These 11 Disney Port Orleans French Quarter Tips Are Life Savers
Looking to stay at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort? It’s one of my favorite places to stay! Read on for 11 things you should know…
At A Glance:
1. Port Orleans French Quarter is a Disney moderate resort.
It still has outside entrances like the Value Resorts, however, its theme is very subtle and it’s not as overrun with kids as some resorts are. This makes it one of the best Disney resorts for adults.
French Quarter is one of the smallest Disney resorts with only 1008 rooms. It sits on the Sassagoula River and has all that southern hospitality charm.
Prices range from $200-350 for a standard room.
Since it’s small, all rooms are within a 5-minute walk to the main building.
2. Boat transportation is provided to Disney Springs.
Take a leisurely boat ride to either Disney Springs or next door to Port Orleans Riverside Resort.
Boats run often, except in inclement weather and lightning strikes which happens frequently in the summer. Read What to do if it rains at Disney World for tips on how to handle this.
By far, this is my favorite hotel perk. The small riverboats transport you to a time and place that you would never know you are in the middle of the massive Disney World resort.
3. No full-service restaurant.
Port Orleans French Quarter is the only Disney moderate resort that does not have a full-service restaurant.
The Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory quick-service dining hall serves up its famous Jumbalaya, however, and you can make the quick walk over to Riverside to dine it its Boatwright’s Dining Hall if you are in the mood for a full-service restaurant.
4. They have beignets!
Previously only found at Disneyland, the quick-service restaurant now serves up its famous Mickey beignets with heapings of powdered sugar. Of course, you can also get them with dipping sauces or ice cream.
Did you know the beignets can be made gluten-free? Ask at the counter and usually, a chef will talk to you.
5. Free-standing Coke machines are here.
Anyone interested in seeing how many flavor combinations you can make? You can try that here as Port Orleans French Quarter is only one of a handful of quick-service restaurants to have these machines.
Personally, I love them because they have flavored and sparkling water options instead of just soda. They work great with the Disney refillable mugs.
6. Enjoy a scavenger hunt.
While typically geared for children, this fun-filled scavenger hunt has you wandering the hotel grounds looking for a mardi-gras embellishment while solving a riddle.
Very entertaining for adults, too!
Pick up your scavenger hunt clues from the reception desk and turn in your completed form for a prize. Ours was a cute, French Quarter themed pin. I heard the clues change every season so you can enjoy this more than once.
7. Take a carriage ride
No, there’s no snow, but you can still take a carriage ride around the meticulously manicured grounds and the Sassagoula River.
Enjoy a 25-minute ride around both Port Orleans resorts for $55 (current as of 9/19). Carriages can hold 4 adults or 2 adults with 3 small children.
8. Participate in the Beignet fun run.
Want free beignets? Run for them! Most Sunday mornings at 7:30 am, the resort hosts a fun run for those wanting to jog 1.5 miles around the resort.
There is an entrance fee, but enjoy a finishers medallion and a beignet upon completing the course.
9. Slide down the serpent
Enjoy Scales, the 51-foot long sea serpent slide that is the focal point of Doubloon Lagoon with King Triton watching from on high.
Or, younger kids (under 48 inches) can splash around in the water play area specifically for them.
Whichever you choose, there are lifeguards everywhere. I was amazed at the number of lifeguards at these pools.
10. There is only one bus stop.
There are advantages to being one of the smallest resorts on property. Port Orleans French Quarter has only one centralized bus stop outside the lobby area.
This is in contrast to the other sprawling moderate resorts. Multiple bus stops often mean longer times to your destination.
11. Paint on de’ Bayou
Weekly outside Scat Cat’s Jazz lounge, join a group to create your own painting masterpiece!
In hindsight, I really wished I participated in this. I didn’t realize I could have brought my daughter and have her sat next to me while I painted.
Reservations are required so check your weekly events calendar.
Read more Disney tips and advice:
- 15 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make at Disney World
- Disney on a Budget
- How to Survive the Heat at Disney World
- How to get more FastPasses – for FREE
Wrap- Up Port Orleans French Quarter
This moderately priced resort hit on all areas for me. The atmosphere and service were impeccable. It had just the right amount of luxury without being too expensive. Hopefully, these 10 tips about Port Orleans French Quarter gave you a glimpse of what to expect.
What is your favorite Disney World Resort? Let me know in the comments!
Need help planning and organizing your Disney World vacation? Read these Disney vacation organizing tips and download your free planning guide.
