Newbie - just starting to plan...

[Steph-n-Kev]

Hi folks,
My name is Steph, I live in Australia. My hubby and I have had 2 trips over the past 4 years to Disneyland, and for our next trip 2009/2010 we're going to try out Walt Disney World! I've just finished reading my 900 page guidebook (!!) and I'm a bit overwhelmed..... My accommodation choices so far are between:
1) Port Orleans French Quarter
2) Coronado Springs
3) Fairfield Inn @ Mariott Village
We will have a looong trip, approx 20 or so days, and we'll have a car... I guess our priorities are (mine, anyway!) extreme Disney immersion, easy accessibility to food options, easy accessibility to parks. I have a "disability" - Cystic Fibrosis, so I tend to tire easily, which I think puts a tick in the Disney Resort hotels box, rather than the outside hotels... I'm going to read all of the other threads, of course, but if anyone has any advice I'd be very appreciative - thanks!

 

[pl'smama]

Hi Steph, what an awesomly long trip you have in store for you!! I would want the complete Disney immersion to!

We stayed at POFQ on our last trip and will be there again in less than two weeks . I loved the French Quarter. It is a much smaller resort so there is less ground to cover when walking to the busses, food court etc.. It is also the first stop on the bus route so you can always get a seat. It is also the first stop on the way home from the parks so you a shorter ride.

With the POFQ being smaller it was not as noisy as one would expect from such a high energy place. I enjoyed the tranquilty of it, while still having access to a pool, bar etc..

There is no restaurant, just the food court, but it carried a large assortment of meals. You can easily drive to POR for a meal at Boatrights Restaurant or any other place, since you will have a car.


The French Quarter has river access to DTD, which is both a peaceful and fun thing to do.

I can not speak to your disability and how that would be addressed, but I do think that the fact that it is quieter will be helpful and that that it is first on the bus route will help you out.

Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time!

Happy New Year, Suz

 

[Steph-n-Kev]

Thanx for your reply Suz - happy New Year to you, too!!
Regarding my illness, I guess the consideration is that we would like to stay somewhere that ISN'T too huge, and ISN'T a huge commute from the parks. I liked the idea of POFQ because it was that close and accessible to DtD, and that it WAS smaller so therefore less of a trek around.... So sounds like my first choice was a good one! Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[Sandy321]

Awesome planning!!

I love the area of POFQ - with 20 days, you may want to split it up to save money - maybe post on the Orlando board?

With Cystic Fibrosis - that makes me so happy you are coming to Disney!! You may want to post on the disABILITY board to get an idea of accomadations and First Aid that is available for you - hospital locations ect (always be prepared!) You may consider renting an ecv, again, on the board there are lots of posts on the top (sticky) that go into experiences of ecv - its good to have to get to places - walk when you can, but if the heat and humidity run havoc on your breathing, an ECV will be a lifesaver. Disney also has a GAC (Guest Assistant Card) that you can get more information to help you on the disability board! I only know what CF used to be like, so I'm not sure what your needs may become -

HAVE a wonderful time planning!! Enjoy the magic of Disney!!

 

[MissDisney121]

I agree with the people above. I have been to POFQ twice now and will be there again next year. It is a nice small resort and very quiet. The theming qis lovely. The bus system is good and you get picked up first and dropped off first so you don't usually have to stand on the bus. I think staying on property is definitely better because of the advantages like the bus system and the food courts plus the extra magic hours. I hope this helps and have a great time on your trip.

 

[lovemesomedisney]

I am so excited for you!! I really love POFQ! We recently stayed at Poly which was great but as far as quick, easy food I would pick POFQ. I thought there was more variety and they make fresh bakery items! As well as the easy access to DTD via their boat is nice. Lots of good food with variety there. Absolutely loved the smallness of POFQ. Very beautiful and serene. Like the other poster said, you may want to split your stay up between a couple of resorts since you have so much time. I think 20 days anywhere might get a little boring.

Have fun planning

 

[wilda]

Hi Steph,

Welcome to the DIS!

If you are looking for easy accessability you might want to consider either a MK or EPCOT resort. It sounds as though you will be going during the holiday season which is (as your 900 page guide book has warned you) a very busy time. Staying at a monorail resort will cut down on the amount of time spent in queue waiting for a bus. Ditto the EPCOT resorts for exactly the same reason (boat ride or brief walk)