Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter (Disney Moderate Resort) - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter (Disney Moderate Resort)
Port Orleans French Quarter, located in the Downtown Disney neighborhood, recaptures the feeling and flavors of historic New Orleans as it prepares for Mardi Gras.
Official Guidebook Review: Our official review of Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort can be read in PassPorter's Walt Disney World guidebook (chapter 3).
Personal Review: This is our favorite moderate resort on Walt Disney World property. We love its more compact size and lovely theming. We and our guests stayed here for our Disney wedding!
Other Reviews: We do not yet have a feature article on file for Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. If you're interested in writing one, please contact Belle*.
Your Review: What do YOU think of this resort? We want to know! To leave a review AND numerical rating, click the Review button below. Please avoid commenting on previously posted reviews. Tip: Include your pros and cons!
Results from these ratings and reviews will be factored into the ratings that appear in the guidebook, too!
I am a huge fan of the moderate resorts and POFQ is my favorite! I how easy it is to get around. I stayed in the 500 building and it was a perfect location. I like to have lots of light in my room so I requested a corner room with 2 windows and had a wonderful view of one of the fountains. Mousekeeping left me several towel creations while I was there including a boat surrounding my Minnie and Mickey dolls one day. (I think they were hinting I should consider a DCL cruise )
I enjoyed the food court for breakfast and for lunch one day the Muffaletta was . One evening I sat and enjoyed an adult beverage while listening to music in the lounge. I can't remember the name of the performer, but he was great! I also walked over to POR to have lunch one day. It is a relaxing stroll by the river and it was nice to have a different option for eating.
One of my favorite things about this resort is the boat to DTD. It is so peaceful to cruise down the river past the old tree houses. You can also take the boat to POR if you don't want to walk.
I have stayed at the Port Orleans French Quarter three times. Why do I keep coming back? Because I like it!
I like the size of the resort. The gardens are beautiful! I like the pool bar! The boat to Downtown Disney is so convenient and such a relaxing ride. It's a short walk along Sassagoula River to the Port Orleans Riverside resort, where you have guest priveledges of all it's amenities too. You are also welcome to take the boat or the bus to POR.
The bus service is usually very good. We've run into the normal issues where every once in a while you'll see 4 buses heading to Animal Kingdom when you're waiting for the Epcot bus; but I think that glitch happens everywhere occasionally. Usually POFQ is the first stop for the buses, followed by 4 stops at POR. However, we noticed on our last stay that sometimes POFQ had exclusive buses with no stops at POR. That was fine by me!
The room is definitely adequate. Two double beds, a dresser, a small fridge, a table with a couple of chairs and a night table are the furnishings in a Standard Room. The bathroom area is nice with an open closet and 2 pedestal sinks in the dressing area, which has a privacy curtain for, uh, privacy. An iron and ironing board, cable for computer hookups, as well as a hair dryer are provided. The toilet and bathtub are off to the side in a very small room, just large enough to change your mind in, but adequate for what you need to do in there. There is also a small 4-cup coffee maker and all the necessities to brew yourself a cup of coffee in the morning. We loved to look for hidden Mickeys in the bedspreads.
The pool area is very nice. Lots of lounge chairs surrounding the pool, a nice wading pool area, and of course the themed pool with the water slide is a huge hit with the kiddos. The pool bar has a nice seating area nearby with tables covered by umbrellas for some shade. There is a small playground area in one of the gardens near the pool. Another lovely secluded area near the pool houses the hot tub.
The food court area is a bustling place. Sometimes it's a bit overwhelming because the actual area where you order your food and pay for it is pretty small. But really that's only been an issue for me around 8 to 9 a.m. when it seems like everybody in the resort is getting breakfast then. I'm an early riser, so normally I beat the rush. Don't forget to try the beignets! They usually have free little goodies for kids and kids-at-heart sitting at the counters and cash registers. Last trip I picked up some "dubloons", the trip before it was Mardi Gras beads.
The store (Jackson Square) is fairly small. It has the necessities, but if you are looking for variety, head to POR and shop in Fulton's instead. The CMs have been very friendly to me at all times, and many times have bent over backwards to try to help me with odd requests. On my last visit, I needed to ship a small box of goodies, but I didn't have a box, so I asked at Jackson Square and somebody went back and spent a long time looking for a suitable small box for me. I figured that was above-and-beyond service, really.
Scat Cat's Club just off the lobby was a nice area to just sit and relax with a drink and listen to the live entertainment available some nights. During the day, it doubles as an extra seating area for the food court.
At night, the "gas" lamps come on, and it's nice in the evening to hear the clop-clop-clop of the horse-drawn carriages passing by on the cobblestone "streets", carrying happy guests enjoying one of the special extras at this resort. And speaking of the streets, make sure you check out their names! Somebody had a great time naming them!
Pros:
its theming is awesome
the rooms are all you really need, plus just a little bit more
the pool area
the small size of the resort is very comfortable
the lovely boat ride to Downtown Disney
reasonably priced, especially if you can snag a discount
first stop for the buses
Cons:
double beds takes a bit of adjustment when you are used to sleeping in a queen
if the bus goes to POR, it adds a fair amount of time to your commute to the parks
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We stayed at POFQ last year for 3 nights. I am so thankful it was one of our shortest stays ever. We did not have a very good stay here. We checked in pretty late (around 11PM) and there was only one front desk clerk working. Several other people kept popping in and out but they either weren't front desk clerks or weren't on duty, I'm guessing. The line took a very long time. We finally got to our room around midnight. We were in the furthest building from the main area - although the walk wasn't that far. When we got to the room, I was a little disappointed. It looked old. There were a few areas that were not cleaned very well (hair and dirt were on the floor and in the shower).
We didn't get much sleep that night, either, because we could hear every step of our neighbors on both sides. We were on the top floor, thank goodness. People walking by our room outside sounded very loud! We could also hear toilets flushing and showers from other rooms.
In the morning, we went to check out the pool area. The boys and their dad played in the pool while I went over to the hot tub. It is nicely hidden and probably would have been very relaxing, except it was only about half full. The water only came up to my waist. And it wasn't really very hot. I was in the hot tub when the lifeguard came to test the water and asked him about the level and the heat and he shrugged his shoulders and walked away. That said, it was hard to pry the boys away from the water slide. They absolutely love this pool and my 9 year old still says it's his favorite pool on property.
The food court was good. The kids liked all the choices they had and the beignets were a welcome addition. We had a few rounds of those messy yummy goodies They also had an ice cream area, which we all enjoyed.
We didn't use the bus system as we only went to DisneyQuest this trip. We took the water taxi and it was a very nice experience.
PROS: ability to take boat to Downtown Disney
CONS: Noise factor, the CM's we encountered were not very friendly, room cleanliness and decor.
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*~*Tina
Picking up our Brasilian exchange student at the a/p
Last edited by loobyoxlip; 01-07-2008 at 03:32 PM..
We stayed at POFQ in September, 2007. We were placed in building 4, room 4305 (third floor). Our whole family really enjoyed the resort. Due to it's compact size, everything was a short walk away. The food court offered a wide variety of choices, although there isn't a table service restaraunt. We didn't miss having one, though. The pool was fantastic! It is very large, with a Mardi Gras motif, including a dragon side and alligator fountains. My kids wanted to visit it every day. The boat ride to Downtown Disney is a very relaxing ride, and a nice change from buses. We stayed 9 nights, and the four of us still didn't feel crowded by the end of the trip. The sink area is large, with two sinks, and there is a curtain you can pull across, creating a "dressing room". The grounds of the hotel are peaceful and quiet. Sometimes I forgot those were hotel buildings surrounding me - I thought I was back in New Orleans! I think this is a great hotel for families, couples, or for older or disabled guests (due to the compact size).
This is my favorite resort of all that I've stayed in on property (of 4 deluxes, 3 moderates and 2 values.)
It is well-located so that you're close to both Disney Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom are equally far apart, with about a 15 minute bus ride. The boat ride to Downtown Disney is magical and so much nicer than taking a bus from any other resort to DtD.
The theming is all-encompassing, but very low-key, romantic, and relaxing -- which makes for a great "break" after a long day in the parks!
The pool is very fun with one of the best slides of all the resorts. The hot tubs are well-located and can make doing laundry fun!
The food court is well-organized and clean, with great offerings. Don't forget to try the beignets!
The rooms are spacious, with attractive furnishings. The sink area has two sinks -- a godsend on busy mornings. There is plenty of storage for clothing in the hanging area and the bureau. (I always request extra hangers and hang as much as I can.)
The buses are some of the best I've experienced -- even when sharing with Riverside. We've gone mainly in the off season, but have always had short waits for buses and didn't experience many standing-room only trips, except at park closing.
The staff is warm and helpful -- many of the Mousekeepers have gone the extra step to make magic for us, from arranging our toys, stuffed animals and purchases in fun tableaux, to putting blossoms in water when they discovered we were celebrating a birthday.
The grounds are lush and gorgeous. The buildings themselves are close together (although it doesn't affect the noise level in this quiet resort.) It really feels like New Orleans!
If I'm given a choice between POFQ and any other resort, I'll choose the POFQ in a New York second!
We loved the POFQ, the rooms were nice, the kids loved the pool, accessibitly to DTD via the boat was a plus, the food court was nice, no problem with transpostation to and from parks, it was quiet and you always had the option of visiting the Riverside.
I've stayed here twice, buildings 3 and 2. Both times were on the third floor and in January. We had absolutely no noise issues, sleeping was easy. The room itself is just as expected and the double sinks and curtain are excellent features. We never did get any mousekeeping towels, but the mousekeeping itself was great. We had plenty of room with 2 little girls.
The location is perfect. Easy boat ride to DTD, quick bus rides to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Yes, AK and MK are a little further but that's OK. The only downfall there would be if the bus picks up or drops off at POR as that adds time to your day. And the resort theming is outstanding. On both trips I made sure I took some time to just stroll around and soak it all up. It's beautiful and peaceful. Love love love the quaint streets and courtyards!!
The foodcourt is a bit on the small side, but we never had any issues with long lines or nowhere to sit. We often sat outside. It's nice to know that POR is just a short walk or boat ride away if you want a change of pace or full service at Boatwright's. And the food was always good, no complaints there. Can't get enough beignets!
Overall, I choose this moderate compared to the others. I haven't stayed at CS or CBR but have visited them. They seem rather large and spread out and I can see how any extra walking on a WDW trip could make or break your relaxing time. My parents fell in love with this resort and have vowed it to be their resort of choice from now on, and I couldn't agree more!!
__________________
Tanya
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This is my favorite moderate resort at Walt Disney World and have stayed here several times. I love the fact that it is small & compact, so it is easy to get everywhere at this resort.
Have stayed in building 5, which I think is great, as it is centrally located to the pool, hot tub, main building, food court & bus stop.
I love walking around the grounds early in the morning to see everything waking up.
The theming is wonderful here and I love the fact that the hot tub is tucked away amongst some tall bushes for privacy.
The foodcourt is good and the beignets are soooo addicting!!!
I would say the only "con" is that is shares it's buses with PO Riverside. However, it always picks up & drops off at POFQ.
This is a great resort and a must for me for a moderate!!
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July 2013 - San Diego November-December 2013 - Art of Animation & Port Orleans French Quarter
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I love POFQ!!! It's my new favorite place to stay. It seemed so quiet and peaceful when I was there marathon weekend this year. I loved walking around on the "streets" and reading all the street signs.
And the night time entertainment at Scat Cat's was GREAT!!! I had a lot of fun sitting there listening to the music and singing along.
We love this place and have stayed there 4 times. It is so peaceful and quiet. We have rarely incountered a crowed bus. I love that we are first on and first off the bus. In fact, although the bus may stop at POR, it did so rarely.
We have been in building 6 and 3, the view from both was great. The pool and hot tub a wonderful way to relax in the evening.
Love the French Quarter. A water-view adds to the magic. It's nice to see the boats pass by.. We have stayed here 2 times & 2 times at Riverside. We enjoyed French Quarter more. The smaller size makes it easier to get around in & the food court is great for breakfast or a late snack.
Great value for the money..
Deb
This resort is well themed and easy to get around. The compact size of the resort makes it easy to stay "far away" from the busier areas like the pool and lobby area, but still able to access the necessities quickly and easily.
Busses are excellent from this resort and the boat to DTD is such a bonus.
Pool area is a favourite with the kids and adults alike. We have always been able to find a shady spot to sit and watch the action.
FQ and POR are both excellent resorts but I would have to give FQ a better rating but just by a nose.
Pros:
Compact size - compared to CSR, this was a breeze to get around.
Theming - It's not overly DISNEY-FIED like the values, love the Mardi Gras theme.
Quiet and peaceful - We had a river view room and it was close to the pool, but not overly noisy at all.
Food court - Good selection as in most of the food courts.
Transportation - We only had a problem once - Epcot closing was madness. However, we caught a cab for $10 back to POR. $10 is totally worth not waiting in the enormous line for the bus.
Check-in - We arrived early, a little after 1:00 pm, and our check in was about 3 minutes. Our room was ready!
Cons:
Can't really think of any. The only con is that sometimes the busses are shared with POR and can be crowded. But, that's with any resort so we didn't complain.
We were there last month and just loved it. We were in building 6. If we were any closer to the river, we could have dipped our toes.
We loved the theming. It was lovely just to wander around. The pool was a lot of fun.
The boats were a pleasant change from the busses. The food court could get a little crowded at times, but the food and service were great.
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how easy it is to get around. I stayed in the 500 building and it was a perfect location. I like to have lots of light in my room so I requested a corner room with 2 windows and had a wonderful view of one of the fountains. Mousekeeping left me several towel creations while I was there including a boat surrounding my Minnie and Mickey dolls one day. (I think they were hinting I should consider a DCL cruise 
)
. One evening I sat and enjoyed an adult beverage while listening to music in the lounge. I can't remember the name of the performer, but he was great! I also walked over to POR to have lunch one day. It is a relaxing stroll by the river and it was nice to have a different option for eating.
Disney World's Best Little Secret!
The boat to Downtown Disney is so convenient and such a relaxing ride. It's a short walk along Sassagoula River to the Port Orleans Riverside resort, where you have guest priveledges of all it's amenities too. You are also welcome to take the boat or the bus to POR. 
There is also a small 4-cup coffee maker and all the necessities to brew yourself a cup of coffee in the morning. We loved to look for hidden Mickeys in the bedspreads.
They usually have free little goodies for kids and kids-at-heart sitting at the counters and cash registers. Last trip I picked up some "dubloons", the trip before it was Mardi Gras beads.
Port Orleans French Quarter
Parlor Panther in 'stalking mode'
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