Is Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter worth it? Honest pros and cons
Yes — for travelers who want compact New Orleans–style theming, easy access to Disney buses and Disney Springs by boat, and a relaxed moderate‑resort price point, Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter is worth it. If you need multiple pools, a full-service spa or lots of on-site dining options, the small footprint and single pool may be limiting.
In this guide
What the resort is like
Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter is a Moderate Resort themed to New Orleans' French Quarter: expect cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, gas lamps and Mardi Gras decor. The property opened in 1991 and has 1,008 rooms across seven three-story buildings.
The resort is compact compared with many Disney hotels. Public areas include the main lobby, Scat Cat's Club – Lounge and Café, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (the quick-service food court), the Doubloon Lagoon pool area and the South Quarter Arcade.
- Address: 2201 Orleans Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
- Family-friendly moderate resort (not adults-only)
- 1,008 guest rooms; rooms accommodate up to 4 guests (King rooms up to 2)
| Key feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Theming | New Orleans French Quarter |
| Rooms | 1,008 rooms in seven 3‑story buildings |
| Pool | One main pool: Doubloon Lagoon |
Rooms and recent refurbishment
Guest rooms were refreshed in a May 2025 refurbishment. Room types include Garden View Room (2 Queen Beds), Standard View Room (2 Queen Beds), Pool View Room (2 Queen Beds), River View Room (2 Queen Beds), King Room (1 King Bed), plus variations identified with visual alarms/notifications and accessibility features.
Standard occupancy rules apply: a normal standard room maximum is 4 guests, while a King room is designed for up to 2 guests. Housekeeping is provided every other day.
- Room names used on property: Garden View Room; Standard View Room; Pool View Room; River View Room; King Room
- Accessibility variations exist (visual alarms and notification options noted in room inventory)
- Complimentary in-room Wi‑Fi
| Representative room | Beds |
|---|---|
| Garden View Room | 2 Queen Beds |
| King Room | 1 King Bed |
| Pool View Room | 2 Queen Beds |
Dining and nightlife — what to expect
Dining at French Quarter is centered on quick-service and bar/lounge options rather than table-service restaurants. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is the main quick-service venue (breakfast–dinner, 7:00 AM–11:00 PM).
Scat Cat's Club – Café sells the resort's signature Mickey-shaped beignets and coffee; Scat Cat's Club – Lounge is a New Orleans–style jazz bar with live music on certain evenings. Mardi Grogs is the poolside bar for drinks and light bites.
- Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory: American & Cajun/Creole quick-service (no advance reservations)
- Scat Cat's Club – Café: beignets (including allergy-friendly option) and coffee
- Scat Cat's Club – Lounge: live music (typically Thurs–Sun evenings) and cocktails; operates walk-in only
- Mardi Grogs pool bar: poolside drinks and snacks; hours vary with pool
| Venue | What it serves | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory | Breakfast, lunch, dinner (quick-service) | 7:00 AM–11:00 PM; walk-up service |
| Scat Cat's Club – Café / Lounge | Beignets, coffee / Cocktails, live music | Café hours vary; Lounge typically 5:00 PM–12:00 AM |
| Mardi Grogs | Pool bar fare and drinks | Walk-up; hours vary seasonally |
Pools, activities and on-site logistics
The resort's primary leisure feature is Doubloon Lagoon, the Mardi Gras–themed pool with a 51-foot sea-serpent waterslide, children's water play area (for guests 48 inches tall or under), a whirlpool spa, complimentary pool towels and lifeguards on duty.
French Quarter is small and has only this one main pool; guests may use additional pools and facilities at the nearby sister resort, Port Orleans Riverside. On-site activities include a roughly one-mile paved jogging/walking path along the Sassagoula River, nightly campfire/Movies Under the Stars on many evenings, and the South Quarter Arcade.
- Doubloon Lagoon features: 51‑foot waterslide, children's play area, whirlpool spa
- Children's play area limited to guests 48 inches tall or under
- No on-site full-service spa and cabanas are not available at Doubloon Lagoon
| Activity | Availability |
|---|---|
| Jogging/walking path | Approx. 1 mile along Sassagoula River |
| Arcade | South Quarter Arcade off main lobby |
| Movies / campfire | Evenings (weather permitting) |
Getting to the parks and Disney Springs
Disney buses run from the resort to all four theme parks and Disney Springs; buses may be shared with Port Orleans Riverside at times. There is no monorail or Skyliner service from this resort.
A complimentary Sassagoula River Cruise boat (weather permitting) runs between the French Quarter dock and Disney Springs; schedules can vary by season and weather. Walking to theme parks is not practical; EPCOT is among the closest parks by distance.
- Complimentary Disney buses to all four parks and Disney Springs
- Sassagoula River Cruise boat to Disney Springs (weather permitting; limited evening service)
- No Skyliner or Monorail access from the resort
| Destination | Approx. distance (reported) |
|---|---|
| EPCOT | About 1.1 miles |
| Disney's Hollywood Studios | About 2.3 miles |
| Disney Springs (by boat) | Boat service available; timing varies |
Who should pick Port Orleans French Quarter — pros
Choose this resort if you want compact New Orleans theming, short walks on property, easy boat access to Disney Springs and a moderate‑resort budget rather than a deluxe price point.
It's a good fit for small families or couples who plan to spend most of their time in the parks and want a themed, quieter resort with a single main pool and reliable quick‑service dining.
- Distinctive New Orleans/French Quarter theming
- Sassagoula River boat to Disney Springs (weather permitting)
- Mickey-shaped beignets and on-site quick-service dining
- Smaller, walkable resort layout — less transit time inside property
| Benefit | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Compact layout | Shorter walks from lobby to rooms and pool |
| Theming | Consistent New Orleans atmosphere across public areas |
| Access to Disney Springs by boat | Scenic alternative to buses when operating |
Potential cons and who might prefer a different Disney hotel
If you want multiple pools, a full-service spa, many on-site table-service restaurants or a larger resort footprint with more recreational choices, Port Orleans Riverside or a Disney Deluxe resort may be a better fit. French Quarter has only one main pool and limited dining outside the food court and bars.
Also note there is no on-site fitness center consistently listed and no pet-friendly rooms (service animals are welcome). Theme-park travel requires bus transfers; there is no Skyliner or monorail connection.
- Single main pool — limited pool variety on site
- No full-service spa on property
- Limited table-service dining; most outlets are walk-up/quick-service
- No consistent on-site fitness center per available sources
| Possible downside | Consider |
|---|---|
| Wanting many on-site dining options | Consider Port Orleans Riverside or a larger resort |
| Need multiple pools or cabanas | French Quarter only has Doubloon Lagoon; Riverside pools are separate |
| Prefer direct Skyliner/Monorail access | Choose a resort on those lines |
