New Orleans Square is a sparkling gem in Disneyland’s crown-a land where the elegance and charm of 19th-century Louisiana comes alive with Disney magic. As the first land added to Disneyland after its original opening, this immersive corner of the park blends Southern hospitality, Creole culture, and supernatural mystery!
Whether you’re sipping a mint julep, fleeing ghostly haunts, or escaping with Jack Sparrow, New Orleans Square delivers an experience you can’t find anywhere else in the Disney parks. Our guide will take you through everything you need to know about New Orleans Square, from its fascinating history and design to its world-famous attractions, dining, shopping, and hidden secrets!
Quick Information
Location: New Orleans Square is nestled between Adventureland and Critter Country, overlooking the Rivers of America.
Opened: July 24, 1966
Theme: French Quarter New Orleans, circa 1850s
Signature Attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion
Dining: Blue Bayou Restaurant, Cafe Orleans, Tiana’s Palace, Mint Julep Bar, Royal Street Veranda, Harbour Galley
Shopping: Eudora’s Chic Boutique, Port Royal Curios and Curiosities, Pieces of Eight, Cristal d’Orleans, Mademoiselle Antoinette’s Parfumerie, Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond, La Mascarade d’Orleans
The History, Design, and Building of New Orleans Square
Walt’s Dream and New Orleans Inspiration
Walt Disney had a deep affection for New Orleans. He and his wife Lillian often visited the city, inspired by its unique blend of history, music, and architecture. Walt wanted to bring that spirit to Disneyland, and by the late 1950s, plans for a New Orleans-themed land were taking shape. The area appeared on a 1958 souvenir map, showing that Walt’s vision for this land was in place early on.
Construction began in the early 1960s. New Orleans Square’s $18 million price tag was more than the entire Louisiana Purchase, a fact Walt joked about during the dedication ceremony. The land officially opened on July 24, 1966, with New Orleans’ mayor in attendance, who made Walt an honorary citizen of the real New Orleans.
Design and Architecture
New Orleans Square was a breakthrough for Disney Imagineering. Unlike the idealized settings of Main Street, U.S.A. or Fantasyland, this was the first land to accurately recreate a real place. Imagineers studied the French Quarter’s ironwork, pastel colors, and winding streets, but they also enhanced the city’s charm with Disney storytelling. Instead of a simple grid, the land’s layout twists and turns, revealing new surprises around every corner!
The buildings are multi-storied, with shops and restaurants at street level and intricate wrought-iron balconies above. The upper floors once held Walt’s planned private apartment, which later became Club 33 and the Dream Suite. The facades are painted in sun-faded hues, with faux rust and aging for authenticity, but always with Disney’s signature cleanliness!
Attractions in New Orleans Square
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean opened in March 1967, the last attraction Walt Disney worked on before his passing. This boat ride takes guests through eerie caves, a pirate ship battle, and a lively town under siege by pirates. The ride’s catchy anthem, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” is now a Disney classic.
The attraction features over 120 Audio-Animatronic figures, stunning set pieces, and, in recent years, characters from the Pirates of the Caribbean films. The ride’s opening scene, set in a quiet Louisiana bayou, is visible from the Blue Bayou Restaurant, letting diners watch boats drift by under a starry sky.
The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion opened in August 1969 and quickly became a fan favorite. The mansion’s exterior is inspired by antebellum Southern homes, with a pristine white facade and a ship-shaped weathervane. Inside, guests board Doom Buggies for a tour of a haunted estate filled with ghostly illusions, singing busts, and the famous ballroom scene.
The ride’s “stretching room” is actually an elevator, lowering guests underground so the ride can extend beneath the Disneyland Railroad tracks. The Haunted Mansion is known for its blend of spooky and silly, with new effects and characters-like the ghostly bride in the attic-added over the years.
Disneyland Railroad – New Orleans Square Station
The Disneyland Railroad’s New Orleans Square Station is more than just a stop-it’s a piece of Disney history. The telegraph office here taps out Walt Disney’s opening day speech in Morse code, a hidden tribute to the park’s founder.
Dining in New Orleans Square
Blue Bayou Restaurant
Perhaps Disneyland’s most iconic dining spot, Blue Bayou is located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Guests dine under a perpetual twilight sky, surrounded by fireflies and the gentle sounds of the bayou. The menu features Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes, from gumbo to Monte Cristo sandwiches!
Cafe Orleans
Cafe Orleans offers table-service dining with views of the Rivers of America. The restaurant is famous for its Monte Cristo sandwich, pommes frites, and Mickey-shaped beignets. Outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching and soaking in the New Orleans atmosphere!
Tiana’s Palace
Inspired by “The Princess and the Frog,” Tiana’s Palace is a quick-service restaurant serving gumbo, beignets, and southern classics. The adjacent Magnolia Park is a new addition, providing a lovely spot to relax and enjoy live jazz!
Mint Julep Bar
No trip to New Orleans Square is complete without a stop at the Mint Julep Bar. Here, you can grab a refreshing non-alcoholic mint julep and Disneyland’s famous Mickey-shaped beignets, dusted with powdered sugar.
Royal Street Veranda & Harbour Galley
Royal Street Veranda is known for its hearty bread bowls filled with clam chowder or gumbo, while Harbour Galley offers lobster rolls and other quick bites with a waterfront view!
Shopping in New Orleans Square
Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets
A newer addition, this shop offers merchandise inspired by Princess Tiana, including kitchenware, cookbooks, and unique gifts.
Port Royal Curios and Curiosities & Pieces of Eight
These pirate-themed shops are the perfect place to find pirate hats, swords, and treasures for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Cristal d’Orleans
This elegant shop specializes in etched crystal and personalized glassware, perfect for a unique souvenir.
Mademoiselle Antoinette’s Parfumerie
Here, you can create your own custom perfume or choose from a selection of fine French fragrances.
Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond
Opened in late 2024, this shop near the Haunted Mansion features mystical decor, séance-inspired furniture, and exclusive Haunted Mansion merchandise.
La Mascarade d’Orleans
This boutique offers Pandora jewelry and other fine accessories, set in a beautifully themed environment.
Special Experiences: Club 33, 21 Royal, and the Dream Suite
Club 33
Club 33 is Disneyland’s most legendary and exclusive experience, tucked away above New Orleans Square behind an unmarked door at 33 Royal Street. Originally conceived by Walt Disney as a private retreat for entertaining VIPs, dignitaries, and corporate sponsors, Club 33 opened in 1967 and has since become a symbol of Disney luxury and mystique!
Membership & Access:
Membership is extremely limited and highly coveted, with a waitlist that can stretch for years. Even after receiving an invitation, new members face a substantial initiation fee and annual dues-recently reported at over $30,000 per year. Only members and their invited guests are allowed entry, and all visits require advance reservations!
Atmosphere & Experience:
Upon arrival, guests enter the elegant Court of Angels-a secluded courtyard with a grand staircase, beautiful stained glass, and unique Disney touches like a hidden Tinker Bell fountain. The acoustics here are so lovely that the space was dedicated to a beloved cast member who loved to sing!
Inside, Club 33 exudes a blend of Victorian sophistication and New Orleans charm. The main dining room features antique furnishings, original artwork, and opulent décor hand-selected by Lillian Disney. Guests enjoy a four-course prix-fixe meal (currently around $150 per person, rotating seasonally), paired with fine wines and exclusive cocktails from the club’s private bar. The service is impeccable, with cast members offering personalized attention and a sense of occasion!
Perks & Exclusives:
Members enjoy access to exclusive merchandise, VIP tours, special events, and private lounges. Club 33 was also the only place in Disneyland to serve alcohol for decades, adding to its allure. The club’s mystique is heightened by its history, its role in Disney lore, and the sense of being part of an elite Disney community.
21 Royal
21 Royal is the ultimate private dining experience in Disneyland, located in the luxurious suite above Pirates of the Caribbean-once envisioned by Walt and Lillian Disney as their private apartment. Unlike Club 33, anyone can book 21 Royal, but it comes at a price: $18,000 for a single evening, accommodating up to 12 guests!
Arrival & Setting:
The experience begins at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, where your party is greeted by valets and escorted into Disneyland. Guests are brought backstage to New Orleans Square and led up to the elegant 21 Royal residence! The suite is decorated in Empire style, reflecting 19th-century New Orleans, with lavish details, original artwork, and a stunning open-air balcony overlooking the Rivers of America!
Dining Experience:
The evening starts with signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the salon or on the patio, followed by a tour of the suite’s themed rooms. The main event is a bespoke seven-course meal, crafted by Disneyland Resort Signature Chefs and paired with selections from the 21 Royal wine collection! The menu is tailored to your preferences, using the freshest ingredients sourced locally and internationally. Every detail-from gold-plated dinnerware to personalized menus-is designed to make the occasion unforgettable!
Exclusive Touches:
21 Royal is a completely private event: your party is the only group in the suite that evening, with full run of the space. The experience includes park admission and valet parking, and the staff ensures every moment is magical, from storytelling to surprise touches throughout the night. The balcony offers a front-row view of nighttime spectaculars like Fantasmic!, making the evening even more special!
The Disneyland Dream Suite
The Disneyland Dream Suite is a 2,200-square-foot luxury apartment perched above Pirates of the Caribbean. Walt Disney originally planned this as the “Royal Suite,” a larger, more elegant apartment for entertaining VIPs-designed by Dorothea Redmond and decorated by Lillian Disney and Emile Kuri. Construction halted after Walt’s passing in 1966, and the space sat unfinished for years.
From Gallery to Dream Suite:
In 1987, the area became the Disney Gallery, showcasing park artwork and models. In 2008, as part of the “Year of a Million Dreams” promotion, Disney transformed the space into the Dream Suite, closely following Walt’s and Redmond’s original plans. The suite featured a living room, two master bedrooms (each themed to a different land), two bathrooms, and an open-air patio with spectacular views.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Stays:
The Dream Suite was not available for booking. Instead, lucky guests won a night’s stay through special promotions and sweepstakes. Winners enjoyed not only the lavish accommodations but also unique Disney touches like magical “Good Night” effects, a private balcony for viewing Fantasmic!, and the honor of being the day’s parade Grand Marshal.
Legacy:
The Dream Suite closed in 2016 and was replaced by 21 Royal. Today, the spirit of Walt’s vision lives on in the suite’s design and in the unparalleled experiences offered to those who dine at 21 Royal.
In summary:
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Club 33 is an ultra-exclusive, members-only club offering fine dining, luxury, and Disney history in an elegant setting.
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21 Royal is a private, all-inclusive, customizable dining event in Walt’s former apartment, perfect for special celebrations.
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The Disneyland Dream Suite was a magical, invitation-only overnight stay that fulfilled Walt’s dream of a grand family retreat above New Orleans Square.
Each experience is steeped in Disney lore, offering a rare glimpse into the park’s most storied and secret spaces!
Events and Entertainment
New Orleans Square is alive with entertainment. You’ll often find live jazz bands performing in the streets, especially near Magnolia Park or the French Market patio. During Halloween, the Haunted Mansion is transformed into Haunted Mansion Holiday, featuring Jack Skellington and friends from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Mardi Gras and other seasonal celebrations sometimes bring special decorations and character appearances.
Changes Over the Years
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1967: Pirates of the Caribbean and Blue Bayou Restaurant open.
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1969: Haunted Mansion debuts.
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1987-2007: Disney Gallery operates above Pirates of the Caribbean.
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2008-2016: The Dream Suite is offered as an overnight prize.
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2016: Dream Suite becomes 21 Royal.
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2024-2025: Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond opens; Haunted Mansion gets a new ghostly bride and expanded queue; Magnolia Park debuts next to Tiana’s Palace.
Fun Facts and Hidden Details
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Balcony Stories: Each balcony is decorated to hint at the fictional residents’ professions-musicians, fortune tellers, artists, and more.
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Walt and Roy’s Initials: Look for their initials in gold on the balcony ironwork near Pirates of the Caribbean.
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Forced Perspective: Haunted Mansion’s upper floors are built smaller to make the building look taller.
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Fire Insurance Plaques: Authentic 19th-century fire insurance markers are hidden on building exteriors.
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Morse Code: The telegraph at the train station taps out Walt’s opening day speech.
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Ship Mast: A ship mast rises above the rooftops, nodding to New Orleans’ port city heritage.
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Voodoo Voices: Near the restrooms, you can hear “residents” practicing voodoo cures.
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Disco Ball Rain: In the Haunted Mansion’s portrait hall, a disco ball creates the rain effect during lightning flashes.
Hidden Mickeys
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Pirates of the Caribbean Jail Scene: Look for a Mickey shape formed by a chess set.
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Haunted Mansion Ballroom: Three plates on the banquet table form a classic Mickey.
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Ironwork: Subtle Mickey shapes are worked into the balcony railings.
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Blue Bayou Floor: Some tile patterns form Hidden Mickeys.
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Perfume Bottles: Arrangements in Mademoiselle Antoinette’s Parfumerie sometimes create Mickey silhouettes.
FAQ: Top 8 Questions About New Orleans Square
1. What rides are in New Orleans Square?
Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and the Disneyland Railroad’s New Orleans Square station.
2. When did New Orleans Square open?
July 24, 1966.
3. What restaurants are in New Orleans Square?
Blue Bayou Restaurant, Cafe Orleans, Tiana’s Palace, Mint Julep Bar, Royal Street Veranda, and Harbour Galley.
4. What is Club 33?
A private, members-only club with fine dining, located above New Orleans Square.
5. Can you stay in the Dream Suite?
No, the Dream Suite is now 21 Royal, a private dining experience.
6. What food is New Orleans Square known for?
Mickey beignets, mint juleps, Monte Cristo sandwiches, gumbo, and Cajun-Creole dishes.
7. What’s new in New Orleans Square for 2025?
A new ghostly bride in Haunted Mansion, Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond shop, and Magnolia Park.
8. Is New Orleans Square unique to Disneyland?
Yes, it’s exclusive to Disneyland in California.
Wrapping Things Up
New Orleans Square is a living tribute to Walt Disney’s vision-a land where the spirit of New Orleans is reimagined with Disney storytelling and detail. From the spooky fun of the Haunted Mansion to the swashbuckling adventure of Pirates of the Caribbean, from beignets and mint juleps to exclusive shopping and hidden Mickeys, every visit reveals something new. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Disneyland regular, New Orleans Square invites you to slow down, soak in the jazz, and discover the magic that makes this land a favorite for generations of Disney fans.
If you’re planning a Disneyland trip, make sure to spend time exploring every nook and cranny of New Orleans Square. You’ll find history, mystery, and a touch of Disney magic around every corner. Be sure to check out our friends over at Yeti Travel, they offer the lowest prices available! They can help plan and book your trip at no extra cost! Let someone else stress over your next trip planning/booking!