Resort Thread Disney's PORT ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTER Resort

[andrewilley]

The March 2014 Recreation Activities and Movie Schedules for Port Orleans French Quarter is now available. See the main Recreation Activities Schedule page for full-size PDF versions, or click on the image below.

The outdoor movies will start at 8pm and the daily campfires commence at 6pm this month. On Sunday 2 March, the Oscars ceremony will be screened live at the Riverside Lobby Courtyard instead of the regular movie.

On Tuesday 4 March, Port Orleans will feature its annual Mardi Gras celebrations, including a mini-parade around the resort organised by the cast members - starting at French Quarter at around 1:30pm and getting to Riverside by 2pm.

Note: French Quarter's "Doubloon Lagoon" pool will reopen on 4 March after its seven-week refurbishment.

Also, in what appears to be a massively short-sighted and very disappointing move, as from 2 March 2014 Disney has seen fit to permanently close the Port Orleans Riverside Levee boat rental facility. Very Bad Show, Disney - you are meant to be all about "plussing" your parks and resorts, not "minussing" them. If you wish to make your views known, ask for an explanation, or request that this decision be reversed, please contact wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com.

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Andre

 

[2Tiggies]

Yay!! Two more Activity Schedules and then it's MY TURN

Nearly, nearly double digits.

Thanks André

Do you happen to know what the current price for the carriage rides is?

 

[BlueGiraffe]

I've got 3 more, and then it will be my turn (145 days to go!)

I'm getting excited, but there's so much I want to do and don't know if we'll fit it in. We are only there for 5 nights before going off to a villa. We get there Thursday evening, MK on Friday, HS on Saturday, Epcot on Sunday, AK on Monday and then check out on Tuesday.

We don't have to rush off on the day we check out, so I'm hoping to do the horse-drawn carriage ride that day. But I also want the kids (and myself) to experience the Movie Under the Stars, a boat ride to DTD, and a ride on a Surrey bike at POR.

We plan to do rope drop at each of the parks for those days, and won't be there all day, so maybe if I can get the kids to nod off on the bus on the way home, they'll perk up a bit for the evening so we can do those things.

If all else fails, I can leave DH in the room with them, and I'll go off by myself

It's so bad, wishing our lives away like this

 

[wintershawl]

Here is a photo I took at 7:12 pm on February 25. I was standing along the second floor of building #5 to take the shot.

Oh so beautiful!! I can't wait to go back the end of June. I know when we went in 2011, this thread (or rather... a closed version of it) made me really want to go to POFQ!

 

[Ravenne]

Here is a photo I took at 7:12 pm on February 25. I was standing along the second floor of building #5 to take the shot.

Ahhh...that does look nice.

Can someone please explain something to me? I've been looking at pics of the dragon slide over and over and I can't figure out what that section right in front in this pic leads to. I know there are stairs there, but where does it go? Is it just a set of stairs up, then down the other side, and that's it? Initially I thought the stairs all went to the slide, but I later realized the slide is a different section of the dragon.

 

[BlueGiraffe]

Ahhh...that does look nice.

Can someone please explain something to me? I've been looking at pics of the dragon slide over and over and I can't figure out what that section right in front in this pic leads to. I know there are stairs there, but where does it go? Is it just a set of stairs up, then down the other side, and that's it? Initially I thought the stairs all went to the slide, but I later realized the slide is a different section of the dragon.

I've had a look too, and I think they possibly go up and over the pool, to a walkway to the slide stairs... I've not been, so I'm really just guessing from the photos on Google.

 

[andrewilley]

I've been looking at pics of the dragon slide over and over and I can't figure out what that section right in front in this pic leads to. I know there are stairs there, but where does it go?

It's just a bridge over that part of the pool, leading to the slide steps, themed to match the rest of the sea-serpent.

Andre

 

[summerlady]

Here now. Pool' s still closed, I was told maybe Tuesday but maybe not for it to reopen. The shuttle to POR' s pool is no problem. They definitely read faxes here: I requested a specific room number and I got it, including a little upgrade from standard to garden view. The weather is perfect! FP+ is working nicely for us.

 

[BlueGiraffe]

If you don't have a fax machine, is there any other way to submit requests?

 

[dansdad]

If you don't have a fax machine, is there any other way to submit requests?

The old fashioned way always works for us. Call and have your requests added to your reservation.

 

[andrewilley]

If you don't have a fax machine, is there any other way to submit requests?

See the info in the first post about online Fax sending.

Andre

 

[JamieLM]

Hello, I am new to this thread and have a few questions. I have never stayed at the POR before and have been reading some of your posts.

We have a standard room booked in Oct for courtyard view. Is there a way to get a better view with a standard room. I also put a request in for staying close to dining and buses.

Also, there is mention or a carriage ride and a bike ride?? Can someone provide more detail as well as price.

Thank you much!

 

[andrewilley]

Hello, I am new to this thread and have a few questions. I have never stayed at the POR before and have been reading some of your posts.

Can I ask if you mean POR (Port Orleans Riverside) or POFQ (Port Orleans French Quarter)? This is the FAQ list for French Quarter, the one for Riverside is at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3173085.

The carriage rides and bike rentals are over at Riverside (although it's only a pleasant 10-minute walk between the two resorts). Also, there is no Courtyard View category at either resort, so we'd need a bit more info to help you there. Standard View rooms mostly tend to overlook the parking lots, although there are often trees or bushes to avoid the view being too harsh..

Andre

 

[2Tiggies]

I've got 3 more, and then it will be my turn (145 days to go!)

I'm getting excited, but there's so much I want to do and don't know if we'll fit it in. We are only there for 5 nights before going off to a villa. We get there Thursday evening, MK on Friday, HS on Saturday, Epcot on Sunday, AK on Monday and then check out on Tuesday.

We don't have to rush off on the day we check out, so I'm hoping to do the horse-drawn carriage ride that day. But I also want the kids (and myself) to experience the Movie Under the Stars, a boat ride to DTD, and a ride on a Surrey bike at POR.

We plan to do rope drop at each of the parks for those days, and won't be there all day, so maybe if I can get the kids to nod off on the bus on the way home, they'll perk up a bit for the evening so we can do those things.

If all else fails, I can leave DH in the room with them, and I'll go off by myself

It's so bad, wishing our lives away like this

How old are your children? We like to hop over to DTD on arrival night. Of course it depends when your flight gets in. I pack our stuff in flat boxes and ziploc bags and it literally takes under 10 minutes to unpack the room, store the cases and then we go collect our resort mugs and dump those in our room before hopping onto the boat to DTD, where we collect any PP cards/tickets or anything that can be done there instead of at the parks the next day (saves time), grab a bite at WPE and head back. We are usually back by 10 but we amble around the shops so you could do it in far less time. It also means that DD is ready for bed as soon as we get in so we get a good night's sleep.

Personally, I would rather do the carriage ride in the very late afternoon/early evening when the sun is not as harsh and it's a little cooler, if you can manage that.

Do you have a car when you stay offsite? I'm assuming you will. You are allowed to visit the resort so what you don't manage while you are there can always be done later during your trip if it has to be that way.

The old fashioned way always works for us. Call and have your requests added to your reservation.

Yes, it's the only way I've ever tried it; done it every year and maybe it's pixie dust but all but one year we got what we asked for. And the year we didn't, it wasn't that we didn't get what we wanted, but they upgraded us to a water view and I asked if we could rather have a room near the food court and they were fine with it

 

[BlueGiraffe]

They will be 4 (DD) and 2 (DS). We were originally landing at 15:35 but due to a change in flight time we now land at 17:55. So it could be around 8pm by the time we get to POFQ (1am UK time). Depending on how much they sleep on the plane (wishful thinking) we may consider eating at MCO before getting on the MDE, and putting them straight to bed when we get there. Although they'll probably sleep on the MDE and then get a second wind, lol.

Last time we went (stayed in a villa) DD was only 17 months. She slept through take off and then again for landing, and was still awake when we finally went to bed (after picking up supplies at Publix) around 10pm (3am UK time).

Although time probably won't be an issue for them as they aren't aware of it. And will no doubt be excited.

We will have a car when we move offsite, yes, but our time is fully booked with so many other great resort activities and ADRs

Thanks for the info, Andre, I shall look into the online fax link.

 

[andrewilley]

They will be 4 (DD) and 2 (DS). We were originally landing at 15:35 but due to a change in flight time we now land at 17:55. So it could be around 8pm by the time we get to POFQ (1am UK time

I think I'd suggest getting to the resort as soon as possible rather than hanging around at the airport (maybe take some convenient snack items along with you to the DME waiting area?). Then if the kids are awake enough, one of you can take them to the food court while the other checks in - or otherwise, just get them to the room for some sleep, and they'll be wide awake are raring to go at about 5am in the morning, so make the most of the earliest park access you can get...

Andre

 

[BlueGiraffe]

I think I'd suggest getting to the resort as soon as possible rather than hanging around at the airport (maybe take some convenient snack items along with you to the DME waiting area?). Then if the kids are awake enough, one of you can take them to the food court while the other checks in - or otherwise, just get them to the room for some sleep, and they'll be wide awake are raring to go at about 5am in the morning, so make the most of the earliest park access you can get...

Andre

Thanks, yes, that sounds like a plan. We'll get dinner on the plane (of sorts, lol) so I can't imagine needing another full meal, now that I think about it. I can't remember what we've done all those times before (pre-children), lol.

I've never planned a holiday so much in my life :rofl:

 

[2Tiggies]

Thanks, yes, that sounds like a plan. We'll get dinner on the plane (of sorts, lol) so I can't imagine needing another full meal, now that I think about it. I can't remember what we've done all those times before (pre-children), lol.

I've never planned a holiday so much in my life :rofl:

Ah I didn't realize your little ones were so little still or I wouldn't have suggested the late night out. My daughter coped with the late nights at 6 BUT she is an only child and was born into a genetic line of high energy, chronic insomniacs But even with her stamina, I would not have attempted that at the age your kiddies are.

The food court will be open when you arrive. Most stations are open until 10 pm for dinner and grab and go and the rest are open until 11 pm so you could even get them a hot meal when you arrive if you think it will help them sleep better.

 

[Tardisblue]

Here is a photo I took at 7:12 pm on February 25. I was standing along the second floor of building #5 to take the shot. http://s8.photobucket.com/user/518Kathy/media/DSC07675_zps3cd06feb.jpg.html

Thanks Kathy! Looks the same with just a fresh coat of paint. We'll be there in about 2 months.

 

[BlueGiraffe]

The food court will be open when you arrive. Most stations are open until 10 pm for dinner and grab and go and the rest are open until 11 pm so you could even get them a hot meal when you arrive if you think it will help them sleep better.

Thanks :thumbsup: My original plan (when we were going to be landing at half 3 in the afternoon) was to get the boat straight to DTD (I love doing something Disney the first day we arrive when staying on site). I wanted to get Mickey/Minnie ears for me and the kids (still working on DH!), get my drawstring backpack with 2014 on, and get my Photopass+ sorted. Will buy Memory Maker online instead now, and hope they have ears and bags at the POFQ shop. Main priority is to get a good night's sleep and be up early for rope drop at MK

Getting so excited and we still have 144 days to go! :rofl: