Best Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
Easy guide to the best rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
In this guide to the best rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter I’ll cover the various room categories that are offered, where you can find them, plus answer some frequently asked questions that I get as a Disney travel advisor.
At just 1,000 guest rooms, Port Orleans French Quarter is the smallest resort at Walt Disney World. To put this into perspective:
Port Orleans Riverside has 3,000 rooms
Coronado Springs has nearly 2,000 rooms
Caribbean Beach has just over 1,500 rooms
Smaller means less crowds and shorter walks to hotel amenities like the pool and dining.
Port Orleans French Quarter is one of the best kept secrets at Walt Disney World because:
it’s centrally located on Disney World property
dining, pool, lobby and bus depot are all a short walk
Transportation to and from the theme parks doesn’t get any easier. This is the only Moderate hotel to have just one bus stop.
Port Orleans French Quarter is technically in the Disney Springs Resort Area but it’s located right behind Epcot. Magic Kingdom is less than 10 minutes away by bus.
Complimentary boat service is provided to and from Disney Springs along the scenic Sassagoula River.
Best Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
There are 7 buildings at Port Orleans French Quarter, each with 3 stories. All have exterior corridors.
Rooms are about 315 square feet and include 2 queen beds, a small table with 2 chairs, a split bath, and a mini-fridge.
POFQ rooms sleep a maximum of 4 guests, rollaway beds are not offered. If you have a 5 guests, look into Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside or Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort as these resorts offer a 5th sleeper option.
What are the room categories at Port Orleans French Quarter?
Garden View
King Bed Room
Pool View (Buildings 2 and 5)
River View (Buildings 1, 2, 5, 6, 7)
Standard View (Buildings 1, 3, 4, 7)
Standard View is the most economical room followed by Garden View. The difference between Standard View and Garden View is minimal and they are often used interchangeably and most guests wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
Where are the Standard View Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort?
Standard View rooms are in buildings 1, 3, 4 and 7.
Garden View rooms can be found throughout the resort, in all buildings. The same is true for King Bed rooms.
River View Rooms are located in the buildings along the Sassagoula River in Buildings 1, 2, 5, 6, 7. Boats going to Port Orleans Riverside and Disney Springs pass by frequently. River View rooms in Building 2 might have noise intrusion from the boat horns.
Where You’ll Find Peace and Quiet
If you’re looking for a for a quiet room location, book a Standard View or Garden View room and request buildings 1 and 7. These buildings will have less people walking by and you’re far enough from the DJ playing music at the pool.
I will often request a 2nd or 3rd floor room for my clients when they are looking for quiet and/or privacy. Rooms on the upper floors won’t have as many people passing by.
Most Convenient Rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter
If you wish to be close to the lobby, dining and bus stop, book a Standard or Garden room and request Buildings 3 and 4.
Are there Preferred rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter?
Preferred Rooms are not offered at POFQ. Pool View would be comparable to Preferred View because your room will be right behind the lobby and transportation depot.
Does Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter have elevators?
Yes. Elevators are available in each building.
How to Make a Room Request at POFQ
Disney will not guarantee room requests but Cast Members at the hotel do try hard to honor them.
If you want help making room your requests, start planning with me today, because I have a few strategies that I have learned over the years that may increase your chances of having your request honored. My client’s requests are honored about 80% of the time.
TIP: The best way to increase your chances is to make your request practical and within the category you booked. For example, don’t book a Standard View room and make a request for a room overlooking the river. River View rooms are a bookable category and they cost more than Standard View. Disney probably won’t won’t honor a complimentary upgrade request.
Contact me now so you can get the most out of your stay at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort! I have plenty of great advice, recommendations and even exclusive offers!
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
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5 Reasons You'll Love Disney's Port Orleans Riverside
What Make Port Orleans Riverside one of the most popular Disney World hotels.
There are a few hotels at Walt Disney World that are so popular, they have a dedicated fan following. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is another and of course Disney’s Port Orleans both Riverside and French Quarter.
So, why is Port Orleans Resort so popular? Here are the top 5 reasons my clients have shared with me about why they love staying here.
#5: IT’s TWO RESORTS IN ONE
Port Orleans Riverside is made up of 2 sections: “Alligator Bayou” and “Magnolia Bend.”
Alligator Bayou has a more rustic atmosphere with dense wooded areas and shaded walking paths.
Magnolia Bend buildings resemble large plantation homes with manicured gardens wide open spaces.
When booking your room reservation, you can enter a request to be in a particular section, but it is not possible to guarantee a room in Alligator Bayou or Magnolia Bend. Disney does try hard to honor requests, however.
Alligator Bayou section of Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Magnolia Bend section of Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
#4: WATER WAY TO DISNEY SPRINGS
Port Orleans Riverside is located on the Sassagoula River, a 2.5 mile manmade canal that leads to Disney Springs - Disney’s shopping and dining district.
Fun Fact: the canal is modeled after the Mississippi River and “Sassagoula” is a Native-American term that means “Mississippi.”
River boats depart every 20 minutes from Port Orleans to Disney Springs.
Complimentary boat transportation to Disney Springs
#4 MODERATELY PRICED, Great value
Port Orleans Riverside is considered a “cross-over” resort from the Value Category hotels.
For example, the average nightly rate in December for a Little Mermaid room at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is $257. A Standard View room at Port Orleans Riverside is only $40 more.
The value is in the additional square footage, amenities like Bell Services, and a pool with a water slide.
Nightly room rates at Port Orleans Riverside start in the low $300s. Discounts are frequently available and when you book with me you will always get the best available rate with Price-Watch!
#3: FIVE-PERSON ROOMS
If you are a party of 5, I have great news! 5th Sleeper rooms at Port Orleans Riverside can sleep up to 5 guests.
These rooms have a fold-down bed that is ideal for children up to age 10.
“Standard” and “5th Sleeper” rooms at Port Orleans Riverside are about 315 square feet.
Rooms include a small table with 2 chairs, a single-cup coffee brewer, and a mini-fridge.
There is a split-bath where the vanity is separate from the tub and toilet. This allows multiple people to get ready at the same time.
Rooms at Riverside were recently refreshed and carpets were replaced with laminate flooring for a cleaner look.
#2 CENTRALLY LOCATED ON DISNEY PROPERTY
Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter are both centrally located on Disney World property. Both are located right behind Epcot and just down the road from Magic Kingdom.
Travel Time by Disney Bus from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort:
Magic Kingdom <10 Minutes
Epcot <10 Minutes
Hollywood Studios <10 minutes
Animal Kingdom 15 minutes
Take a ride between Port Orleans Riverside and Magic Kingdom!
#1 Kid-Friendly Pools
There are a total of 5 leisure pools at Port Orleans Riverside. The feature pool, complete with a 95 foot-long water slide is located on Ol’ Man Island, centrally located within the resort.
On Ol’ Man Island you’ll also find a whirlpool, the Muddy Rivers pool bar and a daily pool party for kids with a DJ and poolside games. Lifeguards are duty at the feature pool as well.
There are also smaller, neighborhood pools that are sometimes referred to as “quiet pools.” There are 2 in Alligator Bayou and 2 in Magnolia Bend. They do not have a DJ or games.
You can also participate in a nightly campfire event and a movie under the stars - only Disney movies of course.
The Feature Pool on Ol’ Man Island features a pool bar, whirlpool and a water slide.
In addition to the feature pool at Port Orleans Riverside, there are several smaller pools located around the resort.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Reopening Date
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside will reopen on Thursday, October 14, 2021
Sassagoula River at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside
Magical Vacations Travel has Agency Exclusive Offers on Standard View 2 Queen Rooms and Standard View 5th Sleeper Rooms for select dates in October, November and December 2021. These offers will sell out so booking early is highly recommended. See all offers for Port Orleans Riverside!
Which Park is Port Orleans Riverside Closest to?
Epcot 10 minutes
Disney’s Hollywood Studios 10 minutes
Magic Kingdom 10 minutes
Animal Kingdom 15 minutes
Can you walk to Epcot from Port Orleans?
No, it is not possible to walk to Epcot. Port Orleans is literally right behind Epcot, but the entrance to Epcot is on the opposite side. There are no sidewalks available. Take the bus or drive over to Epcot.
What are the other Moderate Resorts are at Disney World?
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort - Gran Destino Tower
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Resort Cabins
Are there themed rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Yes, Port Orleans Riverside has “Royal Rooms” that are themed to resemble the living quarters of a Disney princess. There are lots of hidden details all around the room. If you have a princess of your own, the Royal Rooms are great way to plus your vacation.
Is there a walking path from Port Orleans to Disney Springs?
No but you can use complimentary Disney transportation. Boats to Disney Springs leave about every 20 minutes.
How can I get a quote for Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside?
Start by filling out the Quote Request here. It has everything I need to get you the best available rate.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
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Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside Tour
Photo Tour of Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Resort Summary
There are two sections to Port Orleans Resort Riverside. The stately white-column mansions of Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou’s quaint backwoods cottages. Both are located in a picturesque setting that evokes the romance of rural Louisiana.
The Sassagoula River connects Port Orleans Riverside to Disney Springs, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
Arrival and Lobby Areas
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is a Moderate category hotel. Disney moderates have one central hub for dining, check in and bell services. Rooms are accessible via exterior corridors.
The design of lobby at Port Orleans Riverside is inspired by the classic riverboat terminals of the American south. Around the ceiling you’ll see names of the cities the steamboats travel to.
Online check in is a popular option these days, cutting down on the need to check in at the desk.
Using your Disney World mobile app, you can check in to Port Orleans Riverside in advance. You’ll receive a text message with your room number when it’s ready. Standard check in service is also available if you prefer.
Video Tour
Inside the lobby you’ll see a seating area, where passengers might wait for their steamboat (or Uber) to arrive. If you look closely at the richly polished wood floor and you’ll notice a beautiful compass rose inlay, made by hand.
Fresh floral arrangements are a staple in many of the Walt Disney World lobbies.
Room Categories
There are 2,050 rooms at Port Orleans Riverside located in 2 and 3 story buildings with exterior corridors.
The majority of rooms have 2 queen beds that can sleep up to 4 guests but there are several variations, including 5th sleeper rooms and Royal Rooms.
Many rooms have connecting doors. Requests for connecting doors cannot be guaranteed unless two rooms are booked with a parent in each room. Ask me how to arrange this for you when requesting your quote.
Port Orleans Riverside Room Categories
(in order of nightly rate, least to greatest)
Standard View
Standard View 5th Sleeper
Woods View
Woods View 5th Sleeper
Pool View (some have 5th sleepers. If you have a party of 5 and book Pool View, you will get a room with the 5th sleeper).
King Bed rooms
River View
Preferred Room (close to main lobby)
Royal Room - Standard View
Royal Room - River View
Royal Room - Woods View
Rooms have curtains that divide the vanity area from the rest of the room. There’s a door separating the water closet, bathtub and shower. This makes it possible for multiple people to get ready at the same time.
Pet Friendly Rooms
Port Orleans Riverside is a pet friendly hotel. Rooms designated as pet friendly are only used for guests who have pets. If you’re not traveling with a pet, you will not be assigned a pet friendly room. These rooms are also located in a designated area of the hotel complex.
Pets may also be boarded at the Best Friends Pet Care Center located across the street.
5th Sleeper Rooms
5th Sleeper rooms have the same layout as a standard room, either two queen beds or 1 king bed, and include a Murphy-style bed that folds down. The Murphy bed is ideal for children up to age 10.
Royal Rooms
Located in the Magnolia Bend section of the resort, Royal Rooms have a Disney Princess theme. These rooms are the furthest away from the lobby but Disney is hoping you love the theme so much, that you won’t mind the extra walk.
There is a bus depot nearby so it’s not necessary to walk to the lobby for transportation.
There are 2 sections to Port Orleans Riverside, Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. While it’s not possible to select which section your room is located in, I am able to note requests on your reservation.
The biggest difference between the two sections is theme. Magnolia Bend represents the manor houses of deep south with manicured lawns and plantings. Buildings have 2 and 3 stories with exterior corridors.
Alligator Bayou is made up of 2-story, rustic lodges with with shady gardens and pathways.
Port Orleans Riverside - Magnolia Bend
Port Orleans Riverside - Alligator Bayou
Room Rates
Room rates at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside vary by season, weekday vs. weekend, overall availability, and the number of adults staying in the room. Contact me for an exact price.
Additional fees:
An additional fee applies if you park a vehicle overnight at the hotel.
Parking at the theme parks is complimentary.
Disney charges a nominal fee for having additional adults (ages 18+) staying in the room. This fee does not apply to the first two adults.
Room Amenities
Coffee Maker
Hair Dryer
In-room safe
Internet - Free WiFi Service
Iron & ironing board
Mini-refrigerator
Telephone with voice mail
Television
Small table with 2 chairs (in most rooms)
Hotel Services
Check-In – 4:00 PM
Check-Out – 11:00 AM
Overnight self parking (fees apply)
Valet parking (fees apply)
Bell services
Complimentary theme park transportation
Self-service laundry rooms
Hotel gift shop
Arcade
Fulton’s General Store is located just off the lobby at Port Orleans Riverside.
Pool and recreation
The feature pool is located just behind the check in building on Ol’ Man Island. A pool bar and playground are also located on the island.
There are several smaller, or quiet pools, located around the resort if you prefer a more relaxing setting. These pools do not have water slides or poolside entertainment and can be found throughout the hotel complex.
Pool on Ol’ Man Island, just behind the main lobby.
Playground on Ol’ Man Island
Video arcade just off the lobby
Rent a fishing pole Ol’ Man Island!
There are many scenic pathways around Port Orleans Riverside. You can rent a traditional bicycle or a surrey bike and enjoy a ride along the Sassagoula River.
Dining Options
Theme Park Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Orleans Riverside
Which park is Port Orleans Riverside closest to?
Port Orleans Riverside is in the Disney Springs resort area, but it’s less than 10 minutes away from Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Buses make stops around the hotel complex which can add about 10 minutes to the trip.
How long is the bus ride from Port Orleans Riverside to Magic Kingdom?
Magic Kingdom is less than 10 minutes away from Port Orleans Riverside. The bus will make a few stops within the resort complex before making its way to Magic Kingdom and that will add additional time.
Can you walk to Epcot from Port Orleans Riverside?
No, it is not possible to walk to Epcot. Even though Port Orleans Riverside is directly behind Epcot, there is no access way or sidewalk to the park’s entrance.
What did Port Orleans Riverside used to be called?
When the hotel originally opened, it was Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort.
Can you take a boat from Port Orleans to Magic Kingdom?
No, buses operate between Port Orleans Riverside and Magic Kingdom. Boat service is provided only to Disney Springs.
Is Port Orleans Riverside a moderate resort?
Yes, Port Orleans Riverside and its sister hotel, Port Orleans French Quarter are both Disney World moderately priced resorts.
Is Port Orleans Riverside part of DVC (Disney Vacation Club)?
No, it is not a Disney Vacation Club resort but some DVC members may be able to use their points at Port Orleans Riverside.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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