5 Reasons Port Orleans French Quarter Might Be the Disney Moderate Resort You Didn’t Know You Needed

When people start planning a Walt Disney World vacation, the Disney Moderate Resorts often get overlooked.

And I get it. There are so many resorts to choose from that it can be hard to know which one is actually the right fit for your family.

But there is one Moderate Resort that I think deserves a little more attention: Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter.

I've stayed at and visited Disney resorts over the years, and one thing that stands out about French Quarter is that it manages to give you that beautiful, immersive Disney resort experience without feeling enormous.

In fact, I think the smaller size is one of its biggest advantages.

So, if you're looking for a Moderate Resort for your next Disney vacation, here are 5 reasons Port Orleans French Quarter might be the resort you didn't know you needed.

1. The Size — Small Is a BIG Deal

Let's start with what I think is one of the biggest advantages of Port Orleans French Quarter:

It's small.

And when you're staying at Disney World, small can be a very big deal.

French Quarter is a compact resort, which means you're never terribly far from the important things—your room, the pool, dining, the lobby and transportation.

After a long day walking around a Disney park, the last thing you may want is another 15-minute walk just to get back to your room.

At French Quarter, you don't have to navigate a massive resort to get where you're going.

It's simple. It's manageable. And for families who don't want to spend their vacation doing extra walking, that can make a huge difference.

Sometimes less resort to navigate means more vacation time.

2. The Theming Feels Like a Little Trip to New Orleans

If you love immersive Disney theming, French Quarter delivers.

The resort is inspired by New Orleans' French Quarter, with colorful buildings, wrought-iron balconies, courtyards, fountains and details that make you feel like you've stepped into a completely different place.

And yes, I've actually been to the real French Quarter in New Orleans multiple times.

While the real thing has its own history and charm, Disney's version gives you that French Quarter-inspired atmosphere in a way that's clean, beautifully maintained and family-friendly.

The colorful buildings and ornate balconies make the resort especially fun to explore—and it makes for some really pretty photos, too.

You get that New Orleans-inspired atmosphere without ever leaving Disney property.

3. The Beignets. Enough Said.

Let's be honest.

You had me at beignets.

Port Orleans French Quarter is home to Scat Cat's Club Café, where you can grab those famous Mickey-shaped beignets.

And these aren't something you have to travel across property to find.

They're right at your resort.

Whether you're grabbing a sweet treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack or a late-night indulgence, having Mickey-shaped beignets just steps from your room is a pretty fantastic perk.

And if you're staying at French Quarter, I'd definitely put these on your Disney must-do list.

4. The Pool & Splash Pad Are Seriously Fun

The Doubloon Lagoon pool is another reason French Quarter stands out.

The pool area has a fun Mardi Gras theme, complete with a giant sea serpent slide featuring King Neptune.

But if you're traveling with younger kids, there's another part of the pool area you may appreciate even more:

The splash pad.

And I'm going to say it:

It's arguably one of the best water play areas at Disney World.

The Mardi Gras theming carries into the children's water play area, giving little ones plenty of opportunities to splash, spray and cool off.

For families with younger children, having a fun pool and splash area right at the resort can be a huge bonus.

Because sometimes the kids need a Disney break from the Disney parks!

5. The Boat Ride to Disney Springs Doesn't Feel Like Transportation

One of my favorite things about staying at Port Orleans French Quarter is the boat to Disney Springs.

You can hop aboard the Sassagoula River boat and enjoy a relaxing ride along the water to Disney Springs.

And here's the thing:

It doesn't really feel like transportation.

It feels like part of the vacation.

Instead of sitting on a bus and watching the road go by, you're cruising along the river, taking in the scenery and enjoying a completely different pace.

You can also walk along the river to neighboring Port Orleans Riverside, which gives you another resort to explore during your stay.

That makes the two Port Orleans resorts feel almost like one larger experience—with French Quarter offering the smaller, more intimate feel and Riverside offering even more grounds and places to explore.

And honestly, that's one of the things I love about Disney resorts.

Sometimes the little moments between destinations become some of your favorite vacation memories.

So, Is Port Orleans French Quarter Right for You?

If you're looking for a Disney Moderate Resort with beautiful theming, a smaller footprint, great amenities and fun transportation options, I think Port Orleans French Quarter deserves a spot on your list.

It's especially appealing if you:

• Don't want a huge, sprawling resort
• Have younger children who will enjoy the splash pad
• Love immersive theming
• Want easy access to Mickey-shaped beignets
• Like the idea of taking a boat to Disney Springs
• Want a resort that feels relaxing without sacrificing Disney magic

And perhaps my favorite thing about French Quarter?

It doesn't try to be everything.

It's smaller. It's charming. It's easy to navigate. And it has a personality all its own.

Sometimes the best Disney resort for your family isn't the biggest or the most elaborate one.

Sometimes it's the one that makes your vacation feel just a little bit easier.

And Port Orleans French Quarter might be exactly that resort.

Ready to Find Your Disney Resort?

With so many Walt Disney World resorts to choose from, figuring out where to stay can feel overwhelming.

That's where I come in.

As a Disney travel advisor, I help families choose the resort, room category and vacation options that make sense for their family—not just the resort that's most popular.

If you're ready to start planning your next Disney vacation, I'd love to help you find your perfect fit.

✨ Crown & Current Travel

Making the most of the moments that go by too fast.