
Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
Best for travelers who want a compact, New Orleans‑style resort with a single signature pool, on-site beignets, and easy boat access to Disney Springs.
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Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter is a smaller, New Orleans–themed Moderate resort for families who want a compact property with Mardi Gras flair and a single lively pool. Disney's Art Of Animation Resort is a large Value/Family resort built around animated-film theming and oversized character areas — read this if you're deciding between a calmer, themed Moderate (French Quarter) and a louder, suite-forward family resort (Art of Animation).
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Best for travelers who want a compact, New Orleans‑style resort with a single signature pool, on-site beignets, and easy boat access to Disney Springs.

Best for families who need larger family suites, multiple themed pools, and immersive animated-film decor aimed at kids.
When Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter wins: choose French Quarter if you want a smaller, easier-to-navigate resort with New Orleans theming, a single lively pool (Doubloon Lagoon) and convenient boat access to Disney Springs. It’s better for guests who prefer a calmer property footprint and quick-service Cajun-inspired dining.
When Disney's Art Of Animation Resort wins: pick Art of Animation if your priority is family suites or very bold character theming, more on-site pools, and a resort layout designed specifically for families with young kids who want immersive Disney characters around the property.
Bottom line: French Quarter is the pick for a compact Moderate with Mardi Gras atmosphere and a single standout pool; Art of Animation is the pick for larger families who need suite space and want bright, character-driven theming at a Value-level price point.
| Category | Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter | Disney's Art Of Animation Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Small, New Orleans–style Moderate resort with Mardi Gras decor and jazz-lounge evenings | Large, loud Disney Value/Family resort with oversized animated-film theming |
| Location | Lake Buena Vista; water taxi (Sassagoula River) to Disney Springs; Disney buses to parks | Lake Buena Vista; close to Hollywood Studios and other parks; complimentary theme-park shuttle |
| Size | Compact — 1,008 rooms across seven 3-story buildings | Very large — 2,104 guestrooms (mix of family suites and standard rooms) |
| Best for ages | All ages; quieter family focus with kids’ activities | Families with children — suites and character decor aimed at younger kids |
| Pools & water features | Doubloon Lagoon — Mardi Gras–themed single main pool with 51-foot waterslide and children's play area; lifeguards and complimentary towels | Multiple outdoor pools (3) and family-friendly pool areas; large resort pool options |
| Restaurants & bars | Quick-service Sassagoula Floatworks, Scat Cat’s beignet café, Scat Cat’s Lounge and Mardi Grogs pool bar (walk-up service) | One main restaurant, limited bars; quick-service and food-court style dining geared to families |
| Spa & fitness | No on-site full-service spa (guests use other Disney resort spas); fitness center listed inconsistently across sources | Not published |
| Known for | Mickey-shaped beignets, Mardi Gras theming, compact walkable grounds | Immersive animated-film areas and family suites (Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid) |
| Transportation to parks | Complimentary Disney buses to all four parks; water taxi to Disney Springs (weather permitting); no Skyliner/Monorail | Complimentary theme-park shuttle; listed as near Hollywood Studios and other parks |
| Accessibility & family rooms | Standard rooms up to 4 guests; family-friendly activities and supervised childcare (surcharge) | Multiple family suites types (Finding Nemo, Cars, Lion King) and many accessible room options |
French Quarter sits in Lake Buena Vista along the Sassagoula River with direct water taxi access to Disney Springs and Disney bus service to the parks.
Choose French Quarter if you value a riverside setting and direct boat access to Disney Springs.
Art Of Animation is located in Lake Buena Vista with short shuttle rides to the theme parks and is especially convenient for Hollywood Studios and other parks.
Art of Animation works well for families prioritizing proximity to the parks and quick shuttle access.
French Quarter’s room types are standard Moderate-category rooms in a compact footprint designed for typical family sizes.
If you don’t need a suite, French Quarter’s standard rooms keep families close to the pool and dining.
Art Of Animation emphasizes family suites alongside some standard rooms, giving options for larger groups.
Art of Animation is the clearer choice when you need a multi-sleeping-area family suite.
French Quarter focuses on quick-service Cajun/American options and a cafe famous for beignets.
Pick French Quarter if you want quick Cajun-inspired meals and on-site beignets without formal dining reservations.
Art Of Animation provides family-friendly quick-service dining and at least one primary restaurant, with food-court style offerings.
Art of Animation suits families who want convenient, kid-focused dining and food-court flexibility.
French Quarter’s signature amenity is the Doubloon Lagoon — a Mardi Gras‑themed pool area with a waterslide and kids’ play zone.
If a single, themed, high‑energy pool is important, French Quarter delivers in a compact setting.
Art Of Animation lists multiple outdoor pools (3) and large, themed pool areas designed for families.
Art of Animation is better if your group wants multiple pools and varied pool zones across a large property.
French Quarter offers limited on-site wellness facilities but has evening entertainment in a lounge setting.
French Quarter is suited to guests who want lounge-style evening music and light activity options rather than a full spa or fitness complex.
Art Of Animation lists accessible fitness options and family entertainment rather than an adults-only nightlife program.
Art of Animation focuses on family entertainment and basic fitness rather than a dedicated spa or adult nightlife scene.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter — small footprint, New Orleans theming, water taxi to Disney Springs.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort — multiple family-suite types and oversized animated‑film theming kids recognize.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter — Doubloon Lagoon with a 51-foot waterslide and children’s play area.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort — multiple outdoor pools across a larger property.
Disney's Art Of Animation Resort — it lists multiple Finding Nemo, Cars and Lion King family suites designed for larger families.
Yes — the Sassagoula River Cruise water taxi runs from French Quarter to Disney Springs when weather permits.
French Quarter does not have an on-site full-service spa; Art Of Animation’s supplier listing does not publish a full-service spa either.
Yes — both properties welcome guests of all ages; Art Of Animation emphasizes kid-focused theming and suites while French Quarter offers family activities and supervised childcare (surcharge).
Explore how Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·