Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter, Orlando

The Port Orleans French Quarter is classed as one of Walt Disney World's Moderate and up to a few years ago was actually two Disney resorts: Port Orleans and Dixie Landings. The good folks at Disney then decided that it would be cheaper to make one huge resort and now you have the French Quarter (formerly Port Orleans) and Riverside (formerly Dixie Landings). Confused? You should be as no one who has ever stayed at either of these resorts quite understands ...
...pixie dust flying around that day!

The hotel is located in the Downtown Disney area and a great treat at this hotel is that a boat service down the river direct to the Market place which is lovely and peaceful but if you go in winter make sure to wrap up warmly as it gets mighty cold on the water even though this is Florida!

About the resort:
Port Orleans French Quarter opened in 1992 and was one of the smaller ... more

The Port Orleans French Quarter is classed as one of Walt Disney World's Moderate and up to a few years ago was actually two Disney resorts: Port Orleans and Dixie Landings. The good folks at Disney then decided that it would be cheaper to make one huge resort and now you have the French Quarter (formerly Port Orleans) and Riverside (formerly Dixie Landings). Confused? You should be as no one who has ever stayed at either of these resorts quite understands why Disney took this decision; maybe there was too much pixie dust flying around that day!

The hotel is located in the Downtown Disney area and a great treat at this hotel is that a boat service down the river direct to the Market place which is lovely and peaceful but if you go in winter make sure to wrap up warmly as it gets mighty cold on the water even though this is Florida!

About the resort:
Port Orleans French Quarter opened in 1992 and was one of the smaller moderate resorts with around a 1000 rooms. Based loosely on a Mardi gras/New Orleans theme the resort consists of seven buildings that each contain three floors with hotel rooms. All of the rooms have exterior doors (i.e. like a motel) but Disney security is so good that safety is never really an issue. The resort is very pleasant set in acres of green manicured gardens which include a croquet lawn as well as 1.6 kilometres of pathways which are tranquil to walk or cycle around.

Guest rooms:

There are two types of guest rooms offered at this hotel; Standard and water view. The rooms are all identical in size etc but the water view rooms view water. You can't really see too much out of the windows in this hotel so I would ask for a room that is nearest the lobby/bus stop and pools and don't be afraid to change rooms if it's to far away! This is by far the smallest Disney resort in this category so all of the rooms are well within walking distance and all of the buildings are painted different colours and numbered so navigation is easy!

The guest rooms are not quite as large as the deluxe resorts but are perfectly adequate for younger families and couples. Each room has either two double or one king bed as well as table and chairs and a small suitcase holder that can also be used as seating. One thing to note is that the beds are strangely high so something to be aware of with younger children. The rooms were all renovated (a badly needed renovation too!) a few years ago and are decorated with heavy looking furniture and green colour scheme. They are not the best looking rooms that you will ever stay in but they are clean and functional.

The bathrooms are tiny in that they only contain the bath and toilet. Outside you will find two sinks with ample storage area for toiletries. It's a bit strange but very practical with kids! Even stranger is the 'open' wardrobe idea where the storage is just rails; again very easy to use and access your clothes! The rooms also feature a small safe and TV stand (with lots of drawer space) with US and some international channels as well as lots of Disney TV and ESPN.

Other room facilities include:

Rooms for people with disabilities are available
In-room pizza and meal delivery
Non-smoking rooms available
Irons, ironing boards, hair dryers and make-up mirrors in each room
In-room refrigerators available at no charge
Cots available upon request
In-room safes

Resort facilities:
A coin-operated laundry is very handy in case you run out of clothes and also saves bringing too many items. Quarters are the name of the game here and the laundry features ample washers, driers as well as soap etc!

If you like swimming then Dive into Mardi Gras fun at Doubloon Lagoon, or enjoy quiet time in the kiddie pool or spa. The dragon slide is a firm family favourite!

Play video and pinball games at South Quarter Games.

Climb and play in the courtyard playground across from the spa.
Spend some time on the river with a kayak, canopy boat, pontoon boat or Sea Raycer by Sea Ray. Payment is required for these locally. You can hire boats from smaller platoon boats to larger almost yacht like boats. Ships ahoy!!

Rates:
As stated in some of my other reviews, Disney operates seasons with the prices of accommodations varying dramatically according to when you visit. The season and prices for 2006 are as follows. Prices quoted are per person based upon two people sharing. Be sure to shop around as some websites in particular will have some great deals at less busy time of year and also be sure to call WDW directly and ask about any discount promotions that they may be offering:

2006 season dates:

Value Season: 01 Jan - 15 Feb, 5 Jul - 4 Oct, 26 Nov - 19 Dec
Regular Season: 23 Apr - 4 Jul, 5 Oct - 25 Nov
Peak Season: 16 Feb - 22 Apr
Holiday Season: 20 Dec - 31 Dec

Room Type Value Regular Peak Holiday

Standard View £38 £42 £49 £53
Water View £42 £46 £55 £59
Standard - King Bed £42 £46 £55 £59

Any negatives?
The biggest bug bear with this hotel is that since the joining of the two resorts the only dining option is now at the Riverside Boatwright's Hall for a more formal sit down meal. None withstanding the restaurant offers southern flavoured flair in a large 'warehouse; style environment that is good fun and offers a good children's menu. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For casual, 'snacky' dining then the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food factory Food court is closer to home in the main building of the French Quarter. This fast food emporium offers pizza, pasta, hamburgers, split-roasted chicken, BBQ ribs, Cajun meatloaf and scrumptious sandwiches. It's open from early until late with a great little bakery as well as drinks counter; make sure you buy an all you can drink cup that is valid for hot and cold (soft) drinks for the duration of your stay.

PS In case anyone is wondering I have been to Disney LOTS over the years because of family and friends in the area and have stayed inmost of the WDW hotels… it's a hard life! :-)
 

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