Discover the Jazz, Ghosts, and Flavors of New Orleans Square
New Orleans Square stands as one of the most detailed and atmospheric themed lands at Disneyland. Styled after 19th-century New Orleans, it captures the romance of the French Quarter with wrought-iron balconies, jazz music, and winding streets.
It is home to delightful riverfront restaurants and hosts two of the park's most beloved attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. Beyond the rides, it serves as the primary viewing location for the spectacular nighttime show, Fantasmic!
The Disney resort feels like an extension of our own home. My family and I cherish both full-day marathons and short, casual visits to the parks. Over the years, we have gathered numerous tips and insights that we are excited to share with you. Head here for an overview of the Disney Resort.
Highlights |
| Pirates of the Caribbean |
| Haunted Mansion |
| Fantasmic! and Fireworks |
| Dining Options |
| Blue Bayou Restaurant |
| Café Orleans |
| Tiana's Palace |
Pirates of the Caribbean
This iconic boat ride has only gained popularity following the massive success of the film franchise it inspired. It remains a slow-moving, dark boat journey that transports riders through a cursed grotto and into the heart of a Caribbean town under siege by pirates.
The attraction features immersive storytelling, catchy music, and distinct scents (many fans recognize the smell of the "grotto water"). While the ride inspired the movies, the attraction has since been updated to feature audio-animatronics of Captain Jack Sparrow hiding throughout the scenes.
Did You Know? This was the last attraction overseen personally by Walt Disney before his passing. The "Auctioneer" scene was recently updated to feature a female pirate named Redd, shifting the narrative from selling brides to auctioning loot.
Haunted Mansion
Looming over the river is the Haunted Mansion, a stately antebellum manor home to 999 happy haunts. Utilizing Disney's classic "Omnimover" system (Doom Buggies), the ride provides a spooky yet whimsical tour through a seance room, a grand ballroom filled with dancing ghosts, and a graveyard jamboree.
Before boarding, guests enter the famous "Stretching Room." Is the room actually stretching, or is it your imagination?
Update: The Haunted Mansion grounds have recently expanded. The queue now features a new garden area, and guests exit through a new dedicated retail shop called "Carriage Place." Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Available.
Traveler Tip: "If you visit during the Halloween or Christmas seasons (September through early January), this ride transforms into 'Haunted Mansion Holiday,' featuring characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas. The lines are much longer, but the overlay is incredible." — User: DisneyDad88
Fantasmic! and Fireworks
New Orleans Square is the prime viewing area for Fantasmic!, a nighttime spectacular held on the Rivers of America. This show features Mickey Mouse battling villains using water screens, pyrotechnics, and live performers on sailing ships.
While the main fireworks show is centered around the Castle, the music is piped into New Orleans Square, and the pyrotechnics are visible from the riverfront. This offers a less crowded alternative to Main Street, though you will miss the castle projections.
For the most current showtimes, including "Mickey's Mix Magic" or seasonal fireworks, visit Disney's official website.
Dining Options
New Orleans Square is widely considered the culinary capital of Disneyland, home to some of the resort's most famous food.
Blue Bayou Restaurant
The Blue Bayou is arguably the most famous restaurant inside a theme park. Its fame comes from its location: it is situated inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
Diners sit in a simulated eternal twilight, watching the ride boats drift past the bayou. The menu features Cajun and Creole specialties, including the legendary Monte Cristo sandwich and jambalaya. Reservations are highly recommended and often disappear 60 days in advance.
Café Orleans
For a table-service experience that is slightly more casual than Blue Bayou, Café Orleans is a fantastic choice. It features a lovely outdoor patio where you can people-watch while listening to live jazz bands.
Fan favorites here include the Pommes Frites (garlic and parmesan fries) and the Mickey-shaped beignets. It captures the sidewalk café vibe of the real French Quarter perfectly.
Tiana's Palace (Formerly French Market)
The location formerly known as the French Market Restaurant has been reimagined as Tiana's Palace, inspired by the film The Princess and the Frog. This quick-service location offers a menu rich in New Orleans flavors.
Guests can enjoy house-filled beignets, 7-Greens Gumbo, and Beef Po'boy sandwiches. While the name has changed, the adjacent Mint Julep Bar remains, serving its famous non-alcoholic mint juleps and Mickey beignets. It is the perfect spot for a quick, high-quality meal without a reservation.