Port Orleans French Quarter FAQ thread - Refurbished for 2011 - Now CLOSED

[jen42002]

POFQ to Grand Floridian - Quickest is to take the bus to Magic Kingdom then Monorail to Grand Floridian.

California Grill to POFQ - Normally I would take the monorail to Magic Kingdom then a bus to POFQ. Right after the fireworks might be pretty busy. Another option would be to take a bus from the Contemporary to Downtown Disney then take the boat to POFQ. The EPCOT option would work as well but you might hit the illuminations crowd leaving (depending upon what time of year you are going).

They buses used to go to the TTC years ago but do not anymore.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

I can't remember if this was asked before, so I'm going to ask (perhaps again) Does this (or any) resort have decor/events for the Halloween season?

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I just wanted to say that we just got back from our stay at POFQ, and the buses were wonderful. I had an early Kona breakfast. We waited maybe 5-10 minutes for the bus. We went straight to MK and were there in less than 10 minutes, then we walked to the Monorail. It also was running smoothly. We were at the Poly in less than 30 minutes from our time leaving the resort. Now I know that this is not always going to happen, but I must admit, we had absolutely no problems with buses and times during our trip. It was the best we have ever experienced at any resort...


And once again, because I think it is important, Mousekeeping kept our room immaculate. I am on a POFQ high right now, and really want to sing it's praises. Too many people are looking at the little negatives and forgetting all the greats we experienced. I hope I can transfer it all to you!!

 

[andrewilley]

There are no buses for the resorts at the TTC I'm afraid.

For 1900 Pare Fare, get a bus to the MK and then monorail or resort ferry boat to the Grand Floridian - take the boat if there's one in the dock waiting, otherwise get the monorail (fourth stop). Take the monorail back to the MK afterwards, it's only one stop.

For the California Grill, take the bus to the MK and then just walk over to the Contemporary - by the time you've walked all the way back over to the monorail station from the bus stop, you could be at the hotel on foot.

Same with getting back, walk back to the MK and get the bus from there. If it's too late for the buses to be running, or very busy, get a bus directly from the Contemporary to Downtown Disney and change there for a POFQ bus - or a ferry boat up to 11pm, if you fancy a lazy relaxing trip back from DTD to POFQ.

Andre

 

[DCDisney]

For Halloween there was no decor but they had candy necklaces at checkin. They had a few activities on Halloween like little crafts, cake walk at the pool that was horribly run, and a few shared activities with POR that were at POR (cookie decorating was one).

 

[JessicaW1234]

Hi!
I was wondering if another option back to POFQ if it is crowded from MK would be to take a taxi? Are there cab stands anywhere at MK? or would you have to go to GF or Poly to call one?

 

[MiMiDebbie]

Hi, this is my first time posting, we returned yesterday from POFQ after a 4 night stay 2/20 thru 2/23. The trip included myself, my DD, DGS (6) and DGD (4). We absolutely loved POFQ and would return in a minute. Everything was an easy walk, even without strollers, which we left in the car after the 1st day. Mousekeeping was acceptable (forgot coffee one day). We loved the pool and DGS wanted to spend all his time there. The food court was okay, we only ate there twice. This was our second trip to WDW, 2 years ago we stayed at the Cabins in FtW. We liked POFQ better because of the smaller size. Check in took less than 10 minutes and we were given a ground floor room in bldg 6. (refurb, standard, #6113). My DGD celebrated her birthday while we were there and received an adorable towel creation and card. We were very sad to leave the "Happiest Place on Earth".

 

[andrewilley]

I was wondering if another option back to POFQ if it is crowded from MK would be to take a taxi? Are there cab stands anywhere at MK? or would you have to go to GF or Poly to call one?

Taxis for the MK tend to be at the TTC (other side of the lake) rather than at the park. Personally, I'd walk over to the Contemporary and get a cab from there.

Andre

 

[Shinji4u]

When do the buses and boats start to go to DTD? We are planing to get there a very early Lynx-bus to the universal studios!

 

[Missytara]

When do the buses and boats start to go to DTD? We are planing to get there a very early Lynx-bus to the universal studios!

The buses start running to DTD around 9:00 am, and the boats start at 11:00 am.

 

[NMAmy]

Hi, this is my first time posting, we returned yesterday from POFQ after a 4 night stay 2/20 thru 2/23. The trip included myself, my DD, DGS (6) and DGD (4). We absolutely loved POFQ and would return in a minute. Everything was an easy walk, even without strollers, which we left in the car after the 1st day. Mousekeeping was acceptable (forgot coffee one day). We loved the pool and DGS wanted to spend all his time there. The food court was okay, we only ate there twice. This was our second trip to WDW, 2 years ago we stayed at the Cabins in FtW. We liked POFQ better because of the smaller size. Check in took less than 10 minutes and we were given a ground floor room in bldg 6. (refurb, standard, #6113). My DGD celebrated her birthday while we were there and received an adorable towel creation and card. We were very sad to leave the "Happiest Place on Earth".

I'm so glad you had a great time. We'll be at POFQ for the first time in about three weeks.

Does anyone know how far along they are in the refurb now? What buildings are completed and which one are they working on? Thanks!

 

[Geeky]

I'm thinking of trying to get my husband into the Steam Engines tour when we're there next week - the only problem is getting him to MK for the 7am start time. Does anyone have experience with this? What's the best way to get there at that early hour?

 

[Missytara]

I'm thinking of trying to get my husband into the Steam Engines tour when we're there next week - the only problem is getting him to MK for the 7am start time. Does anyone have experience with this? What's the best way to get there at that early hour?

That early, your best bet is by taxi.

 

[pwdebbie]

Hi, this is my first time posting, we returned yesterday from POFQ after a 4 night stay 2/20 thru 2/23. The trip included myself, my DD, DGS (6) and DGD (4). We absolutely loved POFQ and would return in a minute. Everything was an easy walk, even without strollers, which we left in the car after the 1st day. Mousekeeping was acceptable (forgot coffee one day). We loved the pool and DGS wanted to spend all his time there. The food court was okay, we only ate there twice. This was our second trip to WDW, 2 years ago we stayed at the Cabins in FtW. We liked POFQ better because of the smaller size. Check in took less than 10 minutes and we were given a ground floor room in bldg 6. (refurb, standard, #6113). My DGD celebrated her birthday while we were there and received an adorable towel creation and card. We were very sad to leave the "Happiest Place on Earth".

I'm glad you and your family had such a nice time at POFQ. My dh won't even think of trying a different resort.

 

[snykymom]

I'm thinking of trying to get my husband into the Steam Engines tour when we're there next week - the only problem is getting him to MK for the 7am start time. Does anyone have experience with this? What's the best way to get there at that early hour?

Your best bet is a taxi to the Contemporary and then walk to MK (about 10 minutes). It's faster than a cab to the TTC and then the monorail or boat - cabs can't go directly to the MK.

BTW, it's a great tour - my husband loved it, and while I'm not as much of a train person, I had a great time too!

 

[aubriee]

When do the buses and boats start to go to DTD? We are planing to get there a very early Lynx-bus to the universal studios!

MissyTara is correct the buses won't start running to DTD until around 9:00am. Plus with the Lynx bus I believe you'll have to make a couple of bus changes. Mears, a taxi, or a towncar service would be much easier and also much faster. We use Mears to go over to Universal, and have always made it well before rope drop. They charge $18.00/person round trip. The number is 407-423-5566. You can buy the transportation vouchers at the airport the day you arrive. The Mears desk is right next to the DME desk. Or you can simply call Mears the day before you want to go to Universal and arrange a pick up time. Even if you buy the vouchers beforehand, you still have to call the day before to arrange your pick up time, as the vouchers do not have a date on them and can be used any day. If you buy the travel vouchers at the airport you can use a credit card, but if you call from the resort, you must have the correct cash to pay the driver. After you are finished at Universal, just call Mears about two hours before you want to be picked up to go back to WDW. I'm not sure how much a taxi or towncar would cost, but unless you have large party Mears would probably be the cheapest route. The Lynx bus system is actually the cheapest, but no way could you come even close to making rope drop at Univeral using it and with the multiple bus stops/changes it's alot more complicated.

 

[andrewilley]

The Mears desk is right next to the DME desk.

Is that at the airport, or at all of the Disney hotels? If at the hotels, I've not noticed that before.

Andre

 

[Missytara]

Is that at the airport, or at all of the Disney hotels? If at the hotels, I've not noticed that before.

Andre

That has to be at the airport. There is no ME desk at the resorts; only RAC.

 

[Geeky]

Your best bet is a taxi to the Contemporary and then walk to MK (about 10 minutes). It's faster than a cab to the TTC and then the monorail or boat - cabs can't go directly to the MK.

BTW, it's a great tour - my husband loved it, and while I'm not as much of a train person, I had a great time too!

Thank you! Do you have any recollection of how much the cab was?

DH is big into trains, so I think this would be a great surprise for him (Unfortunately I can't go, DD is underage!)

 

[plutopuppy]

I have read this thread from start to finish and picked up TONS of awesome tips, info and great energy!! I wonder if anyone knows where, or wouldn't mind sharing, what are the available drinks at the fountain? and is there milk for tea? we will be first timers at POFQ and after reading this thread~we are certain we have made a great choice! thanks for the info!