Usually go budget - what about Port Orleans etc? [Archive] - Disney World

Chris/Lisa

September 14th, 2005, 16:59

Ok just for the sake of curiosity :D

Usually we go to ASM or POP and we love them - not bothered by the crowds /buses etc and the kids love the theming.

Always wondered about the moderates - what does somewhere like PO have to offer over and above the budgets?

Is there a food court? what are the pools/rooms and bus services like?

Any different - worth the extra money?

:shrug:

JuniorMickey

September 14th, 2005, 17:02

The moderates are going to have a fridge for free, slightly larger rooms, pools with slides and a hot tub. There are food courts at POR, POFQ and Coronado (I have not stayed at CB) and POR has Boatwrights, a sitdown.

Dawn

September 14th, 2005, 17:32

You haven't sold it yet. :wink:

JuniorMickey

September 14th, 2005, 17:37

Okay, the big differene for me is the noise level. I notice the noise at the values (and I stay at them all) more than the values. I stayed at POR during Labor Day weekend. It was great coming back throwing on my swim suit and going for a soak in the hot tub. It was great seeing Piano Bob and having a short walk back to my room. I had amazing CMs at POR who bent over backwards for us to help us out.

All that said, I'll be at a value in May because I can't afford a moderate for 8 night :wink:

Chris/Lisa

September 14th, 2005, 17:58

hmmm - what are the buses like?

JuniorMickey

September 14th, 2005, 18:00

No problems at all. POR has 3 or4 stops around the resort. A holiday weekend, didn't wait more than 15 minutes for a bus. POFQ has one stop out front. it's a much smaller resort

Chris/Lisa

September 14th, 2005, 18:01

and back from the parks - after wishes etc?

JuniorMickey

September 14th, 2005, 18:03

Second bus and we were on. The CBR line was about 4x the line for POR

Chris/Lisa

September 14th, 2005, 18:16

hmm ok - lots of little kids?

pools good - close to rooms?

food choice good?

far to walk to buses / food court area?

sounds tempting

kiltedwarrior

September 14th, 2005, 18:39

With regards to POFQ, yes there are little kids as you would expect but not any great number. Didnt get round to trying out the pool although its pretty large with a cool sea-serpent type slide. Its a fairly intimate resort so theres never all that far to walk both for the pool or the foot-court/reception area. As for the food court, i thought it was really good, decent variety of choice for both breakkie/lunch and dinner :eat: with some interesting decor. As far as i remember the bus-stop for French Quarter was just a short walk to the left of the main entrance.

Chris/Lisa

September 14th, 2005, 18:47

mmmm tempting

(theoretically of course :wink: )

Johnie

September 14th, 2005, 18:56

Coronado Springs also has a sit-down restaurant, Maya Grill. The Pepper Market is their food court and is quite good. We stayed there for a couple of nights last Nov. It was quiet and lovely. They had hammocks outside as well.They have an awesome pool. They also rent boats and bikes.

CBR has a sit down, Shutters. Never been to CBR. I don't care for the way it looks. I also hear it really BIG.

Our first Disney trip was at Dixie Landings (POR). It's beautiful. I would definately stay there again.

I haven't been to POFQ. But, I would love to stay there as well. It looks nice.

Chris/Lisa

September 14th, 2005, 19:00

Mmmm have been told coranado springs can get full of business men as it a conference centre :shrug:

Johnie

September 14th, 2005, 19:03

We've been over to eat at the Pepper Market several times at different times of the year and we NEVER see these business men. The whole convention center is over on the other side from where the rooms are. I have been pleasantly surprised at how quiet it is.

Johnie

September 14th, 2005, 19:04

And I just want to say that I wish someone would send me to a conference at Disney!

Dawn

September 14th, 2005, 19:07

Well win that lottery and hold a UOG conference then. :D

Last time we were there we saw lots of signs directly a particular group to a conference at Coronado. Something Republican Something or other. And a huge line of traffic waiting to get past security into the resort. :shrug:

Chris/Lisa

September 14th, 2005, 19:07

mmm me too - would get loads of work done :wink:

well thanks for the info guys - wheres my calculator........

Johnie

September 14th, 2005, 19:11

Well win that lottery and hold a UOG conference then. :D

If I win, that is what I will do :D

Dawn

September 14th, 2005, 19:13

Not at Coronado though, full of businessmen. :rotfl:

Johnie

September 14th, 2005, 19:16

:lol:

tweenie123

September 14th, 2005, 20:24

We've done both POR and CBR and have to say that POR is my favourite. The resort is well laid out and although there is little difference in the room sizes, the general feel of POR is much more relaxed. POR also has a boat which travels to Downtown Disney which is a real plus as it's a great way to spend 25 minutes!
The only downside to both resorts is the queues for the food court. Both resorts are inadequately unprepared for the amount of guests that suddenly descend on them at breakfast time. It's not uncommon to have one CM staffing the pancake line with about 20 hungry people waiting for food. I've not stayed in a value resort so can't compare but have had good vacations in both CBR and POR.

Iona

September 14th, 2005, 21:16

That's one of the advantages of POFQ: less people = shorter lines in the food court. :thumbs:

PaulaK

September 14th, 2005, 21:23

POFQ is very nice, my parents stayed there last year (next door to JoJo! :D ) and they really liked it. We went to visit and the rooms were very nice, I *really* liked the resort, very pretty and very quiet! The girls stayed with them the night we did the AC and they gave the pool and playground a big :thumbs: They are staying there again in October along with my DB and DSIL. They had no complaints whatsoever about the buses and they especially like the boats to DTD. Hope this helps :D

disney95

September 14th, 2005, 21:32

We absolutely LOVE Port Orleans French Quarter. Request a room in the southern most portion of building 4. You will be a hop, skip, and a jump from the pool, laundry, but stop, food court, and gift shop-literally like two minutes from everything. The French Quarter is a lot smaller than Riverside and such a quaint atmosphere. Buildings 4 and 3 are excellent locations. We stayed in building 3 on the bottom floor which was great because we put our little one in the stroller in the room and just strollled right out. I really was amazed at the convenience to everything at this resort. Another thing we loved was the quick stroll to the boat dock which takes you to Downtown Disney. When our daughter was napping in the room we would take turns every day doing something alone and I personally loved getting on the boat to Downtown Disney. One day it started pouring down rain and I was running as fast as I could with the stroller to catch the boat which had already been unhooked from the dock, but the captain saw me from afar, jumped off the boat, hooked the rope, and yelled at me to take my time. That's what I call a magical moment at Disney-at Port Orleans French Quarter more specifically.

We're off for our Disney vacation a week from tomorrow! Have fun planning. You WILL NOT go wrong staying at Port Orleans French Quarter.

disney95

CTDisneyFan

September 14th, 2005, 21:55

And I just want to say that I wish someone would send me to a conference at Disney!

I've been to a conference at Disney - 3 times!! Twice at the Dolphin and once at Coronado Springs.

The convention center at Coronado is actually near Pepper Market, and if there is a convention going on, the restaurants get really busy during lunch. However, the evening meal at the Maya Grill (which is FANTASTIC) didn't seem to be too crowded and I was able to walk right in without reservations.

I've been to both Value and Moderate resorts several times. My take on the Moderates is that they are more...beautiful and intimate. The Values are large open areas with huge buildings. You definitely feel like you're one of thousands staying there. At the moderates, the buildings are closer together, with more attention paid to landscaping & theming, and you only feel like you're one of hundreds there. :lol: For me, I generally like staying where there are less children around, so prefer moderates to deluxe accommodations. There also seem to be more resort-specific activities available to you at the moderates (like fishing at POR, or surrey bikes at POR/POFQ/CS).

If you have the chance, I would recommend staying at a moderate at least once. You can then see for yourself first hand if it will be worth it to you in the future. For me, the extra $20 or so a night is well worth the money. :D

Vikki

September 15th, 2005, 19:45

oooooooooo, I am soooooo temped to looking into a moderate. But for three weeks it could really cost a lot of extra £

Keith

September 16th, 2005, 00:36

hmmmm :)

Thing is, if you enjoy the pop/all stars for the reasons given, I'm not sure POR would be nicer for you.

I like POR because it's quieter (MUCH) has an onsite bar/restaurant, and is so beautiful. The boat to dtd is great too but if you enjoy the energy of the values, the kids love the styling etc. I kinda think a value may be better! save the mod/deluxe for when they grow up a bit and think they're too grown up for the all stars.

Chris/Lisa

September 16th, 2005, 08:50

:thumbs: thanks guys this is all realkly good stuff

May look at a moderate as it is really not that much more money

The only thing that would hold me back is taking two young kids there if everyone is going there to avoid the kids :lol:

Oh well it is WDW after all

Keith

September 16th, 2005, 09:52

Chris/Lisa

September 16th, 2005, 10:03

:lol: no I meant people go to POR to avoid lots of young children

just looking at the tour on the WDW sire - the food court looks kinda gairy with all those big masks :gairy:

Keith

September 16th, 2005, 10:24

:lol: no I meant people go to POR to avoid lots of young children

:lol: sure :) I don't think they do though. Can't say it worried me at all at POR

just looking at the tour on the WDW sire - the food court looks kinda gairy with all those big masks :gairy:

Can't remember the masks actually.. but I do remember there was a cute little area in the food court where kids could colour in pictures that were then put up on the wall. Kinda cute :)

Whitequeen

September 16th, 2005, 10:25

There are loads of kids at POR, it's just a more relaxing atmosphere there. CBR is noisier for some reason. Both are good.:thumbs:

Dawn

September 16th, 2005, 10:38

Got to stop reading this thread. I'm a committed All Star Movies person, but POR is beginning to sound really nice. :rolleyes:

Chris/Lisa

September 16th, 2005, 11:11

For when we want to go its only £400 more - and it does look very nice

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdwi/en_GB/resorts/resortLanding?id=PortOrleansFrenchQuarterResortLan dingPage_en_GB&count=4

Dawn

September 16th, 2005, 11:18

Oh no I clicked the link. :slapme:

But £400 will buy many pins.

Chris/Lisa

September 16th, 2005, 11:20

Indeed - but you would get to tick another hotel 'what i have done' off your list :wink:

Dawn

September 16th, 2005, 11:23

Yeah but I like ASM. Never really considered any other resorts. And the pins...

It does look pretty though. Wonder what the room rates are for Value season. :unsure:

Johnie

September 16th, 2005, 11:57

:lol: no I meant people go to POR to avoid lots of young children

just looking at the tour on the WDW sire - the food court looks kinda gairy with all those big masks :gairy:

Are you looking at the French Quarter? They have the Mardi Gras masks there. I don't think Riverside has masks :confused:

Chris/Lisa

September 16th, 2005, 11:59

Yep was looking at the french quater - which is best the Riverside or French??

Johnie

September 16th, 2005, 12:09

I've only been to Riverside. It's beautiful.

French Quarter looks nice and I'd like to stay there. FQ is supposed to be much smaller than Riverside, so less walking :)

Chris/Lisa

September 16th, 2005, 12:11

hmmm does that mean the food court is busier - which one has the cool Triton slide.

Iona

September 16th, 2005, 12:12

We had this discussion a little while ago here (http://www.wdisneyw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41309)

I've only stayed at FQ which was lovely - but Riverside looked nice too. :shrug: I don't think you could go wrong with either really.

Johnie

September 16th, 2005, 12:13

FQ has the cool slide. You can pool hop since they are sister resorts.

Chris/Lisa

September 16th, 2005, 12:14

You do know after all this we'll probably go to ASM :lol:

So are the roomas arranged in big blocks like the values?

Keith

September 16th, 2005, 12:15

I've only stayed at riverside too.... I like the onsite restaurant and piano bob in the bar :)

If you request a room close to the main building the walking isn't far at all (can be less than ASM even).

Iona

September 16th, 2005, 12:15

FQ has the less busy foodcourt and the "cool Triton slide". Riverside has Boatwrights and Piano Bob.

Keith

September 16th, 2005, 12:16

So are the roomas arranged in big blocks like the values?

There are blocks but they look and feel more upmarket than the values (if that matters)

Iona

September 16th, 2005, 12:18

FQ has the less busy foodcourt and the "cool Triton slide". Riverside has Boatwrights and Piano Bob.

I'm just repeating other people here aren't I?! Must be quicker!

You've also got to remember that it's only about a 10 minute walk between the two lobbys (or you could take a bus or boat) so it's easy to take advantage of both resorts' facilities.

Chris/Lisa

September 16th, 2005, 12:18

Whats a piano bob :unsure:

(I appreciate I may be opening a can of worms here)

Whitequeen

September 16th, 2005, 12:19

The rooms are arranged in 2 story blocks with outside walkway. Think much quieter than a value.:D
The landscape is very rich in vegetation and little streams and is just down right relaxing. The quiet pools are just that....quiet.:)

We liked Piano Bob, the Food Court was nice. The boat ride to DTD was an added bonus.

This is at POR.:thumbs:

Keith

September 16th, 2005, 12:23

Whats a piano bob :unsure:

(I appreciate I may be opening a can of worms here)

:lol: I struggle to describe him.

He's a comedy piano player/singer who is a GREAT hit with kids, and some adults ;-)

He REALLY gets the crowd going, has kiddies up and singing, dancing around etc.

Chris/Lisa

September 16th, 2005, 12:24

:doh: just worked out that POR stands for riverside - not in my brainiest mood today :blush:

Johnie

September 16th, 2005, 12:25

Piano Bob is an entertainer that performs at Riverside (among other places). He looks like Bill Nye the Science Guy. I have not actually seen him in person, that is what I plan to do in a few weeks.
http://www.yehaabob.com/

MystikPiglit

September 16th, 2005, 14:28

I think your kiddies would like the pool and food court at POFQ. :)

Watchinherskip

September 16th, 2005, 16:22

Hey Chris and Lisa,
Add my two cents here to the others,

We were booked at Corronado a few years ago, Disney operator called and requested our room as they had overbooked a convention. They said we could stay but it would be noisey and crowded...:( I was bummed out....she said that she would like to give an alternate..she upgraded us to the Poly!:) That happens from time to time I expect..you could get a bump up if you go Coronodo.

We stayed at PORFQ last time! It was awesome. We were in the buildings right near the pool and food court but were on the other side of the building from the pool (quieter that way). The pool was great and all of the kids (nephews and DD...oh and me!) loved the pool.
The boat ride is great..there is a fantastic walking path near the "Sasogula river" to POR. We spent time at their pools too, had dinner up there, you can also boat up there. We ate at Olivia's at OKW by taking a boat to DTD and another boat to OKW..that is a nice resort to spend some time at..especially at sunset!

PORFQ to me was great and we enjoyed it as much as Boardwalk and the Poly! But hey it's Disney and it's hard to go wrong with any of the resorts!:thumbs:

Chris/Lisa

September 16th, 2005, 16:40

:thumbs: - getting excited about this now ( theoretically anyway :D )

Chris/Lisa

September 16th, 2005, 16:46

The main disadvantage as I see it is that I won't want to go to a budget again :D

Watchinherskip

September 16th, 2005, 16:50

Yup, guess it is hard to go backwards..but our first visit we stayed at the Disney Inn..that was one of the fancy ones in the day, then another fancy one as Boardwalk just opened, and then the Poly..but you know what..PORFQ was just as nice I thought.:blush: