Off Topic - New Orleans

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Hi everyone

Bit off topic, but we are hoping to combine a trip to Orlando next year with 4 or 5 nights in New Orleans. Has anyone stayed there before - what did you think of it, and is there enough to do to fill 4 or 5 days?

Thanks!

 

[ScrapperBelle]

I live about an hour outside of New Orleans. Maybe I can help you with any questions you may have. There are lots of things to do. Swamp tours, Riverboat trips, we have an awesome zoo and aquarium. There are lots of museums. The National D-Day Museum is in New Orleans.

I personally love the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the Riverwalk area. I could spend an entire day just walking around, sampling great food, listening to great music, and being entertained by the wonderful street performers we have.

Anything I can help you with, feel free to ask.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Oh, thanks so much!! I am so keen to go there - I wish we could book for next year already!

What is the weather like in May / October - is it comparable to Orlando (i.e nice and hot!!); also how long would it take to drive from New Orleans to Orlando - could we do it in a day? Alternately is there another city on route where it would be worth spending a day to break the journey up?

The French Quarter is where we want to stay . .. mainly because we love Disney French Quarter resort (yes, I'm that sad!!!).

Thanks for your help!

 

[cheryl.UK]

We made the journey from Orlando to New Orleans a few years ago and loved every moment.

We could have made the journey in one day but weren't really interested in getting there quickly so went via Seaside on the way up there. On the way back the weathere was aweful so we drove slowly and just stopped at a roadside motel.

We were there for 5 nights and filled every day. The Aguarium is lovely but there's so much else to do. Try the markets, a cemetery tou and a trip down to the garden district just for a wander. Anne Rice's house is down there if you're a fan! Unfortunately I think the Mardi Gras warehouse was closed due to Katrina but I'd be very happy to be proved wrong!! There's a Mardi Gras museum though which should still be open. The Cathedral tour is interesting (we couldn't help a wry smile when the guide proudly announced it's age, 250 years) You must do the horse drawn carriage ride at night, it's beautiful. I could go on and on. We had a fab time !!!!

 

[kieras nana]

we have also been to new orleans & we had fantastic weather in oct.
the french quarter is well worth a visit & also the riverwalk.we also went on the steamboat,along the mississippi,i think it was called the nantchez.you can't go to new orleans & not go on the mississippi.
bourbon st,is a real eye opener.great atmosphere,but it was crazy busy.you can buy beer,on the street & just wander along,soaking up the party atmosphere,going in & out,of the bars,listening to all the great bands.i will admit,to not getting any beads though! mind you,if i was a size 10,i wouldv'e got plentywe also walked along in the day though,crikey i have never smelt anything like it,i was literally holding my nose
we also went into a shopping centre,by where the cruise ships dock & we came across a place,where the shop assistants were making toffee,but they were putting on this fantastic show,all of them were singing & dancing,along to making this toffee.they drew a massive show,as they were absolutely brilliant
what a fantastic place to work!
we also went to memphis,nashville,texas,oklahoma & atlanta,before flying to orlando,so can't help with the driving time.
you will have a great time
tracy

 

[ScrapperBelle]

Yes, the weather is nice and hot in May and October. Our weather is very similar to Orlando. I will say that you stand a better chance of "milder" weather in October than May. May is when we actually start to get hot and muggy.

As for cities on the way down, you have beach towns along the panhandle like Pensacola, Destin, Panama City. All have beautiful beaches and lots of touristy things to do. Many hotels and condos to choose from. We also love to stop in Ocala and visit Silver Springs on our way down...but you're only an hour and half from WDW at that point.

It's about a 9 hour drive from our home to WDW. But that's with perfect conditions, little traffic, and very few stops. Realistically, the trip always takes us about 11 hours.

Mardi Gras World is open. I don't know if that is what cheryl.UK was referring to, but they are definitely open. That's an interesting thing for visitors. I also agree about the cemetery tour. Don't forget there are many walking/carriage tours throughout the city. Many of them focus on different areas of interest...haunted places, historic sites, places found in books and movies, etc.

I hope you do get a chance to visit our city and have a wonderful time...just bring clothes in a size larger to wear after your visit because we take pride in feeding our guests very well!!!