I absolutely love stepping into New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park, where the charm, music, and elegance of the Louisiana French Quarter come to life! This vibrant land captures the energy and rich culture of 1800s New Orleans, and features two beloved attractions – Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. Plus, with unique boutiques and delicious dining, you’ll get a true taste of the Crescent City right in the heart of Disneyland Park!
Be sure to watch your step as you look up at the beautiful railings and draping beads, as tons of strollers are parked wherever they fit!
Since my last visit to Disneyland, Magnolia Park, a beautiful, park-like spot right next to Tiana’s Palace, opened in New Orleans Square. Filled with history and charm, this inviting space is perfect for relaxing, soaking in the ambiance, and enjoying live entertainment from The Bootstrappers and Jambalaya Jazz. With plenty of shade from both new and historic trees, it’s a great place to take a break and soak in the magic of New Orleans Square.
New Orleans Square at Disneyland may be a small area, but it’s packed with six excellent eateries, each serving up a unique taste of the Big Easy. From the iconic Monte Cristo sandwich at Café Orléans to the beignets at Mint Julep Bar, there’s something for every craving. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, this charming land is a food lover’s paradise with flavors as rich as its atmosphere.
My absolute favorite restaurant in Disneyland Park has always been (and will probably always be) the Blue Bayou. I will say that although I’m not a huge fan of the typical Cajun and Creole flair that most dishes from New Orleans boast, I’m honestly happy to eat a kids’ PB&J if only to sit inside this stunning restaurant and soak in all of that gorgeous ambiance. For me, it feels like time stands still whenever I’m inside. The mystical nighttime setting makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to the Louisiana Bayou right there in the middle of Disneyland. If you listen closely to the hustle and bustle of the restaurant, you can hear the banjo from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in the background. I love every moment of being inside this restaurant, and albeit pricey, the experience alone is worth the cost.
As a side note, reservations can be challenging to secure for Blue Bayou. You can make them 60 days in advance, and they fill up quickly. There is a daily walk-up list you can join, depending on availability. I actually inquired about it when I was there, and the cast member said it would be a 20-minute or so wait for a party of one to get a table! I didn’t dine there that night, but trust me, it never hurts to ask even if you see crowds of guests surrounding the entrance.
Whether you’re after sparkling crystal, signature scents, or pirate loot, Port Royal Curios and Curiosities, Pieces of Eight, Cristal d’Orleans, Mademoiselle Antoinette’s Parfumerie, and La Mascarade d’Orleans all offer something special for every treasure hunter. The shops here are so unique with special items you won’t typically see in other areas of the park.
While I didn’t run into Princess Tiana during my multiple visits to New Orleans Square last month, I’ve heard that she can occasionally be spotted in the area throughout the day. Check the Disneyland app for specific meet-and-greet times, but remember, roaming characters are a thing at Disneyland, so you never know who you’ll run into!
Here are a few fun facts I learned by visiting with cast members during my travels through New Orleans Square:
- Some of the trees in Magnolia Park predate Disneyland Park itself, as they were sourced from Pershing Park in downtown Los Angeles by Disney Imagineer Bill Evans. How cool!
- New Orleans Square is filled with relics and inspired replications such as mechanical toys, ornate vases, lacy wrought-iron lampposts, and railings brought back from New Orleans by Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian.
Speaking of lampposts and railings – I also learned a very interesting tidbit about how the little spikes attached to some were intentionally added and placed under promiscuous young ladies’ bedroom windows to keep the fellas away. You can see them in the image below on the lower-left side to the right of the light fixture.
- The upper levels of the New Orleans Square buildings are private areas, home to the membership-only Club 33 and 21 Royal, a residence once envisioned by Walt and Lillian Disney as a luxurious oasis for hosting celebrities and dignitaries.
As I looked at the Club 33 entrance (please pardon the incredibly grainy photo – I have NO idea how that happened), two guests walked up and rang the doorbell. If you only knew how many times I’ve hoped to see that happen! It was so exciting, for just a moment, to see the door open and the two guests quickly head inside. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch a glimpse of the inside. There’s always next time.
When meandering around New Orleans Square, be sure to duck into any nooks and crannies you see along the streets, as you never know what you’ll discover. Some are shops, but The Royal Courtyard is a great little space with a few peculiar pieces. I really love the coffin-shaped FuelRod dispenser!
I can spend many hours in this area of Disneyland on every trip, and it’s never enough! What’s your favorite detail in New Orleans Square?
