Hi Donna!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Or should I say “laissez les bon temps rouler” since you are thinking of exploring New Orleans? This new Disney Cruise Line port city combines the best of food, music, sightseeing, nightlife...did I mention FOOD? Okay so you can tell I’m a fan of the Big Easy with its gumbo, beignets, jambalaya, po-boys, bananas foster...wait, I need to switch gears or Mama Odie will fuss at me!
I recently sailed on the
Disney Wonder from New Orleans, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish! I definitely recommend a pre- or post-cruise stay in the Big Easy to soak in all the history and culture. While I cannot endorse the hotel I stayed in due to a few hiccups, I am more than happy to share my overall recommendations.
First, I’d suggest staying in or near the French Quarter since you have expressed the most interest in that region. Another big reason: there’s not a whole lot of restaurants or activities centered at the port, and it’s a simple cab, Uber, or Lyft ride to get your family there. I would rather stay in the heart of the city and the action than center myself at a hotel near the port.
As far as choosing a specific hotel, many of the popular hotel chains are located in New Orleans (in case you are a member of a reward/loyalty program). I also rely heavily on internet searches for details about the hotels, their locations, and those ever-important guest reviews when deciding where to stay. Disney Cruise Line also includes some hotel suggestions on every port city, including
New Orleans. This should help narrow the hotel field for you and keep you from having to “kiss too many frogs.”
What you’ll find when you board the Disney Wonder is that the New Orleans vibe keeps going in the lovely French Quarter Lounge and also
Tiana’s Place as one of the three
rotational dining restaurants. Get ready for toe tapping live music from the Crawfish Crooners, appearances by Tiana Big Louie, and a street party atmosphere that will make you think you are still ashore in NOLA.
After reading this, I hope you are “almost there” as far as being sold on this itinerary and destination. Cruise back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel-we’d be jazzed to help you with more cruise planning tips. Have a WONDERful sailing!
SEA ya real soon!
Sherry