9 days, 7 bladders, 3 strollers, 1 tropical storm and... lots of fun. UPDATED JUNE 24

[ronnmel]

I'm here!

Oh man, that sucks that Beatriz almost got sick on the plane. Thank god it was only "almost".

 

[onescgirl]

Beatriz looked so adorable in her Disney attire!!

 

[heaven2dc]

Another exciting trip! I've always enjoyed your TR's and Beatriz is such a doll!

I am so glad she didn't get sick on the plane and hope she napped long enough to feel better Can't wait to read more!

 

[Queila]

Following along! Your trip sounds fun! Beatriz is adorable
Can't wait for more

Oh my gosh! I hope she felt better off the plane!

I'm here!

Oh man, that sucks that Beatriz almost got sick on the plane. Thank god it was only "almost".

Beatriz looked so adorable in her Disney attire!!

Another exciting trip! I've always enjoyed your TR's and Beatriz is such a doll!

I am so glad she didn't get sick on the plane and hope she napped long enough to feel better Can't wait to read more!

Welcome to all! I am already neglecting the TR. Not a good sign. Bur working on a new update. Promise.

Q

 

[Queila]

Day 1- Sunday, Aug. 26th 2012- Arrival at POFQ

So the whole process at the airport was once again seamless and, before we knew it, we were waiting for our Magical Express ride.

Beatriz perked up after all:

And guess who else arrived in Orlando right on time?

Isaac!

But we were not going to let the rain spoil the moment:

The forecast said that the heavy rain was supposed to start at night so I was hoping we would still have the chance to do something in the afternoon.

We were the first stop and made it to POFQ in no time. Even though we had made the online check- in the whole process ended up taking quite some time because we never mentioned that the two reservations were together so the two families ended up with rooms at opposite sides of the resort.

We explained the situation to the CM and he changed both rooms so we could be in the same building which was very convenient.

By the time we got the keys to our rooms the rain had stopped so the order was: go to your room, change as fast as you can and let's make it to Epcot asap.

But first, some POFQ pictures:

​

 

[Queila]

Port Orleans French Quarters Review

As soon as we got back home from our vacation I posted a quick review of POFQ at the Resorts boards so I thought it was maybe a good idea to copy and paste it over here too:

" This was our first stay at POFQ and we L-O-V-E-D it.

My husband and I were saying that it looks like we have found our match. We have stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Pop Century before but POFQ seemed to be the perfect match for our family.

I have always said that I would like to experience every Disney hotel at least once but it will be hard not to stay at POFQ from now on...

I think what I liked the most is the fact that the resort is comparatively very small and easy to manage. Even though our room was on building 1 (by the river) we never felt we were too far from anything. Specially when we figured we could make our way to the pool through the path by the river.

We walked to Riverside once for a meal at Boatwright's (which is amazing BTW) and took the boat back to FQ. We were planning to use the boat once again to go to DTD but ended up using the bus instead.

The bus system was good. I had heard rumors that it was supposed to be a nightmare but it was seamless. We shared it once or twice with Riverside but it wasn't a big deal. We never had to wait long for it, 10 minutes tops.

One night when we were getting back from MK after Wishes we got to the bus stop and there were tons of guests waiting. It looked like they had been waiting for quite a while. So the first bus came, filled up and left. We had to stay behind and wait for the next one. Wouldn't you know they sent a Magical Express coach to pick us up. Everybody got to sit down and watch cartoons on the way to the hotel. The bus driver called it a "magical moment".

The rooms are beautiful and spacious and mousekeeping was A1. Fresh towels and new soaps, shampoos and conditioners everyday. My daughter had brought some plush animals from home and once or twice they were placed in cute positions when we got back to our room. It was a nice touch.

The wifi in our room was not reliable though. It can get frustrating after a while.

We also ate at Sassagoula Floatworks a couple of times (shrimp po boy, creole burger, fish with collard greens, gumbo, jambalaya and a ridiculous amount of beignets). Everything was delicious and made fresh.

The staff was friendly and kept a smile on their faces even on the Monday (Aug.27) when we felt the effects of Isaac and most people stayed at the resort because of the heavy rain. Sassagoula Floatworks was extremely busy the whole morning but it never got chaotic.

We also loved the swimming pool and my daughter who is 4 years old couldn't get enough of that slide. The pool never felt too crowded and we never had trouble finding chairs. We also got to enjoy some games by the pool one afternoon and the CM's were very good with the kids.

On the Saturday night we got to go to sit at the Scat Cat's and listen to Elliot Dyson play for a while. We ordered a gyn tonic at the bar which totally hit the spot.

All in all it was a wonderful vacation and POFQ played a huge part in it. If you are reading this because you are still trying to figure out where to stay on your next Disney vacation I would highly recommend giving POFQ some serious thought".



Oh... I forgot to mention that one evening we had an encounter with a cockroach in our room. It was a huge one and it was an unpleasant surprise. I never mentioned anything to the staff because I don't think I can really hold it against Disney considering the heat and the location of the resort.

Just thought I should add this "detail" to the review.

​

 

[Queila]

Port Orleans French Quarter- Our Room:

Can you spot the hidden Mickey on the curtain?​

 

[ronnmel]

I see the hidden Mickey! POFQ looks like such a beautiful resort. It's too bad it seems to often be excluded from the discounts. I guess it's just popular enough on its own.

Did you see my private message?

 

[JAMIESMITH]

I've always written off the Port Orleans resorts because New Orleans is only a two hour Amtrack ride from home and we want something different while on vacation. Perhaps I need to rethink that. The food sounds amazing!

 

[emma212010]

A bit late, but I'm subscribing!! Your daughter is to cute!!

We stayed at POFQ back in June and also loved it!! We had Debby to worry about, and it rained and rained and rained, so I feel you on the Isaac drama!

 

[pinkxray]

I didn't even realize you had a trip report going. I've been such a Dis slacker lately.

POFQ always looks lovely in pictures. I am happy to hear you enjoyed it so much. It does seem like having it be so compact and easy to get around would be a huge plus, especially with a little one.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip

 

[thornton0511]

Hi Queila I'm a lurker named Jenn who has really enjoyed reading your awesome TR's and thought I would follow along this time if that is alright

 

[Queila]

I see the hidden Mickey! POFQ looks like such a beautiful resort. It's too bad it seems to often be excluded from the discounts. I guess it's just popular enough on its own.

I recommend POFQ to everyone. It was really pretty.

I've always written off the Port Orleans resorts because New Orleans is only a two hour Amtrack ride from home and we want something different while on vacation. Perhaps I need to rethink that. The food sounds amazing!

I totally understand. I have no interest of staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort for that same reason. If I want the Caribbean vibe I can take a vacation on an island period. Even if you are not staying at POFQ it is worth at least a visit though. If for nothing else, for the beignets.

A bit late, but I'm subscribing!! Your daughter is to cute!!

We stayed at POFQ back in June and also loved it!! We had Debby to worry about, and it rained and rained and rained, so I feel you on the Isaac drama!

Thanks. The way things are going it seems there is no such a ting as hurricane season anymore. You just never know. Hope the rain did not put a damp on your trip.

I didn't even realize you had a trip report going. I've been such a Dis slacker lately.

POFQ always looks lovely in pictures. I am happy to hear you enjoyed it so much. It does seem like having it be so compact and easy to get around would be a huge plus, especially with a little one.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip

Hey!! Welcome. YOu made it here. Yes, POFQ was a pleasant surprise. Definitely, a good fit for our family.

Hi Queila I'm a lurker named Jenn who has really enjoyed reading your awesome TR's and thought I would follow along this time if that is alright

Welcome!!! So glad you stepped out of your "lurkerdom". I love to get to know who is reading.


Q

 

[Queila]

Ok ... so this TR started off by being neglected already. Not a good sign.

It has been a busy month. My co-worker was on vacation for three weeks and I covered her shifts going from being a part timer to a full timer and that sucked!

Not sure I can ever be a full timer again.

We also got busy with some renovations in our house. We are giving Beatriz her "big girl" room we had promised her a while ago. Not going to lie... it is sad to see the baby stuff go.

I know I am late to the party but we just recently got into watching Once Upon a Time. A friend lent me the entire 1st season and we have been watching it non stop for the past couple of weeks. Anyone else hooked on it?

We also went back to the fertility clinic and got asked to do a bunch of other tests. We are doing the tests right now and we will see the doctor again in December to decide what to do. I want to give it a shot but I also want to keep my sanity. It is balancing act.

Joey went on for months and months being strong for me but now that I am doing better (therapy is helping me) I think he found the opportunity to start his own grieving. It is hard to see him cry. What a year it has been.

On a ligher note, I am also busy planning a little get away for our family to New York in the beginning of December. We want to bring Bea to see Mary Poppins on Broadway. It should be fun!

Anyways, I think that covers the major events.

On with the TR!
Q​

 

[Queila]

Day 1- Sunday, Aug. 26th 2012- Arrival at Epcot, lunch at Via Napoli.

Since we were all checked in at POFQ and taking advantage of the break from the rain we decided to change and make our way to Epcot as fast as possible.

I love the feeling of stepping into the first park of the trip. Specially when you realize that no matter how many times you have done it, the "magic" is still there.

By this time we were all STARVING! We had reservations for an "early super" at Via Napoli at 16h30 but decided to make it there right away (it was maybe 1pm by then) and make it into a lunch.

Not before a picture a family:

Right after we took this picture the flood gates opened upon our heads in the form of a squall. We tried to outrun it but we all ended up soaking wet. We took shelter on the gift shop between Future World and World Showcase but it was too late. All adults and kids were now not only hungry but also wet.

We waited it out a bit, put our ponchos on and made our way to Via Napoli. We had no problems checking in a couple of hours earlier and got seated right away.

Mezzo metro pizza:

The pizza was amazing. We were 4 adults and 3 kids and we all enjoyed it. I have to say that maybe because we were all very hungry we could have probably eaten more but the bread basket and the dessert took care of that.

We payed for this meal out of pocket.

Acqua fresca for me:

My Italian husband with my half Italian daughter were feeling right at home:

Happy to be at Disney:

The zeppole was divine!! It totally hit the spot and I may or may not have drunk that chocolate syrup out of the dispenser:

The famous wood fire ovens:

I recommend Via Napoli to everyone. The place is not only pleasing to the eyes but everything we had tasted really good. I would go back there in a heart beat.

Next Up:
Enjoying Epcot in spite of the rain.
​

 

[JAMIESMITH]

Yay, an update! Jamie and I have been discussing having another baby after Maddy starts school, but it is so hard with just one and both of us working full time. His sister had a little boy yesterday so he has baby fever big time! There is a book called "Heaven is for Real" that helped one of my friends deal with her miscarriage. You may not feel up to reading it yet, or even be very religous, but I know that it changed her perspective. I really hope that she and her husband will be able to have a child someday because they would make such great parents. We LOVE Once Upon A Time. A Broadway show sounds awesome! I've never been to New York, but that would top my list of things to see and do if I ever got the change to go. I can't wait to read more about Epcot!

 

[Queila]

Yay, an update! Jamie and I have been discussing having another baby after Maddy starts school, but it is so hard with just one and both of us working full time. His sister had a little boy yesterday so he has baby fever big time! There is a book called "Heaven is for Real" that helped one of my friends deal with her miscarriage. You may not feel up to reading it yet, or even be very religous, but I know that it changed her perspective. I really hope that she and her husband will be able to have a child someday because they would make such great parents. We LOVE Once Upon A Time. A Broadway show sounds awesome! I've never been to New York, but that would top my list of things to see and do if I ever got the change to go. I can't wait to read more about Epcot!

Hey Jamie,
Baby fever, eh? I really love motherhood and would not mind having 4 or 5 kids but raising kids is getting harder and harder in this crazy world so I would totally "settle" for one more. We'll see what happens.

As it turns out I am a very spiritual person and my faith has kept me sane throughout the pain and has helped me to keep things into perspective. Therapy has helped me see WHY this has hit me so hard though. I think I have lived a pretty "sheltered" life. I have always felt very surrounded and protected by the love of my family and of my God so this loss was maybe the first time in my life that I felt so vulnerable to the pain. I am much better now.

Thanks for recommending the book. I will look into it.

 

[Queila]

Day 1- Sunday- Aug. 26th 2012- Dodging the rain at Future World, dinner at Sunshine Seasons and, who knew, Illuminations.

The original plan was to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Word Showcase but with the heavy rain I knew that was not going to be possible.

We had been at Disney for only a few hours and I was already having a revelation: forget about your "plans", listen to Crush and just "go with the floooooooooooooow".

I have to admit I really enjoyed approaching our time in the parks in a more "organic" way. I guess it is something that comes as you become a more experienced Disney traveller.

Also, for the rest of this TR I will refrain from telling you about the bathroom breaks because among the different needs of all the adults and the kids I am pretty sure we had a break before and after almost every attraction we visited.

It is no joke.

So we all put our ponchos back on and headed to Future World. First stop? Character Spot.

The Florida weather was already showing its effects on her hair. Love it!

Now I don't know about you but no matter what time of the day I try to visit the Character Spot I always end up waiting minimum half an hour. I have been there in the middle of the day, first thing in the morning and right before closing time, it is never a short wait.

Thank goodness for the old cartoons to keep us entertained.

Now, my friends, THIS SMILE is the reason why we love Disney so much:

All worth it.

We also got to take pictures with Chip & Dale at the exit of Character Spot but all the pictures have all the kids posing together so I will keep their privacy and not post them here.

Then it was ponchos back on and we moved our gang to The Living Seas pavillon. No pictures outside with the seagulls and other characters from the movies this time.

Too. Much. Rain.

We then rode the Nemo clams and also saw the Turtle Talk with Crush. Our friends were pretty impressed with both rides. It was their first experience in a "Disney attraction" and they were loving all the attention to details. I told them about the Coral Reef restaurant and they were already taking notes for their "next time". It was cute.

Because of the rain I was in no rush to go back outside so we *really* took our time to explore the pavillon thoroughly examining all the fishing tanks.

Just keep swimming Dori!

Beatriz is still very much afraid of Bruce. I am not sure *this* was the best way to make her get over it:

So finally we decided to move to The Land pavillon and wouldn't you know the rain had stopped!! I guess that is Florida for you.

We checked out Sorin' and the waiting time was "only" half an hour but we would have to use a swap pass because of J. (the 3 year old boy) and that would end up splitting the group so we decided against it.

Instead we rode "Living with the Land". We haven't been in that one since 2009 so it was a good refresher. Beatriz *loved* it. She calls it the "nature ride" and she still refers to it as one of her favorites.

As we left the "nature boat" the delicious smells coming from the Sunshine Seasons kitchens opened our apetite and, just like that, we were ready to eat again.

Super time!

Joey and I both had the mongolian beef with rice and the strawberry shortcake for dessert. Beatriz had the chicken legs, milk and apple sauce.

She devoured her meal!

This was the first time we felt that the dining plan was not a "waste of money" on her.

Last year I thought the portions were way too big for a 3 year old and we would have been fine simply sharing our own meals with her. But this time she was able to finish practically all her quick service meals and she gave it a fair shot on her table service meals too.

Once we were done eating we headed to Mouse Gears. My friend A. wanted to buy a Rapunzel costume for M. (the 6 year old girl) to wear at the Cinderella Royal Table at the end of the week.

We are not big on shopping at Disney but I have to admit we had a good time browsing around at Mouse Gears. We had already warned Beatriz that not every time M. and J. were going to get a gift from their parents the same would happen to her.

She is SO GOOD my little girl.She was content looking around, never asked for anything and was happy for her little friend getting her dress. She knows she always gets a reward at the end of the trip. J. got a spinning Buzz and he was pretty happy with that too.

So by now it was probably around 8h20 and we were talking about leaving back to the hotel when I realized they WERE having Illuminations that night after all.

For a while I thought they would cancel it because of the rain from earlier and the impending arrival of Isaac but it was on so I suggested we stay and "get it out of the way" early on the trip.

Everybody agreed so we did.

Illuminations was awesome as usual and was the perfect way to end our first day.

All three kids fell asleep in the bus ride back to the hotel. We still hang out at Sassagoula Floatworks for another half an hour or so. We redeemed the rest of our refillable mugs, had some hot tea and made plans for the following day.

The forecast was announcing 100% chance of heavy rain all day the next day so we agreed on no wake up call and play it by ear from then on.

Back to our room we found our luggage had arrived so we unpacked, took showers and called it a night.


******************end of day 1*******************

Next up:
It is Isaac day! ​

 

[ronnmel]

I can't believe I forgot to comment on your previous update. Those Zeppole look so yummy. I am for sure trying them this trip. And I may or may not drink the chocolate syrup as well.

I went to character spot first thing in the morning after rope drop and waited about 15 minutes.

I'm glad your friends were already really enjoying their trip, despite the rain.

You have raised your daughter well, not asking for stuff from the gift shop despite her friends getting souvenirs.

@ the Bruce picture.

 

[natebenma]

Loved your two updates!

Your comment about the bathroom stops cracked me up. I experienced something very similar on the class trip in June, prompting me to text my husband "I can't manage 20 bladders". And this was a group of adults and teenagers!

Sounds like a good call to have lunch when you did. Everything looked AMAZING!!! I hear mostly raves about Via and especially the zeppole. Can't blame a person for slurping down the chocolate!

What a great start with the Seas Pavillion and then Living with the Land. The pictures you took of the fish tank came out great. Nice picture of you and Bruce, too!

The pictures in the character spot were precious. The joy on Beatriz' face is priceless! I love that Mickey got down to her level for that shot. Very cute picture of Bea and Minnie showing their slips together.


I love the food at Sunshine Seasons- there is so much yummy stuff to choose from, but I think the strawberry shortcake is the very best thing of all!

Boo on all of the rain!

on sticking around for Illuminations.