It's The Port Orleans FAQ Thread!!!

[Lou-Ann]

Which of the buildings in magnolia Terrace are the closest to the whirlpool, quiet pool, and food areas? I would appreciate knowing what you found to be the most convenient without an excess of walking as I have had knee surgery. Thanks so much.

P>S> We prefer a non smoking area/building.

 

[snubie]

We just booked our stay at POFQ for MAy. Yipee!! Looking forward to this vacationso much. I haven't been to WDW since 1986.

Stacey

 

[Luv4Disney]

I'm staying at the PO-Riverside for the first time this May. I booked through a travel agency. When she mad the reservation (a couple of weeks ago) we requested a mansion room and the woman at Disney said that 9 times out of 10 your request will be fulfilled. And, my travel agent said that in all the years she's been booking Disney vacations at the PO, never once did someone request a mansion room. Perhaps that means that not a lot of people know about them. Hope this helps or eases your minds somewhat.

I'm totally excited and can't wait. Thanks for all the information you have provided me with!

 

[TDC Nala]

There's a quiet pool between Oak Manor and Parterre Place and one between Magnolia Terrace and Acadian House. These two buildings would be closest to the main pool, where the spa would be. Oak Manor is closer to a bridge that will take you to the main building, where the restaurants are. I believe Oak Manor is smoking optional.

I've never stayed in the mansions. The closest buildings for walking are in Alligator Bayou - buildings 14, 15 and 18.

 

[lminster]

I stayed at the POR in Oct/Nov 2003. The resort is absolutely beautiful. I requested a Magnolia Terrace room which to my delight was granted. In my opinion, Magnolia Terrace is the best location on the property. It offers quick and easy access to the main pool, it is adjacent to a "quiet" pool, it was the closest bldg to the lobby/restaurant area (and boat dock), and there was a bus stop located right in front of the bldg onthe backside. I'd highly recommend requesting a room in this bldg.

I do have a bunch of photos of this property, but I don't know how to get them to post. If a moderator could walk me through it, I'd be happy to share them.

 

[Stiff]

to end any confusion

FQ does in fact open back up NEXT month

they are back on the disney site as an option

we are already booked there for the end of may/beg of june

 

[dmaz]

Just booked FQ CB was all booked for visa code.
Anyone have any insight on the changes or do we have to wait until the 3/21?
We stayed at POR in May 2002. Alligator bayou building next to the food court. It was wonderful.
DH and Dad wanted to try something new. Was considering WL but couldn't resist the low visa price of $89 at FQ.
Does anyone know if building 4 is still going to be smoking? I requested it by looking at the map(proximity to everthing). I've since found out it was a smoking buiding.
New to the boards and would appreciate any info
Thanks

 

[lminster]

Just to clarify. I believe Magnolia Bend is the Mansion Area. I know that Magnolia Terrace is ONE of the Mansion Buildings. If you request Magnolia Terrace, you are requesting that specific building. If you need to minimize walking, this is the perfect location. Try to get a room with a riverview or that is closest to the river and bridge.

Good luck and have a great time.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Okay, Im going to get off topic for a moment, but bear with me and Ill come back around to PO FQ.

My husband and I honeymooned at WDW Aug 23-Sept 2 2003. It was my first trip. I, um, well....I hated it. All week I said I was never coming back and didn't understand why people would feel the need to ever come back.
Having some time to get out of the heat and think more, I believe several things contributed to my extream dislike. 1. I am NOT a summer person and see above for the dates we went. I have never experienced such humidity. I would sweat after leaving the room, before I got to the bus stop. 2. My husband felt the need to drag me from ride to ride, to park to park. He never gave me a day off. he forced me to wear this mickey-eared bridal cap that had to stay on with bobbypins and everybody kept asking "so when were you married" He LOVED it, I only wore it because he told me we might get some "perks" along the way-there wasnt a single "perK".... My feet hurt so much he would force me to stand in ice water every night to get the swelling down. 3. We stayed at the CBR and it was too big for me, and very "motely feeling". We had such a trek to go to the food court, gift shop, pick up packages from the day, pool, everything was FAR.
Now I look back and think of things I did like. I really enjoyed Downtown Disney at night and still have the pearl pendant we created there. I loved Space Mountain and dinner at the California Grill watching wishes....So my husband and I were talking and decided perhaps a trip back during a slightly cooler climate might improve my opinion of Disney, and we wont go for so long. I got excited again. I armed myself with books and started reading. I was thinking April.....(we didn't want to wait until the Fall) Somehow I guess we decided perhaps we would wait afterall. But last night (my husband is on a business trip right now) I came home and got the mail and there was a reservation confirmation for Port Orleans French Quarter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, it looks like there is no down payment. But I did a lot of reading on the FQ and it sounds smaller and more intimate than CBR. Im actually excited about the prospect of going. I am wondering if knowing in advance that there will be crowds and buying some really super good walking sneakers will help keep me in the traditional Disney spirit?
Is PO FQ a smaller resort than CBR?
Are there lots of bus stops?
How long do you think it takes to get to the different parks via bus?
The reservation says arriving on the 24th and departing on the 28th of April, anyone know what the weather is like?
What are the pools like at PO?
Are there a ton of kids at this resort?
What is PO "known" for?
Lord, I hope, if that reservation is true (I should know tonight or tomorrow) that I will enjoy this trip. If not, I know I will never go to WDW again.
But I like the fact that I am excited! Thats a good sign, right?

 

[dmaz]

POFQ is much smaller than the other moderates. And there is only 1 bus stop.
I haven't stayed there myself - yet. We will be there the same time our trip is from the 24th-30th. It should be in the low 80's that week.
We are going with my dd 4 and ds 7mos. So there definitely will be kids there but there shouldn't be as many as AS's or POP.
In 2002 we stayed at POR and loved it. I felt like I was on two seperate vacations the serene resort and the excitement of the parks.
Try convincing your husband to let go a little bit. The less is more approach really worked for us last time. If the line was too long we skipped it. If it got too hot we went back to the hotel. Try telling him that the more relaxed and enjoyable he makes it for you the more likely it is that you'll go back.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Dmaz,
I think that sounds like excellent advice!! I will try that approach. I would just let him push me too far, then I would have my own little mental breakdown on a park bench and say. Thats it, Im not walking anymore.
We were there 8 days I think? We went to every park (except AK) but we did the water parks, seaworld, Universal, Epcot,Magic Kingdom,MGM- and I dont think we missed anything, except the different countries at Epcot.
I never got to go on the carosel at MK either.
I think next time if I want to stay at the pool, and he doesn't, Ill just say "Okay, see ya when you get back! Have fun!"

My husband came home last night and said that the reservation wasn't anything he was planning on following up on for right now...oh well.
But I think finding a time in the Fall to go would be good. And I am absolutely staying at PO FQ now!! Sounds perfect for me!!!
When in the Fall is a good time to go?
Where should I stay in PO does it matter?

 

[Lou-Ann]

How exciting !!! The weather does really make a big difference as will the proper shoes. We would not think of doing it without our New Balance shoes. ( The higher the number on them determines the amount of support by the way). Take time to enjoy the scenery which is great at Port Orleans. Do the boat trip. enjoy the whirlpool. Stroll the river at night.........It is a small cozy resort. Have a happy honeymoon. The first one was just practice............LOl...... We all wish you well.....

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

What are the boat rides like?

Are there any boats to take you to any of the theme parks?

(oh BTW, I actually bought New Balance shortly before we went on the trip- I think the arch might be too high for me) But my Dr even commented on what great sneakers I was wearing. LOL! My feet didn't know!

I am interested to hear what folks have to say about PO FQ in March when they get back from their trips....

IF YOU GO IN MARCH COME BACK HERE AND TELL US!

How far is DTD from PO?

Bus trip to MK?
Should we rent a car to stay at this resort?

 

[Lou-Ann]

The boats only take you to PO Riverside which is the sister resort or to Downtown Disney, not to the parks. They have bus service that takes you to the parks. You would not need a car but hubby and I always prefer to have one. It makes it so much easier to go out to dinner at a place of our choice like perhaps Yacht and Beach Club or to the Wilderness Lodge or AKL. We love the freedome to come and go as wel like. Many prefer to use Disney transportation. It is up to you. We have been in excess of 20 times so we know our way around quite well and make better time than the busses. LOL.

 

[dizneykid]

Hi all,

My DH and I will be visiting POR in May and we are wondering if anyone knows what buildings have been renovated so far? Any information would be very helpful. Thanks.

 

[Lou-Ann]

To the best of my knowledge they have not started to renovate Riverside only just completed the New orleans resort and are just now reopening it.

 

[dizdadof2]

With the renos done to French Quarter do the rooms now have Internet access ??

Mike

 

[dizneykid]

Another question:

Is there kingbeds in some room in Alligator Bayou? I know they are in the Mansions, but was wondering about AB. Thanks for your help.

 

[Ang1e]

And another question are there towels by the pool area?

 

[Lou-Ann]

I recall reading that you are to call mousekeeping and request more towels for your room. I do not believe that they are near the pools but you are to take them with you from your room.