Imagine strolling through the atmospheric streets of the French Quarter, listening to the soulful sounds of jazz, and savoring the flavors of Creole cuisine. Now imagine all of this magic intertwined with the enchantment of Disney. Welcome to Port Orleans French Quarter, a hidden gem within Walt Disney World Resort that transports guests to the heart of New Orleans while delivering the signature Disney experience.
Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Sassagoula River, Port Orleans French Quarter is a unique and charming resort that captures the spirit of the lively French Quarter of New Orleans. The resort’s architecture, inspired by the iconic Crescent City, boasts intricate wrought-iron railings, cobblestone streets, and colorful facades that mimic the vivacious atmosphere of its real-life counterpart.
Port Orleans French Quarter offers guests cozy and intimate accommodations that evoke the ambiance of a charming New Orleans inn. The guest rooms are adorned with vibrant colors and details that harken back to the Big Easy’s cultural flair. The cozy atmosphere and intimate layout make it an ideal destination for couples, solo travelers, or families seeking a relaxing escape.
The resort’s lush courtyards, adorned with fountains and lush greenery, provide a serene retreat from the excitement of the theme parks. Guests can take leisurely strolls through the gardens, relax by the tranquil Doubloon Lagoon pool, or unwind in a secluded nook with a book in hand. The soothing ambiance captures the essence of the French Quarter’s laid-back charm.
One of the highlights of Port Orleans French Quarter is the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, where guests can indulge in a variety of delectable treats. The legendary beignets, warm and dusted with powdered sugar, are a must-try and pay homage to the culinary delights of New Orleans. From po’boys to jambalaya, the restaurant offers a taste of Louisiana’s rich flavors that perfectly complement the resort’s theme.
One of the unique features of Port Orleans French Quarter is its scenic water transportation. Guests can take a relaxing boat ride down the Sassagoula River to Disney Springs, an entertainment district filled with dining, shopping, and live entertainment options. This convenient and picturesque mode of transportation adds an extra layer of charm to the resort experience.
In true Disney fashion, Port Orleans French Quarter offers a variety of entertainment options for guests to enjoy during their stay. From themed pool parties to outdoor movie nights, the resort ensures that the magic doesn’t end when you return from the parks. The playful and engaging activities cater to visitors of all ages.
Port Orleans French Quarter is a harmonious blend of New Orleans’ lively charm and Disney’s signature enchantment. From its picturesque architecture and serene courtyards to its mouthwatering cuisine and immersive ambiance, the resort offers an authentic and magical escape from the ordinary. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, Port Orleans French Quarter beckons you to experience the unique fusion of Louisiana spirit and Disney magic that awaits within its charming confines.
When it comes to a Walt Disney World vacation, where you stay is an integral part of the experience. Disney’s Moderate Resorts offer a wonderful balance of comfort, theming, and affordability, making them a popular choice for families and travelers looking to immerse themselves in the magic while enjoying a relaxing retreat.
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
A Variety of Choices: Disney’s Moderate Resorts encompass a range of distinct properties, each with its own unique theming and charm. From the lush and tranquil surroundings of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort to the colonial elegance of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, there’s a Moderate Resort to suit different preferences and travel styles.
Themed Escapes: One of the standout features of Moderate Resorts is their immersive theming. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of New Orleans-inspired Port Orleans, feeling the island breeze at Caribbean Beach, or stepping into a rustic cabin at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, you’ll find yourself transported to a world of wonder and imagination.
Comfortable Accommodations: The accommodations at Moderate Resorts provide a comfortable haven after a day of exploring the theme parks. With spacious rooms that can accommodate families, groups, or couples, you’ll have ample space to relax and recharge. The theming extends to the rooms, creating a cohesive and enchanting atmosphere that adds to the overall experience.
Resort Amenities: Moderate Resorts offer a range of amenities that cater to guests of all ages. From swimming pools with water slides to jogging trails, arcades, and recreational activities, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during your downtime. Many resorts also feature dining options that capture the spirit of their respective themes, offering a variety of cuisines and flavors to suit different tastes.
Transportation Convenience: Staying at a Moderate Resort provides convenient transportation options to the Disney theme parks. Complimentary bus transportation ensures that you can easily reach the parks without the hassle of parking or navigation. Additionally, select Moderate Resorts are connected to the Disney Skyliner gondola system, offering a scenic and efficient way to travel to certain parks.
Affordable Luxury: Disney’s Moderate Resorts offer a middle ground between the value and deluxe resort categories in terms of pricing. This makes them an attractive choice for travelers seeking a balance between comfort and cost-effectiveness. While they don’t come with all the bells and whistles of deluxe resorts, they still provide a touch of luxury and a strong dose of Disney magic.
Creating Memories: Staying at a Moderate Resort allows you to experience the best of both worlds – the excitement of the theme parks and the relaxation of a resort setting. The theming, amenities, and attentive service create an environment where magical memories are made. Whether you’re exploring the pathways of a French Quarter-inspired resort or lounging by the pool with your family, the moments you share at a Moderate Resort become an integral part of your Disney experience.
In conclusion, Disney’s Moderate Resorts offer a blend of comfort, theming, and affordability that make them a fantastic choice for a Walt Disney World vacation. Whether you’re a family with young children, a group of friends seeking adventure, or a couple looking for a romantic retreat, these resorts provide a well-rounded and magical experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the enchantment of Disney. From the themed escapes to the convenient transportation and comfortable accommodations, Disney’s Moderate Resorts offer a perfect blend of relaxation and magic that’s bound to make your vacation truly unforgettable.
During the phased reopening of Walt Disney World, not all resorts have been open, including some fan-favorites! Thankfully, that is finally going to change. Disney has announced the last batch of resorts will be reopening this fall and that all resorts will be open by the end of 2021.
Here is the full statement from Walt Disney World
As we continue to take a measured and deliberate approach to reopening our Disney Resort hotels, we are happy to share we will start accepting bookings on July 8, 2021 for:
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort for arrivals beginning Sept. 16
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for arrivals beginning Oct. 14
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter for arrivals beginning Oct. 28
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort for arrivals beginning Dec. 9
We are excited to continue welcoming Guests to hotels that have recently opened, like Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and are busy preparing Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for arrivals to begin on July 19 and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge on Aug. 26.
With this news, all Walt Disney World Resort hotels will be open by the end of 2021 and we look forward to welcoming more Guests to the magic over the next several months!
Scat Cat’s Club at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is about to close for a refurbishment for the club to expand to a larger space to serve up your favorite beverages and bar options that offer you a taste of the “Big Easy.” Scat Cat’s Club will continue to keep the entertainment authentic to the New Orleans story by featuring live jazz music five nights a week.
I know what you’re thinking, with the expansion of Scat Cat’s Club, where am I going to get the famous beignets? Well don’t worry, the beignets will soon be available throughout the day at Scat’s Cat Club – Cafe, an all-new location near the lobby. The beignets are made in-house daily, available in classic as well as a seasonal flavor, my favorite are the pumpkin spice beignets!
If you are staying on Disney property, deciding which resort to stay at can have a huge impact on your stay. Each resort has its own unique qualities that you need to take into account and factors which must be looked into to ensure you have the best time possible. Some of those factors are
cost
location
dining options
transportation options
party size/room size
amenities
Disney offers 3 types of resorts that while they have their own uniqueness, they are similar in a lot of ways.
Deluxe Resorts
The Disney World Deluxe Resort Hotels are the highest tier of on-site Disney hotels, and understandably so.
Aside from the luxury of the resorts themselves, distance to parks and ease in transportation is a huge benefit of the Disney deluxe resorts. A majority of them are significantly closer to one or more of the Disney parks. Also, there’s a wider variety of transportation options, from boats to monorails.
Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian Hotels are all just a monorail ride away to Magic Kingdom. The Polynesian and Grand Floridian also offer boat access to Magic Kingdom (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge too).
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn are within walking distance (or a boat ride) to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the closest deluxe hotel to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Another great perk of the Disney deluxe resorts is that they offer both quick-service and table-service dining options. Many of the Disney World deluxe resorts even have character dining. For example, The Contemporary has Chef Mickey’s and the Grand Floridian has 1900 Park Fare where characters are constant.
The Disney deluxe resort hotels offer the most recreation options.
At the Magic Kingdom and Boardwalk hotels, boat rentals are a fun option for a relaxing day around the resort. Depending on which you choose, you’ll have a basketball, volleyball or tennis courts to play on — or a combination of the three!
Each of the Deluxe hotels has multiple, gorgeous pools and a hot tub for you to enjoy.
There are 8 Deluxe resorts;
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
There are also 12 Deluxe Villa resorts;
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Moderate Resorts
Moderate Resorts tends to have more variety in terms of amenities, layout, dining, and transportation options in comparison to Value resorts, but certainly, don’t have all the bells and whistles of Deluxe resorts.
As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” Moderates resorts are a great middle-ground.
All Moderate resorts offer bus transportation to and from the theme parks. Unlike Value resorts, Moderates have multiple bus stops throughout each resort (with the exception of Port Orleans – French Quarter). This means that you won’t have to walk too far to catch a bus.
Port Orleans Riverside
Boat transportation is available at the following resorts: Fort Wilderness has a ferry to Magic Kingdom, while French Quarter and Riverside share ferry service to Disney Springs.
Moderates are some of the largest resorts at Disney World. Port Orleans – French Quarter is the one exception, as it is a relatively small resort by Disney World standards.
Each resort feels like its own world, spread out and away from the bustle of the park. It feels as though you are staying in an all-inclusive resort island; buildings/areas are separated from one other with walking trails and water features are found throughout the properties. Unlike most Disney World properties, you get more of a sense of tranquil isolation.
Cabins @ Fort Wilderness
One downside to the larger, spread-out Moderate resorts is that choosing a room location becomes an important factor. Rooms closer to the lobby, main pool, and dining areas are often more expensive and in higher demand. However, securing a better location means that you won’t have to walk as far to dine after a long day at the park.
Caribbean Beach
All Moderates have both a quick-service restaurant and a table-service restaurant. The one exception is Port Orleans French Quarter (no table service option). However, this isn’t really a problem because guests can easily walk to Boatwright’s Dining Hall (Port Orleans – Riverside).
Moderate resorts have a great selection of pools. Moderates have additional features like water slides and hot tubs.
There are 5 Moderate resorts;
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Value Resorts
Disney Value resorts are the most affordable, budget-friendly lodging on Disney World property.
Value Resorts are some of the furthest Walt Disney resorts from the parks.
All-Star Movies
The good news is the guests at Value resorts can easily access all of the Disney World theme parks via free Disney transportation. The downside is that the only transportation option available to Value resort guests is bus service (ie, no direct monorail or boat access).
However, buses operate through the day and transport guests directly to and from every Disney World theme park. Bus stops are conveniently located in the front of each resort.
As far as Disney World resorts go, Value Resorts are the most “Disney-ish,” kid-friendly resorts in the park. Each resort has its own overall theme, with each building/wing of a resort themed around a Disney movie, musical style, sport, decade, or some other specific element.
For example, All-Star Sports has a “surfing” wing, All-Star Movies has a “Toy Story” wing, and Art of Animation has a section of family suites themed after “Finding Nemo.” These themed areas and elements are lots of fun – for kids and adults alike!
Art of Animation Big Blue Pool
While the exterior of each building exudes a lot of character with fun themes and icons of Disney personalities, the interiors have minimal decor. For the most part, the rooms are basic and no-frills.
Standard room size at Pop Century and the 3 All-Star resorts are 260 square feet, while Art of Animation is 277 square feet. This compares with roughly 314 square feet at moderate resorts. Maximum occupancy is 4 people (plus one baby under age 3 in a crib).
While none of the Disney Value resorts have water slides, each has their own themed-pools.
Pools at Value resorts tend to be a little smaller than the pools at Moderate and Deluxe resorts. However, there is one notable exception: Art of Animation’s Big Blue Pool is the largest pool at Disney World.
Each of the 5 Disney Value resorts has their own food court. These meals count as Quick Service meals.
None of the Disney Value resorts offer Table Service meals.
