A Closer Look at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter

July 21, 2011 MK 5 comments

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort is the sister resort to Port Orleans Riverside Resort, the two being linked by the Sassagoula River. Up until April 2001, French Quarter was simply known as Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, which was next to Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort. As of April 1, 2001, both resorts were renamed to what we know them as today. French Quarter lost Bonfamille’s Cafe table service restaurant, boat and bike rentals, with guests there now having to share facilities at Riverside.

The Resort is located in the Downtown Disney Resort area, close to Disney’s Old Key West Resort, which you will sail by on the boat to Downtown Disney.

There’s a parking lot at the front of the Resort for use by guests checking in or visiting. Separate parking lots are located around the Resort, which are assigned to each building, so you won’t have too far to walk whichever building you’re in.

Drive under the porte-cochère if you’re dropping off or picking up. This is also where you’ll get the Magical Express or Disney Cruise Line bus. Disney bus stops are located just outside of the main building.

Depending on what time of day you’re entering or leaving the French Quarter Square main building you may be lucky enough to have the door held open for you by Arneil, a lovely gentleman dressed in full Mardi Gras costume. He’ll even give the kids a plastic Mardi Gras coin each!

If you hadn’t guessed already, the theme of the Resort is New Orleans French Quarter (also known as Vieux Carré, is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans) and Mardi Gras. The theming is carried out beautifully, with lots of green wrought ironwork and Mardi Gras characters.

When you enter the lobby the first thing you’ll see is a fountain, surrounded by lots of foliage and green ironwork. To the right is registration and Guest Services. This is where you’ll go to check-in, make dining reservations and get help with anything in general. There’s a comfy seating area complete with a TV showing Disney cartoons or films, where the rest of your party can wait. Just next to that is Jackson Square Gifts & Desires, the Resorts merchandise shop.

Back out into the lobby and on the left is Scat Cat’s Club, a lounge bar which features live jazz music on most nights. Next to that is the Resorts only eatery, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. This food court made to look like a converted warehouse that’s festooned with festive Mardi Gras parade props. It has several stations each serving a different selection of menu items, with indoor and outdoor seating, and a TV to keep little ones occupied.

Through the lobby and out of the doors into this lovely tree-lined square, where you can sit outside of the food court and do some people-watching!

This is the outside entrance to Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory.

Take time to notice the wonderful theming as you walk around the Resort.

Out of French Quarter Square and across the street, where you’ll be met by these guys, enjoying the Mardi Gras festivities.

On one side of them is the playground, the other side a hot tub.

A colorful jester stands guard at the entrance to the pool, where nearby you can grab a refreshing drink at Mardi Grogs Pool Bar.

The pool area features a kids’ pool, large serpent slide, water fountains and lots of seating.

The rooms are housed in seven buildings, each reminiscent of the buildings in New Orleans French Quarter district, with wrought ironwork featuring heavily again. There’s such a tranquil feeling in this beautifully landscaped Resort, making it one of my favorite Disney Resorts.

Take a carriage ride in the evening to get a look at the Resort from a different perspective.

Rooms are a decent size for a family of four, and feature two queen-sized beds, TV, refrigerator, table & chairs. The washroom is separate from the bathroom and has a privacy curtain which can be pulled across.