screen TV
- Complimentary Wi‑Fi
- In-room safe
- Iron and ironing board
- Hairdryer
- Double sinks and a curtain divider between the bathroom and sleeping area
- Mardi Gras-inspired décor with colorful, whimsical touches
Check‑In at the Resort
Official check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Mobile pre-check-in via the My Disney Experience app streamlines arrival paperwork so you can head directly to your room when it’s ready. If your room isn’t available upon arrival, Bell Services will store luggage so you can start enjoying the parks or resort amenities immediately.
Transportation
The resort provides regular bus service to all four theme parks and Disney Springs, typically running from about 45 minutes before park opening until roughly an hour after park close. Additionally, the Sassagoula River Cruise operates as a scenic boat connection to Disney Springs, usually from mid-morning into the evening, and is a highlight for many guests.
Dining
French Quarter does not offer table-service or character dining. Dining options focus on quick-service meals, snacks, and casual drinks, including a main food court, a café with signature beignets, and a pool bar.
Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory (Quick-Service)
The resort’s main dining venue is themed like a New Orleans float warehouse and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Expect Southern-style comfort food alongside familiar favorites, with both indoor and outdoor seating available.
Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge & Café
Scat Cat’s Club includes a café window for coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go items as well as a lounge area for evening relaxation. Highlights include:
- Café: Located near the lobby, offering coffee, pastries, and the resort’s famous beignets (available throughout the day), plus seasonal beignet variations and desserts.
- Lounge: Opens in the evening, often featuring live jazz on select nights, and serves Southern-inspired cocktails, beer, wine, and light appetizers.
Mardi Grogs Pool Bar
The Mardi Grogs Pool Bar offers light snacks and a full bar near the pool area, making it a convenient spot to refresh between swimming and sightseeing.
Resort Activities
French Quarter offers a variety of activities to entertain guests of all ages, including:
- Bike and surrey rentals for exploring resort paths
- Playgrounds for young children
- Evening movies under the stars and campfire activities
- An arcade and game room for additional indoor fun
Resort Pools
The resort’s centerpiece is the Doubloon Lagoon, a courtyard-style pool with colorful ironwork and playful details that reflect New Orleans charm. Pool features include:
- A kid’s water play area with slides and fountains
- A whirlpool spa
- Shaded seating and loungers
- Proximity to the Mardi Grogs Pool Bar
Conclusion
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is ideal for guests who want a smaller, thematically rich resort with convenient access to the parks and a scenic boat ride to Disney Springs. It combines lively Mardi Gras-inspired decor, well-appointed rooms, family-friendly pools and activities, and tasty quick-service dining options like the Sassagoula Floatworks and signature beignets at Scat Cat’s Club. For travelers seeking charm, convenience, and a relaxed atmosphere, the French Quarter is a strong choice.