Port Orleans French Quarter is in the New Orleans motif. Hence the French Quarter name. I wouldn't call the decor elegant, but the theming is cute and appropriate. It was fun and enjoyable to look around the property. In 2016, when we visited, the main building was undergoing a remodel. So some of the photo sets are not complete. Overall I prefer this side of the Port Orleans pair over the Riverside half out of sheer convenience. My husband and I stayed in the Riverside section a year and a half prior and it definitely has more as far as recreation activities. FQ is smaller, so your room will most likely be closer to the main building. This half of the resort also has the kids' splash pad and slide feature. When staying at either Port Orleans resort you have access to the other's amenities. We had dinner at the Riverside food court one night because we liked a few options over there better than the limited menu at FQ because of construction. We found this to be a great Moderate Disney resort, good food, and beautiful grounds.
Rooms
We lucked out and ended up with a room in building five. This is the building directly next to the food court and lobby and also next to the pool. Maybe it was the fact that I was 6 months pregnant and they took pity on me? We encountered a lot of "good luck" mixed with some not so good on this trip. (It poured during our Not So Scary Halloween Party). I think much of our good luck came from my awesomely protruding belly! We were on the second floor, which was nice because we could look out the window and see some of the pool area and resort. The room had typical moderate resort amenities including an ironing board, coffee maker with Joffrey's Coffee, curved shower bar (yay, for no sticky curtain) and more. We didn't have any noise issues during our stay even though we were right near all the action!
Playground
My son spent some time checking it out and playing on it during our stay. He gave it two thumbs up! I, on the other hand, found it a bit hot. The benches weren't in shady areas and I kept moving around to be in the shade. I like that they had a large open area surrounding the equipment. Kids love to run around on playgrounds, by providing a wide open space they are less likely to clobber in to each other or the apparatus!
Pool & Aquatic Play Area
We actually spent a decent amount of time here on this trip. My son was 3.5 at the time and he loved the waterslide. I am not exaggerating when I say he went down it at least 100 times during our 3 night stay. He liked it so much that he took no interest in the splash pad area with sprayers and smaller slides. There was no height requirement for the big slide. Minimum heights have been an issue for us as my son is on the short side. Since this trip occurred, he's never been allowed on a water slide on a single cruise or hotel since. FYI, I am writing this two years after this trip occurred. That's what happens when you have a busy life with two kids! The one I was pregnant with on this trip is about to turn two. I am sure you can relate if you've made it this far through my blog. The pool itself was spacious. It could handle a fairly large crowd and probably still feel comfortable. We stay from a Sunday to a Wednesday, in the fall, so crowds were at a minimum for us. As Floridians the pool was slightly chilly in our opinion, but still comfortable once you were in. I'm sure northerners found it just fine or possibly warm.
Sassagoula River Cruise
One perk of the Port Orleans resort pair is the Ferry boat that picks up and drops off at Disney Springs. Each Port Orleans resort has a dock of it's own. The trip between Disney Springs and Port Orleans is 20 minutes give or take. It depends if you board at French Quarter or Riverside. Trips run from 10am to 11:30pm daily. The best part is, it's FREE!
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