If you’ve been eyeing a trip to Walt Disney World and hoping for better hotel availability — or even a more budget-friendly rate — here’s some good news. Disney just reopened over 1,000 hotel rooms at one of its most beloved resorts, and while the announcement didn’t come with much fanfare, the move could make a noticeable impact for guests.
Let’s talk about why this matters — and what’s new at Port Orleans – French Quarter.
A Refresh for a Fan-Favorite Resort
Port Orleans – French Quarter has always had a loyal following. It’s one of the more peaceful, smaller resorts at Disney World, and it offers that New Orleans charm with cobblestone-style walkways, wrought-iron balconies, and even a boat to Disney Springs. Now, thanks to a massive refurbishment project, the resort is looking better than ever.
The reimagined rooms have been updated with a lively Mardi Gras vibe — full of deep purples, gold accents, and green touches — along with Disney’s The Princess and the Frog characters sprinkled throughout. From Tiana and Naveen to Charlotte and Louis, there’s a festive spirit in the artwork and theming. On top of that, Disney improved the functionality of the rooms, with upgraded bathrooms, more storage, and decorative nods to jazz (like instruments and elegant patterns).
Even the pool area, known as Doubloon Lagoon, and its bar, Mardi Grogs, got a bit of a glow-up. The bar now features sleek black-and-white tiles and bright coastal colors — perfect for guests grabbing a drink between pool dips.
More Rooms = More Possibilities
Here’s where it gets really interesting: opening more than 1,000 rooms at a moderate resort tier is a big deal. Especially during busier times of year, hotel inventory at Disney can get tight. That can push guests into pricier Deluxe hotels or offsite options entirely.
With this large chunk of rooms now back in the mix, we might start to see some pressure ease — both on availability and, potentially, pricing. Disney hasn’t said anything officially about dropping room rates, but more supply generally gives travelers a better shot at scoring a deal.
It could also mean:
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More open dates for discount availability
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Greater flexibility for last-minute planners
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Less price competition during peak periods
So, while rates might not suddenly drop overnight, this change could help balance out some of the high pricing Disney World vacations have become known for.
Discounts You Can Stack Right Now
On top of the room reopenings, Disney is already running several money-saving offers — some of which apply to the newly refreshed Port Orleans – French Quarter or similar moderate-tier resorts.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s currently available:
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Disney+ Subscribers Offer: If you’re a Disney+ subscriber, you can book rooms starting at $99 per night at select resorts from June 29 through July 31, 2025. That’s a rare summertime steal.
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Up to 30% Off Room Rates: Guests staying between August 1 and October 11, 2025, can save up to 30% on rooms at select resorts — including moderate options like French Quarter.
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Free Dining Plan Deal: Booking a 4-night or longer vacation package that includes Park Hopper tickets and a full-price room may qualify you for free dining, available on select dates starting June 29.
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3-Day, 3-Park Ticket: Even if you’re not bundling a hotel deal, you can grab a special park ticket that gives you access to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom for just $89/day. That pairs nicely with a stay at French Quarter.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Too Long
If you’ve stayed at Port Orleans – French Quarter before, you know the vibe is unmatched. From warm beignets at Scat Cat’s Club to the relaxing boat rides to Disney Springs, it’s a resort that offers both charm and convenience. Its smaller footprint also means you’re never too far from your room — a rarity at Disney World.
Now that it’s been refreshed, there’s a good chance demand will rise again quickly. Early bookers will likely have the best shot at scoring those beautifully redone rooms while they’re still widely available. And with discounts already rolling out, the timing couldn’t be better.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a Port Orleans regular, this quiet reopening might be your ticket to a more affordable (and magical) Disney stay.
