Questions Galore About This Page:

[notjustamom]

In the pre-pre planning stages for our next trip. Our traveling brood is me, DH, DD and DS with possible Dmom (using an ECV) and Ddad. Since DD will be in Middle School come Sept. (can you hear my sobs from there) we are now relegated to school breaks. We are considering trying a moderate, have always done deluxe or villas, but thinking going moderate will allow us to go more often. Here are my questions (for now until I think of a bazillion more):

Would you choose Presidents Week over Easter Week??
Opinions on POR?
Opinions on POFQ?
Any idea when the new fantasyland will fully open?
When can ressie's be made for 2013?

My kids love to swim so a nice pool is key. That being said, we did BCV last trip and both liked the BW pool better than SAB.
TIA for the help

[roaminggnome]

I can attempt a couple answers to your questions....Your resort questions I can not help with. We stay at the Value Resorts and we really enjoy POP Century.

If I remember correctly from year to year you can set reservations up for the following year around June/July. Nothing at this time for 2013.

The Fantasyland expansion:
New Fantasyland Expansion | Walt Disney World Resort
That is what is on the Walt Disney World Site.

On All Ears Site:
There was to be a soft opening of Storybook Circus section on March 12, 2012.

[rosanna]

We just stayed at POFQ and loved it! I want to stay there again as I feel we didn't really have time to enjoy it. It is a beautiful resort. Of course, I've only ever done values, so I can't compare it to where you have stayed before.
Also, I have never been for President's week, but we go for Spring Break every year. We get better at handling the crowds each year and rarely wait in any line for more than 15-20 minutes. The weather is perfect (to me), warm during the day, coll after the sun goes down.
Hope this helps!

[toddjodybrent]

We've stayed at both POR and POFQ. They are both great! POFQ is more compact--has one bus stop for the resort, one pool, etc. while POR has a themed pool as well as quiet pools, 4 bus stops, and is more spread out. Bonus: If you stay at one resort, you can use the themed pool at both!

Here's our review of POR: Williams Family: Why Port Orleans--Riverside Is Our Favorite On Property Resort

And here's info about both themed pools: Williams Family: The Pools at Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter

And, I would choose Presidents' Week over Spring Break, but that's just me.

Have a magical trip!

[Chuck&Michelle]

I would choose Presidents week. I think Easter is more crowded...I could be wrong but that's what I heard. I'm due to leave for WDW soon but already thinking of our next time and checking out all the resorts....POR looks really nice. I think we may try it on our next trip. Check out the Royal rooms. ( I think that's what they are called) They are brand new and look awesome. Happy planning.
Michelle

[revral]

You can make a room only reservation up to 499 days out. To book a package you can either wait until Disney releases next year's rates or make a room only reservation & then when next years rates are released convert your room only reservation to package.

[notjustamom]

Thanks all!!

You can make a room only reservation up to 499 days out

I'm assuming that has to be done over the phone since online seems to only accept ressies through 12/12?

I would choose Presidents week. I think Easter is more crowded

That's what I'm thinking since Presidents wk seems to be a Northeast thing (even some NJ schools aren't off) and Easter is more of a widespread vacay.

[mfirst]

If you have five and are looking for one room, then you'll need to look into POR because the alligator bayou rooms (some) have a small murphy bed that can accomodate a fifth person.

[HiddenMickey]

Are you looking at one room or two? I haven't stayed in either POR or POFQ, though I've had reservations for POFQ twice that were cancelled when they decided to renovate a bunch of years back. We've had several stays at CSR now (we also usually do deluxes with the family of four too) and found it a great value with extremely comfy beds.

I would definitely do President's week over Easter weeks. We've done both and the latter is much less busy and still had weather warm enough for pools in the afternoon. We're thinking about Martin Luther Weekend for next year.

You can call for reservations for 2012 now, room only at this point. They'll charge you one night's deposit, at the most expensive rate for 2012. Your room rate will be adjusted to whatever the new rates are when they are announced this summer.

[krisk11]

Here is a little info I can add:
I've never been over Presidents week but went over Easter in 2007 and loved it. We walked right on to POC every night we were at MK. I didn't think the crowds were bad at all
Resorts: I liked POFQ when we were there it's very small so not much walking and I think we had beinets for breakfast every morning!!! That said my favorite Moderate resort is Coronado Springs. It has a very deluxe feel for a moderate resort and since you are use to moderates it might be a good choice for you.

[revral]

Yes the room only reservation has to be made over the phone at 499 days out.

[notjustamom]

Are you looking at one room or two?

Two rooms: one for my fam of 4 and one for Dmom & Dad. last 2 trips our DME bus stopped at POR and my Dmom always comments on how pretty she thinks it is. Since the frequency of her trips is waning (which is partly why I'm leaning mod instead of deluxe so we can have less time between trips) I thought POR would be a great choice.

[HiddenMickey]

Sounds like pleasing your mom with a stay at POR would be the way to go! How about those new Royal rooms?

[aurora_ca]

We love French Quarter. Great Moderate resort and small enough to feel magical. We have stayed there for every time except last year, Mom and Dad did not want to stay in Disney. So, we stayed Econo Lodge on International Drive, nice but not DISNEY!

[watermelonpatty]

I would choose Presidents Week. Easter is very busy because Spring Break gets staggered here in Florida, so the resorts are very busy all of April and May. Also, the weather is a lot better in February than in March/April. I was just there about 3 weeks ago and it was HOT.
As far as the resorts, I LOVED POR. We stayed in the Alligator Bayou area. It's a great resort and has one of my favorite quick service restaurants. We are heading back up for Mother's Day weekend and staying in the new Royal Guest Rooms. I can't wait!
POFQ was nice, but there was something about the "feel" that I didn't enjoy. I would pick POR any day over FQ.
If there are going to be 6 of you, would you consider one of the suites in Art of Animation. Even if they are in a value resort, it will be brand new, the theming looks beautiful and you will save some money by having this room as opposed to two regular ones in a moderate.
I'm not sure as to when you can make reservations as we are more of "Last Minute" trip planners.