The fun and whimsy of Mardi Gras is gently mixed in with charm of the cobblestone streets of New Orleans at Disney's French Quarter Resort. This resort is the smallest of the moderate resorts on Disney property, which creates an intimate and unique experience that my family recently enjoyed for the first time.

Disney's French Quarter is located along the banks of the Sassagoula River, offering boat transportation to Disney Springs as well as to its sister resort, Disney's Riverside resort. The moderate resort rooms have two Queen beds and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus an infant under the age of 3. There are only seven buildings on property and each is equal distance to the pool, food court and the one bus stop on property. Buildings are three-stories high, but an elevator is available for your use if needed.

Your family will enjoy spending time at the Doubloon Lagoon, where everyone can enjoy the sea serpent water slide and a water spouting alligator band. Life jackets are available free of charge for your little swimmers, who are allowed to enjoy the water slide while wearing their vest. A whimsical new aquatic play area, which features child-size water slides, water canons and fountains, recently opened up for the little travelers, who are 48 inches or less. Disney Kid Counselors host family games, like Disney trivia and water activities, poolside each day too.

Evening movies under the stars are offered on alternating nights between Disney's French Quarter and Riverside resorts. The schedule of movies is available at check-in and is also posted at the resort. Our family enjoyed watching Big Hero 6 under the stars one evening. We were surprised to find free bags of Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn and a towels available for our use while we settled on the grass for a beautiful night under the stars.

With four boys, my family has strong feelings about food and this food court ranks high on our list for variety and deliciousness. The food court at Port Orleans French Quarter is called "Sassagoula Float Works" and is open daily from 6:oo am until midnight. The food court is decorated with large Mardi Gras themed masks. The food court contains a variety of stations offering American-Creole cuisine ranging from burgers and pizza to sandwiches, wraps, and a variety of hot dishes including jambalaya, chicken and ribs. The bakery items are made fresh on site each day. Disney's French Quarter is known for their beignets (fried dough covered with powdered sugar), which are included as a dessert on the Disney Dining Plan and/or a snack credit, The made-to-order ice cream sandwiches, which are made with 2 large freshly baked cookies and 3 scoops of ice cream, should not be missed as well. There is a 'grab-n-go' area containing pre-made sandwiches, snacks, drinks and desserts available too.

Disney's French Quarter resort at times have been excluded from promotions and discounts. In my opinion, the quaint "streets" with wrought iron fences, delicious food court, and the fantastic themed pool, along with the small resort size, make choosing this as my Disney home for my vacation is a perfect start to a memorable, magical visit to Walt Disney World.

Tressa Krippel

Travel Specialist