Quandry!

[RoLaren]

I'm in a quandry folks could I ask your opinions please?

Here's the situation. We booked CR back in July planning to be there this week *whaaaa* before it looked like Ivan was going to go to WDW for a visit too. So we postponed.

We ended up eating more than 300 dollars on airline changes because we didn't want to book again until November.

I originally had a really great rate on a CR standard view room, when I rebooked all I was able to get was a discount on a garden/water view wing room (one of my favorite locations) but even though the discount is great, the room rate is still steep at 206. per night incl. tax.

We have relatives who will be staying at PORFQ and I have been wondering, should we switch resorts if I can get a room there?

Here are my factors to consider:

We're traveling with a disabled person and CR is very convenient with the monorail and all. POR has all bus transportation and I don't know if they have elevators in the buildings? DH is not thrilled with the idea of navigating busses with a wheelchair in our party.

On top of that, my family really loves CR. Husband loves the arcade and restaurants, child loves the pool. We have never stayed at FQ before and don't know how these things are over there.

I'm trying to stick to some kind of a budget for this trip so I'm debating this decision; do we stay at POR if I can get it (what rates have people gotten in November with discounts?) and buy annual passes (we will be staying a week this year and hope we will go back next year) or do I go with 5 day hoppers, do non-park stuff the day we arrive and the day we leave and stay at CR?

My family wants to stay at CR but my child doesn't want to give up any time at the parks. Of course I don't know if her father and I have seven straight days in the parks in us! Especially my DH.

Aside from the slight 'pro' of being near the relatives who are staying at POR (which isn't as huge a deal because they can meet us wherever we're going to go) my only motivation to stay at POR is to save money. If I can't get a discount and have to pay rack, we're talking about a 300 dollar difference for the week. But if I could get a discount, AP or otherwise, the difference could be more than double that taking into account the deposit we've already paid.

Is it worth dealing with a disappointed spouse and child to save money or would you make the ticket compromise? We've already discussed that we could drop a couple PS's that we have scheduled and that would help a little bit.

What would you do if you were me? Help please, and thank you!

 

[dgaston]

I know that the buildings in Alligator Bayou at POR do NOT have elevators, not sure about the Mansions. Each of the buses is equipped to handle two wheelchairs. Perhaps you could post your questions on the DisAbilities board and get more informed advice re the wheelchair questions.

We first got one AP for a room discount, and then look at my signature for what happened. I don't think you save any money in the long run with all the "We've already got the passes, so let's go" trips! LOL

Best of luck on your decision. FWIW I really enjoy POR, especially the boat trip to DTD and the lush plantings. Old Man Island is a fun swimming area too. The pool slide may not compare to the Contemporary, but it's fun.

 

[Mortlives]

Apparently there are no elevators at PO, so that may decide you right there. Although, we took DS in a wheelchair (heavy full length plaster cast on his leg) to POFQ, and that was fine. Make sure you request, first and foremost, a ground floor room, though. It was a bit of a pain doing the wheelchair on the buses and boat, but you know, it is doable, and we still had a great time. I'm quite fond of both Port Orleans resorts. The pools are lovely, and have nice slides and the hot tubs are isolated. I seem to remember arcades, but we don't use them. POR's restaurant is pretty good, and if you don't feel like waiting for a PS, the lounge has a pretty good menu to order from.

I can't speak to the CR, though, since I've never stayed there, but I'm sure you could have a nice time at PO.

Kungaloosh!
Morticia.

 

[RoLaren]

This is great input, thanks! Anyone else have any info to help me weigh the decision?

I know that DH and child stand with wanting the CR. But if I could get a good discount (like 85 dollars a night or something) that would be so tempting to switch.

 

[goofydad621]

I called POFQ this past week because I have a bad knee and stairs can be a problem at times and was told all of the French Quater buildings have elavators. Hope this helps

Dave

 

[MomofKatie]

Well, first let me say, I feel for you! With all the choices available, it can make you crazy trying to decide where you are going to stay!

My family is going in Nov. and staying at POFQ. The buildings all have elevators. It is a lovely resort, and I'm sure anyone would love it there. Discounts available in November could make your rate as low as $85 per night.

Now, that being said, I think you should stay at CR. Why? Because it sounds like you love it and would be disappointed anywhere else. I have never stayed at a Deluxe, but I think that if you get used to the amenities, proximity to parks, etc., you'd be a bit let down by anything else.(That's part of why we haven't tried any of them yet... that and the $$$!)

Your DD doesn't want to give up any park time, but it sounds like you and your DH might not want to do parks the whole time, anyway. My vote is for compromising on the time in the parks and sit-down meals, and stay where you really want to stay.

Either way, you'll be at the Happeist Place on Earth! You will have a great time! Hope it turns out well for you.

 

[BevS97]

if the elevator is an issue, you can always request a ground floor room - if you are travelling with a wheelchair then I am sure they would honor that request

 

[RoLaren]

I wanted to update the people who were kind enough to help me LOL. We're going to stay put. I tried to see if we could get any kind of discount and for our dates there is nothing, anywhere at a discount left! We were so lucky to get the one we got with our pin # discount so we're still saving a bundle on the room.

Not to mention we will have almost 3 full days at WDW without our relatives, and in that time we would much rather be right on the monorail loop.

Thanks again everyone, I appreciate your insights! Maybe we'll try POR next trip