French Quarter

[Terk-1]

Couple of questions for you seasoned pro's. I have read that to request a special sort of room (such as 3rd floor, non-smoking and non parking lot view), you have to do that at the time of your reservation. -- I did this with my AAA TA and made sure it was noted on my reservation (which it is).

Has anyone done a room request via fax, and if so, how did that go. -- I'm interested in this too, as I have my room request fax pre-printed and awaiting faxing. Pretty much says the same thing that's already on the reservation (in a very nice way, of course). I do know that due to "special room cleaning" my reservation does state that a "non-smoking room is guarenteed", so that's good to know.


Also, how does that Magical Express work out for everyone. It sounds too good to be true. -- Again, another thing I am interested in knowing as I've never done this before. Mears, yes, but not DME.


When we booked the vacation, the Express was booked to, but, do you also have to make reservations as well? -- My AAA TA gave WDWTC my flight details, but I may call them tomorrow, just to confirm everything, as they recommend doing this.

 

[momto2inKC]

Thanks for posting the pics!!!! We'll be there in 68 days

I do have a question...are all of the corner rooms also king rooms? I was wanting to put in a request for a corner room for the extra window, but we'll need the 2 beds.

 

[Lesprivate]

I Love Seeing All Of The Pictures, It Makes Me Even More Excited Till Our Thanksgiving Trip At The Pofq.

 

[CleveRocks]

Also, how does that Magical Express work out for everyone. It sounds too good to be true.

Disney's Magical Express (DME) may sound too good to be true, but remember, this is Disney after all!

DME started in May of 2005. I was one of the first passengers. It was great -- quick, convenient, and FREE. It was supposed to end at the end of the 50th Anniversary Celebration, which is right around now. However, DME has been so successful, so popular with guests and Disney alike that it's been extended through at least the end of 2011! About 7,000 guests use it EVERY DAY.

The most important thing to realize is that your luggage will lag behind you by a few hours, so pack carry-ons for with anything you'll need for the first few hours. Actually, I pack this way anywhere I fly just in case the AIRLINE delays my luggage. The DME luggage is automatically delivered to the inside of the resort room whether you're there or not -- that means you don't need to wait around for it (and Disney pre-tips the Bell Services employees who make the deliveries!).

According to at least one Disney CM who posts on the Transportation Forum, the average time between landing and DME drop-off at resorts is 70 minutes. It's about the same time as a car service or rental car. Much of the time savings comes from the fact that you don't need to wait at baggage claim. You totally skip baggage claim.

DME is a ride on a plush motorcoach. It is a shared ride -- obviously, there will be other people on the bus with you! The bus will stop at no more than 4 resorts, but 4 is rare, it's usually 3 (or sometimes even 2). If the driver handles any of your stuff, such as carry-ons, a tip would be in order.

Another relatively unknown but quite real perk of DME is that when you check in at the DME Welcome Center at the airport, the computer sends a message to your resort that your flight landed and you'll soon be at the resort. If there is a room ready that matches your reservation and requests, that room will be held for you. So even if one minute later someone from an earlier flight (or who drove their own car) arrives at your resort with an identical reservation as yours, if there had been only one such room available a minute earlier, that person who just arrived won't get it because it's being held for you. 45 minutes later, they could still be waiting for a room but then you walk in off the bus and get your room immediately. Now, this doesn't mean you're locked into getting that room, it just means it's being held for you.

When we booked the vacation, the Express was booked to, but, do you also have to make reservations as well?

yes, you must have DME reservations to use DME. You say it was already booked. If it's showing up in your paperwork as part of your reservation, then you have DME reservations. If you want to double-check, call CRO (it can't hurt!). If you're less than 60 days from your trip, you can also call DME directly at 866-599-0951 (more than 60 days out, the DME phone people won't be able to access your reservation information).

 

[Kanga1]

We stayed 10 nights here last June and absolutely LOVED it!! I wasn't sure we would like it here (only other trip was deluxe, so we were worried about a moderate) but picked POFQ because of the compactness. The minute I stepped from registration and toward our room it hit me...I felt HOME. I had such a feeling of peacefulness and tranquility wash all over me that never left the entire time we were there.

We may never stay anywhere else now.

 

[binky]

We stayed 10 nights here last June and absolutely LOVED it!! I wasn't sure we would like it here (only other trip was deluxe, so we were worried about a moderate) but picked POFQ because of the compactness. The minute I stepped from registration and toward our room it hit me...I felt HOME. I had such a feeling of peacefulness and tranquility wash all over me that never left the entire time we were there.

We may never stay anywhere else now.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[DisneyWorldWisher]

Boy, if DWWisher thought POFQ was "creepy," I'd hate to hear what they had to say about the Haunted Mansion!

15 minutes to the Food Court from BLDG 1? I would get up in the morning and jog from POFQ to POR and back (1.7 miles) in about 18 minutes. I could walk from BLDG 1 to the FC and get lost twice along the way and still make it in half that time. DWW is totally exagerating!

One poster asked about the "relative size" of the resort. The distance from BLDG 1 to BLDG 7, the farthest points at POFQ, is about the same as from the Main St. Hub to the Castle Hub at the MK.

I stayed at BLDG 7 actually...

 

[maddhatir]

Ahhhh...

Two weeks from now, this first timer to WDW is going to stay at POFQ and I can't hardly wait

Couple of questions for you seasoned pro's. I have read that to request a special sort of room (such as 3rd floor, non-smoking and non parking lot view), you have to do that at the time of your reservation.

Has anyone done a room request via fax, and if so, how did that go.

Also, how does that Magical Express work out for everyone. It sounds too good to be true.

When we booked the vacation, the Express was booked to, but, do you also have to make reservations as well?

That's it for now. I have to trolley off....

I am counting the days!!!!!

I would have your request noted on your ressie. (your TA should do this) You can fax a "reminder" just in case if it makes you feel better.

We used ME for the first time this trip. I was a little hesitant to do so what with all of the negative comments, but we tried it anyway. It was great. We hopped on the bus with our carry on (FYI-remember the restrictions on carry on items- makes it harder to pack your hairspray, toothpaste, if you use gel deodorant in your carry on) We didnt get to watch the little movie on the bus- it was broke but we got to our hotel w/in an hour. Our room was ready- we threw our carry on in the room and off to the AK we went- by the time we got back from the park- our luggage was in the room waiting.

I would certainly use ME again. The only thing that stinks- when you depart the last day- they pick you up at your hotel like 3 hours before your flight. I HATE sitting in an airport. That was the only thing I didnt like about ME.

and be sure your flight info is correct on all of your ME docs a day or 2 before leaving for Disney- our flight # changed, so I had to call ME and make corrections. Not a big deal at all!

Have fun!- I would most definatly would stay at the POFQ again if only I didnt have to share a bus But who knows- I say this now. I can change my mind in the future.

 

[jess20k]

Great photos and comments! Now I really can't wait to go there in Feb! I originally wanted to stay at WL, but they only had courtyard rooms available, and I didn't want to pay that much compared to what the std/woods would have been. This thread really makes me feel better about our Feb. stay at POFQ!

 

[Fish Almighty]

We're going in January and can't wait! We've stayed at POR twice and figured we'd stay at POFQ and see how we liked it. We've walked through it quite often and really like the look of the grounds. In September, we would ride the bus back from the parks in the evening, get off at POFQ, and get beignets and coffee. Then we'd walk through the POFQ grounds to the ferry dock (either 2 minutes or 15 minutes, depending on your perspective) and ride the ferry back to POR. It was a lot of fun.

How crowded is the dining area? The one at POR stays crowded, but we rarely eat there (just fill up our mugs).

 

[maddhatir]

We're going in January and can't wait! We've stayed at POR twice and figured we'd stay at POFQ and see how we liked it. We've walked through it quite often and really like the look of the grounds. In September, we would ride the bus back from the parks in the evening, get off at POFQ, and get beignets and coffee. Then we'd walk through the POFQ grounds to the ferry dock (either 2 minutes or 15 minutes, depending on your perspective) and ride the ferry back to POR. It was a lot of fun.

How crowded is the dining area? The one at POR stays crowded, but we rarely eat there (just fill up our mugs).

I personally was VERY surprised it was never really that bad! We never got to see it early in the morning. We usually strolled in about 10ish. And rememeber this was Sept- a quiet month anyway.

We have stayed at the AS resorts in the past- now THEY are what I call bad!

 

[Terk-1]

Another relatively unknown but quite real perk of DME is that when you check in at the DME Welcome Center at the airport, the computer sends a message to your resort that your flight landed and you'll soon be at the resort. If there is a room ready that matches your reservation and requests, that room will be held for you. So even if one minute later someone from an earlier flight (or who drove their own car) arrives at your resort with an identical reservation as yours, if there had been only one such room available a minute earlier, that person who just arrived won't get it because it's being held for you. 45 minutes later, they could still be waiting for a room but then you walk in off the bus and get your room immediately. Now, this doesn't mean you're locked into getting that room, it just means it's being held for you.

I did not know this. Thank you very much for the info!!

If you want to double-check, call CRO (it can't hurt!). If you're less than 60 days from your trip, you can also call DME directly at 866-599-0951 (more than 60 days out, the DME phone people won't be able to access your reservation information).

Thank you for this info too!! I called and they were able to pull up my info, even though my package is booked through AAA. She had me confirm my dates of arrival and departure, as well as my flight info. She said that I should receive a packet of info, with tags, directly from them within the next 10 days. I asked her how long it usually takes for luggage to get from MCO to my resort and she said the maximum it should take is 4 hours, but most arrive sooner than that.

 

[Terk-1]

bumping this up!

Thanks again for everyone's input!!

 

[AshleyMWC]

So what building do you guys recommend to request- if in fact any are better than others? My only real request is non-smoking as my mom and I are very sensitive to the smoke. Thanks!

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

So what building do you guys recommend to request- if in fact any are better than others? My only real request is non-smoking as my mom and I are very sensitive to the smoke. Thanks!

We have not stayed at FQ yet, but visited and went for a walk all around the grounds. It is beautiful & we can't wait to stay there in May. Books and websites say smoking is in buildings 2,4, & top 2 floors of 6. Have heard a rumor that the whole resort was non-smoking. We called FQ directly to ask and we were told the only smoking rooms were top floors of building 2. We actually called twice to see if we would get the same info from different CMs and did. How they are suppossed to stop people from smoking anyway I don't know but at least you have an idea now. We have requested building 7 because it is furthest away from the pool and food court. The resort is so small and the grounds so peaceful and beautiful we won't mind a little walk. Just talking about this is getting me so excited!!

 

[Terk-1]

My only real request is non-smoking as my mom and I are very sensitive to the smoke.

I always request building #: 5 when I stay at POFQ. It's a smoke-free building, which is an absolute must for me. Also, it's close to the pool, the bus stop & the main building.

 

[DiCarpenter]

We have not stayed at FQ yet, but visited and went for a walk all around the grounds. It is beautiful & we can't wait to stay there in May. Books and websites say smoking is in buildings 2,4, & top 2 floors of 6. Have heard a rumor that the whole resort was non-smoking. We called FQ directly to ask and we were told the only smoking rooms were top floors of building 2. We actually called twice to see if we would get the same info from different CMs and did. How they are suppossed to stop people from smoking anyway I don't know but at least you have an idea now. We have requested building 7 because it is furthest away from the pool and food court. The resort is so small and the grounds so peaceful and beautiful we won't mind a little walk. Just talking about this is getting me so excited!!

We just got back and stayed in Bldg 2, room was non smoking.

 

[LargoLori]

Thanks for posting the pics!!!! We'll be there in 68 days

I do have a question...are all of the corner rooms also king rooms? I was wanting to put in a request for a corner room for the extra window, but we'll need the 2 beds.

No they are not all king rooms. We stayed in a corner room with 2 beds. We really love this resort. It's our Christmas tradition. We have never had a problem with anything at the resort.

 

[Terk-1]

No they are not all king rooms

I was wondering the same thing, as I did put in a request for a corner room on my current reservation. Thanks for the answer.

 

[LargoLori]

Your welcome!! I also think the corner room was a little bigger than an inside room. It was probably just my imagination but it felt bigger.

Lori