10 Awesome Things About Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Port Orleans is a moderate Disney Resort that is broken down into two different sections. Riverside focuses on old antebellum style mansions that the South is famous for, and French Quarter focuses on the beauty and charm of the French Quarter of New Orleans. Port Orleans French Quarter is one of my absolute favorite Disney Resorts, and there are plenty of things that make it an ideal place to stay on your next Walt Disney World vacation. Here are ten awesome things about Port Orleans French Quarter that will make you want to call it your home resort!

10. Doubloon Lagoon –

This is the name of the resort’s main pool which has a whimsical and nautical feel through its theme and décor. The highlight of the area is the massive dragon named Scales who is mounted by Poseidon and whose tongue forms a windy slide for guests to fly down into the pool below. Also featuring a hot tub, kiddie pool, and Mardi Grogs poolside bar, Doubloon Lagoon is the ultimate place to cool off an relax during a trip to Walt Disney World.

9. Sassagoula River –

Port Orleans French Quarter lies along the banks of the Sassagoula River which creates a scenic and serene view from many of the guest rooms. The river has a great walking path next to it for guests to explore and connects both halves of the Port Orleans Resort. There’s no greater way to experience the charm of French Quarter than to stroll along the Sassgoula and listen to some soft jazz music on a warm night.

8. Boat Transportation –

Besides being beautiful and creating a serene atmosphere, the Sassagoula River also serves a functional purpose with its transportation. Guests can take a relaxing boat ride along the river to Riverside and Disney Springs. Along the way they are treated to a cool breeze and views of the Saratoga Springs Resort. Guests staying at French Quarter will love the ease of traveling by boat to get around.

7. Decorations in Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory –

The Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is the quick service dining location at Port Orleans French Quarter. Themed after a factory that manufactures larger than life Mardi Gras themed props for parade floats, there is a festive feel to the place through its décor. All along the ceiling are hanging decorations and massive masks including one larger than life face that looks like it might blow you away! No meal is an ordinary boring meal while dining here and enjoying the atmosphere.

6. The Lobby –

The lobby of Port Orleans French Quarter is a beautiful glass and iron atrium with a calming fountain in the middle. Located off to one side is the front desk where my favorite detail of the resort lies. Behind the desk is a massive mural featuring musical notes. While some people might overlook this, the notes are the music to “When The Saints Go Marching In” making it the perfectly themed jazz song to be displayed and representing New Orleans!

5. Horse Drawn Carriage Ride –

Guests looking for a romantic experience can book a horse drawn carriage ride along the Sassagoula River at night. While this is an extra cost on a Walt Disney World vacation, where else can guests enjoy a romantic ride along the river and feel as though they are actually in New Orleans?

4. Beignets –

These delectable treats can only be found at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory and are worth a trip to Port Orleans French Quarter just to try them! Made famous in New Orleans by Café du Monde, beignets are fluffy squares of fried dough that are then coated in powdered sugar. They are the ultimate indulgence after a long day in the parks and can only be found at Port Orleans French Quarter.

3. Small Details –

This resort is so beautiful in great part thanks to its small details. From curvy ironwork along the balconies of each building to soft jazz music playing, the details transport guests from Walt Disney World to New Orleans in the blink of an eye. Guests should be sure to spend some time exploring the grounds of the resort and enjoying the small details including beautiful streetlamps, unique street signs, and iron carved horse poles.

2. Gardens and Fountains –

Not only are the small details beautiful at Port Orleans French Quarter, the grounds are opulent and gorgeous as well. Featuring many gardens and intricate fountains scattered throughout the guest buildings, guests should definitely spend time wander the resort and taking in the beautiful landscaping and water features.

1. Small Compact Size –

One of the reasons many guests love Port Orleans French Quarter is because of its size. There are some resorts that are simply massive and can be so sprawling that a walk to the front desk is a hike. Port Orleans French Quarter is compact in size, and features its front desk, dining location, store, and many guest services all together in one main building. In addition, there is only one bus stop located outside of the lobby which is convenient compared to other resorts which can have four or more stops to make just at that one resort. After a long day in the parks, it is nice to go home to a resort that is small in size and feels intimate, and this is a great perk of staying at Port Orleans French Quarter.