View of Sassagoula River at French Quarter
When visiting Walt Disney World, staying on Disney property is the way to go! Disney offers a wide variety of resorts for their guests. With 5 value, 5 moderate, 8 Deluxe and 8 Villas, you are sure to find the right resort for your family. I would like to share our experiences at several of these resorts beginning with a fan favorite – Port Orleans French Quarter.
Opening in 1991, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter takes guest down to New Orleans where they celebrate Mardi Gras every day. Most of the value and moderate resorts are very large while French Quarter is a smaller property which means less walking to get to a bus stop, food court and gift shop. A big plus in my book! Back in 2011, Disney did a huge refurbishment of all the rooms. Let me take you on a walk through of the property.
A look at the Main Building from inside the resort.
You are instantly welcomed to New Orleans when entering the main building of the resort! Jesters are everywhere – happy your family is here to celebrate Mardi Gras with them. On one side is registration and the Jackson Square Gifts while the Scat Cat’s Club and Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory. Scat Cat’s Club is a wonderful place to sit back and relax while enjoying cocktails and appetizers. Decorated with memorabilia of great jazz musicians, enjoy a signature Hurricane while enjoying the piano and singing styles of Tom Casey on select nights. Plus, make sure you stop at Sassagoula Floatworks to try their famous New Orleans style Beignets. I must admit, they are delicious!
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter resort consists of 7 buildings with approximately 1,000 guestrooms. The majority of the rooms offer a garden or standard view while a smaller selection of rooms have a pool or river view. I love the buildings towards the back of the resort which offer views of Sassagoula River. Every building is surround by trees and gardens. They are simply beautiful. I love how colorful the buildings are painted. They truly transport you to New Orleans French Quarter! As always, Disney does a great job with succeeding with a theme. Every night in front of building 5, they set up a large screen for Movie Under the Stars. Lay out a towel or blanket and enjoy a Disney movie outside with your family.
Doubloon Lagoon Pool
Let’s now take a stroll down the center of the resort. You are instantly greeted by jazz playing alligators as you travel down the center of the resort from the main building towards the Doubloon Lagoon pool. A jester is always on duty, guarding the main pool. The pool offers a clam shell with jazz playing alligators with water flowing down to the pool from the top of the shell. Around the back of the pool is a sea serpent where you will find King Neptune sitting on top of his head. The sea serpent’s tail weaves in and out all around the pool. Travel over his back to cross over the pool. Or go over his back towards his mouth to slide down his tongue into the pool! For adults who are looking for a more relaxing end of a day, there is a spa. Plus, a kiddie pool for little ones.
Port Orleans French Quarter Guest Room
After looking at the beautiful scenery and views around the French Quarter, let’s take a look into the guest rooms. The majority of the rooms have two queen size beds with around 60 rooms offering a king size bed. You can request a king when booking your vacation package. All rooms include two chairs plus a table, a mini-fridge, coffee maker and double sinks in the bathroom. The refurbishment in 2011 definitely upgraded these rooms. Prior to 2011, the guest rooms had two full size beds and outdated bedding. Changing to queen beds did not make the rooms feel smaller. They are still very open and offer enough room for everybody. I love the purple with elegant gold accents on the new bedding which give the rooms a royal feeling. Plus, double sinks in the bathroom is an added bonus as your family gets ready for a day at the parks!
Sassagoula Boat Transportation to Downtown Disney
One of my favorite parts about staying at Port Orleans is the transportation option to Downtown Disney. All Disney resorts offer free bus transportation to all the Disney parks and Downtown Disney. However, since the Port Orleans resorts are located on the Sassagoula River, they offer boat transportation to Downtown Disney. During your travel down the river, you will have gorgeous views of Saratoga Springs and the Treehouse Villas. A bus ride to Downtown Disney will definitely allow you to reach Downtown Disney faster but does not offer the pleasant, relaxing and gorgeous views of the 20 minute boat ride. The boat transportation does not run when there is rain so always plan for an alternative transportation.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is a highly recommended moderate level resort at Walt Disney World and is a favorite of many of our agents. Contact us today for your stay and let the Disney Magic of Port Orleans French Quarter transport you to the relaxation of fun of the south!