When you think about New Orleans, many different things can come to mind: Mardi Gras, crawfish, gumbo, Bourbon Street and Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter.

The magic of Disney is surely evident at this resort, as we were swept away to the splendor of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Knowing that this is the smallest of the four moderate resorts I was not expecting to be awed when we arrived. However, I got exactly the opposite reaction as we stepped off the motor coach. The presence of the Big Easy was already prevalent, starting with the check in building, which was modeled after a U.S. mint from the 1900s. With lots of windows and wrought iron, the atmosphere inside gave us the feeling we weren’t in Central Florida anymore. (I even hear that at night you will find a jazz player in the lobby).

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter does a fabulous job of showcasing the class and intimacy that the Delta City has to offer. Thin, small streets lined with wrought iron and a beautiful overgrown floral landscape lead the way to the block-style buildings that contain the 1008 guest rooms along the Sassagoula River.

Our 314 square foot room appeared to be the same exact layout as all of the other standard rooms in the moderate resorts, right down to the location of the beds in comparison to the television and the refrigerator. The theme of the rooms at the French Quarter differs from the other resorts with a hold to the Mardi Gras theme. The bright yellow bedspreads featured a carnival-like Mardi Gras theme that matched the artistic Disney Mardi Gras rendition painting on the wall. The rooms come standard with two double beds, and in the vanity area there were two pedestal sinks with separated mirrors.

Along with the main themed pool Doubloon Lagoon, which features a slide that looks as though your coming out of the serpents mouth, this resort offers a diverse selection of activities. There are six tennis courts, an arcade, a jogging trail, boat rentals, fishing, and carriage rides. You will also find a food court and Boatwright’s Dining Hall, a full service restaurant at the French Quarters sister resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. The only negative thing I can think of about this resort is the fact that the only transportation available is by motor coach; unless you are going to Downtown Disney, then you can take a water taxi.

Although the French Quarter doesn’t offer the same amenities as the deluxe resorts, it is by far a great value for the comfortable, intimate, and relaxing accommodations and the numerous on-site activities it offers. I can honestly say that I would recommend this resort as it is one of my favorites in the moderate resort category.

Please review our other Disney journals:
A Disney Education: Disney Dining On A Business Trip
Walt Disney World Grand Floridian Weekend

Definitely buy the souvenir mug in the hotel food court. It''s $9, with unlimited refills throughout your trip (or forever, really.) We had 3 adults and a 12 year old in a room, and split the price of the room 3 ways, making this a very good deal. The worst part of Port Orleans is that we were always dropped off the farthest from all the parks. Not so bad in the morning, but late at night the added walking was a pain. Plus, in the morning, we were picked up and then the bus stopped 4 times at Dixie Landings. The only thing good about that was that we were dropped off first at the end of the day. The best part of PO was the neat water slide in the pool. Great photo op. If you like the New Orleans ambiance, it''s a worthwhile hotel. Otherwise, you''d do better staying elsewhere.

For those working on somewhat of a budget, the Port Orleans falls into the 'Moderate' price range for Disney Resorts, however the accommodations were far from moderate. I found Port Orleans to be very comfortable. The rooms were large and very well-kept with little Disney touches all around. Our party of seven was able to get adjoining rooms, which was nice, so be sure to ask. Rooms exit outside, where you take a stroll down what look to be the streets of the French Quarter. There is a great pool with a water slide and a fabulous restaurant, Bonfamille's Cafe, which serves a to-die-for breakfast buffet. Shuttle buses will take you from Port Orleans to anywhere in the World you want to go, or you can travel by boat to Downtown Disney Marketplace.

The Port Orleans is one of WDW's moderately priced resorts. It's decorated in a French/Louisiana fashion with pastel buildings, wrought-iron balconies, gurgling fountains, and sultry jazz music. There is a restaurant, Bon Famille, and a cafeteria, the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. Rooms are simply decorated. The resort is fairly small, so any building you choose will likely be a good choice. I personally went for Room 4 because of its proximity to the bus station and to the food court.