Showing posts with label Moderate Resorts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Moderate Resorts. Show all posts

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Why You Should Choose Port Orleans French Quarter


Since 2000, I have had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World on several occasions. On all of those trips, I have stayed at an on-site resort and on all but one, my family has stayed at a moderate resort. As it turns out, we have stayed at all of the moderate resorts, so we have a good idea how each one stacks up.

Our Favorite? Port Orleans French Quarter.

Why? Size, Location, Transportation Options & Atmosphere!

Size
It is such a delight to stay at the French Quarter. It has approximately 1,000 rooms. I know that sounds like a lot, but is less than half the size of Disney’s other moderate resorts. The less congestion is a great thing when it comes to the bus stop and
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory , the resort’s food court. The layout of French Quarter is also different from the other moderate resorts. While I have a fondness for all the moderate resorts, the ease of getting around French Quarter is such a joy. Even if you are staying at one of the farthest buildings away from the food court or bus stop, the walk is relatively easy.

Location & Transportation

If you love Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you will really enjoy the location of French Quarter. A ride to either park is relatively short and usually less than 15 minutes. Magic Kingdom is only slightly farther away, with Animal Kingdom the farthest.
Here is another great tidbit to remember. Port Orleans French Quarter has a sister resort next-door called Port Orleans Riverside. Riverside is a much larger resort and has several bus stops, while French Quarter only has one. The two resorts share busses, but usually not during peak hours like opening and closing. Why is that important? During mornings and evenings, a bus will often only go directly between French Quarter’s one bus stop and a Disney Park. That makes the trip a lot shorter since you do not have to stop at all the bus stops at Port Orleans Riverside. If you want to make a trip to Downtown Disney, you have two options with Disney Transportation. You can travel via bus or boat. While the boat ride may take a little longer on the Sassagoula River, it is a great way to sit back and relax.

Atmosphere
The size and atmosphere are truly unique. It offers a feel of Mardi Grad and New Orleans. It has larger than life carnival masks and trombone playing alligators…and the charm of the French Quarter.

Port Orleans French Quarter has a heated pool and poolside Jacuzzi for your enjoyment. When you walk down the miniature roads between buildings, it is like taking a step in the real French Quarter in New Orleans.
I truly believe you will enjoy your stay.
As they say in New Orleans, "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez" Let the Good Times Roll!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Hey, Mon! It's the Caribbean Beach Resort!

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Fact Sheet from WDWTravels Website
A tropical lakeside paradise! Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is set on Barefoot Bay which spans 45 acres. Come celebrate the spirit of the tropical islands. Surround yourself with sandy beaches, lush vegetation and the relaxing feel of a Caribbean get-away.

900 Cayman Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Check in 3pm (EST) Check out 11am (EST)

Location – Close to Epcot

General Information
* 2,112 guest rooms
*Guests rooms are divided into six island themed villages. Each building is pastel colored and two stories. Each village has its own swimming pool
*All rooms are non-smoking
*Wheelchair accessible rooms are available

In Each Room
in – room refrigerator
cable TV
Hair dryer
Safe
Iron/ironing board
Coffee maker
Pack –n- play available upon request
High speed internet access available for an additional fee

Other Services
Concierge Services
Valet Laundry Services
Coin operated laundry services
Babysitting/Child Services
Pizza Delivery Available

Quick Service Dining
Grab N Go Market
Montego’s Deli
Old Port Royale Food Court
Casual Dining
Shutters at Old Port Royale

Recreation:Marina offers water craft rentals
pontoon boats
sailboats
canoes
Guided Bass Fishing Excursions





Bike trails and Bike rentals
Sandy beaches - Volleyball
Parrot Cay Island
nature trail
tropical bird watching
playground
arcade for kids

Rooms
Category
Capacity Configuration
Standard View Rooms 4 2 Double beds
Water View Rooms Views of Lake/Pool 4 2 Double beds
Pirate Room –Water View 4 2 Double Beds
Pirate Room – Standard View 4 2 Double Beds
King Bed Rooms 2 1 King Bed
Preferred Location Rooms 4 2 Double Beds
Views of courtyard,
Woodlands, or Resort

TransportationOrlando International Airport – Magical Express
Bus Service to
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Animal Kingdom
Hollywood Studios
Downtown Disney
Typhoon Lagoon
Blizzard Beach
Summerland Miniature Golf
Fantasia Gardens Mini – Golf (bus to Downtown Disney, transfer to Swan /Dolphin Bus, and walk from the Swan Hotel
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (bus to Hollywood Studios, transfer to ESPN bus)
Other Disney World Resort Hotels (bus to Downtown Disney, transfer to Resort Hotel buses)


Review Date: Fri July 30, 2010
Would you recommend the product? Yes Rating: 9

Pros:
quiet, comfortable, relaxing, beautiful scenery
Cons:some rooms are far from the commissary
We have stayed at a few different Disney sites, and this is my favorite. It is much more quiet than the value resorts, and even though the walk can be a little long, it is a very nice walk along the lake. The food was ok, room clean, and staff very friendly. I would have liked a CB specific souvenir (hat or shirt). Overall the most relaxing stay at Disney in my 15 trips.