Staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort: French Quarter

We checked in on 13 June 2026 for 7 nights to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort: French Quarter. Last time we stayed in Building 4, which I still prefer for its location, but this year we were allocated room 1344 in Building 1, with a lovely garden view. It is a compact, charming resort and that smaller size really helps when you are coming back tired from the parks at the end of a long, hot day.

Being on site made everything feel easy: access to the buses and boat to Disney Springs, the relaxed New Orleans theming, and the ability to pop back for a rest in the afternoon when the heat and crowds were at their peak.

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy from London Heathrow

We flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy from London Heathrow on a return basis and it really set the tone for the trip. The extra space, priority boarding and more comfortable cabin made the long-haul experience feel far more relaxed, which is so important when you are hitting the ground running at Disney. Arriving more rested meant we could start enjoying the parks almost straight away.

Dining Highlights: Characters, BBQs and Comfort Food

One of the real joys of this trip was the food. We made a point of trying a mix of character dining, quick service and table service options.

Character breakfasts:

• ‘Ohana
• Crystal Palace
• Topolino’s Terrace
• Garden Grill Restaurant

Each had its own personality: from classic character interactions to elevated views and more relaxed family-style dining. Meeting characters at breakfast is such a good way to tick off those special moments without using valuable park touring time later in the day.

Quick service gems:

• Polite Pig
• D-Luxe Burger

Both are great for tasty, satisfying meals without needing a long sit-down. Perfect when you want something more substantial than a snack but do not want to lose too much park time.

Table service favourites:

• House of Blues
• Roundup Rodeo BBQ
• Yak & Yeti

Roundup Rodeo BBQ was a fun, themed experience and Yak & Yeti continues to be a solid choice for flavourful, comforting dishes in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. House of Blues offered a nice change of scene and a more laid-back evening out.

Park Days: All Four Theme Parks Plus Disney’s Blizzard Beach

We managed to visit all four of the main Walt Disney World parks, plus Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. Even though it was June, with American school holidays in full swing and the Florida summer heat cranking up, I actually found I explored more of each park this time.

Knowing the layouts from our previous visit meant I felt more confident venturing into different areas rather than just sticking to the “must-do” rides. I also managed to get on more attractions overall, which shows that with the right planning you can still achieve a lot even in peak conditions.

We also watched the nighttime show at EPCOT and took in Fantasmic!, both of which are real trip highlights if you love Disney storytelling and fireworks.

Coping With the Heat: Over 90°F Every Day

The weather during our stay was extremely hot. It was over 90°F every day and you really feel that combination of heat and humidity in June.

My strongest tip if you are travelling at this time of year is to schedule an afternoon break. Being in the parks for more than 12 hours straight, especially in that kind of heat, can be very intense. Returning to the resort after lunch to rest, swim, or simply recharge in the air conditioning made a huge difference to our energy levels. We could then head back out in the evening for shows, dining and a few more rides feeling refreshed rather than exhausted.

Exploring Beyond the Parks: Car Hire, Shopping and More

We hired a car again with Sixt from the airport. Having the car gave us plenty of flexibility to nip out to:

• Walmart, for supplies and little extras
• Disney Character Warehouse, for discounted Disney merchandise

If you like to browse, stock up on snacks or pick up some bargains, these side trips are well worth building into your stay.

We also spent time shopping and dining at Disney Springs, which is ideal on arrival or departure days, or if you want a break from park touring but still want that Disney atmosphere. The combination of shops, restaurants and live entertainment gives you plenty to do without the intensity of rides and queues.

Why Returning Worked So Well

Going back to Walt Disney World for the second year in a row meant we did not feel any pressure to “do it all”. Instead, we:

• Focused on favourite restaurants and tried a few new ones
• Explored corners of each park we had barely noticed last time
• Built in realistic breaks so the heat did not overwhelm us
• Enjoyed the familiarity of a resort we already knew, even though we were in a different building

Even in the height of the Florida summer and the American school holidays, with a bit of planning and realistic pacing we managed to ride more, see more and actually enjoy the experience more deeply than the first time.

If you are considering a repeat trip to Walt Disney World, it can be incredibly rewarding. You already know the basics, so the second visit can be about refinement: staying where you feel most at home, repeating what you love, and finally ticking off those rides and restaurants you missed before.

If you would like help planning your own Disney holiday, including choosing the right resort, structuring park days in the heat, or deciding where to dine, I would be delighted to design a trip that works perfectly for you.