<center><font size=5 color="#800080">~*Welcome to the Port Orleans French Quarter FAQ*~</font></center>
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Laissez les bonnes temps roulez! Bring your carnival attitude to this lively quarter of the Big Easy and "let the good times roll." Stroll cobblestone walks and gaze down ornate iron railings as you imagine a jazz backdrop and the sweet smell of magnolia blossoms in the air. Have a rollicking good time among the colorful characters, relish wonderful food, and enjoy some watery fun at Doubloon Lagoon. </center>
><font size=4 color="#800080">Awesome New POFQ Pics are now available!!!</font>
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What is the atmosphere of the French Quarter?
It has a New Orleans/Mardi Gras feel, complete with larger then life carnival masks and trombone playing alligators, and the charm and romance of the French Quarter. The French Quarter (was Port Orleans) is the sister hotel to Riverside (was Dixie Landings). The Sassagoula River runs through the back of the resort and goes up river to the Riverside (was Dixie Landings) and down river to the Downtown Disney area.
What kind of room views are available?
There are 3 different room views. The Standard View Rooms offer a view of the parking lot. Garden View Rooms have a view of the 'inner streets' of the hotel. The Water View Rooms offer a choice between a view of the pool or the Sassagoula River . (Each room view has a different price.).
Buildings 2, 4 and the top 2 floors of 6 are designated Smoking rooms.
What types of rooms are there?
There are approximately 1,000 guest rooms ; 946 rooms have 2 double beds and 62 rooms have a king-size bed (with a higher room rate). There are also 12 disabled-accessible rooms. There are smoking and nonsmoking rooms (Buildings 2, 4 and the top 2 floors of 6 are designated Smoking rooms.). The typical room is 314 sq. feet.
What are the Room Rates at the French Quarter (was Port Orleans) ? What is the price range for rooms?
The resort is priced similar to the Coronado Springs/Dixie Landings/Caribbean Beach cluster. Just like the other WDW hotels, there are Value Season, Regular Season, Peak Season and Holiday Season.
2004 ROOM RATES
Tax not Included
Value Season: 1/1-2/11/04, 8/29-9/29/04, 10/31-12/19/04
Regular Season: 4/18-8/28/04, 9/30-10/30/04
Peak Season: 2/12-4/17/04
Holiday Season: 12/20-12/31/04
Standard View, Standard Room: $133(value) $144(reg) $169(peak) $184 (holiday)
Water View, Standard Room: $148(value) $159(reg) $194(peak) $209(holiday)
King Bed Room: $148(value) $159(reg) $194(peak) $209(holiday)
Standard rooms have a maximum four-person occupancy per room. Prices are per room, and there is an additional adult charge of $15 per adult per night for more than two adults in a room
Where can I get a list of current "Room Rates" for the French Quarter?
Room Rates for Disney's French Quarter (was Port Orleans) are always available: At Disney.com
You can also call Disney's Central Reservations Office at 407-W-Disney (407-934-7639) (Hours vary for seasons. Value Seasons hours are 7:00am - 5:00pm EST every day. Regular Season hours are 7:00am - Midnight every day.).
Will I need any type of ID when checking in?
When you pull up to the French Quarter (was Port Orleans) you will encounter a security kiosk at the resort entrance, where you will need to stop and tell the officer you are checking in. To make things easier, have your reservation confirmation sheet (Those wonderful yellow forms Disney sends you after you make your reservations) ready to show to the guard/officer (or Security Host in Disney-speak).
When checking in it is best to have your reservation confirmation sheet to avoid the hassle of looking you up by name.
Once you have checked in, your resort ID card will allow you to use the card-activated entrance adjacent to the kiosk, eliminating the need to speak to someone each time you enter the resort property.
Your resort ID card is also your room key, your Disney Transportation Pas s, and if you set it up upon checking in your resort ID card can act as a charge card for most Disney shops, and restaurants (*Excluding drink stands souvenir stands, and some fast food stands*). By using your resort ID card as a charge card the items you buy on it will be charged to your hotel bill. You can set it up so only certain members of your party have the charging options.
***Notes 1) If you set up the charging option on your resort ID card a credit card must be presented. Disney can set a "charging limit" on the card at their discretion. 2) While using the ID card is a great convenience when shopping, it also can be very dangerous. Some people will forget how much money they have charged back to their room. As with any Credit Card you have to watch yourself.***
Can I buy Passes To The Parks?
Yes, Disney Park Passes can be purchased at the Guest Services Desk in the Main Lobby Building.
If you decide to buy Unlimited Magic Passes (were called Length Of Stay Passes (LOS) request them when making your reservations, you can either pay for them when paying your room deposit or have the price of them added to your hotel bill.
Chose your tickets wisely, depending on your stay at the French Quarter a different pass might be cheaper. Some of the other Passes Disney sells offers admission to all 4 Theme Parks, all Water Parks & Disney's Pleasure Island. If you are staying for more then one week check out the Annual Pass Prices, they might be cheaper.
Is the French Quarter a good place to bring kids?
Yes, there is a game room, and a small playground located by the pool, as well as a huge dragon-water slide that delights both children, and the young at heart. The FQ also offers baby-sitting services for the days, or nights that parents want some time to themselves. The FQ is also well suited for couples.
Can I get a babysitter at the French Quarter ?
Yes, babysitting/child services are available for a fee, and can be set up through the front desk a few days in advance or by calling French Quarter before you leave for Disney World.
Tell me about the Bathrooms in the French Quarter guest rooms.
Well each guest room has a mid size bathroom (smaller then the Deluxe Resorts and about the same as the All-Star Resorts). There is 1 bathtub equipped with a shower head in each bathroom, and obviously one toilet. There are 2 sinks located right outside the bathroom.
Are adjoining rooms available?
Yes, however, you must request adjoining rooms when making your reservations. Also note: ADJOINING rooms and CONNECTING rooms are NOT the same!
Can I make special room requests like adjoining rooms, smoking or nonsmoking rooms, buildings, and or views available at the FQ?
Those room requests are available, but you must make your request when making reservations. Rooms requests are *NOT* guaranteed, but every effort will be made to honor your request. When confirming your reservation before you leave for the French Quarter it would be good to remind them of your requests.
When I check out I will be in a hurry. Will there be a long wait?
The check-in/check-out desk usually does have a very long line, but you can use the "Express Checkout" service which is quick and easy (and free). You can set it up when checking-in.
Do I have to pay for parking?
No, The French Quarter has free parking. No valet parking is available at French Quarter.
Why is the FQ well-suited for couples?
It is quiet, sophisticated, (but not over done) and there are lots of romantic spots. There are fountains located through out the resort that are great for a quiet evening talk, or a quick smooch. The Sassagoula River front is a great place for a romantic evening walk.
Are there refrigerators available?
Yes a small refrigerator can be rented for your room for $10 a day. Let Walt Disney World CRO know when you make your reservations that you would like to have a refrigerator in your room.
Are there safes?
Yes, there are small safes in the rooms. Valuables can also be placed in the hotel safe at the front desk.
What types of transportation are there?
There are buses that have one stop at the French Quarter.
Bus service runs on a regular schedule running every 10-15 minutes during busy seasons, and every 15-20 minutes during non-busy seasons. The bus stop is right out front the main lobby building.
One bus runs to the Magic Kingdom.
One bus runs to Epcot.
One bus runs to the Disney-MGM Studios.
One bus runs to Animal Kingdom.
One bus runs to Blizzard Beach.
One bus runs to River Country.
One bus runs to Typhoon Lagoon, Downtown Disney and Disney's Pleasure Island.
Transportation to Downtown Disney. Boats depart daily from French Quarter (was Port Orleans) every 40 minutes from 10:00am to 4:00pm. After 4:00pm, departures are every 20 minutes until 11:15pm. The final return trip from Downtown Disney departs at midnight. Due to popularity and limited seating capacity, you may experience an extended wait before boarding. All guests must exit boat at the destination and reboard at the queue line for return trip. The boat dock is in the back of the hotel property. (7/00)
Is the transportation service good?
Bus services is adequate, but unfortunately all the busses that service the French Quarter (was Port Orleans), also services all 4 bus stops of the Riverside (was Dixie Landings), which causes some crowding, and unpleasantness during the busy seasons. The boat also services both the French Quarter (was Port Orleans), and the Riverside (was Dixie Landings), but not as many people use the boats. So if you are going to either Downtown Disney , or Pleasure Island and have sometime on your hands, use the boat service. It is relaxing, and a pleasant ride.
How do I get to other Disney Resorts from French Quarter?
To get to any other Disney Resort you can take Disney Transportation , or drive yourself if you have a car or take a taxi. If you are using Disney Transportation here is what to do :
To get to Disney's Riverside Resort : Hop on any bus going anywhere, and get off at the first stop which is the main lobby building of the Riverside Resort .
Other ways to get to Riverside include: walking along the scenic pathway. Go to the marina and choose Dock B. Boats depart every 20 minutes until 10:00pm.
To get to any other Disney Resort - - Hop on any bus going anywhere, and get off at that bus's destination and switch to the bus, or boat, or, monorail that services the Resort you want at that bus stop. Be careful of park closing times so that you are able to return to your hotel!
Where is there to eat?
There is only one place to eat at the French Quarter. There is an inexpensive large food court called Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is a food court where Guests can dine around Mardi Gras Parade props in a warehouse setting. It is open from 6:00am - midnight (hours vary by shop).
The full service restaurant called Bonfamille's Cafe CLOSED on August 5th, 2000.
Room service is available, but all you can order is Pizza and Soda. Room service stops at Midnight.
Is there a bar/lounge?
Yes there is one lounge called Scat Cat's Lounge and one bar. Scat Cat's Lounge is located in the main lobby building. The hours are : 4:30pm - 12:30am. You can order alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
The bar is located by the pool and is open from 12:00pm to 10:00pm. You can order alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
Is there a pool?
Yes there is one heated pool. The water slide is a huge dragon. The pool also has an "Alligator Band" "playing" (shooting water) on the side of the pool. The water slide closes (is turned off and locked up) at 10:00pm. The lifeguards go off duty at the pool at 10:00. After that it is "swim at your own risk". The pool is located in the center of the hotel property.
Is there a Jacuzzi?
Yes there is one Jacuzzi located by the pool. The Jacuzzi is supposed close at 2:00am, but there is never a point where people are not allowed in it. As long as people keep the volume to a reasonable level you can go in the Jacuzzi at any time.
I hear there is an evening carriage ride, tell me more!
Take an evening horse and carriage ride through the French Quarter and Riverside regions of Disney's Port Orleans Resort. The 30-minute carriage rides start in front of Boatwright's Dining Hall nightly. The first ride departs at 6 p.m., and the last ride departs at 9:30 p.m. Each carriage can accommodate as many as four adults or two adults and two or three children. Each ride costs $30 including tax. Cash and Walt Disney World resort guest room charges will be accepted. Early reservations are recommended, make them at the Riverside Marina near the main building. Carriage rides may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
If I don't want to go to one of the parks one day what type of recreational activities does the FQ have?
Recreational activities include :
Access to five championship Disney golf courses (complimentary transportation is available for French Quarter Resort guests through Bell Services).
Themed water Recreation areas at Doubloon Lagoon , complete with Mardi Gras dragon slide and alligator fountains. (For Port Orleans guests only.).
Jacuzzi
Bike rentals - One hour $5.66; per day $13.21. Helmets available, closed toe shoes are recommended, seasonal operating hours. Adult bicycle with Alley Cat (child pull behind) One Hour $8.49; per day $16.04 Seasonal hours (7/00)
Water craft rentals featuring pedal boats, pontoon boats and canopy boats - Sun Tracker Family Pontoon Boat $28.30 per half hour; Canopy Boats $20.28 per half hour; Paddle Boats, Kayaks, Canoes $6.00 first half hour, $10 one hour. Seasonal hours (7/00)
Croquet
Arcade located in the lobby.
Surrey Bikes (like those at the Boardwalk) - Two Seater is $16.00 for a half hour. Four Seater is $18.00 for a half hour. Seasonal hours (7/00)
Fishing Excursion - 2 hour guided tour from 6:30am to 8:30am; $56.60 per person includes use of fishing equipment. (7/00)
Is there a store at the hotel?
Yes there is a store located in the main lobby building. The store opens at 6:30 am every morning and closes every night at 11:30pm (not nearly late enough during the summer). The store sells Disney memorabilia, as well as hotel memorabilia, stamps, postcards, film, some over counter medication, snacks, soda, wine, beer, and hard liquor.
Are there any "Hidden Mickeys" at the French Quarter (was Port Orleans) ?
Yes, but only five have been found and reported to Spacecoast's Hidden Mickey List:
http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/Disney/WDW/Resorts/PortOrleans.html
Pizza Mickeys throughout the resort.
Pancake Mickeys throughout the resort.
Waffle Mickeys throughout the resorts.
Toilet paper wrappers throughout the resort.
Soap in the guest laundry rooms.
Manhole covers.
Seven Hidden Mickey's in the design of the Port Orleans logo (printed on
merchandise including t-shirts, glass, mugs, pins, and much more).
The map of the Port Orleans guests are given upon check in.
A cart in the gift shop.
The drain in a handicapped room.
On the refillable mugs.
Go check out the site for a complete list of hidden Mickeys at the Port
Orleans and the details on how to find them.
How can I get my clothes cleaned at the French Quarter (was Port Orleans) ?
There is both a laundry facility and a dry cleaning service available. The laundry facility is medium size and is located by the pool. For dry cleaning, you call the service and they will come and pick up your clothes, clean them and return them for a fee.
I can walk, but not great distances, and will need a wheel chair for my stay in Disney World.
Can I rent one for my entire stay at the FQ?
Yes. At " Guests Services" in the main lobby building you can borrow a wheel chair for your entire stay in the FQ. A $250 deposit is required for when you check out a wheelchair, but upon return of the wheelchair your deposit is refunded in full. That is the only "cost" for renting a wheelchair through a Disney Resort. *Wheelchair Availability Is On A First Come First Serve Basis*
I will be expecting a phone call while at the Port Orleans, but am afraid I'll miss it while at the parks. What should I do?
As with all Disney Resorts, French Quarter has a voice mail system that allows guests to "personalize" their voice mail or use the message available automatically. This allows people to call and leave voice mail when the guest is either out of the room, not answering or on the phone. Guests can retrieve their voice mail from their room, or from any phone outside the resort. This is a free service from Disney.
Are there TVs?
As with all Disney Resorts there is 1 tv in each room at the FQ. Channels include basic Orlando Cable (NBC, CBS, etc), The Disney Channel , and The Walt Disney World Network which airs information about Walt Disney World 24 hours a day, that is helpful when planning what you will do the next day, or on your next trip to Walt Disney World . If you miss part of the planning information on The Walt Disney World Network don't worry, it is constantly repeated. The Walt Disney World Network is available in both English and Spanish on separate channels.
Is Bell Services Available to move my luggage?
Yes, upon arriving at the front entrance, you will give your luggage to Bell Services and they give you a receipt (which you will need when retrieving your luggage). Once you have checked in, if your room is ready, you can go to your room and call Bell Services and they will bring up your luggage (usually takes anywhere from 10-30 minutes, depending on the amount of people checking in / checking out).
Bell Services will also store your luggage upon arrival until your room is ready. If you wish to go straight to the parks and your room is not ready yet or they are very busy, Bell Services will hold your luggage until you get back that night.
When it is time to check out just call Bell Services and they will come pick up your luggage (and give you another receipt, which you will need when retrieving your luggage) and store it until you check out (usually takes anywhere from 10-30 minutes, depending on the amount of people checking in/out).
If you check out at 11:00am, but are not leaving Walt Disney Disney World until later in the day or evening Bell Services will store you luggage until you leave.
If requested, Bell Services will drive you to your hotel building when checking in and back to the main building when checking out.
If you are checking out of the French Quarter, and checking into another Walt Disney World Resort, Bell Services will transport your luggage to the next resort. Transportation of luggage between Walt Disney Resorts usually happens at about 3:00pm. When transporting luggage from the French Quarter, Bell Services will give you a receipt (which you will need at your next resort to retrieve your luggage) and transport it to the next Resort's Bell Services for free.
**Notes** 1) One of your party must be in your room when your luggage is delivered to your room or picked up. 2) When the weather is bad Bell Services can get pretty backed up with people who want a ride to their hotel building after checking in or back to the main lobby building to check out. So make sure to give yourself a little extra time when calling Bell Services to pick you and/or you luggage up when checking out if the weather is bad.**
Are those refillable mugs available at the FQ?
Large refillable mugs are available at the French Quarter. See the Refillable Mug Page for details and current prices.
What is the difference between Guest Services and the Front Desk at the French Quarter?
The Guest Services desk is in the main lobby building and can arrange dining reservations, exchange cash for "Disney Dollars" (and vice-versa), sell park admission tickets, rent (loan out) wheel chairs to French Quarter Guests, and can answer a variety of questions regarding the Walt Disney World property.
The Front Desk is also in the main lobby across from The Guest Service Desk . The Front Desk is where you check in / check out, exchange foreign currency, help French Quarter Guests rent a car, send flowers, tell you all there is to know about the French Quarter, give you a map, as well as other information about the FQ.
Are animals allowed at the French Quarter ?
The only animals allowed at the French Quarter are assistance animals for the disabled, such as Seeing Eye dogs. The animals must be proved to be assistance animals.
Is there an ATM?
Yes, a SunTrust Bank ATM is located in the main lobby. Be aware the bank will charge you a $2.00 fee if you are not using a card issued by SunTrust. This fee will be added onto the withdrawal amount, and is in addition to any fee your bank may charge.
How do I get to French Quarter from Orlando International Airport?
There are 4 ways to get to Disney's French Quarter from Orlando Airport:
1) Rent A Car
2) Take A Taxi Cab - On average, it is $40.00 each way. Tolls and tips are additional. *Prices are correct as of October 2002, and subject to change without notice. Prices are in US dollars.*
3) Use Mears Shuttle - approximately $25.00 per adult and $19.00 per child Round Trip. Mears is located in the Airport. Reservations are suggested at least 24 hours in advance. *Prices are correct as of June 1998, and subject to change without notice. Prices are in US dollars.*
4) Use Tiffany Town Car Service - Which quote a rate of $45.00 one way or $80.00 round trip for up to 5 people. They also have a $5.00 discount coupon on their webpage for guests to print out and give the drive at time of pick up. You can reach Tiffany Town Car at 888-838-2161 or 407-251-5431 or at their website at :
http://www.tiffanytowncar.com/ *Prices are correct as of June 2002 and subject to change without notice. Prices are in US dollars.*
O.K., so you convinced me. I want to stay at the French Quarter. How can I make my reservations?
You can call Disney's Central Reservations Office at 407-W-Disney (407-934-7639) (Hours vary for seasons. Value Seasons hours are 7:00am - 5:00pm EST every day. Regular/Peak Season hours are 7:00am - Midnight every day.)
Through Disney.com 's Resort and Reservation Page at :
http://www.disney.com/DisneyWorld/Reservations/index.html
Where is the French Quarter located?
The French Quarter is located in the Downtown Disney Resort Area, just off Bonnet Creek Parkway. It is adjacent to Riverside, just down stream on the Sassagoula River.
How do I get to French Quarter by car?
Take I-4 to Exit 26B (Epcot Center/Downtown Disney). Take the 3rd exit (Downtown Disney Resort Area). Turn left at the traffic light (Bonnet Creek Parkway) and Port Orleans will be on the right. However, due to construction at the WDW resort, directions may change. Be sure to follow road signs.
Other Information:
Your room will be held for you UNTIL 6 a.m. the following morning with a deposit or credit card guarantee.
As with most Disney Resorts the French Quarter accepts American Express, MasterCard, Visa, The Disney Credit Card.
Check in time is 3:00pm & check out time is 11:00am, although late check-outs can be requested.
Port Orleans is located at 2201 Orleans Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000. The phone number is 1-407-934-5000. The fax number is 1-407-934-5353
Port Orleans and Dixie Landings merged! These 2 moderate resorts have been "sister" resorts since they opened, sharing a common waterway, bus system and other services. The "new" resort is being called Port Orleans, with the former Port Orleans called the French Quarter, and the former Dixie Landings called the Riverside. The change went into effect on March 1, 2001.
