[mommyof2]

I know this question has been asked a million times but I can not find my answer. As far as moderates we are downto POFQ or POR. What is everyone's opinion on the 2 and why?

[Soundgod]

French Quarter. It's smaller and only has one bus stop.
Downside, it only has a food court, no table service restaurant.
Second downside, they share most, but not all, buses with POR.

[Dopey]

I hope this helps you make up your mind:

FEATURE ARTICLE from the allearsnet.com newsletter

The Good Times Roll at
Port Orleans French Quarter

by

Debra Martin Koma
AllEars® Senior Editor

I have to admit that I'm spoiled a bit when it comes to staying at Walt Disney World resorts. I'm fortunate enough to normally be able to stay in the Epcot resort area, within walking distance of that park's International Gateway entrance in one direction, Disney's Hollywood Studios in the other, with the BoardWalk entertainment district in between.

But every once in a while, the budget begs for a break and I need to stay at a more moderately priced resort. And when that happens, I always choose, if it's available, Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter.

It's the smallest of the moderate resorts, but that's only a disadvantage when it comes to availability. Because it has just 1088 rooms, it fills up fast, much faster than its sister resort Port Orleans Riverside, which has nearly twice the capacity. But otherwise its smaller, more manageable size means that it's more intimate, easier to navigate, and generally has a more personal feel.

That feeling starts in the reception area, where you are greeted by some of Walt Disney World's most cheerful cast members - at least that's been my experience, from the front desk to Mousekeeping (I've had more towel animals at this resort than at any other I've stayed at, if that's any indication). It's also where you first encounter the resort's happy, purple, gold and green Mardi Gras theme. Harlequin-style jesters, images of the Greek god Bacchus, all symbols of the famous annual New Orleans party, abound throughout the lobby, and follow you all the way to your room, which, even if you're as far away as you could possibly be from the front desk, is still within walking distance.

"As far away as you could possibly be," at this resort is building number 7. If you want to be close to registration, the dining areas, and the resort's single bus stop, request building 4 when you book your room. It's close enough to everything, even the pool area, but far enough away that you don't hear a lot of noise from other guests. Even if you should end up in Building 6, though, don't panic -- it's at most a five-minute walk from the main facilities.

As I mentioned, Port Orleans French Quarter has seven three-story buildings, accessible by both stairs and elevator. Rooms are about 314 sq. ft. -- not the largest moderate resort rooms available (the Caribbean Beach has those at about 340 sq. ft.), but still big enough to house a family of four. The rooms have all the furnishings and amenities you'll need -- two double beds dressed in bedspreads that continue the Mardi Gras theme with masked revelers and beads and musical instruments. There's a television on a dresser, a desk with two chairs, a small refrigerator, a coffee maker, a small settee and clothes hooks. In the bathroom area, which can be partitioned with a privacy curtain, there are two sinks, a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, a space to hang clothes, a wall safe, and of course the toilet and a tub/shower in a separate room. In other words, everything you could need for a comfortable stay while you're at Walt Disney World.

But for a small resort, the French Quarter offers so much more. As you wander down the tree-lined cobblestone walkways, you'll no doubt smile when you notice the whimsical street names that have been assigned: Cake Walk, Esc.ca Crepe, and the ever-popular Rue D'Baga. The resort's peaceful grounds, perfectly manicured courtyards and ornate spouting fountains, have a peacefulness that you might not notice at other resorts. Unless, of course, you're walking past the pool area.

The French Quarter has a lively, wonderfully themed pool, the Doubloon Lagoon, replete with jazz-playing alligators, and King Triton presiding over the imposing dragon slide (you slide right down its tongue!). It's a bit smaller than the feature pools at other resorts, which is no surprise given the French Quarter's size, but no less fun for the kids, and apparently the adults, too. Nearby the hot tub (spa) is set apart by hedge walls -- you gain entrance to the rather secluded area under ivy-covered arches. Also nearby is the playground area for the kids -- in the four days of my most recent stay, though I passed at all times of day, it was never unoccupied, so it must be a fun spot to hang out.

Unfortunately, the French Quarter's table service restaurant, Bonfamille's, closed several years ago, so your resort dining options are limited. You can, of course, make the 10-15 minute walk over to the Riverside section to try Boatwrights if you need a sit-down meal. But if you're feeling like staying put, you can order in from the Sassagoula Pizza Delivery service -- there's no paper menu in the room, but you can see what they're offering on the resort's television channel. There's also the French Quarter's food court, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory -- it's a fancy mouthful to say, but don't let that discourage you. It offers much of the same fare most resort food courts do: pancakes and waffles at breakfast, burgers, pizza, sandwiches for lunch and dinner, and hot meals (pot roast, ribs, chicken) at dinner time -- even has a selection of kosher foods on hand upon request. There is, however, one notable distinction at this eatery, elevating it far above common food courts. The beignets. Oh, the beignets! If you've not been to New Orleans before, you may never have heard of these delightful, powdered-sugar covered fluffs of fried dough, but once you've tasted one you don't soon forget them. This is the only place on Disney property where you can get them fresh -- three for $2.99 -- and really, they are only good when they are fresh and hot and eaten on the spot. They just about hover over the plate, they are so light, and pay no attention to the powdered sugar all over your face. There will most likely be several other people sitting around you wearing the same white smudges, along with satisfied smiles. Definitely worth the trip... and the calories!

While I may complain about the inability to walk to a theme park from the French Quarter, it (along with the Riverside resort next door) does offer one special transportation feature -- a ferry direct to Downtown Disney. I'd heard about this method of transport before, but never had the chance to try it until my most recent visit. What a delightful ride it is along the Sassagoula -- takes about 20 minutes, along a tranquil waterway lined with waterfowl. The views of Downtown Disney and the Saratoga Springs resort as you approach (or depart) are fabulous, and the change of pace from often loud and cramped buses is most welcome.

Another thing that sets the French Quarter apart is its lounge, Scat Cat's Club. I know many people are fans of the River Roost at the neighboring Riverside section of Port Orleans, due in large part to the presence of long-time entertainer Bob Jackson. But River Roost can be loud and crowded -- Scat Cat's is more my idea of what I think of when I hear the word "lounge." I can lounge there quietly, sipping a beverage of my choice -- there is frequently live entertainment, but I have yet to be here when the crowds have been overwhelming or the noise level has been obnoxious.

Yes, there really are quite a number of things that make the French Quarter my favorite choice when looking at Walt Disney World's moderate resorts. Despite its compact size and distance from the theme parks, I realize that I don't really miss the Epcot resort area that much when I stay at the French Quarter. With its charming personality, little extras like the beignets (mmm...) and the ferry ride to Downtown Disney, plus the few extra bucks in my pocket book when the credit card bill comes, the good times really do roll here -- or as they say in New Orleans, "les bon temps roulez." I feel truly spoiled there, and not deprived at all.

We usually stay at POR because we love the lush landscaping and the boat ride to DTD. We decided to stay at POFQ because of the overwhelmingly favorable reviews and we still get to enjoy the ride to DTD

[mommyof2]

Didn't I read on one of these forums that POFQ was getting Queen size beds? Can anyone verify that? Thanks!!

[joseph3947]

POFQ because it is smaller and first bus stop on the bus and first bus stop off the bus!
You can go to POR to Boatwright's for a sit down restaurant, it's a 5 to 10 minute walk or ride the bus from POFQ to POR.

[CleveRocks]

Coronado Springs is in the process of getting queen-size beds. I haven't heard anything about any other Moderates getting queens. The queens at CSR are to help out its status as a convention resort.

[PeterMac]

I stayed at POFQ last July and I loved it! The theming is quaint, and the size does make it intimate. You also get the benefit of using the Riverside facilities, so you get the best of both. I also found the bus service more than adequate,even with the multiple stops at Riverside. So that would make POFQ my choice.

[MissDisney]

This is the most important thing:
They share EVERYTHING! So what does that mean for you? It means that there is no wrong choice.

We loooove POR because we stayed there the first time we went to WDW. The Alligator Bayou section is home to us, and we love having the sit-down restaurant and the lobby bar (find Bob and pull up a chair... enjoy the evening!), and we love the bar out at Ol' Man Island.
We have sentimental family stories to tell about POR, and every little lizard running around in all that ivy is our neighbor!

That said, it is great to take a boat or walk over to POFQ and grab some beignets or play in that pool. I can absolutely justify staying there just as much as staying at POR, and I would be very happy if my family were at POFQ!

If our experiences mean anything, I can assure you that bus service is not a problem, and you will adore whichever you choose. It will become your favorite mod just because you are there!

Have a great trip, and be confident that you are choosing between the two best mods in all of WDW!

[MissDisney]

P.S. Billi, I am sorry but I don't know your kids' ages. But if you are needing a trundle, I believe they only are at POR in the Alligator Bayou section.

... which is great fo rus, because we love that are so much. Ask for Buildings 14, 15 or 18.

[TaraRae82]

I prefer POR. POFQ has a cold, unwelcoming feeling to me but I know plenty of people here love it. I have never been terribly impressed with the customer service or mousekeeping which is why I always go back to CBR. If you decide on POR, be sure to request a room in Magnolia Bend (mansion homes). They seem to be better kept than the ones in Aligator Bayou (rustic homes).

[DisneyTeacher]

Based on photos alone thought I would like POR better than POFQ but I ended up loving POFQ and thought POR was just ok. I would gladly stay at either one but we really like POFQ for the size and the fact that there's only one bus stop.

[Peppertink]

I have always preferred POR for all of the same reasons that Miss Disney mentioned. The only difference is that I really like the Magnolia Bend area. Other than that...yep...we are in agreement!

[BBEE]

We have stayed at both and like both, but our#1 choice of these 2 would be POFQ. After being at the parks all day it's nice to come back to a resort that's generally quiet and pretty. Everything is easy to manage because of the small size. Nothing is far from your room no matter which building you're in. The lack of a sit down restaurant doesn't affect us, because we usually eat in the parks with the exception of a couple of quick breakfasts. And as has been mentioned POR is just right down the way. We usually talk a walk over. It's a pretty walk. I do agree you'll like either resort.

[AnnaBanana]

Have the agree with the previous posters......you can't go wrong with either resort!!!! Our family's favorite moderate has ALWAYS been POFQ, but in Feb. and May of '08 we could not get ressies @FQ. So, we stayed @Riverside and LOVED it!!! Yes, it is large, but we enjoyed the quietness of the Alligator Bayou building that we stayed in......close to parking and not far from a bus stop. If this is your first visit and you want an easy resort to get around in....then French Quarter is a great resort for you. But, we are so thankful that we were "forced" to stay at Riverside, otherwise we would not have given this beautiful resort a chance.

[delmarjohn]

POR...for 18 years of reasons