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A Guide To New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park

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New Orleans Square feels like a little corner of The Big Easy in the Happiest Place on Earth, from the fresh beignets (with a Mickey Mouse-inspired twist) to the Mardi Gras beads dangling from wrought iron balconies. Featuring iconic attractions, some of the best food at Disneyland Resort and live music worthy of the Birthplace of Jazz, this charming land is a favorite for guests of all ages. 

Between its rich history, Mickey beignets and the ragtag group of pirates and happy haunts who call the land home, you can’t go to Disneyland Park and not spend some time in New Orleans Square. So, throw some beads around your neck and read on as we explore everything you can experience in this quintessential part of Disneyland.

New Orleans Square, a Disneyland Original

Royal Street with shops and restaurant

Opened on July 24, 1966, New Orleans Square was Disneyland’s first new land to be added to the theme park since opening day in 1955. It was the completion of a vision Disney had just a few years following Disneyland’s opening – the expansion was even incorporated into a souvenir map circa 1958 – and a project he joked cost as much as the Louisiana Purchase. In fact, it cost more. 

The land was unveiled with great fanfare, complete with a dedication ceremony attended by the then-mayor of New Orleans, where Walt Disney was named an honorary citizen of the Crescent City. Sadly, this would also go on to be Disney’s final major appearance at his namesake park before his death just a few months later. 

Design of New Orleans Square

Today, New Orleans Square stands as a true Disneyland original and is the only land of its kind at any of the Disney Parks worldwide. And though close to 60 years have passed since its opening, not much has changed. Nestled between Adventureland, Frontierland and Critter Country, New Orleans Square features immersive theming filled with thoughtful design details and other Big Easy-inspired touches.

Red Brick Ground, Red Train, Green and Off-White Buildings in Background

Taking its inspiration from 19th-century New Orleans, this cozy section of Disneyland Park transports guests to the wrought iron-festooned “streets” of the French Quarter, where the sounds of jazz and smell of chicory coffee float on the breeze. 

In a nod to New Orleans’ history as a thriving port city, much of this captivating corner of the Happiest Place on Earth gazes out over the Rivers of America, and from some places, you can even see the masts of the Sailing Ship Columbia towering over the trees in the distance.

These narrow, winding avenues and quiet courtyards dotted with tinkling fountains are made for strolling, so be sure to take some time to explore. While the land is worth a stop any time of day, like N’awlins, New Orleans Square really comes to life when the sun goes down. 

With some of the best dining at Disneyland Resort, you can’t beat New Orleans Square for a flavorful meal of Cajun-Creole cuisine. Or, in between visits to Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, listen to some live music or have your portrait drawn by a street artist. 

What to See, Do and Eat at New Orleans Square

Club 33 dining hall

Disneyland has no shortage of attractions, entertainment offerings and restaurants to enjoy, and you’ll find some of the best right here in New Orleans Square. Keep reading for a rundown of everything that’s on offer in this enchanting section of Disneyland. 

New Orleans Square Attractions

New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park is home to three different rides: the Disneyland Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. Each is an icon in its own right, making this one part of the Happiest Place on Earth that you absolutely cannot miss. Best of all, not one of them has a height restriction.

Disneyland Railroad

Walt Disney loved trains, so much so that he even built his own miniature rideable version, the Carolwood Pacific Railroad, in his family’s backyard. So, it’s no wonder that he wanted to include one on a larger, more realistic scale at Disneyland Park. And no, we’re not talking about the Monorail

New Orleans Square number 35

Today, the Disneyland Railroad sits as one of the park’s remaining opening day attractions. Guests can climb aboard at one of four different stations in Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Mickey’s Toontown and Tomorrowland before setting out on a whirlwind tour around Disneyland. 

A roundtrip takes about 18 to 20 minutes and sees the locomotive chug past some of the park’s most popular attractions, along with dioramas themed after the Grand Canyon and Land of the Dinosaurs. You should never really have to wait much longer than five minutes to go on the Disneyland Railroad. So, use it to quickly get from Point A to Point B or as a fun way to rest your feet.

Lightning Lane Availability: None

Height Restriction: None

Best for: All Ages

Pirates of the Caribbean

Disneyland’s take on the slow-moving boat ride through swashbuckling seas and Caribbean villages overrun with audio-animatronic pirates is the one that started it all. Since setting sail in March 1967, along with the adjoining and equally iconic Blue Bayou Restaurant, the beloved attraction has launched replicas in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland, as well as a popular film series. 

Pirates of the Caribbean Fountain

Though dark, occasionally loud and possibly scary at times for little ones, Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Park is more about nostalgia and fun than thrills. Expect appearances by Captain Jack Sparrow and two small drops that are more likely to make you shout with delight than scream with fear. Oh, and don’t be surprised if you leave humming that catchy sea shanty “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me). 

Despite its popularity, wait times for Pirates of the Caribbean are usually relatively short since the ride tends to load pretty fast. This makes it easy to squeeze in around mealtime or when waiting for your next Disney Genie+ reservation. 

Lightning Lane Availability: None

Height Restriction: None

Best for: Kids, Tweens, Teens and Adults

Haunted Mansion

Disneyland and New Orleans Square are home to yet another film- and replica-inspiring attraction: the Haunted Mansion. Along with movies helmed by Eddie Murphy and the Muppets, the Haunted Mansion has also inspired copycats at Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland, as well as the similarly themed Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris and Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland.  

Dark sky, Large White Building Surrounded by Greenery Outside Disney's Haunted Mansion Attraction

Open since August 1969, this perennially popular ride takes the idea of a haunted house to a whole new, hauntingly entertaining level from the moment you sit down in your Doom Buggy. The slow-moving ride takes you past a slew of spine-tingling scenes, like a séance led by the head of Madame Leota floating in a hazy crystal ball and a ballroom filled with waltzing spirits, all narrated by the disembodied voice of your Ghost Host. 

Big on treats but not on tricks, the attraction favors centuries-old theatrical techniques such as Pepper’s Ghost, modern special effects and Disney’s ubiquitous audio-animatronics over more overt scare tactics. That said, some children might find parts of the ride frightening. 

The line here can get quite long. So, check the Disneyland app for the shortest wait time or opt for a Lightning Lane reservation with Disney Genie+. For all the Nightmare Before Christmas fans out there, visit during spooky season when the ride gets a ghoulish glow-up and is taken over by Jack Skellington and the denizens of Halloween Town. 

Lightning Lane Availability: Disney Genie+

Height Restriction: None

Best for: Kids, Tweens, Teens and Adults

New Orleans Square Restaurants

New Orleans Square doesn’t just tout a few must-do attractions; it also boasts some of the best theme park dining available at the Disneyland Resort. Whether you’re craving a fast and easy lunch, a memorable sit-down meal or a sweet end to your day, New Orleans Square has it all – even an ultra-exclusive, members-only private club. 

Blue Walls With Brown Oval Reading "33" in teal with White Detailing

We’ll be honest – between the transporting setting and array of flavor-filled Cajun-Creole dishes on offer, this is one of our favorite areas to eat at Disneyland. You’ll find a little something for everyone, no matter if you’re in the mood for a simple bread bowl stuffed with soup, handheld beignets covered in sugar or a signature dining experience. 

Blue Bayou Restaurant

Disneyland’s most iconic eatery is arguably Blue Bayou Restaurant. Set in a picturesque, moonlit square draped in Spanish moss and glittering with lanterns and twinkling fireflies, the restaurant gazes out over the boats of Pirates of the Caribbean as they glide past. With a soundtrack of chirping crickets and croaking frogs, the whole thing makes for an undeniably atmospheric setting. 

Bayou style restaurant with lanterns

Here, guests can choose from a selection of Southern-inspired dishes, including a Monte Cristo sandwich, jambalaya, gumbo and more. This is also one of the only places at Disneyland Park that serves alcohol, making it an excellent choice for a Disney date night or a group of adults

Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $35 to $59.99 per adult

Cuisine: Cajun-Creole

What to Get: Jambalaya, Monte Cristo Sandwich

Reservations: Recommended, Walk-Up List available

Café Orleans

Think of Café Orleans as the more casual counterpart to Blue Bayou Restaurant. Located just across the walkway from its wildly popular neighbor, this New Orleans Square restaurant is an excellent alternative for those looking for a more laidback atmosphere or left without a reservation. Like Blue Bayou, expect Big Easy-inspired dishes like steak frites, ratatouille and yet another Monte Cristo sandwich

Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $15 to $34.99 per adult

Cuisine: Cajun-Creole

What to Get: Battered & Fried Monte Cristo Sandwich with Pommes Frites

Reservations: Recommended, Walk-Up List available

Club 33

Tucked above French Market Restaurant and Café Orleans, Club 33 is the most exclusive restaurant in all of the Disneyland Resort. True to its VIP status, the entrance to Club 33 is hidden in plain sight in a part of New Orleans Square called the Court of Angels. 

Yellow and Creme Walls, Large Spiral Blue Staircase and Green Foliage at The Court of Angles

Sadly, you won’t be able to eat here without a pricey membership (we’re talking $24,000 at least, plus annual dues starting at $12,000) or a coveted invite from a member. If you are lucky enough to score an invitation, you’ll enjoy an elegant atmosphere filled with original artwork, a luxurious multi-course meal and personalized service. 

Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $50 to $150 per adult

Cuisine: Menu changes regularly

What to Get: Menu changes regularly

Reservations: Required

French Market Restaurant

For enchanting ambiance without the steep price tag, make your way to French Market Restaurant. This quick-service restaurant charms with its approachable Cajun-Creole cuisine, open-air setting styled like a lush garden and live jazz music on certain days of the week. 

Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $14.99 or less per adult

Cuisine: Cajun-Creole

What to Get: New Orleans Mint Julep, Creamy Corn Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl, Jambalaya

Reservations: None, Mobile Order available

Mint Julep Bar

Attached to French Market Restaurant, the Mint Julep Bar cooks up fluffy Mickey-shaped beignets and refreshing mocktails. Stop by for something sweet to snack and sip on as you listen to the music on the nearby stage. Seasonal flavors are often available, so be sure to see what’s new. 

Cost: Snack – $14.99 or less per adult

Cuisine: Cajun-Creole

What to Get: New Orleans Mint Julep, Original and Seasonal Mickey-shaped Beignets

Reservations: None, Mobile Order available

Royal Street Veranda

Craving something simple yet cozy? Head over to Royal Street Veranda to tuck into a warming cup of soup in a fresh-baked bread bowl beneath the filigree of one of New Orleans Square’s wrought-iron balconies. For dessert, save some room for some seasonally inspired fritters. 

Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $14.99 or less per adult

Cuisine: American

What to Get: Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl, Seasonal Fritters

Reservations: None, Mobile Order available

New Orleans Square Entertainment

From the kaleidoscopic spectacle of Mardi Gras to the smoky jazz bars of the French Quarter, The Big Easy is known for its lively entertainment as much as its postcard-ready architecture and tasty cuisine – and the same can be said for New Orleans Square. Disneyland Park’s most immersive land features a few different live entertainment offerings. They include:

Jambalaya Jazz

It wouldn’t be N’awlins without some live jazz. After all, the Crescent City is where the quintessentially American music style got its start. So, while you’re passing through New Orleans Square, be sure to enjoy the bluesy rhythms of Jambalaya Jazz. The group typically takes to the stage multiple times each day from Saturday to Tuesday, including at French Market Restaurant. 

Showtimes at French Market Restaurant: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM

Showtimes Around New Orleans Square: 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM

The Bootstrappers

Want to get in touch with your inner buccaneer before you set sail with Pirates of the Caribbean? Get in the swashbuckling spirit during a live performance by The Bootstrappers, a motley crew of singing pirates. Hum along to old sea shanties, then practice your finest “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me). Performances are usually held several times daily from Tuesday to Sunday

Showtimes Around New Orleans Square: 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:35 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM

Fantasmic!

Held on the Rivers of America, Fantasmic! is a nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Park that is not to be missed. Starring Mickey Mouse alongside an impressive cast of beloved Disney characters and villains, this epic battle of good versus evil told through some of your favorite Disney stories is the ideal ending to a storybook day at the Happiest Place on Earth. 

Technically, Rivers of America is located in Frontierland. However, with its riverfront setting overlooking the water, New Orleans Square offers some of the best views of the show. Fantasmic! is usually held twice nightly at 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM, depending on the park’s operating hours and any seasonal events. Refer to the Disneyland app for the most up-to-date schedule. 

Showtimes: 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM

Disney Character Meet-and-Greets

Looking to add a dash of pixie dust to your trip to New Orleans Square? Meet some Disney characters while you’re there! You’ll often find a few different characters interacting with guests around the land. Just keep in mind that appearances can vary, so check out the Disneyland app for the most up-to-date information. Characters in New Orleans Square can include:

  • The Hitchhiking Ghosts from Haunted Mansion
  • Redd the Pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Princess Tiana and Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog
  • Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas

New Orleans Square Shops

Similar to the Crescent City, New Orleans Square is studded with little shops filled with an assortment of souvenirs. So, as you wander through the area’s mazelike streets, be sure to save some time for a little shopping for the perfect memento of your day at Disney. New Orleans Square merchandise locations include:

    • Cristal d’Orleans – Cut crystal and personalized glassware
    • La Mascarade d’Orleans – Pandora Jewelry
    • Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie – Perfumes 
    • Pieces of Eight – Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired items
    • Portrait Artists – Custom, hand-drawn portraits of groups or individuals
  • Port Royal Curios and Curiosities – Merchandise themed after the Haunted Mansion, Disney Villains and The Nightmare Before Christmas

Have you hung out in New Orleans Square? Which restaurant or attraction is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how to stretch your travel budget with our discount Disneyland tickets.