This just won't do, Port Orleans French Quarter [Pool Closure]

[Gilesmt]

I have a reservation at POFQ 2/25 to 3/6, 10 nights and was so excited, this is my first trip to the World. I got information that the pool just closed and will not open up until April. I have a 17 and 2 year old that will spend 1 to 2 hours a day or more at the pool, we all love to swim and usually swim at least and hour before naps and then an hour early evenings if it is not to cold. With the pool closed and no warning, they were not going to mention it to any guessed until they get there. With only one pool at this hotel I am thinking of changing hotels. But the pool at Carribian Beach is closed also leaving only two hotels in this catagory. I do not think I could (even with the huge discount I am getting come up with $900 to go over to WL, so I am thinking about splitting things up. Can anyone tell me how disappointed I will be if I do 5 days at Pop and 5 days at WL. Does anyone have any idea's of what one I should do first, I was thinking Pop that way I can look forward to WL when and if I hate the hotel. I am use to DL hotel or Grand Californian. Any suggestions, I would appreciate them?

[anniedg]

We've stayed at both POP and WL. We liked POP just fine and would be happy to stay there again; we loved WL. If you do the split I would stay at POP first for sure. It's a really fun place to stay, but can't really compare to WL. People on the boards here say it is pretty easy to switch resorts, we've never done it though so I have no firsthand experience.

Is there a room available at POR? That is actually what I would do if possible. We also love POR and it has a great main pool with smaller "quiet" pools you can also use if the main pool is too crowded. The food court at POR is great and it also has a good TS restaurant. Our favorite building is AB 14. The AB rooms also have a trundle bed that your 2yo could use, then the 17yo could have his/her own bed. I know it's different than POFQ, but it's the closest you'll find.

[GusMan]

In the past when POR had pool refurbs going on, guests were allowed to pool hop over to POFQ's pool. It would be a safe assumption that you are able to do the opposite and visit POR's pool in a case like this.

Its not the most convenient thing, but it is an option.

Or, like mentioned above, see if you can get a room at POR.

[tjrj]

As POR and FQ are "sister" resorts-you can pool hop between them in any case I believe-even wo the refurb going on.


If you decide to split-I'd definitely go from value to deluxe. We went mod to value and really noticed a difference-though still fun.

Are you doing a package including tickets or just room only? There might be a cost difference in terms of tix too. As it's much more expensive to a three day then four day tix vs a 7 day tix for example.

And moving between resorts is super easy. Disney handles all your luggage.

[scoobydooby]

We originally booked for POR last year then switched to POFQ when we found out the food court at POR was going to be closed (it re-opened early and was open when we were there and much better than the POFQ food court but anyhoo...) we made the transfer quite easily so you could try this. I would note last year I booked through a TA who initially said we could not swop but I asked her to try anyway or ask her manager to try for her and hey presto, the swap was done! Also, you are able officially to use the POR pool if you stay at POFQ and while obviously this is less convenient the walk really is a short and beautiful one. I'd choose the walk over changing to a value resort. For what it's worth, we are staying at POFQ next trip because DH preferred it to POR but I'm guessing we'll possibly use the POR pool more.

[Gilesmt]

With a two yo I do not want to have to walk to the pool at POR. My daughter says the same thing just book at POR. I will think it over night and change it in the morning.

I have dreampt about POFQ for over 15 years so it is disappointing. I know that I have little right to complain since I am getting such a good deal anyway. No I do not have ticket issues, we do not have to pay for tickets, and the hotel is discounted way down so I should just take a breath and realize that I will be in disney and to tired to worry about where my sorry --- falls asleep. Right.

[danyoung]

I agree with all of the above. First option would be to book at Port Orleans Riverside. Then you can easily walk next door and see the decor of the French Quarter. Next option would be the Pop for 5 days and then the WL for 5 days. The Pop is really pretty nice - more like a moderate than a value. And the pools there are lots of fun for the kids. Do the Pop first, and then you'll really enjoy the upgrade to the WL!

[SuzieQ]

Hi! My family just returned fro POFQ 3 days ago. We were also bummed when we learned the pool was going to be closed but it didn't turn out to be a very big issue after all. There were golf carts on the path between the 2 resorts offering rides to people. You could also catch a boat to POR if you didn't feel like walking. We didn't mind the walk - it only took about 10 minutes and it was very lovely strolling along the river! We stayed at POR 2 years ago and I have to say that we much preferred POFQ and are glad we didn't switch when we heard about the pool closure! Good luck with your decision!