First Timer booked for POFQ debating POR Switch...?

[NewbieMouse]

This is our first time at WDW in 18 years, going with our (will be by then) 12 year old twin daughters. I had booked POFQ, but discounts are now out and I am debating a switch to POR. Royal Rooms or Preferred would be about the same price (a little less actually), Garden View will save me about $300. Curious as to opinions on what would be best for a family with two 12-year olds? Not huge into princesses anymore, so I'm not sure that the Royal Rooms would be worth it, but maybe there something else about them that I don't know. We are going May 8-14 so I think the renos will be done (fingers crossed). I also just hate booking without a discount

Thank you so much for your advice.

 

[Momof2girls1920]

We love French Quarter. Having been to both resorts- we much prefer the size of FQ. Much smaller and only one bus stop that was centrally located. Both are beautiful but I would pick FQ any day!

 

[minnie mum]

POFQ is one of our favorite resorts. Mostly because of its size. The only reason I might switch to POR is if I could save a substantial amount of money by doing so.

 

[NewbieMouse]

We love French Quarter. Having been to both resorts- we much prefer the size of FQ. Much smaller and only one bus stop that was centrally located. Both are beautiful but I would pick FQ any day!

POFQ is one of our favorite resorts. Mostly because of its size. The only reason I might switch to POR is if I could save a substantial amount of money by doing so.

Thank you for your replies. Like many people I feel "compelled" to apply a discount when it's available, but my natural inclination all other things being equal is POFQ for the reasons both of you have indicated (size, one bus stop). I would save $300 or so if I went with a Garden View Room at POR, but that may be a walk. I'm beginning to think I'm better off staying with POFQ.

 

[AL_Girl]

We love both of those resorts. My favorite things about FQ are the 2 things mentioned above lol. Unless it saved me a good bit of money I would stay with FQ.

 

[Goofey Drool]

If the two 12 year olds are going to use the pool a lot I would go with POR as French Quarter pool kinda stinks for older kids. Just the opinion of our family of 4.

 

[NewbieMouse]

If the two 12 year olds are going to use the pool a lot I would go with POR as French Quarter pool kinda stinks for older kids. Just the opinion of our family of 4.

They are HUGE pool fans, so that would be a significant factor for us. Would you bother getting a preferred, pool view, or royal room, or just stick with the Garden view?

 

[AL_Girl]

POR is very spread out. I get the resort map out and make a request for where I want.

 

[soniam]

We had a garden view last time in AB. I didn't feel it was that far away. However, we have never stayed in a Royal or preferred room there. I guess compared to how much we walk at Disney, the distance at the hotel is minimal.

 

[hamilkm]

I have recently stayed at both resorts and while I personally much prefer French Quarter, I think in your situation a garden view room at Riverside might be better. I prefer French Quarter for its compact size. Our room was so close to the food court and bus stop. I have never had such a convenient room. Also, I found the bus service to be much better. The resorts have stopped sharing busses as often and French Quarter's bus service was more reliable/quicker in December than Riverside's was in October. The reason I think you would enjoy Riverside more is the pool. I'm not a huge fan of the pool at French Quarter and your older girls may enjoy the pool at Riverside more (if you plan on spending a lot of time at the pool). I also really enjoy the quiet pools at Riverside. The food court at Riverside also has more options. You can always use the pools at Riverside when staying at French Quarter, but I like to be close to my room when I swim. We stayed in Magnolia Terrace last time at Riverside (mansion building, standard room, not a royal room.) We were very close to the main pool, a quiet pool, and a bus stop. It was a 5 minute or so walk to the main building but wasn't too bad. In your situation I would probably save the money and go with Riverside!

 

[hsmamato2]

I prefer POFQ any day of the week, it's much nicer IMHO- that said saving 300 ona garden view would get my attention-I'd save the money- either way you can swim in either resorts pools..... I've stayed POFQ and enjoyed walking all over both properties, they're lovely.POR is BIG.

 

[Disneylover99]

I'd stick with POFQ instead of preferred or Royal at POR. But I might switch to a Garden view at POR to save some money.

 

[Babsy]

I much prefer POR to FQ. I like the larger size with different areas to explore, much prefer the food court, like the table service , love the pool at POR (do NOT like the pool at FQ), enjoy Yee Haw Bob, prefer he POR decor, dislike the giant heads in FQ food court. The preferred rooms in POR are extremely convenient and cute. RR rooms are very well themed, but not worth the extra money after a night or two, IMO. I would book either garden view and request a mansion or book preferred. The ONLY plus at POFQ over preferred at POR is the single bus stop. Definitely not enough to choose POFQ over POR, IMO.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

We much prefer POFQ. It is the best moderate on property IMO. It is a manageable size, it's generally quiet, staff are friendly and helpful. The have half the guests of the other moderates so it all seems more peaceful and less rushed.

 

[DanInMN]

I like POR more, mostly because I prefer the AB landscape. But the differences are minor. I'd save the $300.

 

[NewbieMouse]

Thank you so much for your helpful replies. I did go ahead and make the switch. All things being equal I would probably normally choose POFQ, but with the Canadian dollar at 72 cents right now, a savings of almost $350 US is too hard to pass up. I also appreciate your tips about the pool, as that is a big draw for my daughters. I will have to get into good walking shape before we go! Thanks again - can't wait!