Walt Disney World Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Review

Some of the main features of Port Orleans French Quarter is the stunning architecture. Made distinctly similar to that in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Disney nails it right down to the street signs, the gas lampposts, tranquil water fountains and ponds and the paver brick sidewalks. Wrought iron gates and fences adorn many areas of the hotel and main building. This look is softened by magnolia trees and definitive and pristine landscape. Much more open and detailed than its counterpart resort---the Riverside---French Quarter takes guests through pristine and bustling areas of the resort, leading to a winding walk along the Sassagoula River to the Riverside's isolated country backwoods. The two resorts are connected by a short walkway and offer a wealth of nature trails to seek and explore.

The pros and benefits to the rooms in the French Quarter are that Disney does not skimp on style or taste. Embodying romance and the comfort of a Southern-style mansion, all of the 1,008 rooms are set in a traditional motif. Double sinks and changing areas make these rooms rank high with parents of young children. Some can draw the curtain and go change while others can sit comfortably on the bed and watch television. There are three different styles of rooms to choose from---standard view of the parking lot, garden view of the inner gardens, and water view with pool or riverside views. The garden view tends to be the least bustling of all three, due to most people just walking through. The lobby is a great place for the entire family to hang out. There is a small gift shop there for gifts and supplies.
The cons to this resort are that there is only one restaurant on the resort grounds, called Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. The hustle and bustle of the Mardi Gras theme overtakes this eatery, making it somewhat "busy" for the eyes and the ears. The other downside to this resort is that there is only one pool. It is more themed toward children with a huge dragon in the middle. There is an alligator band constantly playing silly children's Mardi Gras-inspired music.

The bottom line is that this resort is stately and affordable but lacks some of the amenities and luxuries that the nearby resorts do. It doesn't stand close to its sister resort next door and some rooms may even run a little pricier than Riverside. It is more or less a mesh of Mardi Gras touched with the traditional stateliness of the French Quarter area in New Orleans. Some areas, such as the pool and restaurants, are geared more toward kids and families, where the rooms have a more romantic setting that embodies a room for two. Being a Disney resort, the benefits outweigh the cons. Good room service, clean rooms and being close to the theme parks make this resort a real winner.