Choosing where to stay at Walt Disney World is part of the magic. Families who pick a Moderate resort often feel they’ve struck the perfect balance—more space and extras than the Value hotels, but without the hefty price tag of Deluxe options. Among them, Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter stands out as a longtime favorite, thanks to its Mardi Gras-inspired theming, riverboat transportation to Disney Springs, and cozy, small-scale layout.
However, guests heading there this fall will want to take note of a new advisory from Disney. Beginning August 26 and running through the end of September, the French Quarter lobby will be under construction. The building will stay open and fully functional, but visitors should expect daytime maintenance work. Disney’s message makes it clear: you may see or hear crews working while you’re in the area.
This update arrives on the heels of a busy year for Port Orleans. The French Quarter rooms were all refreshed earlier in 2025, giving guests updated interiors while keeping the New Orleans flair. Meanwhile, Riverside continues a lengthy room refurbishment that’s slated to last into early 2026. There was also the surprise repair of a bridge this summer after a truck accident on property. Clearly, this part of Disney World is in a cycle of major upgrades.
Even with construction in the mix, French Quarter remains one of the most sought-after resorts in the Moderate tier. Its small size means less walking and easier access to everything, and its unique offerings—like fresh beignets and the serpent-themed pool—keep guests coming back year after year.
So what does this caution mean for your stay? For most visitors, very little. The warning is simply Disney’s way of being upfront about temporary work. If you spend your days in the parks, you may barely notice. If relaxing in the lobby is part of your routine, you might hear more than just jazz music. In the long run, though, these improvements should only make French Quarter even more of a gem.
