Can't decide! POR or POFQ???

[Tasha+Scott]

Here's the deal. We are going to WDW in May and were originally going to stay at POP but are now thinking of upgrading to a moderate resort. The only moderate we have stayed at is CBR and we want to stay at something different this time. CBR was way too spread out for us and we just like the look of both POR and POFQ better. It is going to be me, Dh, not sure but maybe my mom (young and healthy, no problems there!), and my dd (who, incidentally, will be turning 1 during our trip). So here's my questions:
1. Which resort is less spread out? We want something that is close to the pool(s) and food court. CBR- we had to ride the bus to the main building...we don't want to do that this time.
2. Which resort do you find more appealing? Why?
3. Which resort has better theming?
4. What are the bad points and good points of each?
5. Which is more baby-friendly?
6. Which has the best food court?

And any additional info. is welcome! Thanks!

 

[WaltD4Me]

POR is definitely more spread out!

We stayed at POFQ in December and LOVED it! I was so glad we went stayed there instead of POR. Everything is a short walk. A couple minutes (if that) to the busstop, pool, lobby, food court and boat to DTD.

The boat to DTD is wonderful by the way! A very nice, pretty ride!

POR is alot bigger and more spread out. They have 4 or 5 bus stops. POFQ only has one.

I really liked the more intimate feel of POFQ too.

I think with a one year old, you will appreciate POFQ. It's smaller and quieter than POR. -- Although we only walked around POR, we didn't stay there, so I can't speak about the rooms there or anything.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Thanks for your quick reply! I knew one of them was supposed to be less spread out but couldn't remember which one! I think that POFQ is probably where we will end up staying if it only has one bus stop and is that much smaller. I am definitely interested in the boat to DTD...that's actually one of the main reasons I want to stay there! The rooms aren't as big a deal as we don't plan to be in the room too often. We will either be at the parks or the pool or something like that most of the time. Thanks for the info. If anyone else has anything else to add...please feel free!

 

[poohguys]

We have never stayed at POFQ, we always stay at POR now. I do know that POFQ is less spread out. POR has a larger food court. You can request a building close to the food court. POR also has a TS resturant and POFQ does not. POR has one main pool and several smaller "quiet" pools between some of the buildings. POFQ only has the one pool. On our last trip DS was almost 3. We were traveling with family and in order to get rooms together had to stay at one of the buildings that was the furthest out from the main building. Not bad when he was awake, but the one time he fell asleep and of course I did not have the stroller with me it was quite a hike back to the room with a heavy kid. (advantage to having a room close to the main building).

 

[Alice28]

Tasha, I will give you the full report in about a month. We are staying at POFQ later in Sept! You know how I love to include details!

 

[Cinderella2004]

Well, we've stayed at both resorts 2 different times each. To answer your poll, which do we prefer....it's Riverside...handsdown.

For what you are looking for though, you may prefer French Quarter. It is more compact, and almost orderly in its lay out. Riverside is much larger, but we've also stayed at CBR, and I feel it's in no way as large as that resort. The grounds at POR are so beautiful, I did not mind the extra 2/3 minutes that I had to walk to get to the food court, etc.

We always request (and have always gotten) Magnolia bend. I request close to food court and pool, and again, have always gotten that corner of the building that is closest to the bridge bringing you over to the food court/main pool area.

The reason I prefer Riverside, is to me, it's just more quiet and peaceful. It's nice after a day in the parks to be someplace that feels as though it's resting.

They are both lovely resorts, you will be happy with either.

Let us know what you decide!!! Enjoy your trip!

 

[Glendamax]

Quick Question: what are quiet pools? Are they for adults only? Do they close at a certain time?

I too will be staying at Riverside in September, and will write a report!