Help! Port Orleans Questions! About This Page:

[MyRapunzal]

Okay, so I am planning the annual trip to WDW for me and my DBF and this year we have decided to go for Port Orleans only I don't know all the pros and cons of Riverside over French Quarter??? I like the FQ is smaller and more compact with the food area, bus stop, and pool close to almost everyone. How is it for crowds? Does Riverside offer things that FQ doesnt? Do the buses stop at FQ for pick up and drop off first, before Riverside since there is only one bus stop? Anyone have pictures? We have stayed at ASMo and CBR and would go back to CBR if the pool wasn't being refurbed. Anyways, so far I am planning the trip for May, around Memorial Day weekend. Any input on the time of year and PO would be sooooooo helpful!!

Thanks!

[bradk]

POFQ is my resort of choice. POR has a TS location (boatwright's) and POFQ does not, but then again, that means DDE is accepted at POFQ's food court (POFQ also has beignets).

the bus routine is kinda crazy, but generally speaking, yes, POFQ is first to be picked up and first to be dropped off.

there are some photos i took in June of the exterior of both resorts here: Brad's Photos : photos : Port Orleans - powered by SmugMug

one of the best things about POFQ is it doesn't have preferred rooms. which means the rooms closest to the food court and buses are all standard

[Shell_of_the_South]

The buses go both ways. Last week PO-R was last to be picked up for AK bus, but first for a DD bus.

[MyRapunzal]

Originally Posted by bradk

POFQ is my resort of choice. POR has a TS location (boatwright's) and POFQ does not, but then again, that means DDE is accepted at POFQ's food court (POFQ also has beignets).
the bus routine is kinda crazy, but generally speaking, yes, POFQ is first to be picked up and first to be dropped off.
there are some photos i took in June of the exterior of both resorts here: Brad's Photos : photos : Port Orleans - powered by SmugMug
one of the best things about POFQ is it doesn't have preferred rooms. which means the rooms closest to the food court and buses are all standard

What does DDE mean?
Your pictures were great-- I couldn't differentiate which buildings were from which resort but do all the buildings have 3 floors? Any recommendation for which floor?

Originally Posted by Shell_of_the_South

The buses go both ways. Last week PO-R was last to be picked up for AK bus, but first for a DD bus.

Did you stay at Riverside last week? What made you chose it over FQ?

[bradk]

i think all POFQ buildings look alike, they're kinda pastel in color. the POR are more designed to look like mansions. i think i've only actually stayed on the 1st floor, but i don't think it'd matter too much.

DDE is Disney Dining Experience.. for AP holders (and FL residents) which gives 20% off TS locations and some food courts

[greentie]

In theory (we had a bus driver explain this to us!) all the theme park buses stop at POFQ first then POR. The only exception to this is the bus to DtD (and Typhoon Lagoon) which stop at POR first. They have to have one bus going in the opposite direction so that people can get from POR to POFQ by bus.

We did notice in June that morning EMH buses only seemed to stop at POFQ and the main stop at POR (rather than doing the whole loop of four stops). I don't know if another bus did the other three stops or if only one stop is in service at that time in the morning!

All the buildings at POFQ are three stories. The mansions at POR are also three stories but the aligator bayeau buildings (spelt something like that!) are only two stories.

If you have any other questions feel free to PM me!

[eeyore8484]

Definitely POFQ! No matter which building you're in, it's just a short walk to everything. The buses pick up and drop off there first, the grounds are beautiful, and most importantly: the beignets! We just love the place!

[MyRapunzal]

Ok two questions about beignets---
1. What are they?
2. How do you say that word???


And have any of you ever stayed at the Swan and Dolphin? I just found out that they have an educator discount and it would bring me down to an almost mod price for me and the DBF. I am a little hesitant since it is not an official WDW resort and because we stopped a couple times with the CBR bus there and it seemed like people had been waiting at the bus stop for a very very long time. I don't know if its for us-- but I would LOVE any opinions!

[IdahoDisneyMom]

POR is our all-time fave place to stay. We love Alligator Bayou the best. The buildings are 2 story (I believe POFQ are 3), and it has a really peaceful feel to it. I don't care for the whole Mardi Gras theme, which is POFQ, but that's just my opinion. We like the peacefulness, the QUIET, the foliage, the river nearby, etc, etc. POR's food court has a nice feel to it too, and DH (who's usually kind of picky) reminded me that we could eat a few meals there this trip if we need to b/c it was so nice. Another selling point for some at POR over POFQ is that about 75% of the rooms have a trundle bed, which is nice if you have a family of 5, or have a small child who kicks (like mine ). Whatever you choose, enjoy!!!

if you want to see pics, be sure and check out Deb's Unofficial Walt Disney World Vacation Information Guide - WDW Planning Guide - Walt Disney World
Deb has some really nice room and grounds pics of each!

[Jookiba]

We stayed at POFQ as our first on-property experience and loved it. It was very easy to maneuver around the resort since it was smaller than the Riverside. We were in building #2 which was close to the pool, laundry, and bus stop. What was nice was we were always picked up and dropped off first-unlike Riverside which has frequent, numerous stops.

I booked a standard but when we got there the CM showed me a map and said "take your pick" and I got a pool view for the price of a standard!!

We were literally a two minute walk from the boat ride to DTD/POR.

I would stay there again in a heartbeat-if there weren't so many other options to choose from!! I'd like to stay in every resort once before I die!

[GaGirls4disney]

We’ve stayed at the Dolphin twice, once in April and once in Dec. and loved it. We never had to wait long for buses and the beds were great. Both times we had balcony rooms. One time was a free upgrade. We also enjoyed taking the boat to Epcot and MGM. I would stay there again if I wasn’t using the dining plan.

We are real excited about staying at POFQ for the first time this Dec. I chose POFQ over POR because of the décor of the rooms. It seemed to suit DDs and me a little better. Also, the idea of beignets being so close!

[Caldercup]

The buildings at Riverside that are known as the Alligator Bayou buildings are only two stories high. (They also house 5 people and are the only moderate rooms that do.)

Beignets are like doughy powder donuts and are very delish with a cup of coffee -- especially when they are fresh-made. It's pronounced ben-YAYs (with an American accent )

I personally prefer POFQ because of it's size -- Riverside is lovely and the quiet pools are great, but it's a big, spread-out resort.

At FQ, I like buildings 2, 5 or 4 for their proximity to everything. At Riverside, I like Building 14.
Eileen

[iobxchick]

Does anyone know the fax number to send in a request for POFQ?

[Caldercup]

The fax number for POFQ is - 407-934-5353

For future reference, you can find all resort fax numbers in the PassPorter and on-line at AllEarsNet.com in their "Accomodations" section. Just select the FACT SHEET for your resort and it'll be listed there, usually at the bottom.

Port Orleans - French Quarter Fact Sheet

Eileen

[iobxchick]

Thank you!