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Copyright © 1999 by S.M. Moore
Click to Read Other Walking Tours | Read Restaurant Reviews Walking Tour of Port Orleans Resort
In New Orleans at Mardi Gras, there
is a familiar saying, "Let
the good times roll". This is definitely the atmosphere you will find at
Disney's Port Orleans Resort. The moment you drive through the front wrought
iron gates, you will be immersed in good time feelings of Mardi Gras, Disney
style.
As you drive past stately oaks, and pull under the porte cochere, costumed bellmen will assist your every need. Two lovely buildings connected by a lobby are referred to as Port Orleans Square. As you enter into the lobby area that connects the two main buildings you will be awarded with a fantastic view of the pool at the end of a lovely promenade of palm trees. The check-in area will be to your right in a lovely building referred to as the Mint. A Mint was a term used during the early part of the century for banking. The front desk resembles a bank of years past with tellers dressed in period clothing. Take notice of the interesting mural of a Mardi Gras scene behind the check-in windows. The musical notes in the mural if played, would provide you with a lovely rendition of "When the Saints go Marching In." Guest Services is also housed in this area to assist you with tickets, dining reservations and any other needs. Also in the building you will be able to take care of any shopping needs at Jackson Square Gifts & Desires. Here you will find a selection of Disney character merchandise, clothing with Port Orleans' logo, and the necessary sundries in the General Store section. At added delight is the selection of interesting Creole and Cajun treats. The arcade, South Quarter Games is also housed in "the Mint" referred to on your property map as building B. You will find public restrooms here and all your Bell Services such as taxi/limos, laundry drop off and luggage. From the main lobby to your left you will find the dining facilities for Port Orleans. Believe me the food selection at Port Orleans is some of the finest on property. The food court is referred to as Sassagoula Floatworks Factory. Here you will find a replica of a Mardi Gras parade factory. You will feel as if you have wandered into a large warehouse storing the necessary props for the next parade. Giant Mardi Gras masks and float items are suspended from the ceiling. Your dining choices here are varied and extremely tasteful. Your choices will include the traditional burgers and pizza, with some Creole dishes available also. Gumbo, spit roasted chicken, red beans and rice, just to name a few will tempt your palate. The bakery is divine and the beignets the best outside of New Orlean's French Market itself. This building also houses the full service restaurant, Bonfamille's Cafe. This is one of my favorite places at Disney to eat. Breakfast and dinner are served here in a lovely courtyard setting, reminiscent of the French Quarter. Steaks, seafood, and Creole cooking are on the menu for your dining pleasure. The Sassagoula Pizza Express delivers to your room pizza, chicken wings and ice cream from 4 PM to midnight. In addition to the two areas for dining, your auditory senses will be treated to great jazz music and libations at Scat Cat's Lounge. This traditional bar offers a light menu of hor d'oeuvres and lively jazz music. This area is located on your map as Building A. The 1008 rooms at Port Orleans are housed in buildings that will remind you instantly of the French Quarter, each having its own fenced yard. Buildings are connected with narrow brick streets, inviting gas lamps, landscaped garden areas with benches, and are close enough to the main areas to make all within easy walking distance to your every need. Intricate wrought iron railings of various designs fram each landing of the 3 story buildings. The many hues of cream, pink, blue and purple paint a delightful visual picture. To the left of the pool and main building "A" you will find buildings 4,5,6 and 7. Building 4 is closest to the food court and bus stops, with building 5 overlooking the pool. Building 7 is adjacent to #4 and building 6 is adjacent to #5. Lovely garden areas with fountains seperate each building providing each guest with a lovely area to stroll or sit and enjoy the serenity of the area. Buildings 1,2 and 3 are to the right of the pool area if you are coming from the lobby. Buidling 3 is closest to the check-in area (B), with #2 overlooking the pool and building 1 having lovely garden or river views. You cannot go wrong with any building at Port Orleans, as all are lovely in design and the quaintness of the resort makes everything accessible. Your room with 314 square feet will provide you with 2 double beds, 2 pedestal sinks with vanity area, armoire with TV and storage, bed table, and small window table with 2 chairs for sitting. Each room has a wall safe and near the vanity area, an open closet area. The bath includes a combo tub/shower and toilet. The decor is attractive with antique wood furniture, a ceiling fan, and draperies (with wooden venetian blinds) to complete the French Quarter feel. Some rooms have king beds. These rooms are more expensive than the standard room but are all corner rooms and are lovely for couples and gives you a bit more space. In the center of the resort overlooking the river is the main pool and focal point of the resort. A dramatic sea serpent is used as the slide and intermingles throughout the pool area. The stairs leading to the slide clumb up the serpent's back. Several whimsical alligator statues are located in the pool area with one serving as the shower, and a large clamshell provides backdrop for the alligator band and fountain. The pool area, Doubloon Lagoon contains the main pool, kiddie area, restrooms with lockers, Jacuzzi, the laundry facility and the Mardi Grogs Pool Bar. The pool bar serves specialty drinks, popcorn, hot dogs and ice cream during pool hours. Adjacent to the pool is the marina, and bike and boat rental at Port Orleans Landing. Here you can rent various types of boats and bikes for your recreation usage. A small playground is located across from the food court. Port Orleans guest may also use recreational facilities at Dixie Landings, just a boat ride up the river. Transportation to all parks, Downtown Disney, water parks is provided by bus. The bus stops are located out front of Port Orleans Square. Boat transportation from Port Orleans Landing will transport you to Dixie Landings and Downtown Disney. This is a very pleasant, scenic ride, and one of the bonus amenities of Port Orleans. Port Orleans Resort with its beautiful cobbled streets, lively jazz music, fantastic Creole food is definitely one of Disney's finest. So come on down, and "Let the Good Times Roll" y'all! Copyright © 1999 by S.M. Moore - Please do not copy this material, or use it on another website, or printed material without prior written permission. If you have any questions or comments regarding Port Orleans Resort, please post them on Disneyzone's Message Boards.
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