6 Gems You’ll Love About Port Orleans – French Quarter At Walt Disney World

Opened in 1991, the Port Orleans – French Quarter resort combines the beautiful architecture of the French quarter in New Orleans with the vibrant color and atmosphere of Mardi Gras. Located Northeast of Epcot, the resort sits along the bank of the Sassagoula River and provides a relaxed atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Stroll along the cobblestone paths lit by gas lamps and enjoy the sound of jazz as it fills the air – you can’t help but move at a slower pace while you’re visiting. So whether you are a regular visitor, or you’re just thinking about booking your stay at the resort, here are 6 gems about the Port Orleans – French Quarter resort that you should know:

6. Doubloon Lagoon

The pool at the French Quarter is spacious and a great place to relax for both kids and adults. An alligator band has grabbed their instruments and can be found in and around the pool area. Through the middle of the pool, a 51-foot sea serpent named Scales winds his way across the water. Riding on top of Scales is King Neptune who watches over the pool from atop his perch. Scales is also a water slide for the pool and is easily the best place to make a splash. If you’d rather stay out of the water, the Mardi Grogs bar is a great way to take in the atmosphere while enjoying a drink – the “Hurricane” is a fan favorite drink here.

5. Transportation

The French Quarter has two modes of transportation available to you. Firstly, the busses taking you around Disney property are available just outside the main building. While the French Quarter does occasionally share busses with the Riverside Resort, during the peak times of day, dedicated busses will take you directly to and from the parks. With it being a smaller resort, it often means a less crowded bus.

An alternative mode of transport available at the French Quarter is the boats along the Sassagoula River. The Sassagoula River Cruise leaves approximately every 20 minutes, travels to past the Treehouse Villas and the Saratoga Springs Resort, and ends up in Disney Springs. This relaxing boat ride takes about 20 minutes and runs from 10am to 11:30pm.

4. Music/Entertainment

With a history of music in New Orleans, it wouldn’t seem complete without the dulcet sounds of jazz in various locations around the resort. While smooth jazz can be heard throughout the main building during the day, at night, the Scat Cat’s Club opens from 4pm to midnight and features live music after 8pm.

 3. Quiet

As one of the smallest resorts on Disney Property, the Port Orleans – French Quarter appeals to guests who are looking for a more relaxed pace. With just over 1,000 rooms, the resort has a relatively small footprint and makes it feel more compact. The New Orleans nickname “The Big Easy” definitely applies to this resort as that atmosphere just makes for a relaxing stay. You can walk along the Sassagoula River, or lounge by Doubloon Lagoon and you can even hang around the Cajun Campfire in the evenings. There are places to explore and things to try in and around the resort, but if you’d prefer to just take it easy and enjoy your downtime, the French Quarter is one of the best places to do it.

2. Carriage Rides

One of the best ways to take in the atmosphere of the resort is to take a horse-drawn carriage ride. While the ride departs from Port Orleans – Riverside, the 25 minute journey takes you down the Sassagoula riverbank and along the French Quarter resort, turning around in the cobblestone streets before heading back. Between $45-$79, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy an evening at the resort. It’s the perfect romantic setting for couples looking to spend some time together, but it can also be a great way for families to relax and enjoy the scenery around the resorts.

 1. Beignets

It’s Carnaval at the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. Beautiful float sculptures hang from the ceiling and the bright colors make for the perfect backdrop to one of the French Quarter’s hidden secrets. These deep-fried choux pastries are not only the official doughnut of Louisiana, but they are one of the most delicious snacks in all of Walt Disney World. Dusted in powdered sugar, the beignets are made fresh throughout the day so they are always piping hot. While the rest of the food available during the day is also delicious and hearty, the beignets stand out as one of the best snacks to have. While they may be difficult to share, they are one of the biggest reasons to stay at the French Quarter in Port Orleans.

Have you stayed at Port Orleans – French Quarter? What are your favorite things about the resort? Have you had the beignets? Let us know in the comments!