Refurbished Rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter
Port Orleans French Quarter has completed its soft goods room refurbishment, and we had the chance to stay in one of these refreshed rooms during our trip to Walt Disney World. In this post, we’ll share some quick thoughts on the updated hotel rooms, starting with a brief anecdote on our stay at Port Orleans French Quarter plus an unrelated (but important!) ice cream review.
As is our custom, we arrived to Walt Disney World on an early morning flight at around 9 a.m. Our original room was not ready, but Sarah was feeling under the weather and we said we’d take anything they had. They were able to get us into a room–to our surprise it was a corner room, which is our absolute favorite type of room at Port Orleans.
Forget about all the “best” room categories at Port Orleans French Quarter (River View, Pool View, etc.), I’ll take a Standard or Garden View corner room over those any day. With the corner room, you have two windows instead of one, which lets in more natural light. It gives an inviting and airy feel, and I love sitting by the windows in the early morning while working on my computer.
Upon entering the room for the first time, we noticed a form letter from the hotel manager soliciting guest feedback. This same letter was at our two subsequent Walt Disney World resorts during this trip, so we surmised that it’s new policy. I posted about it on social media, and someone asked whether this was “special treatment.”
We booked these rooms just like anyone else, so I doubt we receive special treatment. (Given past problems we’ve had with WDW hotels, if they are trying to give us special treatment to elicit favorable reviews, they aren’t doing a very good job.)
We also received replies from Cast Members who work at Walt Disney World hotels who confirmed that this is new standard operating procedure. Per them, hotel managers actually read these emails and act on them. Given that one of our main complaints about Walt Disney World hotels has been that the level of service doesn’t hold a candle to real-world counterparts, this is great to hear. Definitely a step in the right direction on the service front.
Aside from that, it was just nice to be back at French Quarter. Our last two trips before this were all off-site or ‘construction zone’ hotels, and it was nice to be back at a Walt Disney World resort with typical, relaxed atmosphere. It was also nice to be back in the Port Orleans area, which we’ve grown to love.
As for the refurbished rooms, these are definitely not as significant as other recent changes around Walt Disney World resorts, which is probably for the best. In fact, if you haven’t stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter recently, you might not instantly recognize the changes.
For reference, above is the old design and below is the new one. (You can see more in our full Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Review.)
We’d say the new design follows the trend of being more understated in design, but doesn’t go as far as other resorts. The plain white bedding without a runner or any accentuation looks just as sterile as everywhere else (I really wish Disney would rethink this), but at least the room has other New Orleans flourishes.
The biggest change is probably the carpet being replaced by hard wood flooring with an inlaid design, which looks classier in my estimation, and will also be easier to clean. I think the old carpet was really showing its age (and not just in terms of wear and tear). We had no issues with the floor being noisier, but your mileage may vary on that.
The beds are also now elevated and on wood frames, with space for luggage storage underneath. In the cramped Moderate and Value Resorts, this is a huge gain. I’m also pretty confident that the mattresses in these rooms are new–and they’re spectacular. (French Quarter had good mattresses before, but this was even better.)
Elsewhere in the room, the dresser now features a top panel with power and USB sockets, the chairs have been reupholstered, and there are new blinds. It might seem petty to focus on the curtain patterns, but I feel like these were a squandered opportunity to convey theme with a strong design; instead, something relatively generic was chosen.
One change that’s bound to be “controversial” among fans is the removal of the wallpaper border. We’re totally on board with this. Wallpaper borders have been a tired look for a while, and while the look arguably worked at French Quarter, the style is a remnant of the 1990s.
On the plus side, the bed lights have fleur-de-lis designs on the new shades, which is a nice touch. The classic Disney concept artwork–mostly New Orleans Square at Disneyland–also remains, and is lovely. The wall-mounted television is huge, and the backlit mirror illumination is another nice touch (as is the repositionable make-up mirror).
Another change in the bathroom is that shampoo, conditioner, and soap are now provided via wall-mounted dispensers rather than the small individual bottles. This has been the trend at Value and Moderate Resorts since last year, although it was the first time we’ve seen it in person. (I don’t think any Deluxe Resorts have installed these yet–correct me if I’m wrong on that–and I’m not sure that they will.)
I’m conflicted about these new toiletries. I think this is more eco-friendly and it’s good to see Walt Disney World take steps to reduce its (colossal) environmental footprint, but the cynic in me questions whether this is actually motivated by being eco-friendly or reducing costs (either way, the result is the same). Moreover, I’ll miss taking these toiletries home, but we have such a stockpile that I won’t run out for years at this point, so that’s not really a huge deal.
When posting about my conflicted feelings on the Disney Tourist Blog Facebook page, I was surprised to see the most “Liked” comment pertained to the sanitariness of the dispensers, and how they could be tampered with.
As cynical as I might be, this never would’ve crossed my mind…and still seems really silly to me. If you’re a part of society, you’re putting some degree faith in others to behave with a scintilla of civility. Tampering with a soap dispenser wouldn’t even crack my top 10 ‘gross bathroom things’ list.
Finally, we tried the Beignet Sundae at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory. Although totally unrelated to the refurbished rooms, this is obviously the most important part of this post. I’m sharing it here because I’m not sure when we’ll get around to updating our Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory Review (both of our meals at that restaurant were fantastic this trip, for what it’s worth). We absolutely loved this sundae and wanted to enthusiastically recommend it.
As noted in my recent Tom’s Top 7: Ice Cream at Walt Disney World post, this is up there in terms of ice cream desserts. A couple of days after we left, the beignets became Mickey-shaped, so that’s an added bonus for anyone who thinks Mickey-shaped foods taste better. (It’s just science.)
Ultimately, the refurbished rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter are not huge changes a la Pop Century or Yacht Club. This was a soft goods refurbishment, so the rooms were not gutted, and most furnishings remained untouched. Our impression of the room was fairly positive, with a number of functional changes made that improve the rooms and provide modern amenities. Not all of the thematic choices are great, but they aren’t awful, either. If you were a fan of Port Orleans French Quarter before, you’ll probably still be a fan. If you weren’t a fan…what are you thinking?! 😉
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Your Thoughts
Do you agree or disagree with our take on the refreshed rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter? Are you a fan of this resort, or do you prefer the more sprawling Moderates (or Values or Deluxes)? Any features of the redesign that you like or dislike? Are bed runners a hill worth dying on? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Stayed at Beach Club and Caribbean Resort May – June. Both resorts had the printed letter from the manager. Beach Club had traditional toiletries (plus at least one more than the moderates), CBR had limited vanity toiletries, and the dispensers in the bath.
One reason WDW went with bathroom wall mounted dispensers can be attributed to your comment “…I’ll miss taking these toiletries home, but we have such a stockpile that I won’t run out for years at this point… I’m sure most of of us, if not all have packed toiletries for home but enough for years!
I’m not a fan of the dispensers. As someone previously stated if you’re gonna be more eco-friendly you get rid of all plastics…which makes it appear that Disney is more economically motivated in their changes. Also, regardless of how the dispensers may seem to be mounted securely, I just see them as being a new target with a motivation to be something to be tampered with. No worries, I’ll bring my own in the future. Better safe, than sorry.
I really wish they had replaced the curtain for the bathroom door with an actual door. I also liked the old shower curtains better, but I think overall I’m pretty neutral on the change and wouldn’t hesitate to return.
The beads we got in February were one strand that has the three colors on it. My daughter still wears them a couple times per week. 🙂 Besides thanks for bearing with the construction pins, we haven’t gotten cute goodies like that when we’ve stayed elsewhere.
I recently stayed at POFQ in June 2018 and loved everything about my stay! I was a diehard POR fan, but FQ is now my absolute favorite. I mean how can you go wrong with Beignets, a smaller, more intimate layout and the happy vibes of the Mardi Gras themes and sounds! I found myself smiling from ear to ear every day of my stay and cant wait to go back!
Re the room refurbishments, I did find the decor rather bland and wish they would bring back the elements of color and theme that can be found everywhere else on property. The pop of color of the royal purple accents and wallpaper borders, would make the rooms as happy and perfect as the rest of the resort.
From what I can see, I like the updated rooms better. Everything except the bed! Did you say they are doing away with comforters at all the hotels? Is there a coverlet or something, or just sheets? That was the first thing I saw when I looked at the pics. Big white beds.
And what is this “opt out of housekeeping”? I guess you can tell I haven’t been there in a while.
We were in one of these rooms in early June of this year and also received the printed letter. 🙂
“If you weren’t a fan…what are you thinking?!” Enough said. Absolutely our favorite resort. Beautiful, quiet, and when you include a couple of short walks each trip along the Sassagoula River to Riverside, relaxing boat rides to Disney Springs, and of course, only one bus stop and relatively short rides to each park, it’s our go-to resort every time.
Wow I am not impressed with this remodel at all. Pop Century and Coronado’s rooms really improved a lot, but these look basically the same. Maybe it’s just not my taste, but I think they’re ugly. I’ve stayed at POFQ a few times because I love the feel of the resort and the price point, but always have disliked the rooms.
For what it’s worth, this was a ‘soft goods’ refurbishment, which is more like a refresh to the room. Pop Century and Coronado were top to bottom ‘hard goods’ refurbishments.
I know all that matters is the end result, but soft goods refurbishments occur more frequently whereas hard goods ones happen when it’s determined the room needs a total redesign.
I love the look of these rooms! It is definitely making the choice between Pop and POFQ that much harder. I actually like the larger soap dispensers in the showers. My family of four goes through much more shampoo than is usually provided in the tiny bottles.
If you can afford the moderate POFQ. Go there you will not be disappointed
In my opinion, if they were trying to be more exofriendly, they would not be using plastic bottles at all. Just another way for them to cut out where they might be loosing a penny.
Can you get toiletries in your room? I think community dispensers are not appropriate for the Disney image. Studies have been done on refillable dispensers, the results were not good. However the ones with replacing bags inside the dispensers are good.
Very well written article with full information. Thank you for sharing this great info. Your advice will help when I will be staying at Port Orleans French Quarter next summer holiday.
Our family really enjoyed our stay at French Quarter in May. It’s such a beautiful resort and so convenient for transportation. And yes….beignet sundaes were delicious!
Does anyone know the type of mattress Disney uses? I’ve tried searching, but haven’t had any luck finding a similar model. We’d love to purchase one for home.
Why does someone that does not even live in Central FL do these reviews. You cannot get a clue on what goes at WDW unless you experience it daily.
For each of the last several years, we’ve averaged over 30 nights (per year) in hotels at/around Walt Disney World. I’d hazard a guess that’s more than 99.9999% of Central Floridians.
Seriously, joe? Daily? Only cast members should review WDW? Nobody but cast members experience it daily. Nobody stays in WDW resorts more and is willing to tell us about it than Tom.
Other than the fact that Tom spends enough time at WDW to do comparative reviews like this, the vast majority of people who look up information on how to travel and plan for Disney trips are NOT central Floridians. This blog is useful to the other 100 or so million people from around the world who have to actually plan out hotels and travel days and fastpasses and advanced dining reservations and all the other things that go into being a Disney “tourist” as opposed to a local.
We need Disney resort reviews by people who actually stay there for a few days, not some local who just wanders by and looks at the room. Out-of-towners are the ones with experience to tell us what it’s like to call this place “home” for a while.
Hey Joe! Dude!! Thats just really silly!! You actually made me laugh!
These reviews are on the “Disney TOURIST Blog”!! Its Tom’s Blog!! He writes it!! He’s a major Disney TOURIST!! He travels, like a TOURIST, he goes to all the parks. He’s a major enthusiast and great source of information of all things Disney and he visits all of the Disney parks frequently including Paris and Japan, etc! He shares his experiences as a TOURIST with us. We all read his reviews here because they’re full of helpful info for us other Tourists!! We enjoy them. If you dont want to read them then don’t. If you want to start your own blog and write reviews as a Central Florida resident expert go ahead!! Be happy. Do your own thing. No worries. You’re funny!
Long time reader, first time commenting. We stayed at POFQ several years ago and liked many aspects of it. The location, short boat ride to Disney Springs, and lovely grounds made for a very relaxing and enjoyable stay. Based on your photos, I have to say I like the changes they’ve made with the exception of the removal of the bed runners. IMO the sterile, unfinished look of the beds without the bed runner greatly detracts from the ambience of the room. I too hope this is something they will reconsider.
Thanks for all the great Disney updates and reviews!
100% agree. I had no idea I felt so strongly about bed runners until they took them away.
Supposedly, the removal of runners is to make the bed more sanitary–since the runner usually ends up on the ground or gets luggage place on it, and is not cleaned as often as the sheets. That sounds like a lame excuse to me, and given that we’ve already lost comforters, keeping/restoring bed runners is absolutely a hill I will die on.
If they don’t want to keep the runners, at least add a quilt that isn’t just plain white. I’m sure the plain white look is meant to evoke the cleanliness aspect, and is probably easier to clean overall, but that seems like a way to both add more character to the room and not have the runners.
This sounds ridiculous, but buying and packing runners that match the decor of the room you are staying in isn’t a huge deal. Especially if you stay at the same hotel year after year – just throw them in your suitcase and the sterile decor problem is solved. The mattress itself on the other hand……
I’m looking forward to seeing these rooms in person! I haven’t stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside in years!
*I would also like to mention that I am currently at Walt Disney World, staying at the Boardwalk Inn and my room DOES have wall mounted soap/shampoo dispensers.*
Love love love French Quarter. The room referb was fine. The only problem encountered was with the new wall dispensers. We opted out of housekeeping and called when the conditioner was low. We were asked if there was anything else we needed. We told them that the shampoo was needed soon and we could use a bar of soap. After waiting quite a while someone showed up with lotion and nothing else. Not what we needed. After another wait she returned with the conditioner and nothing else. Upon taking a shower my daughter went to use the conditioner and there was hardly any in it even though it had been serviced. I think the only reason for this is bordering on being cheap. Regardless, French Quarter is our favorite resort and we have two more trips booked .
That’s really disappointing to hear. If Disney is going to give the option to decline housekeeping and also have those dispensers, they need to make sure the dispensers are full between each party so situations like yours don’t occur.
@Mary Sorry to hear declining room service did not work out for you. My wife and I stayed at Pop Century Resort last June for a week and declined room service. It worked out well for us. For declining room service we received an electronic gift card ($50; or was it more? Don’t remember). We applied the credit to our room charges.
Since we were going to be there a week, upon arriving in the room, I inspected it thoroughly. Everything (including shampoo, etc) was fully stocked. I surmised the only thing we would need before the week was out was more toilet paper and supplies for the coffee maker (coffee, creamer, sugar, cups, lids, stirrers). I contacted housekeeping and requested these items. They were brought over right away without question. They provided generous amounts. At that point, we were set for the rest of the week. If I were to return to WDW, I would again decline room service.
I hope what you experienced was an outlier. Whether declining room service or not, everything should be fully stocked upon check-in.
Thanks for yet another insightful and amusing room review. We will be staying at Port Orleans French Quarter next summer and the recommendation about the corner room will be very helpful when it comes time to put in a room request.
Looking forward to staying at our favorite resort come this Sept. Never had a bad experience or time in this resort. Highly recommend for a moderate!!!!!
Hi Mike. Flying over from the Uk this Sept for our first time at POFQ. We have done a lot of research but as it’s your favourite resort do you have any insider hints or tips for me?
Definitely do the boat ride from the back of resort to Disney Springs especially in the evening
Also the resort is not overwhelming with people like the other moderates. It’s a relaxing resort..
Enjoy your trip!!!
Just an FYI you can easily walk to the Port Orleans Riverside resort and use their amenities as well, since they are sister resorts. This includes their pool area. On our last trip, we did a horse drawn carriage ride around POFQ and it was the most relaxing and beautiful part of our trip.
Thanks for the advice. I’m planning on proposing on this trip so the relaxing vibes will be greatly appreciated. Hope you have a great time too.
If your proposing I would the Carriage Ride thru the resort would be perfect. Just an idea. Good Luck