Someone Talk Me Out of my Port Orleans French Quarter Addiction..... If You Can

LadyDiznee123

DIS Veteran
Joined
Mar 2, 2015
Hello All:

I don't want to confuse anyone. I am going SOLO probably in Late October / Early November and my choice resort is POFQ. I've stayed there with my former husband four years back to back from 97 to 2000. Now I am going solo because I can't find another adult who can afford it right now. There is even a chance that I may not be able to make it but as of right now... I'M GOIN' DARNIT!

Anyway POFQ is just my favorite for a number of reasons. It has an adult feel. I love the short bus lines when its time to leave the park. I love the short walk to my room from the bus because its one of the smaller resorts. And most especially I LOVE my ferry ride to Downtown Disney from Port Orleans. So I really have no problem with this decision. It's a no-brainer for me.

That being said I have decided to do POFQ knowing that I am also on a budget and I do wonder if I will enjoy POP Century (or another resort). Aside from the fact that a value resort will be cheaper and that a change will be simply a new form of excitement for me.... i'd like some more reasons to make this change. If I didn't love POFQ so much the change wouldn't be a problem but it IS a problem.

These boards are what changed my mind about doing a SOLO trip. Perhaps these boards can get me out of my POFQ COMFORT ZONE and give me other resort suggestions and reasons to not do POFQ.

I beseech you all to change my mind! Moreover, I would still welcome hearing from those who say stick with what I love (PORT ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTER). I feel so set on POFQ... someone please feel free to tell me to broaden my horizons and try another resort.

Thanks for indulging me!
 
Well, I am not going to be of any help to you, because I have loved POFQ for my solo trips and am going back there next month. I flirted seriously with POP for this year and in the end stuck to POFQ because of the whole Comfort Zone thing. One thing, however - I am bound and determined to VISIT POP this year and take a walk around, scope the place out and consider it for next year. One of the reasons I love POFQ is the small size, and after 2 stays, I'm really convinced they could put me anywhere in the resort and I'd be happy. My big concern about POP is how to get the location I think I want, when there is not one booking category that would guarantee a location I'd feel comfortable with (just from looking at maps/pictures).

I also think the boat to DTD is one of the biggest advantages of the PO resorts - I don't spend a lot of time at DTD, and I haven't made a LOT of WDW trips, but the DTD bus transporation always seems to be a big pain!

FWIW, taking my first solo trip was a BIG adventure for me, so I splurged on Beach Club because it was familiar and I knew I liked it. So I totally get wanting to stay somewhere familiar and comfortable for the first solo trip.

So, my advice is, stick with POFQ this trip but maybe take some time to visit some other resorts you might consider for the future.
 
POFQ is my favourite moderate, but Pop is my favourite value.........And if I had to choose......I actually love Pop more then POFQ.

Pop is cheaper, the food court has more variety, and buses are amazing. Plus if you stay in a lakeside room, (which are standard) you'll find Pop to be very peaceful and relaxing. :goodvibes There is no hot tub. That is the only thing I miss.

I think either resort would be perfect for someone going solo. Enjoy! :)
 
Well, I am not going to be of any help to you, because I have loved POFQ for my solo trips and am going back there next month. I flirted seriously with POP for this year and in the end stuck to POFQ because of the whole Comfort Zone thing. One thing, however - I am bound and determined to VISIT POP this year and take a walk around, scope the place out and consider it for next year. One of the reasons I love POFQ is the small size, and after 2 stays, I'm really convinced they could put me anywhere in the resort and I'd be happy. My big concern about POP is how to get the location I think I want, when there is not one booking category that would guarantee a location I'd feel comfortable with (just from looking at maps/pictures).

I also think the boat to DTD is one of the biggest advantages of the PO resorts - I don't spend a lot of time at DTD, and I haven't made a LOT of WDW trips, but the DTD bus transporation always seems to be a big pain!

FWIW, taking my first solo trip was a BIG adventure for me, so I splurged on Beach Club because it was familiar and I knew I liked it. So I totally get wanting to stay somewhere familiar and comfortable for the first solo trip.

So, my advice is, stick with POFQ this trip but maybe take some time to visit some other resorts you might consider for the future.




Wow... you see... THIS is why I posted this! This makes SOOOO much sense to stay in my comfort zone at POFQ and VISIT (Hello!!!!) POP Century. Yes, that sounds like an outstanding Idea. I've seen some YOU TUBE vlogs and it looks nice. I know exactly what the entrance looks like as well as the food court. I have no doubt I will like the resort. But what I need to do most is get a feel of where the bus stop is and see if it sets well with me. I'm not a pool person except to relax in a recliner by the pool so I'm not picky about things like the pool. I'm not going during a peak season so nor am I worried about too many people.

Thanks so much for your response... and really HEARING my request. I asked to be talked out of it IF YOU CAN.... or even to talk me into staying. Right now I'm leaning on my STAYING track. I can try POP later!

Thank you Karly!
 


POFQ is my favourite moderate, but Pop is my favourite value.........And if I had to choose......I actually love Pop more then POFQ.

Pop is cheaper, the food court has more variety, and buses are amazing. Plus if you stay in a lakeside room, (which are standard) you'll find Pop to be very peaceful and relaxing. :goodvibes There is no hot tub. That is the only thing I miss.

I think either resort would be perfect for someone going solo. Enjoy! :)



Hello Disneylover:

Again... this has been a great help to me. To hear you say POFQ is your favorite moderate resort and that POP is your favorite VALUE resort - this tells me that POP is STILL the resort I'd like to examine for a walk-thru while I'm staying at POFQ. It's great to hear such good things about the food court, as well as the buses being great. The buses are a big deal for me. When I am done with the Parks and I want to go "home" (my hotel room)... I really WANT TO GO HOME. Getting back to your "home" should not be a challenge or a chore after being on your feet all day - even if you ARE having a great time. I want to get home quickly. Chill. Maybe have a snack from my food court. Watch some tv and crash. I got spoiled with POFQ doing that for me and I'd like to experience the same convenience with POP. This is great. And Finally... who wouldn't want to save money!? You see, I am PLANNING on being able to afford POFQ.. but if for some reason I have a financial set-back... POP century may be the place for me and so I'm grateful to hear good things about it from both you and Karly! Regarding that hot tub... I've never done that before at Disney and this may be my chance now that I am going solo. I plan on taking a real CHILL DAY t the resort this time.... to stroll, sit bye the pool, take the boat to DTD, take a carriage ride, and either stay in the room or go to DTD to see CIRQUE or just go to the movies. It's good to know that about the lakeside area you were talking about. I'm SOOOO glad I posted this. Some of these threads may seem silly and / or frivolous but when these replies turn up trust me ...THEY ARE REALLY A GREAT HELP! :love2:

Thanks so much Disneylover99!
 
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Prior to owning DVC, we stayed at the French Quarter several times. I stayed at Pop Century once because somebody else was paying. I would personally never pick a value, especially over the French Quarter, to save money. I would cut back on something else to stay at a resort I like. At POFQ everything is a close walk, the bus service is good, quick service is close to every room, the boat ride to DTD is nice, etc. Anyhow, just my thoughts on it.
 
In addition to my post above, I will tell you I have also stayed at Coronado Springs and I would choose POFQ over that as well. Our room at Pop Century was dirty despite asking almost daily for 7 days at the front desk for the room to be cleaned properly, the rooms were not close to the lobby, the buses were crazy crowded and most of the time we waited 2 times to get on a bus. I am probably spoiled by Animal Kingdom Kidani on that, too. ;)
 


In addition to my post above, I will tell you I have also stayed at Coronado Springs and I would choose POFQ over that as well. Our room at Pop Century was dirty despite asking almost daily for 7 days at the front desk for the room to be cleaned properly, the rooms were not close to the lobby, the buses were crazy crowded and most of the time we waited 2 times to get on a bus. I am probably spoiled by Animal Kingdom Kidani on that, too. ;)


Whoa Maleficent... Thanks for the info.

As of right now I am stuck on my beloved POFQ. I have absolutely ZERO complaints about this place - which makes it so hard for me to take a chance elsewhere. I mean even if I dont get placed in bldg 5 - no matter where I am I am still close the the lobby and the food court.

I will visit Pop Century and perhaps next year I will simply visit POP if even for a stay as short as a long weekend - just to see for myself. Sorry you had such a bad experience. Dirty rooms don't sound at all like "Disney" for any type of a room. That's horrible.

The above being said.. there is even a slight chance the I may be MORE financially set than I plan on by the time I book. In which case I will also check out the some of deluxe resorts. A couple of nights at the Grand Floridian would be my ideal choice.

Thanks again for the info!
 
Sometimes a comfort zone is a good thing. This is one of those times. If you're happy with POFQ and you're relaxed there, stick with it!
 
Thanks Richmo!
Exactly. I agree. I have decided to go with my comfort zone and then FEEL OUT Pop Centur (and maybe some other resorts) while on this trip. But since this is my return to WDW after 15 years (UGH!) and want to KNOW that I'm going to thoroughly enjoy it and sticking with my trusted resort in my comfort zone is the best route to take. Still is was so great to post this thread because you other fellow Disneyites have provided me with the strategy to check out the other places to get a feel of them.

Thanks for you input! I so agree!
 
I cannot talk you out of French Quarter! It is my absolute favorite resort, along with Riverside. They just give off a more relaxing, vacation feel to me. I love the boats to DTD. The grounds are gorgeous and peaceful, and the queen beds over the doubles at the values are a big difference. The slightly bigger rooms and overall feel. I know that feeling I got when I stayed at Pop years ago, that Disney feeling.. Well, I also get it at Port Orleans too and it is not so busy and loud. This year will be the first time not staying at Port Orleans since 2007. Decided to go with Wilderness Lodge for my solo trip. If it were me, I would honestly stay where I love.
 
I cannot talk you out of French Quarter! It is my absolute favorite resort, along with Riverside. They just give off a more relaxing, vacation feel to me. I love the boats to DTD. The grounds are gorgeous and peaceful, and the queen beds over the doubles at the values are a big difference. The slightly bigger rooms and overall feel. I know that feeling I got when I stayed at Pop years ago, that Disney feeling.. Well, I also get it at Port Orleans too and it is not so busy and loud. This year will be the first time not staying at Port Orleans since 2007. Decided to go with Wilderness Lodge for my solo trip. If it were me, I would honestly stay where I love.


Ah, Tinkerbella... my sentiments exactly. The overall beauty and serenity of it all. Yes, it's that VACATION feel that everyone wants to feel and have. People like to feel like they have GONE AWAY somewhere (aside from the inevitable fun of the Parks). Yes... POFQ does that for me. Big Sigh. Can't wait. Thanks for you input.
 
Being a DVC owner I have only stayed at deluxe resorts and although I do like one more than another I always enjoying checking out a new resorts. My ultimate goal is to stay at all the deluxe resorts. I guess what I am trying to say is you shouldn't just limit yourself to just one resort but explore and try new things. You might surprise yourself. Enjoy your trip.
 
I gotcha ludari.
I certainly wouldn't rule out a deluxe resort if I could afford one this year. So right now if I was considering another resort it would be in the same price range or lower. I did look at THE SWAN but I want to stay at a disney owned resort all the way. I like getting on my disney bus to take me wherever i want to go. Swan is treated LIKE a Disney resort...but it does not include Disney transportation. I was looking at the SWAN because during the value season they have a rate as low as POFQ. Right now I am going to stay in my comfort zone at POFQ and shop around at other resorts during my visit.
 
I'm pretty sure Swan has the internal Disney transportation (the boat stops there on the DHS to Epcot loop). What Swan and Dolphin DON'T have is the Magical express to/from the airport, which is a deal breaker for me.
 
Whoa Maleficent... Thanks for the info.

As of right now I am stuck on my beloved POFQ. I have absolutely ZERO complaints about this place - which makes it so hard for me to take a chance elsewhere. I mean even if I dont get placed in bldg 5 - no matter where I am I am still close the the lobby and the food court.

I will visit Pop Century and perhaps next year I will simply visit POP if even for a stay as short as a long weekend - just to see for myself. Sorry you had such a bad experience. Dirty rooms don't sound at all like "Disney" for any type of a room. That's horrible.

The above being said.. there is even a slight chance the I may be MORE financially set than I plan on by the time I book. In which case I will also check out the some of deluxe resorts. A couple of nights at the Grand Floridian would be my ideal choice.

Thanks again for the info!

Go see the Animal Kingdom Lodge too. It's worth the trip. Eat at Boma once.
 
I'm pretty sure Swan has the internal Disney transportation (the boat stops there on the DHS to Epcot loop). What Swan and Dolphin DON'T have is the Magical express to/from the airport, which is a deal breaker for me.

Yes, I think this was what I was thinking about and it too is a deal breaker for me. Perhaps Disney should look into including it.
 
Yes, I think this was what I was thinking about and it too is a deal breaker for me. Perhaps Disney should look into including it.

Its not Disney that would be looking into it. Since the Swan and Dolphin are not Disney resorts, there's no reason for them to be included in Magical Express. Disney would much rather have people staying at their resorts. If they included Swan and Dolphin, they'd likely also have to include Downtown Disney hotels (Hilton, Doubletree, etc.) and Bonnet Creek.
 

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