Disney parks are known for their impeccable theming, and the hotels in Disney World are no different. No matter what resort you stay at, you’ll be transported to another time or world, and Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is no different. This gorgeous resort, inspired by the colorful sights and sounds of Mardi Gras, will give you a fun and exciting place to stay while visiting the theme parks on your next Disney World vacation.

An Overview of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

You’ll feel as though you’ve just landed in Southern Louisiana as you check into the front lobby, appropriately titled Port Orleans Square. This resort is modeled after the famous Bourbon Street, with its wrought-iron balconies and gas lamps lighting your way. You can even take a boat ride or walk down the Sassagoula River to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.

Types of Rooms

While French Quarter does an excellent job in their theming, it is essential to note that they only offer standard rooms. You can choose a room with two queen beds or just a single king bed, making this hotel perfect for small groups of people (between 2-4).

Guests can choose a view of the gardens, river, pool, or a standard view.

Amenities Port Orleans – French Quarter

Disney World resorts offer fantastic amenities to help you have a wonderful time, even when you’re not in the parks. Guests staying at French Quarter can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and parking.

Families can dip at Doubloon Lagoon, a New Orleans-inspired pool featuring a sizeable 51-foot sea serpent whose tongue doubles as a water slide. A whirlpool spa is also located outside the pool area and is surrounded by plenty of lounge chairs for you to relax after a long day in the parks. However, it is important to note that the whirlpool spa is relatively small.

A Water Play Area is available for the younger ones with smaller slides and sprinklers.

While you usually need a room at a Disney resort to use the pool, guests staying at Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter can also use any of the five pools over at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.

Activities Port Orleans – French Quarter

French Quarter features some of the exact recreations as other Disney hotels, such as complimentary movies under the stars and roasting marshmallows around a campfire. Families can also enjoy the South Quarter Arcade with fun Disney-themed games and classics such as Skee-Ball and pinball.

Since this resort is located on the Sassagoula River, you can stroll over to Port Orleans – Riverside for a horse-drawn carriage ride. This will cost you $55 before tax, but this 25-minute ride is a perfect way to truly enjoy the sights and sounds of both Port Orleans Resorts in Disney World.

Kids aged 2-12 can also take advantage of the fun playground near the pool. While not technically an amenity, this resort also has lush areas of grass that are perfect for children to run around in and get out some of that energy on days you aren’t in the parks.

Transportation to the Parks, Disney Springs

Like all Disney World resorts, your stay includes complimentary transportation to all four theme parks, the water parks, and Disney Springs.

Busses can take guests to any of the above locations and Disney′s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course. You can find the bus stop right outside the front lobby.

Because the French Quarter is on the water, transportation by water taxi is also available if you’re heading to Disney Springs. Suppose you’re looking for more dining options or want a change of scenery. In that case, the water taxi will also take you to Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside. You can enjoy a relaxing ride on the water while going to your destination.

Dining Options Port Orleans – French Quarter

French Quarter does not have any table service restaurants for dining. However, they do have several dining options to choose from, all of which are perfectly themed.

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

Enjoy a savory bowl of gumbo or jambalaya in this Mardi-Gras-inspired dining area. The high ceilings of this food court will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into the …

Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge

This full-service bar is perfect for a late-evening snack or drink. On Wednesday-Sunday nights, you can order a Bonfamilies Bourbon Peach Tea with some alcohol-infused beignets while listening to a live jazz performance.

Scat Cat’s Club – Café

It would only be a trip to the French Quarter with a delicious Mickey-shaped beignet. Even if you aren’t staying at French Quarter, it’s worth the trip just for this fluffy dessert alone, as this is one of the only places in Disney World where you can get one (the other location being Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie at the French Pavilion in EPCOT). At Scat Cat’s Club Cafe, you can purchase an order of six or three to share with friends or get yourself a Mickey-shaped beignet sundae.

Mardi Grogs

This bar is located near the pool and offers various cocktails, mocktails, and a few food items. You can order a Gata-Melon Juice or a Hurricane after a refreshing swim in the pool while the kids enjoy a Bull Frog Brew or Lava Smoothie.

Overall Thoughts

Port Orleans – French Quarter is a perfect resort for families ready to be transported into the season of Mardi Gras. Whether you’re looking for live music and themed drinks or an exciting pool for the kids, this resort is perfect for all parties visiting Walt Disney World.

Pop Century is one of Walt Disney World’s value resorts, but it offers a lot for the price. Disney’s Pop Century may not be at the top of people’s lists as a must-stay hotel. But this has become one of my favorite places to spend my vacations. Let’s dive into what makes Pop Century one of Disney’s underrated gems!

Pop Century Provides Great Value

Most people traveling to Disney World are going for one main purpose: to enjoy the parks. Because of this, it makes sense to spend as little as possible for a hotel. More money can be spent on snacks and souvenirs. As a value resort, Pop Century is more affordable compared to the moderate and deluxe options.

For the lower price, you get a place to sleep at night, themed pools, and free transportation to all the parks. On my last trip, I spent most of the trip in the parks or at Disney Springs. So, Pop Century was the perfect choice to give us somewhere affordable to stay while still being on Disney property.

Theming of the Resort

Walking into the Pop Century lobby is a blast from the past. You’re met with decor to celebrate decades from the 1950s to the 1990s. A wall running along the length of the lobby displays shadow boxes of major fads of the past, like an old-school jukebox and a polaroid camera.

You’ll then be assigned your room, which will be in one of the buildings assigned to each of those decades.  You’ll be in the 1970s building covered in mood rings and platform shoes. Or maybe the 1980s area with Pac-Man ghosts. You won’t be disappointed in the amount of detail put into the theme of this hotel.

And it wouldn’t be a Disney hotel without fan-favorite characters. Oversized character decor corresponding with the decade that the film was released. Look out for larger-than-life classics like Lady, Tramp, and Baloo!

Pop Century has a Variety of Unique Pools

Unlike many Disney resorts, which only offer one or two pools. Pop Century has three different themed pools. Each pool matches the theme of the rooms located nearby. A Hippy Dippy Pool for the ‘60s, a Bowling Pool for the ‘50s, and a Computer Pool for the ‘90s. Depending on the pool you go to, you’ll hear popular music from classic Disney films from that period.

Because of the number of pools, you won’t need to walk far to take a quick dip after a hot day in the parks. The multitude of pools also makes for a less crowded swimming experience.

Skyliner and Transportation

One of the greatest advantages of Pop Century is the access to the Skyliner. If you’re planning on spending the day in Epcot or Hollywood studios, you can hop on the gondola. You’ll enjoy the trip while enjoying a bird’s-eye view of Disney property.

 Pop also offers bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, or Blizzard Beach.

If you’re afraid of heights, keep in mind this resort does not offer bus transportation to Epcot or Hollywood studios unless the Skyliner is closed. Which can happen during inclement weather. While buses are not always available, it is easy to request a Lyft, Uber, or the Disney Minnie Van service.

Food Offerings

Looking to grab something to eat without leaving the hotel? Everything POP Shopping & Dining offers an assortment of quick-service selections. This food-court style dining option offers meals such as Mickey waffles, chili-cheese dogs, burgers, and more. You can even order an entire pizza to make feeding your family easier.

The variety of options is perfect for those with young picky eaters who prefer chicken strips. Though it may disappoint those looking to try some of the higher quality meals that Disney offers. Yet, The Skyliner makes it easy to hop on a gondola for a quick trip over to the Riveria. Which hosts several restaurants guests can enjoy before heading back to Pop for the night. Guests can also take a walk over to Disney’s Art of Animation to check out their menu, so the options are endless.

Pop Century Rooms

The rooms at Pop are simple. Though fans will appreciate the small Disney touches such as the Mickey artwork on the wall. These rooms can sleep up to four, though some guests may feel frustrated with having to share one shower, toilet, and sink.

I traveled with only one other adult, and we found that the room was perfect for the two of us. We had separate beds and plenty of room to get ready in the morning.

It should also be noted that Pop is a big resort.  So guests who prefer a shorter walk can pay for a preferred room closer to the lobby, gift shop, and dining area.

Other Resort Amenities

Another convenient offering at Pop is how close the laundry rooms are to the pools. Now, most people may not envision spending their vacation having to do laundry. But on our hotel rest day, it was nice to hang out by the pool, knowing that in less than an hour, we would have clean clothes to wear to the parks the next day.

Pop also has plenty for the kids. Like most Disney hotels, they offer a campfire with complimentary marshmallows and option to make s’mores. When not at the parks, kids can also enjoy a fun play area in the ’70s section or play a few games in the arcade! On select nights, the whole family can head over to the Hippy Dippy pool area for a complimentary movie night under the stars.

An Overall Favorite

Resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Contemporary are excellent resorts.  But if you’re looking for fun at an affordable price, there are more than enough reasons to consider Pop Century for your next Disney vacation. I hope you love it as much as we do!

See you in the parks!

With thousands of families visiting Disney World every week, it may not be the first vacation destination that comes to mind when planning a romantic getaway. However, people choose to get married at Disney World every year. Whether you’ve only been dating for a few months, or you are celebrating your tenth anniversary, here are the top five resorts for couples at Walt Disney World.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Only a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom is one of the most beautiful resorts on Disney property. Couples booking a stay at Wilderness Lodge will be greeted by a majestic lobby with high ceilings inspired by National Park lodges around the American Northwest. Whether you want to escape from the rain or the warm humidity, the Wilderness Lodge lobby is a perfect place to sit near an indoor trickling stream or fireplace while you enjoy a specialty coffee from Territory Lounge. Couples can choose from a standard hotel room or opt for one of the cabins. While they do come at a much higher price point, the Wilderness Lodge cabins are perfect for a romantic weekend getaway where guests can enjoy a cabin to themselves with a private enclosed patio and hot tub.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill: A Scenic Outdoor Lounge for a Romantic Evening

Unlike many Disney World resorts, Wilderness Lodge offers fun, outdoor excursions such as fishing on the nearby waterway and roasting marshmallows around a campfire, but the main feature that sets Wilderness Lodge apart is Geyser Point Bar & Grill. This scenic outdoor lounge is located right on the water where you can enjoy the beauty of the resort for a romantic evening date. With delicious meals such as the bison burger or a grilled Portobello salad, couples can enjoy a beautiful dinner together after a long day exploring the parks.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

What sets the Boardwalk Inn apart from other Disney resorts is that it, as the name suggests, is within walking distance of Disney’s Boardwalk, a quarter-mile strip of restaurants, shops, and fun nightlife aimed at adults. After a day by the pool, couples can have a fun night out at Jellyrolls to enjoy the dueling pianos. This bar is only for guests over the age of 21, making it a perfect date night for those looking to have fun and enjoy live entertainment.

Boardwalk Ice Cream: A Sweet Treat for Couples on a Disney Vacation

If drinking isn’t your thing, you can stop by Boardwalk Ice Cream for a delectable sundae or a classic milkshake for two. Couples can spend every night of a Disney vacation on the boardwalk and always find something new and fun to do together, making the Boardwalk Inn a perfect getaway for adults wanting to enjoy a trip to Disney without spending every night in the parks.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you and your loved one consider yourselves foodies or animal lovers, Animal Kingdom Lodge may be the best place to spend a romantic getaway. This resort provides ​​African-inspired decor and pools, along with four savannas of animals including giraffes, zebras, and flamingos.

Sanaa: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Dining Experience with Views of the African Wildlife

The Animal Kingdom Lodge also has some of the best food on Disney property. Couples can enjoy dinner at Sanaa, famous for their delicious Indian-style Bread Service, an appetizer composed of five different types of bread with nine sauces for dipping. Dinner is served until 9:30, but you’ll want to try to get a reservation while the sun is up so you can enjoy spectacular views of the antelope and giraffes right outside. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

This elegant resort is within walking distance from the Magic Kingdom, but with all of the views and amenities the Grand Floridian offers, you could make a vacation out of just the resort grounds alone. Watching fireworks with a loved one is inherently romantic, but there is a special magic about being able to watch Disney fireworks away from the crowds from the comfort of your hotel balcony, at the end of the dock, or even at Narcoosee’s while enjoying a romantic dinner.

Grand Floridian Spa: A Relaxing Retreat for Couples with Personalized Massages

During the day, this resort is also home to the Grand Floridian Spa, which offers a variety of different services, including a personalized massage for two for you and your loved one. You can unwind together with a relaxing massage before enjoying time together in the relaxation room with calming music and tea or infused water.

The Floridian also offers multiple dining experiences: Guests can enjoy a night of fine dining at Victoria & Albert’s or relax with a more laid-back meal at the Enchanted Rose. The beauty of the Grand Floridian is that it has so many restaurants that there is something for every couple.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

And finally, we have one of the newer Disney Resorts: The Riviera, a resort inspired by the beautiful archways and terraces of Europe. This gorgeous hotel is one of the four Disney resorts that offer the Skyliner as a mode of transportation. And, while its main function is to serve as transportation to Epcot or Hollywood Studios, it can also be a romantic sunset ride together. If you time it right (midmorning after most people have already left for the parks), you can plan it out so that you have a gondola to yourself.

The Riviera also offers a tranquil pool aimed at adults to enjoy a relaxing time by the water as they listen to the sounds of their favorite Disney songs in French.

Romantic Dining at the Riviera: Quick Bites and Formal Options

When it’s time to enjoy a romantic meal together, the Riviera offers both quick service and more formal dining options. You and your partner can grab a quick bite from Primo Piatto or Le Petit Café and enjoy out in the fresh air, or book a reservation at Topolino’s Terrace located on the top floor of the hotel. For couples who want a taste of the parks without leaving their hotel, Topolino’s also offers one of the more unique character dining experiences for breakfast. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy come out in their unique artistic outfits as guests choose from a menu of delicious meals such as the Sour Cream Waffles or the Quiche Gruyere.

With its beautiful architecture, access to the Skyliner, and multiple dining options, there is no doubt that the Riveria is the most romantic resort for couples.

Romance at the Most Magical Place on Earth

No matter where you stay or what you do, there is always romance to be found in the Walt Disney World Resort. Each of these resorts offer a very special experience. We hope you have a great Trip!

See you in the Parks!