For our May trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, a few years ago, we decided to upgrade from our usual value to a moderate resort. Being from New Orleans, I was concerned about staying somewhere New Orleans-themed. Let’s be honest. It can get cliche and cringeworthy. I’d heard from other New Orleanians that it was a great resort, so we gave it a try! I’m super glad we did. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort: French Quarter quickly became my favorite Walt Disney World Resort. It’s just practically perfect in that Disney way!
The Vibe of Port Orleans French Quarter
I can’t quite explain it, but POFQ has a vibe to it. It’s a very relaxed, laid-back vibe. Kind of like New Orleans itself.
Everything makes you want to move in slow motion like you’re on vacation, which is great except when you’re late for your dining reservation!
It’s also the smallest of the Walt Disney World Resorts. None of the rooms are more than a five-minute walk from the lobby, which is my favorite part because no one enjoys a long walk from the bus at the end of the night. A plus of being a small resort is that there is only one bus stop, and the dining room doesn’t feel overcrowded like at other resorts.
While Port Orleans French Quarter has its own buses during park closings and openings, it does share a bus with Port Orleans Riverside during the day at times.
The size and the vibe were probably my favorite things about the resort.
Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort has a relaxed, laid-back vibe like New Orleans itself. Find out why it's the BEST moderate resort at Walt Disney World.
Port of Orleans French Quarter Is Very Authentic
But I loved it because it was New Orleans-themed.
Remember I told you I felt like maybe I wouldn’t like POFQ because it was New Orleans-themed?
Disney did their homework and put a lot of detail into creating a New Orleans-themed resort hotel. Everything about it, from the street signs to the wrought iron throughout the resort to the rooms, made me feel like I was home.
Port of Orleans French Quarter Pool
One of the best activities the Port of Orleans French Quarter offers is the pool. Not only is the pool area HUGE, but it also has a fantastic sea serpent waterslide and a splash area for little kids. Both are great places to cool off on a hot day!
Disney provides life jackets and towels, so you don’t have to worry about bringing them from home.
BONUS: Because Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside are sister resorts, you can enjoy the pools at both resorts! This is one of the few places where pool hopping is allowed on Disney property.
Port of Orleans French Quarter Resort Activities
Beyond the pool, the resort offers many fun activities for guests to enjoy when they aren’t in the parks. There are pool parties daily, trivia, painting, bike rentals, and a horse-drawn carriage ride.
You can take a trip down the Sassagoula River to Disney Springs.
There is also a playground for little ones, an arcade for big kids, a movie night for the whole family, and Disney movies always playing in the lobby. And if that’s not enough, Port Orleans Riverside is just a 10-minute walk away.
On Mardi Gras Day, there is a golf cart parade complete with beads and Princess Tiana!
The Food at Port Orleans French Quarter
You’ll find traditional New Orleans favorites with a few twists. Beyond the beignets, which were a family favorite – both the gluten-free and the gluten-filled Mickey-shaped ones- we enjoyed the pizza, the ribs, the desserts, and the burgers.
My favorite thing was the blackened rib-eye, and I think my ex-husband’s favorite was a toss-up between the beignet burger and the shrimp and grits.
One of my favorite parts about the food court was the drink stations. POFQ has the freestyle machines you find at Wendy’s, with tons of drink options for you to choose from. It was nice being able to get Powerade Zero after a long, hot day at the parks and not just have soda and a few other options as a choice. I’d stay here again alone for this reason.
On-Site Perks For Resort Guests
One of the main reasons to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort is the on-site perks for resort guests.
One of the main perks is transportation to all the theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plus transportation to both water parks. There is also a bus and a boat to Disney Springs.
Resort Guests also get an Early Theme Park entry, which allows them to start their Disney day 30 minutes before the park opens at all four Walt Disney World Parks.
Another perk for staying on-site is making Disney Dining Reservations. On-site guests can make advanced dining reservations (ADRs) 60 days in advance for up to 10 days of their stay.
Your magical journey through Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios starts here—don’t miss out!
If you’re thinking about planning a Disney trip and want someone who gets it and loves the magic as much as you do, I’m here to help. I’ll handle the details so you can focus on the fun. Reach out anytime at cara@magicaldestinationstravel.com or visit this page to get started.
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