Menu

French Quarter Favorites! Walt Disney World’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Take a trip to the heart of Port Orleans while visiting Walt Disney World! One of Disney’s most beloved moderate resorts is Port Orleans – French Quarter (POFQ). Filled with romance and the liveliness of Mardi Gras, this resort has been a Disney fan favorite for years. As the bayou beckons, here are a few French Quarter favorites we’d like to share!

[google_ad] 

1. Boat to Disney Springs

If you’re looking to for dining and entertainment outside of your resort, it is just a short boat ride from POFQ to Disney Springs.  The Sassagoula River Cruise takes you through meandering canals that provide a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of most of Disney property, and drops you off right at the edge of the Disney Springs complex. 

2. Two Resorts in One

Port Orleans French Quarter (POFQ) is actually the smallest resort at Walt Disney World, and it feels cozy and easy to navigate as a result.  But if you are worried that you might miss out by staying at a small resort, never fear.  With a sister resort, Port Orleans Riverside, just up the river, it is kind of like two resorts in one. If you’re in need of a change of scenery, just pop over to Riverside for additional restaurants, entertainment, and access to their Ol’ Man Island pool complex.

3. Doubloon Lagoon

One of the highlights of Port Orleans French Quarter is its pool complex.  Located right in the middle of the resort, with easy access from most guest rooms, the pool is fun for all ages.  The centerpiece of the complex is the main pool with a giant Sea Serpent slide.  The area also features an awesome splash pad (see below!), a hot tub, and a pool bar. 

[google_ad_btf]

4. Great for Toddlers and Preschool Kids

That awesome splash pad we mentioned above deserves its own billing, as it’s really one of the best water play areas for young kids on Disney property.  The area is gated so caregivers can feel comfortable as their little ones run around.  It features two mini water slides and lots of places to splash.  And as a bonus for this age group, there is a great playground right next to the pool area. 

5. Beignets!!!!

One the things Port Orleans French Quarter is best known for is the Beignets they serve up at Scat Cat Club’s Café, just outside the main lobby.  Deep fried and covered with powdered sugar, this is one of the few places you can get these treats outside of New Orleans.  And of course because it’s Disney they have a special twist and are shaped like Mickey ears!  As a bonus, they also offer a gluten free/top 8 allergen-free beignet for folks with those restrictions. 

6. Easy Bus Access

One of the benefits of Port Orleans French Quarter being a small resort is that there is just one bus stop, meaning that once you board a bus to one of the parks, you don’t have to spend time stopping at multiple bus stops.  You also don’t have to worry about a full bus showing up at your stop and having to wait for the next one. 

7. Unique Quick-Service Dining

While most of the Disney value and moderate resorts have food courts with pretty standard fair, Sassagoula Floatworks at Port Orleans French Quarter sets itself apart with a number of southern classics and New Orleans favorites. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, try the Shrimp Po’ Boy or a bowl of Gumbo.  Got a roaring appetite at night after a long day in the parks?  Try a Southern Classic dinner plate like the Blackened Rib-Eye or Sustainable Fish, served with your choice of three hearty sides.  Oh – and if you’re looking to get your beignet fix at lunch or dinner, you can always try the Beignet Cheeseburger!

8. Nightlife

If you’re looking for a high energy night time scene, hop on the Sassagoula River cruise to Disney Springs.  But if you’f just like to wind down with a cocktail and some live jazz music, Port Orleans French Quarter’s Scat Cat’s Club Lounge is the perfect spot. Serving drinks and snacks, it’s a great place to unwind at the end of a busy Disney day!

About Katie D

I grew up in New Jersey in a family where the word “vacation” was synonymous with “Disney World.” After a few years of visiting regularly, my family became Disney Vacation Club members which meant we visited even more! Going to Disney always felt kind of like going home, and some of my best childhood and teenage memories occurred there. Now that I live in Jacksonville, FL I am excited to be a short drive from this magical place and look forward to making new memories for years to come.