Disney’s Port Orleans Resort: French Quarter
Along the Sassagoula River lies a Disney resort where dreams do come true! Based on the historic French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Port Orleans French Quarter Resort is a resort for guests looking for a cozy getaway, with New Orleans-accurate culture and cuisine to experience in their downtime! The resort provides affordable room sizes for smaller groups, river access to Disney Springs’ shopping center, and beignets so good you could have sworn they came straight from Tiana’s Palace! Catch it down in Port Orleans. Read below to learn about the French Quarter’s charm, and get ready for quaint and comfort with a slice of Mardi Gras fun!
Room Options at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is the smallest resort in the moderate category, but it packs the most vibrant atmosphere. It only accommodates 2 to 4 adults per room and recently underwent a beautiful makeover, making it one of the most charming and picturesque places to stay on property. Standard Rooms offer amenities such as a beverage cooler, coffee maker, quality internet, hairdryers, safes, and ironing boards, alongside other Disney amenities such as laundry and housekeeping. Smaller sizes also create a sense of coziness and privacy for guests.
Every room has similar furniture, all New Orleans-inspired, but rooms begin to differ when it comes to bed options and views. See below for a breakdown of available rooms, categorized by size:
Sleeps up to Two Adults:
King Bed Room: One King bed with views of either the garden, courtyard, riverfront, or parking lots.
Sleeps up to Four Adults:
Garden View: Two Queen beds with views of outside gardens.
River View: Two Queen beds with views of the riverfront.
Standard View: Two Queen beds with views of parking lots.
Pool View: Two Queen beds with views of the courtyard pool.
Between all of these rooms, prices average around the $300’s per night, but specifics may vary depending on the room type, season, and special events. For the latest and most accurate pricing information, visit Disney's official website or contact them directly!
Everything You Need to Know About the Pool at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Doubloon Lagoon
The Doubloon Lagoon pool is located directly behind the main lobby of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter. The entire area is themed to reflect the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras, with colorful decorations, jazz music, and playful alligator statues holding instruments. The pool is centrally positioned within the resort, making it easy to access from all buildings.
The main feature of the pool is “Scales,” a large sea serpent that winds through the pool deck. The waterslide starts from a raised platform at the serpent’s head and exits through its tail into the heated main pool. This slide is designed for kids but is also suitable for older children and adults. The pool has a zero-entry area on one side for easier access.
Surrounding the pool are rows of lounge chairs and shaded tables. Chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are umbrellas positioned throughout the deck for guests who prefer shade. There is a towel station located just outside the main pool gate where guests can pick up fresh towels and return used ones in the provided bin. Life jackets are available in a range of sizes on a rack near the towel station. These can be used by any guest at no additional cost.
To the right of the pool area, past Mardi Grogs Pool Bar, there is a separate, fenced-in whirlpool spa. This hot tub is large and located in a quieter corner, offering a break from the activity around the main pool. It is surrounded by more lounge chairs and has its own towel return nearby.
For younger guests under 48 inches tall, there is a designated splash area enclosed by a fence. This area features a smaller waterslide, spray fountains, and water cannons. It is designed for toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy safely while still being close to the rest of the pool deck.
Throughout the day, the resort’s recreation team hosts scheduled activities in the main pool area. These include games, trivia, and themed pool parties that are open to all guests. Activity schedules are posted near the pool entrance and in the resort’s daily event guide.
Ol’ Man Island
Port Orleans Riverside shares the same New Orleans-inspired theme as its sister resort, French Quarter. The main pool, located on Ol’ Man Island, is built to look like an old-fashioned Southern sawmill, with rustic wooden details, water features, and shaded trees surrounding the area.
The main waterslide is designed to resemble a wooden mill flume and is built into a structure that mimics an old New Orleans mill. It curves down into a large heated swimming pool, with splashing water and overhead buckets that tip at intervals. The pool area is surrounded by large rocks, bridges, and landscaping that gives the space a natural, wooded feel.
In addition to the main slide and swimming area, Ol’ Man Island includes a separate whirlpool spa and kiddie pool. The kiddie pool is shallow and fenced off for safety, making it ideal for toddlers and preschool-aged guests. Lounge chairs are available throughout the area, along with umbrellas for shade. Life jackets are provided at no cost and are available in a variety of sizes on a nearby rack.
Fresh towels are available near the pool entrance, with towel return bins clearly marked for convenience. The area also includes nearby restrooms and changing areas. Just steps from the pool, there is a small playground designed for younger kids, featuring climbing equipment, slides, and shaded seating for adults to supervise.
For guests looking for a quieter experience, Port Orleans Riverside also features five leisure pools. These are smaller pools located throughout the resort’s Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend sections. Each leisure pool includes lounge seating, towels, and a more relaxed atmosphere, without the scheduled games and activities found at Ol’ Man Island.
Dining at Disney’s Port Orlean French Quarter
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory
Typical Hours of Operation: 7am-11pm
You’ve got to try this quick service restaurant with classic Cajun, Creole, and American cuisine. With a food court style, you can expect quality food for price estimates of $14.99 and under per adult meals. The menu includes breakfast options like mickey shaped waffles, avocado breakfast bowls, and omelets, while the dinner menu includes salmon, Mediterranean bowls, jambalaya, and a salad menu. You can also find top-nine allergen friendly menu sections, plant-based options, and a bakery section that serves cookies, croissants, danishes, and Mardi Gras themed cakes. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is also located next to the Scat Cat’s Club and the Jackson Square Gifts and Desires shop, two must visits at the French Quarter Resort!
Scat Cat’s Club Cafe
Typical Hours of Operation: 7am-11pm
Outside of a lounge by the same name, you can buy American snack food, beverages, and coffee for an average of $14.99 and below per adult. But who is the real star of this show? Mickey shaped beignets. These are a must try! There is no way you can leave this resort without ordering a beignet! And try all that you can! Scat Cat’s offers lots of Beignet sauces like salted caramel, chocolate ganache, or if you get Baton Rouge Beignets...Cream liqueurs. You can even get a beignet served as a sundae with ice cream and whipped cream. This is not the last you’ll hear of Scat Cat beignets!
Scat Cat’s Club Lounge
Typical House of Operation: 5pm-12am
Performances: 7:30pm, Thursdays-Saturdays
Bar service paired with live entertainment…could this lounge get any more cozy? Sip from a menu of cocktails, craft beer, and signature highlights like the Bonafamilies Bourbon Peach Tea (Sweeeeet tea)... As the jazz music sweeps you away, take a look at brick walls with painted jazz musicians, and order an appetizer of beignets, or cajun spiced shrimp. You can never get tired of hearing about beignets!
Mardi Grogs
Typical Hours of Operation: 11am-10pm
Don’t stop the pool party yet, and head over to this quick service kiosk pool bar for delicious sandwiches and salads. You can also experience a detailed drink menu with featured cocktails, drinks on the rocks, beer, wine, and a frozen drink menu. If you have time to take a seat, soak up the charm of the signature New Orleans decor around the bar!
Transportation Options at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
The time has come to visit the other side of Port Orleans! The Port Orleans Riverside Resort is a short journey away, thanks to the beautiful Sassagoula River. When you stay at the French Quarter, you get river access to the Riverside resort through water transportation! The Sassagoula River Cruise is a free ferry that takes you between the resorts in a fast and scenic way. This generally runs from 10:30am-11:30pm and arrives multiple times per hour, making it a very convenient way to travel!
The Sassagoula River Cruise also has another special stop for you to explore! If it’s not already on your itinerary, make sure to find some time to visit Disney Springs. Disney Springs is an entertainment and shopping center with plenty to do if you need a break from the parks and want to stock up on some Disney merch. You can also find dining spots here alongside activities like a dine-in movie theater, a carousel, and bowling. You must take advantage of this free transportation service!
However, it’s okay if water isn’t your style! There is also a bus stop at the French Quarters that can take you between resorts and to Disney Springs. On top of that, buses are a great way to get to the Disney parks if you don’t feel like driving or braving the Disney World traffic on your own!
Resort Amenities at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Jackson Square Gifts and Desires
You can’t pass up on checking out this gift shop! Alongside classic convenience store items, browse Mardi Gras and resort themed merchandise like glassware, mugs, ornaments, and Mardi Gras masks. You can also find New Orleans food/ingredients to take home, like jambalaya mixes, gumbo bases, and cajun seasoningWalt Disney World Annual If you love discounts, passholders receive 20% off and Disney Visa Card members receive 10% off certain items!
Typical Hours of Operation: 8am-11pm
South Quarter Games Arcade
Stop by the Mint building to kick it back retro and experience video games, pinball, and air hockey! This is a great spot to get your Mardi Gras party on with friends and family!
Cajun Campfire + Movie Under the Stars
The Cajun Campfire is a great opportunity to connect with other guests and make oo-ey goo-ey marshmallow memories with your family. These campfires are held every night from 6-7pm in the outdoor courtyard between Buildings five and six. For S’more fun, Disney movie nights are also held here every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8:30pm.
FINAL THOUGHTS…
Ratings:
Resort Classification:
Restaurants/Food Options: /10
Hotel Theme: /10
Disney Theming: /10
Cleanliness: /10
Space: /10
Pool: /10
Kids Activities: /10
Transportation: /10
Size of Resort: /10
Location: /10
