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!
I just stayed in one of the refurbished rooms at POP and one of my favorite things was just how many USB outlets there are around the room now! Did you happen to notice if there were any USB outlets on the night stands in the new POFQ rooms? I find that super handy for charging my phone at night.
I love the new changes. Clean wood floors and firm mattresses, though I realize not everyone will like “hard mattresses “. My boyfriend and I am going to visit WDW in February of 2019 and as I have stayed at the French Quarter before, am planning on making reservations there for our upcoming trip. Thanks for the info on the sundae and the food! Your reviews are great!
Do you think the wood floors (as opposed to carpet) and the beds on platforms are actually done to prevent the spread of bed bugs? I’m glad it gives extra space for suitcases and such, but my hunch is that’s an added benefit and not what motivated Disney to make that change. With all the money they’re putting into some resort construction (like Caribbean Beach) it makes sense that they would want to prevent any bed bugs that would turn guests away from a resort.
Good point! I do think that was the main motivation. The white bedding with lack of runner also helps for visibility!
I’m going to respectfully disagree with your opinion on the white bedding. It is clean. Pretty bedspreads and runners cannot get washed regularly, and ewww gross. I’m one of those that removes it because who knows who was doing what on it when. The white just looks clean and if it’s isn’t, you can see that it isn’t.
The floors look great too. I know it’s a divisive thing, carpet vs other, but we have allergies (and kids) and cleaning carpeting is a near impossible task. Maybe the packing list should include slippers for those that want to walk on something soft? But again, limiting the upholstery that can collect dirt, fluids, other unsavory things, etc is great in my book.
I’m not sure what’s to think about the shampoo stuff. It’s probably fine most of the time.
I think that’s just a bad rumor someone started long ago. I worked at a hotel (not in Disney) about 15 years ago, and the housekeepers washed sheets every day and the bedspreads with every stay. I remember seeing those enormous, industrial washers full of bedspreads!
If that’s just a rumor and it’s policy to wash that stuff between every guest, I will happily be wrong. I just don’t know! I suppose in that case Tom can be legitimately mad that they’re clearly cost cutting then. (Even if I still like the plain white).
Totally agree about the sanitary factors of the white bedding and lack of carpeting! My thoughts exactly!!! Never like walking barefoot on hotel room carpets. Hardwood floors are definitely going to stay cleaner and much more allergy friendly!!!
We just checked out of Boardwalk Hotel today and they had switched to the mounted, large bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash. However, our housekeeping staff was kind enough to leave us the travel sizes as well so we had both options. When we stayed at GF in February, they still only had the travel sizes.
We just checked out of Disney’s Yacht Club….no mounted dispensers, yet. Larger toiletries than I’ve ever seen at a deluxe.
We returned with many…a housekeeping surprise!
My husband and I stayed at POFQ in March this year, and we were apprehensive about the refurbished rooms. They looked so sterile on line. However, we have changed our minds 100% about these rooms. The floors are actually soft and easy on the feet. The beds were extremely comfortable. There are NO touches on the shower curtains and other places. They are discreet, not screaming NO. Maybe it’s because we are not big fans of the NO mardi gras look, but we love the comfort and cleanliness of the new rooms. We were surprised to like them so much. The toned down quick service restaurant was nice with the glass beaded lights and huge masks placed on high shelves. We are sold on FQ now, and give one high vote for the refurbed rooms.
Tom, I wish I could say that everyone follows the Golden Rule, but sadly…
I was unfortunate enough to have to endure a labour dispute that resulted in me and a couple thousand of my union brothers being locked out of our jobs for seven months because the company followed an ill advised course of trying to gut our contact and refuse to negotiate with a workforce that was open to negotiations. So they locked us out and brought in “replacement” workers. When we finally got to return to work, some of us were appalled to find substances that didn’t belong (to put it politely) in the soup dispensers in our locker room showers. Long story made short: some people just do evil, despicable things. I’ll pack my own shampoo.
I really love the floors. It looks more deluxe, like our stay at the Yacht Club. I guess we’re just used to/sold on the new style that Disney is going for. Now I really can’t decide between keeping our reservation at Riverside or trying out the refurbished French Quarter. Help us, Tom!
I am ready to book our next vacation. We were ready to check out POFQ. These pictures make these rooms look so sterile. No color or personality. At least put the runners back on the beds. I do like the floors. As for the shampoo and such. I have bells and whistles going off. I have seen and heard of people doing really stupid stuff. Now that they are including liquor on the dining plan as well as more parks. I see people putting Nair (hair remover), dyes, glass, in shampoo or worse. I do trust anyone now days. I would rather get my own. Those small bottles from the past were great souvenirs and great to send with husband on the road or send to our service men/women. Well see what else I think of when I get there.
I like the new look. Glad to see the carpet gone!!!
For the shampoo and conditioner in bottles reminds me of one on a cruise ship!
I hope they continue bar soap as I am not a fan of liquid body wash.
I see the small shampoo bottles and other stuff like straws Disney is doing away with not being an eco friendly decision as Disney is calming. I see it as saving CASH!!! Anything you can buy in a larger container or refill will saves huge amounts of money.
I was not happy to see they are wanting to do away with single use bags! HUH!!
When I am buying an over priced t-shirt or toy. Disney then want me to pay a nominal price to buy a reusable bag!! They have lost it if this is the direction they are going at Disney.
This is awesome! We are staying there in October for our 10 year anniversary! YAY! And btw…LOVE your blog!
I may be in the minority here, but I am glad to see Disney putting the shampoo and conditioner in dispensers. I am on a few Disney/DVC/Disney Cruise FB pages and folks post photos of a large haul of these items like it’s some sort of military coup instead of just a greedy grab of “free” stuff. Inevitably someone will point out their disgusting display of over self indulgence and then what was already a disturbing post quickly descends into your typical FB name calling and finger pointing.
I don’t get why people care so much either way… I mean, it must be nice to have the kind of hair that can tolerate hotel room shampoo and conditioner without becoming a tangled mess. I’ve always had to bring my own with me from home. I usually took the free bottles at the end of my trip because often they just get thrown out if you don’t anyway. I’d let my niece or nephew use them when they’d come to visit (they’d go nuts for the disney themed bottles and play with them in the tub long after using up the actual shampoo) but they’re not going to even remotely care if I don’t come back with them.
At least with this new method there’s going to be far less waste. It’s a small drop in the landfill bucket but every drop counts.
The sterile white beds are HORRIBLE. I was mostly onboard with the switch from comforters to runners, but the lack of color is just dreadful, and those fully exposed white sheets stress out my former-housekeeper self. Really a bad look for the premium prices of Disney rooms. They look otherwise fine, but the bed draws the eye.
I think it’s a nice clean look. The new flooring gives the room a modern touch, and I wouldn’t even think to miss the border (borders are passé anyway). I also don’t care about the sterile look of the bed, as long as it’s comfortable. After a long day, that’s all anyone should care about.
Last time we were at FQ, we opted out of maid service and didn’t regret a minute of that decision. My requirements for a Disney hotel room are not that strict. The important thing is that I’m at Disney. I don’t see these changes as a big deal.
Now, as to that beignet sundae. We’ll be staying at Riverside next trip and you can bet your boots that sundae will be on our must-do list.
You are so right. We were just there this past weekend. Room 2323. Beautiful room. We loved it. Staff was amazing. Rooms look larger. I loved the new dressers. They improved this Resort 100%. And did a fantastic job. Going back in September, October & November 2018. (Annual Passholder’s & Floridian’s).
We stayed at French Quarter in June 2018 after our last visit to that resort in 2004. We were pleasantly surprised with how much we enjoyed the welcoming cast members and the refurbished rooms – POFQ is definitely at the top of our list now! Your review pointed out the design fail if the curtains but you missed the hidden mickey/ French Quarter inspired shower curtains – If only they sold it in the retail shop, I would have been in heaven!!
Oy, with the hardwood floors already! I know, I know . . . it’s more sanitary, easier to clean, etc. It just looks so ‘IKEA showroom’ now. Couldn’t they at least put down an area rug? Still easy to clean, but makes the room look a bit more welcoming and cozy.
I normally don’t like to be THAT person but I HATE these rooms. I love the floor change but it just looks like fancy hospital rooms. I don’t know if they were going for “French Blue” walls but they seem to have missed the mark. I’m a former military medic and lots of hospitals/clinics like to paint their walls this kind of blue-green (or just a pale blue or pale green) because the color is shown to help people be more calm. The sheets having nothing to break up that stark white just drives that feeling of ‘hospital’ home. Maybe they have runners on order still? Hopefully?
I’m so sad they are switching ALL the Disney hotels to the new room style! After getting a renovated room at Christmas at Pop Century and having to request a non-remodeled one due to several issues, we will no longer be staying at Disney now for the foreseeable future (and previously that’s the only places we stayed) once the last of the All-Stars switch. The hard wood floor is uncomfortable on bare feet and louder. The mattresses are hard (which I hate) and even harder since they’re on flat wood and not a box spring. (Tom, you said the mattresses are better–is that because you like a firm mattress? On a side note, I don’t know why hotels don’t offer a “softer bed” or “harder bed” selection since there is no longer “Smoking and non smoking.” A hard bed can ruin the trip for me and I’m sure those who like a hard mattress feel the same way about a soft one. It should be a no-brainer by 2018 to have this as an room category.) In the new rooms, the fake wood floor smells horrible and while I’m more sensitive to smells than many folks, even my husband was bothered greatly so I’m shocked I don’t see more comments about this.
The plain white beds look terribly sterile, as do the rooms in general now. I’d prefer comforters the most, but at least the bed runner added some color! I know most people seem happy when looking at the changes, but am I the only one upset at these major shifts? Wish they would have left a few resorts untouched in the older, homier, comfortable style!
It’s not 100% bad, as the new USB ports are nice and the makeup mirror is a nice addition.
While I support eco-friendly efforts, it’s sad to see the mickey-ear toiletry bottles disappear! Overall it seems to me the rooms look nicer, but are not as nice as they used to be when you’re actually staying there, I prefer function comfort over looks, but it seems Disney has gone the other route.
We had the printed letter at AoA and POFQ in April, by the way, so I think it’s a new standard. I love the new option of declining housekeeping, especially for a credit! I don’t prefer to have anything done while I’m there, as long as they’re stocked on toilet paper etc. The corner rooms definitely were the best, we were lucky enough at Easter to have one WITH a river view and the horse & carriage pathway!
Ditto. Loud…to a game changing degree! Could only be on top floor now, but am choosing to avoid all these HOSPITAL INSPIRED rooms. Is Market Research not a thing in 2018? I’ve spoken to all age groups and generally they all agree that they are boring and loud AND NOT WORTH THE TRIPLE PRICE.
Totally agree. You are spot on with the mattress comments too. We stayed in the Princess rooms Christmas 2016 and the hard mattress absolutely ruined my time to rest and recharge each night. We are returning again this Christmas (booked a family suite at AoA resort, am worried though since it’s a value tier that the beds will be just as bad, if not worse. We love Disney too much to stop visiting because of this but it really did affect our comfort and enjoyment during our vacation.
OMGolly. For the pleasure, privilege and price to stay “on property” to get the Disney magical feeling, these rooms look horrible. This is the resort we picked for our once in a lifetime trip for early 2019. Thank goodness we haven’t made our reservations yet. If all Disney properties are changing to this “hospital-ish” look count me out. I can stay off site and save at least $1500.00. Disney, you are making a big mistake by going so generic. Bring the magic back.
Our favorite resort! We stopped at Disney Springs on our way home from Kennedy Space Center a couple weeks ago, and even though we were only there for Sprinkles and lunch at Homecoming, we still had to hop on the boat and ride over to to POFQ to grab a drink and take a walk around our favorite place.