[alexa1466]

I'm planning a trip down to WDW with my boyfriend (actually, I'm doing all the planning) during the beginning of December. I've always stayed on Disney property when I go, but this year, I decided why not save money and stay "off property"? The Grosvenor Resort has a great rate for the week we want to go, but the more I thought about it, its just won't be the same if I stay off Disney property (the reviews were both good and bad for this resort also). I'm now looking at staying at the Port Orleans French Quarter. I've done my research on it and the resort looks beautiful. So, I guess my question would be, should I go for inexpensive or should I do it right and the spend the extra money on staying at the Port Orleans French Quarter? Any opinions on what you think of the French Quarter would be appreciated. Thanks so much!!!

[mickey]

Welcome to DisneyCentral! What time of December are you going and what is the current rate at the Grovsner that you have? That might help us a little, since our answer will change depending upon what dates you are going.

[alexa1466]

We plan on going down December 7-12. I found a deal on Expedia for the Grosvenor Resort at $70.00 a night (standard view) and when I called the Port Orleans French Quarter inquiring about rates (including my AAA discount), the room will cost roughly $120.00 a night.

[mickey]

In early December, I would do anything you can to stay on property. All of the resorts are just beautiful, it really is a sight to see.

For 2002, there were discounts available for early December, and the moderates were $85 per night plus tax. I would expect something similar this year as well, though the discounts most likely won't be released until July or August. For only a couple dollars more, I would definitely go for French Quarter. Even Wilderness Lodge was only $119.

[alexa1466]

I was hoping your opinion would be to stay on Disney property! Thanks so much for your input and have fun on your cruise!

[ssn]

In my opinion staying on site is a MUST no matter what time of year it is. The magic never ends when you stay on site. Transportation is also a big convenience! Last visit we stayed at PO Riverside and next trip we are staying at PO FQ. Can't wait! Are there any suggestions as to desirable room locations at FQ? I've heard alot about the Mansion rooms. Are they popular because of location or are the rooms nicer?

:)

[mickey]

SSN, actually, the mansion rooms are part of Riverside. French Quarter's rooms are all identical. As far as room location, I would suggest anything but buildings 2 or 5, since they surround the pool, and can be very noisy. Personally, I would go for building 7, it is fairly close to the main building, right by the bus stop, and should be nice and quiet. Building 4 wouldn't be too bad either

Port Orleans French Quarter Map

[ssn]

Thanks for the clarification! PO can be quite confusing! I will take your advise with the room location - hopefully my request will be granted! We are looking for quiet since we will be with a 3 yr old who will need naps! Thanks also for the map and for your link to the countdown instructions - as you can see I now have my coutdown clock!

[didamullan]

We were there in Jan and looked at all the resorts and found riverside to have the warmest pool. We walked the ground and some of the pools were either closed or not being maintained. I know someone said not to stay by the pools for the noise but if it's cold in Dec. it's nice to be able to run to a room close by. Take a bus ride to Boardwalk the lobby is just incrediably beautiful at Christmas and if you've gone to Epcot that day and had your hand stamped you can either walk or take the boat and get in Epcot from there.
:heart

[sandyd]

Alexa,
I am leaving today for WDW, and will be staying at Port Orleans French Quarter. I have never stayed there, so it will be a new experience for me. I'll be sure to tell you about it when I get back!

[cindy1970]

just like that person said. In july or august last year they had really low rates. and the animal kingdom was really low. I stayed there and really liked it. never stayed at port orleans. let me know how it is because i am going in sept. probably will stay at wilderness lodge but you know to save a little money i may be persuaded. what about the coronado? i hear that is nice. Anyone know about that one?

[angey77]

POFQ is great, I loved it! My boyfriend and I stayed there in October in building 4 and it was so nice and peaceful. We had the corner room, first floor, overlooking the courtyard fountain (they called that "waterview"...ha, joke's on us!).
But in all actuality, it was a great resort. Very clean, small and the bus service was great. We always sat down since we were the first on the stop with POR. In fact, for MNSSHP, we were so packed, we didn't have to stop at POR.
The only aspect that didn't grab me was the food court. I can actually say I've stayed at ASMo and had more variety. Then again, I'm not into going on vacation and eating more Louisiana food if you know what I mean.

[slist]

:) Our Family visits Disney every year. One year we decided to
stay off site to save money BIG MISTAKE. There are other things to do at the Disney Resorts, Bike and boat rental and they have the best pools. Staying on site makes the vacation much more magical. We have stayed at PQRiverside many times, Coronado Springs(which is my least favorite)and Wilderness Lodge(which is my most favorite) not sure where we are staying this year we usually give the kids a couple of choices. Last year we had a great deal at Wilderness we paid $119 a night and we could watch the sea parade and also could see the castle kiss good night from our room.

[Minnie Mommie]

two years ago we stayed at POFQ and LOVED it!! Our children were 5 and 7 at the time and they loved it too!! The pool is great for kids. It has a nice slide(not big) and also life jackets available.We were in bldg. 3 room 3317. We requested standard view and 3rd floor because we didn't want anyone above us for noise reasons(naps).The view was nice of the courtyard and was a non-smoking bldg.The bus stopped at POFQ first, before heading to POR, which was nice too!!There is a littlle play area there as well! I would recommend it very highly!! Have fun!! :D