Bayou, Mansion or French Quarter???

watchett · 01-23-2003

Hello:

Planning a trip...trying to decide on where we should stay while at the Port Orleans Resort (even which building).

I would love to hear your opinions and experiences about these areas. How was the transportation? Which building did you prefer? Tips? Etc.....

Thanks in advance,
KLW

tiggerlover1971 · 01-23-2003

i love the french quarter it is small and the theme reminds me of canal street in new orleans (but cleaner lol) i love the atmosphere the only sad thing is they got rid of their regular dine in restaurant bonfamillias i loved it but they have a food court and i just love the rooms and style and when i have been there the transportation was wonderful but they shared a bus with then dixie landings now port orleans riverside luckly the bus stop for port orleans french quarter was the first one i dont know if it still is though

**mickey** · 01-23-2003

Watchett, welcome to DisneyCentral. I prefer the Bayou section of Riverside. The woods are beautiful, and it is a very enjoyable area. I always have felt that the other two were more like apartment buildings than a resort since they are so close together. The rooms are identical in size while only the decor differs.

Michael Darling · 01-23-2003

French Quarter all the way! This remains my favorite section of Port Orleans and Dixie Landings (yes, I know the names changed). French Quarter is a little smaller and it's a lot easier to get to the bus stops.

All of Port Orleans Riverside seems a little overgrown to me and French Quarter is nice and crisp and clean. The main pool at Riverside, however, is a little cooler, even though I love the dragon at French Quarter.

trishb · 01-23-2003

KLW...Welcome!

You pose a question that is one of our favorite debates! (Just look in the old threads!)

I guess it depend on what type of experience you are looking for:

I have heard the mansions at Riverside likened to a more affordable version of the Grand Floridian.

French Quarter has a fun, party atmosphere.

The bayou (my favorite) is a more relaxed, country setting.

All in all, I think that PO is the best of the moderate resorts. I love the ambiance (and the boat ride to Downtown Disney:love: ) Bus transportation is efficient.

Michael Darling · 01-23-2003

Wow, what differing opinion. I hated Bayou! It just didn't seem comfortable.

The plants in the courtyards seemed overgrown, the rooms were really far away from anywhere I wanted to go, and it was hard for me to find my way around. I do like that there are smaller pools near the buildings- that is a nice touch. The trungle beds are also cool for a family.

NikkiLUVSMickey · 01-24-2003

I've stayed at Riverside three times, each time in Alligator Bayou. I like it because the atmosphere is fantastic...the Imagineers outdid themselves as far as the landscaping goes. There are trees everywhere, and walking along the Sassagoula toward the food court is very nice in the mornings. If you go with Riverside, make sure you check the resort map (ever so thoughtfully provided here on DisneyCentral, I believe) and ask for a building close to the food court. It can be a bit of a walk from your room to the food court if you aren't choosy about what building you would like to be in...I made that mistake the first time I stayed there. We had a five to ten minute walk from the room to the food court. In the morning it wasn't too bad, but at night when you've been in the parks all day, it's a haul and a half!

I'm staying at French Quarter for the first time on my upcoming trip...I'll let you know what I think when I get back!

disneycouple30 · 01-24-2003

My wife and I perfer the Bayou area. We been going down to WDW for the past 14 years and we have stayed at POR (Dixie Landings, they need to change it back to that) just about every time since it was open. We love the Bayou area, it so neat to walk hand and hand at night and listen to the piped in crikets and frogs. Every time we go we spend time after the parks close to take a slow walk around the resort and enjoy the sites. The place is fabolous at night. I agree that it can be a walk to the food court and bus stops, but not really that much farther than say the Poly or GF if you are stuck out on the far reaches of the those resorts. The kids will love the pool and all the activities for them. The boat ride down to DTD is very romantic for you and the wife and the kids will enjoy it very much. If I didn't get such great deals because of the military I would had stayed there last year. But paying only $99 for a room at the Contemporary is to good of a deal to pass up. But once the Shades of Green is back up and operating I'll stay at the Contemporary then it back to POR.

NikkiLUVSMickey · 01-24-2003

Riverside also has all kinds of little animals running around, which is neat. I've seen bunnies and a family of ducks on many occasions. It's a little thing, but I think its neat. Where else but Disney are you going to see little animals roaming around at the hotel?

Minnie Mommie · 01-26-2003

we stayed at the french quarter 2 years ago, and LOVED it!! The bus stopped there first, before going to riverside!!! The music of the French Quarter was everywhere!!! We would recommend this resort very highly!! The pool was great too!!

ohiominnie · 01-26-2003

We stayed in FQ last June - building 4. It was great! Everything was convenient. The pool is fantastic. We had no issues with the busses, and the stop is near building 4. It is a very quiet resort - restful after the parks. The boat to DD is so relaxing and a beautiful ride. The room was large, and very clean. I highly reco staying there.

alexa1466 · 02-05-2003

I just made my reservation to stay at the POR this December. How exactly is the Bayou area set up? I've seen the mansion area from pictures so I'm just wondering what the difference is. Thanks!:D

**DisneyTeacher** · 02-05-2003

alexa

wdwig has great resort pictures and the resort map here at DisneyCentral will show you how the buildings are layed out.

WDWNutCase · 02-06-2003

We've got rooms booked at POR for February 25-March 5

I requested the Magnolia Terrace Mansion as it has a bus depot right outside and the bride to cross to the main pool is just outside as well. Then the food court is just on the other side of the main pool island. I'm hoping this is a good choice? Someone mentioned Oak Manor, but I hear this is a smoking building.

01-23-2003	#1 (permalink)
watchett Mouseketeer Intern Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 7	Bayou, Mansion or French Quarter??? Hello: Planning a trip...trying to decide on where we should stay while at the Port Orleans Resort (even which building). I would love to hear your opinions and experiences about these areas. How was the transportation? Which building did you prefer? Tips? Etc..... Thanks in advance, KLW

01-23-2003	#2 (permalink)
tiggerlover1971 Official bouncer of DC Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: 100 acre woods Posts: 4,068	i love the french quarter it is small and the theme reminds me of canal street in new orleans (but cleaner lol) i love the atmosphere the only sad thing is they got rid of their regular dine in restaurant bonfamillias i loved it but they have a food court and i just love the rooms and style and when i have been there the transportation was wonderful but they shared a bus with then dixie landings now port orleans riverside luckly the bus stop for port orleans french quarter was the first one i dont know if it still is though __________________ Cheryl ^i^ * Postcard Pixie * ^i^ ~ Sharing the Disney magic ~ woohoo only 20 more pounds to go to goal weight

01-23-2003	#3 (permalink)
mickey Administrator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 6,232	Watchett, welcome to DisneyCentral. I prefer the Bayou section of Riverside. The woods are beautiful, and it is a very enjoyable area. I always have felt that the other two were more like apartment buildings than a resort since they are so close together. The rooms are identical in size while only the decor differs. __________________ Frank Costanza: You can drop a grand in Disney World, like that.

01-23-2003	#4 (permalink)
Michael Darling Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Right Behind You Posts: 435	French Quarter all the way! This remains my favorite section of Port Orleans and Dixie Landings (yes, I know the names changed). French Quarter is a little smaller and it's a lot easier to get to the bus stops. All of Port Orleans Riverside seems a little overgrown to me and French Quarter is nice and crisp and clean. The main pool at Riverside, however, is a little cooler, even though I love the dragon at French Quarter. __________________ - "Michael Darling" The "caps lock" light scares me, and the "Shift" key is my best friend.

01-23-2003	#5 (permalink)
trishb Mouse Meister Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,350	KLW...Welcome! You pose a question that is one of our favorite debates! (Just look in the old threads!) I guess it depend on what type of experience you are looking for: I have heard the mansions at Riverside likened to a more affordable version of the Grand Floridian. French Quarter has a fun, party atmosphere. The bayou (my favorite) is a more relaxed, country setting. All in all, I think that PO is the best of the moderate resorts. I love the ambiance (and the boat ride to Downtown Disney:love: ) Bus transportation is efficient. __________________ Trish

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW Resorts
Bayou, Mansion or French Quarter???

01-23-2003	#6 (permalink)
Michael Darling Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Right Behind You Posts: 435	Wow, what differing opinion. I hated Bayou! It just didn't seem comfortable. The plants in the courtyards seemed overgrown, the rooms were really far away from anywhere I wanted to go, and it was hard for me to find my way around. I do like that there are smaller pools near the buildings- that is a nice touch. The trungle beds are also cool for a family. __________________ - "Michael Darling" The "caps lock" light scares me, and the "Shift" key is my best friend.

01-24-2003	#7 (permalink)
NikkiLUVSMickey Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Metairie, LA Posts: 77	I've stayed at Riverside three times, each time in Alligator Bayou. I like it because the atmosphere is fantastic...the Imagineers outdid themselves as far as the landscaping goes. There are trees everywhere, and walking along the Sassagoula toward the food court is very nice in the mornings. If you go with Riverside, make sure you check the resort map (ever so thoughtfully provided here on DisneyCentral, I believe) and ask for a building close to the food court. It can be a bit of a walk from your room to the food court if you aren't choosy about what building you would like to be in...I made that mistake the first time I stayed there. We had a five to ten minute walk from the room to the food court. In the morning it wasn't too bad, but at night when you've been in the parks all day, it's a haul and a half! I'm staying at French Quarter for the first time on my upcoming trip...I'll let you know what I think when I get back! __________________ Nikki "Please stand clear of the doors - por favor mantenganse alejado de las puertas!" 1986-1993 (seven trips): Offsite Summer 1995: Caribbean Beach Summer 1997: Dixie Landings Summer 1999: Dixie Landings February 2000: All Star Sports March 2001: All Star Movies June 2001: PO Riverside February 2002: All Star Sports March 2003: PO French Quarter February 2004: PO Riverside February 2005: PO Riverside September 2005: Pop Century

01-24-2003	#8 (permalink)
disneycouple30 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: In the Boonies Posts: 481	My wife and I perfer the Bayou area. We been going down to WDW for the past 14 years and we have stayed at POR (Dixie Landings, they need to change it back to that) just about every time since it was open. We love the Bayou area, it so neat to walk hand and hand at night and listen to the piped in crikets and frogs. Every time we go we spend time after the parks close to take a slow walk around the resort and enjoy the sites. The place is fabolous at night. I agree that it can be a walk to the food court and bus stops, but not really that much farther than say the Poly or GF if you are stuck out on the far reaches of the those resorts. The kids will love the pool and all the activities for them. The boat ride down to DTD is very romantic for you and the wife and the kids will enjoy it very much. If I didn't get such great deals because of the military I would had stayed there last year. But paying only $99 for a room at the Contemporary is to good of a deal to pass up. But once the Shades of Green is back up and operating I'll stay at the Contemporary then it back to POR. __________________ My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Next Trip to WDW 7 days 15 hours 28 minutes

01-24-2003	#9 (permalink)
NikkiLUVSMickey Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Metairie, LA Posts: 77	Riverside also has all kinds of little animals running around, which is neat. I've seen bunnies and a family of ducks on many occasions. It's a little thing, but I think its neat. Where else but Disney are you going to see little animals roaming around at the hotel? __________________ Nikki "Please stand clear of the doors - por favor mantenganse alejado de las puertas!" 1986-1993 (seven trips): Offsite Summer 1995: Caribbean Beach Summer 1997: Dixie Landings Summer 1999: Dixie Landings February 2000: All Star Sports March 2001: All Star Movies June 2001: PO Riverside February 2002: All Star Sports March 2003: PO French Quarter February 2004: PO Riverside February 2005: PO Riverside September 2005: Pop Century

01-26-2003	#10 (permalink)
Minnie Mommie Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 96	we stayed at the french quarter 2 years ago, and LOVED it!! The bus stopped there first, before going to riverside!!! The music of the French Quarter was everywhere!!! We would recommend this resort very highly!! The pool was great too!!

01-26-2003	#11 (permalink)
ohiominnie Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 30	We stayed in FQ last June - building 4. It was great! Everything was convenient. The pool is fantastic. We had no issues with the busses, and the stop is near building 4. It is a very quiet resort - restful after the parks. The boat to DD is so relaxing and a beautiful ride. The room was large, and very clean. I highly reco staying there. __________________

02-05-2003	#12 (permalink)
alexa1466 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 162	I just made my reservation to stay at the POR this December. How exactly is the Bayou area set up? I've seen the mansion area from pictures so I'm just wondering what the difference is. Thanks!:D __________________

02-05-2003	#13 (permalink)
DisneyTeacher Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WDW in my dreams Posts: 18,306	alexa wdwig has great resort pictures and the resort map here at DisneyCentral will show you how the buildings are layed out. __________________ ~Stephanie~ 1993 Caribbean Beach Resort ~ 1996 Caribbean Beach resort ~1997 Caribbean Beach Resort ~2003 Wilderness Lodge ~2004 Beach Club Resort/Shades of Green/Pop Century~ 2005 Wilderness Lodge Resort/Beach Club Villas ~ 2006 Saratoga Springs Resort~2007 Port Orleans French Quarter/Beach Club Villas/Boardwalk Villas ~ 2007 Port Orleans Riverside~ 2008 Wilderness Lodge/Beach Club Villas~2008 Beach Club Villas~2009 Hilton Head Island~ 2009 Beach Club Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Beach Club here we come 240 days 14 hours 14 minutes

02-06-2003	#14 (permalink)
WDWNutCase Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 374	We've got rooms booked at POR for February 25-March 5 I requested the Magnolia Terrace Mansion as it has a bus depot right outside and the bride to cross to the main pool is just outside as well. Then the food court is just on the other side of the main pool island. I'm hoping this is a good choice? Someone mentioned Oak Manor, but I hear this is a smoking building. __________________ Resorts We've Stayed In ASM, CBR, CSR, WL, WL Concierge, GFR&S, POR, BW Villas, BC Villas, OKW December 17-24, 2005: Saratoga Springs! Brother & Sis in Law's first ever Disney Trip! Have a Zip-a-dee-doo-da Day! DVC Members since March 2003

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