A Love Letter to Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter REsort
Our family spent several nights at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter during Spring Break 2026, and it quickly became one of our favorite Walt Disney World resorts. From the charming atmosphere to the convenient layout, this resort offers a relaxing escape while still keeping you close to all the Disney magic.
One of the biggest advantages of French Quarter is its size. Unlike many Disney resorts, this property is wonderfully compact. Even the most distant standard room is only a short walk from the main building, dining, pool, and transportation. After a long park day, that convenience is priceless.
The Rooms: Designed with Families in Mind
Let's talk about the rooms because Disney really got this redesign right.
Inspired by Disney's The Princess and the Frog, the recently renovated rooms feature elegant nods to Tiana's story without feeling overly themed. You'll notice artwork and decorative touches celebrating Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis, Charlotte, and other beloved characters, along with rich colors and subtle New Orleans-inspired details that perfectly complement the resort's atmosphere.
Beyond the beautiful décor, the amount of storage is impressive. A large countertop—nearly the size of a kitchen counter—sits above multiple drawers and a beverage cooler, creating plenty of room for snacks, souvenirs, and vacation essentials. Around the bathroom sink, you'll find built-in cubbies for organizing toiletries, and there's even a step stool tucked underneath for younger guests.
The laminate flooring feels clean and modern, and there's generous storage space beneath the beds for luggage, shoes, and even a folded stroller. The vanity area is separate from the tub and shower, making it easier for multiple family members to get ready at once. A barn-style sliding door separates the bathroom from the sleeping area, giving everyone a little extra privacy.
Families traveling with little ones will especially appreciate the room size. A Pack 'n Play can comfortably fit in the room while still leaving space for a stroller and luggage—something that's often difficult in Disney's Value Resort rooms.
A Pool Full of New Orleans Charm
The main pool is bright, colorful, and packed with New Orleans-inspired details. The sea serpent-themed water slide is a hit with older kids, while younger children will love the nearby splash play area designed just for them.
The pool bar, restrooms, and seating areas are conveniently located nearby, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon relaxing poolside.
Beautiful Grounds and Peaceful Walks
One of the things we loved most about French Quarter was simply walking around the resort.
The beautifully landscaped pathways are especially charming in the evenings when they're illuminated with soft lighting. Large grassy courtyards between the buildings provide peaceful spots to relax and enjoy a quiet moment away from the crowds.
For runners and walkers, the scenic riverside path is a highlight. The trail follows the Sassagoula River and connects directly to Disney's Port Orleans Riverside, making for a picturesque morning stroll filled with beautiful views and plenty of Disney charm.
Relaxing Boat Transportation
One of the unique perks of staying at French Quarter is the boat service to Disney Springs. The approximately 20-minute ride along the Sassagoula River is relaxing and scenic—a welcome change from buses and crowds.
You can also take the boat to Port Orleans Riverside if you'd like to visit Boatwright's Dining Hall. The restaurant serves Southern and New Orleans-inspired favorites, including jambalaya, shrimp and grits, seafood dishes, and more.
Don't Skip the Beignets
When it comes to dining, French Quarter may be small, but it delivers.
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory offers a variety of quick-service options throughout the day, making it easy to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner without leaving the resort.
Of course, the true star of the resort is Scat Cat's Club Café and its famous Mickey-shaped beignets. Whether you choose the classic powdered sugar version or one of the seasonal specialties, these warm, fluffy treats are an absolute must-do.
Transportation and Getting Around
French Quarter relies exclusively on bus transportation to the theme parks, but don't let that discourage you. Unlike larger resorts, there are no internal bus stops, which means buses load and depart efficiently.
Even during one of the busiest weeks of the year—Spring Break—we rarely waited long for transportation. The combination of a compact resort layout and efficient bus service made getting to and from the parks surprisingly easy.
Final Thoughts
Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter offers the perfect blend of convenience, charm, and relaxation. Its manageable size, thoughtfully designed rooms, beautiful grounds, unique boat transportation, and delicious beignets make it a resort we would happily stay at again.
If you're looking for a moderate resort that feels peaceful, romantic, and family-friendly all at the same time, French Quarter is hard to beat.