Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter - Is It Still the Best Kept Secret?

Jamie & Brad | Click the Mouse

About the Host

Jamie is a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. Services are completely free. Contact: jamiethomasshow@gmail.com | clickthemouse.ca/JamieQuote

Overview

Port Orleans French Quarter is a moderate resort near the Disney Springs area — and one of Jamie and Brad's personal favorites on all of Walt Disney World property. The core argument: it delivers a near-deluxe experience at a moderate price point, with a calm, boutique feel that sets it apart from every other moderate on property.

Why It Feels Like a Deluxe (Without the Price Tag)

The combination of factors that makes French Quarter punch above its weight class:

Small and quaint — boutique hotel vibe, not a sprawling resort complex
Exceptional cast member service — directly tied to the resort's smaller size and fewer guests
Single bus stop — every other moderate has multiple stops due to size; French Quarter goes point A to point B, saving significant time after long park days
Boat to Disney Springs — a genuinely relaxing and convenient perk
Quick Epcot access — easy connection via the boat/bus system
Room-to-amenity distance — even rooms placed far from the lobby are within about five minutes on foot. Pool, food, transportation — nothing is a hike.

Theme & Atmosphere

The resort is themed around New Orleans French Quarter / Tiana's Bayou, and it's done exceptionally well:

Live music and on-site activities give it an authentic NOLA feel
The surrounding grounds have an almost campground-like quality — surrey bikes, boats, manicured trees, lush landscaping — warm and relaxing rather than theme-park loud
One of the quietest and calmest resorts on WDW property — noted as a great fit for guests on the spectrum or anyone who finds sensory-heavy environments overwhelming
Sister resort Port Orleans Riverside is a short walk away — guests can cross over to use their pool and enjoy both properties

The Renovated Rooms

The rooms were fully gutted and refurbished — Brad walked by during construction and described it as a complete rebuild, not a cosmetic refresh.

Room highlights:

Light Tiana-inspired design with Mardi Gras touches (including decorative beads near the coffee bar)
Beautiful tile work throughout, including the bathroom
Feel borderline luxurious for a moderate category
Among the newest, most updated rooms on WDW property

One limitation: Rooms sleep a maximum of four guests. Families of five will need either two rooms or to book at sister resort Port Orleans Riverside, which accommodates up to five.

Dining

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory (Quick Service)

Wide variety of options
New Orleans-specific items: jambalaya, gumbo, and more

Scat Cat's Club (Jamie's favorite)

Live music in the evenings
Home of the famous beignets — served piping hot
Widely considered the best beignets at Walt Disney World
Gluten-free beignets available — one of the only places on property offering this; a major draw for guests with dietary restrictions

The resort gift shop also carries French Quarter-exclusive merchandise, making it a fan-favorite stop even for non-guests.

The Pool

Large, beautifully themed pool
Dragon/Mardi Gras-themed waterslide — very popular, considered one of the better slides on property
Separate gated play area for younger kids (48 inches and under) — a smaller, contained space away from the main pool

Who This Resort Is Best For

Guests who want value without sacrificing quality
Those who appreciate calm, quieter environments (including sensory-sensitive guests)
Travelers who want fast park access without the chaos of a larger moderate
Fans of New Orleans culture, food, and atmosphere
Couples or families of up to four

Jamie & Brad's Final Take

Between all the moderates on property, French Quarter is the top pick — edging out even the highly regarded Grand Destino Tower at Coronado Springs. The Grand Destino Tower is newer as a property, but French Quarter's rooms are every bit as updated. The difference: French Quarter is quieter, calmer, more intimate, and still widely under the radar.