Since we had never been to NOLA we had no idea what to expect. Let's just say there was a lose of innocence.
Heh, yeah, Bourbon Street is definitely not family-friendly. The first clue is the smell. I can hardly stand to walk down Bourbon Street because of the smell, which is a centuries-old entrenched smell of various bodily fluids and debauchery. Yuck. The rest of the French Quarter is actually pretty nice, though. Very historic and interesting.

Best thing to do is come back during a non-holiday time. And do it during the week, not on a weekend. Forget Bourbon Street and just spend time in the rest of the French Quarter. Take one of the ghost tours after dark!

Cafe du Monde was a let-down for me too. When I was there last, back in June, it wasn't crowded. But still the place was filthy.

I'd be interested in seeing your WWII museum pics!