The 100% Original POFQ FAQ

[luvsTink]

I had to right click cut and paste for the pix but they were great!

Thanks,
Anne

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Oh interesting!!! it showed up as soon as I posted it, but now the "x" is back. Hmmm......

I am a huge fan of this resort and don't think I want to stay anywhere else. It was the perfect place, not too big, lots to do because Riverside is so close, ferry to DTD and up to POR, and the COOLEST pool as far as I am concerned! It wasn't too crowded to swim, even though it's just the one pool, a moderate amount of families with lots of couples blended in.

The atmosphere was fun (althought the food court was small and felt a bit cavernous)

I LOVE POFQ!!!!

 

[snowball]

First time for alot of things, but this is the first time staying at POR French Quarter. Guys give me all the advice and tips that I need. I will be there Dec 28 thru Jan 5. Myself and my 8 yr old son. first trip by ourselves second trip to disney. Rooms recommended? Warn enough to swim? Other things to do while there? Cost of laundy and are there change machines there on site?
Any advice is helpful!

 

[Nik's Mom]

I have a couple of questions. How often do the buses run? Did you have a hard time getting a bus (due to too many people being on the bus)?
I understand that POFQ doesn't have a restaurant. What about the food court? I couldn't seem to find that on this thread. Does POFQ have a food court, or does it share with Riverside?
Thanks.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

I have found this resort to be fantastic for bus service. Rarely did I wait, never did a full bus go by.

There is a food court, it's not as large as Carribean Beach or bigger resorts. They offer the basics like cheese burgers, pizzs, Mickey Ice Cream Bars, an ice cream/dessert counter etc..... the same fair you can get at any of the food courts in the world, but they also offer Cajun cuisine. Which is unique to this resort. I highly suggest stopping by the bakery/dessert counter on an early morning- like before going to an Early extra magic hour and try their beneighs!! They are powdered suger concoctions that are Yummy! Kind of like fried dough, but better. They are not as good by 8, because they are starting to cool off.

True, there is no restaurant at FQ, but it's a 10 min walk or short ferry trip up the river to Riverside's Boatwrights.-Great breakfast there. Don't forget to schedule a horse and carriage ride after 6pm. Ferrys take you to DTD (quick, fun trip) check out the cabanna style resort that had to be shut down- it rests along the left side of the river as you head to Down Town Disney.

Or rent a Water Mouse (mini little boat ages 12 and up) $30 for an hour I think.
Or you can try the fishing hole (also at Riverside). There are also surrey bikes for rent at Riverside. Consider FQ part of Riverside, except its not spread out.These 2 resorts are VERY close together- almost the same actually. There is an archade if you are into that, and the pool at FQ is delightful with it's water sprouting aligators dressed for Mardi Gras. Even if you are an adult you have to try sliding down Posidon's dragon's tongue just once! Or sample the drinks at the pool side bar.

I adore this resort because everything is close- bus, pool, restaurant. So limited walking. But it's not a crowded feeling.

Im not sure about laundry- I know they have it, but don't know about change machines.

 

[tink2]

Yep- this is by far our favorite resort! It is so small and compact- yet quite- never a long walk to anything. The bus service has been excellent the times we were there- never waited more than 5 minutes for a bus! POFQ and POR share buses with POFQ being picked up first- always have a seat-and being dropped off first from the parks! The food court is good for a food court- good pizza and hamburgers! And beignets for breakfast- they are a must a least a couple of mornings!!! No, it doesn't have a sit- down restaurant, but that doesn't bother our family. And, it is close enough to POR if you want a sit down meal.
We love this resort and definitely plan to return to POFQ on future trips!!!

 

[Nik's Mom]

I read somewhere that the FQ bus makes 4 additional stops at Riverside. Does this drag out that bus ride very much?
That horse and carriage ride sounds great! I know DS's will both go crazy over that.
We have switched our hotel ressies 4 times already, and had finally settled on Pop. While many things at Pop sound so great, the theme of it doesn't appeal too much. We are more into the rustic or relaxed atmosphere. I rememmber walking around FQ during our honeymoon trip to WDW and really enjoying it.
It's so hard to decide...

Anyone here stay at both Pop and POFQ? Which was your favorite and why?

 

[tink2]

Never stayed at POP- so can't help you there. The buses do stop at all 4 Riverside bus stops if the bus isn't already full. One year during Thanksgiving week- we never went to Riverside the whole week. This past Dec. we went there most of the time. It didn't take long at all- much better than I thought. It didn't add any more than 5-10 minutes max to the trip- and most of the time not even that. If there was noone at the stop waiting- most drivers just slowed down really slow and never fully stopped.
Good luck!!

 

[daisylove]

I am once again trying to decide POP or POFQ. I was in this same decision limbo last summer and went for the value then. It will just be me and DD(6 then) in June. How is this resort in the summer? Big question from my DD is chicken nuggets on the menu at the food court.lol. Trying to justify the difference between value and moderate. POP is neat and DD likes it. I do like the food court there and that it is new. Cant decide.

 

[tink2]

daisylove- know what you mean about the menu at the food court- my kids are pretty picky and chicken nuggets they will eat! Yep, they have them there and my kids loved them. I can't remember if they were actually nuggets or chicken strips, but they are there. There were several kids choices- you might want to check out the menu from Deb's site:
http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_sasgd.htm

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Well, you are on the PO thread...so of course I have to say you can't go wrong at PO FQ. The pool theme (important to kids) is the BEST. have you seen pics of this resorts pool?? More dimension than the pools at the value resorts.

Its also close to DTD (hop a ferry, not a bus) and there are other activities a 6 yr old would love. And on the days when she is cranky and tired of walking you will be loving the fact that the bus is quick and the walk to your room (no matter where you are on the resort) is short!

It is, what? About $30 more? I have found that the parking lot and bus proximity is what sells it for me, that and it's a beatiful resort, the rooms are bigger, no noise problems. Oh and you don't have to walk through a gift shop area every time you want to eat. The food court choices are not as broad as Carribean or values, but I didn't miss anything,my husband is the pickiest eater I know- only eats chicken strips or a plain hamburger, and he was happy- oh and I rarely waiting in line for food, maybe just a couple people when I went to check out. So its not a hassle to get food, sit, eat and get on your way.

I think you would love the resort, but everyone has different likes and value different things about different resorts.

quiet food court
great pool theme
excellent buses
short walk to everything
ferry to DTD
access to all of POR activities (water mice,fishing,bikes,horse and carriage (must schedule appt))

 

[Drizzo67]

Tink2- Thanks for the suggestion of Building 3. I had to call WDW to make some other changes to our ressies and changed our building request to #3. My DS breathed alot easier last year in Florida as well. He had a wonderful time. Our only problem at CBR last year was the smoker in the room next to us. He would constantly stand outside our door to have a cigerette until my DH nearly threatened him.

 

[elf]

We will be at POFQ end of March. We have been going for years and since kids go 2 to 3 times a year. This trip is different we will be going for the first time without extended family or friends. So I wanted to make it a more relaxing vacation, rather than spending full days in the park (I Know it's a very busy time).

I remember beautiful paths and since we are driving I was thinking of bringing either scooters (little 3 wheel type) or their bikes (both kids bikes still have training wheels) My kids are 3 and 6. Does anyone think this will be a problem? I would either rent bikes for my husband and self or walk along side (yes they go that slow).
Thanks

 

[Nik's Mom]

I just booked the new package through AAA. Does anyone know how I can put in a room request now? Can I just call CRO, even though it's a AAA package? Or should I not really worry about a special request? It seems like a small resort. Is there such a thing as a bad location?

 

[Nik's Mom]

Me again with yet another question. How far in advance do you have to book the carriage rides? Can we do this at check-in, or will they already be booked solid by then?

 

[Yacht Club Guy]

Great Job!

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

I believe you can book 60 days out. its very possible they will be full if you wait til check in. They start at 6pm I believe and go til 9:30pm.

Disney Recreation is the place to call to book (same as the Richard Petty Driving and Sammy Duvall water sports)

I booked in advance, then called the florist and had sparkling cider and 2 Mickey champagne glasses delivered to the room- then we just brought them on our carriage ride.

I loved doing it right at our resort. On a different trip we stayed at CBR and we arranged it at Wilderness- where we went to Hoop De Doo.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

And yes, you can call them directly to submit a room request.
building 5 is great, close to pool, food court, if you can get a RIVER view in Building 5 you can see the horses go by in the evening. The opposite side of the river is pristine, so it's a peaceful feeling.
Buildings 2-5 are the nearest to the resort center (bus stop, food/gift shop/check-in and pool) But other buildings are not that far.

For a quieter room ask for second or third floor.

 

[hawkrn]

does anyone know what time the last boat leaves DTD to go back to the resort?

 

[Nik's Mom]

Thanks, Eyore4ever149. What a good idea about bring something special to the carriage ride!
Does anyone know for sure if we can use our all you can drink mugs at POFQ and Riverside?