Just Back from POFQ...

[goosler]

the wife & I just booked a 9 day trip to disney & are planning on staying at the Riverside, PO resort..... we're considering changing because of all the bus horror stories.......... does anyone know if they offer boat serivce to the MK from riverside? Pat

 

[DisneyBride2000]

We stayed at POFQ in July and had no problems with the buses going to the parks. We did wait along time to be picked up from DTD at least 30 minutes. We just grabbed the boat back the next time. It was our first time at POFQ and we really liked it. I like how small it is compared to all the other resorts. Everthing is a short walk away. The grounds are very pretty. We liked it so much we are going back December 9th.

The boats from POR / POFQ only go downtown. No parks.

 

[Mousema]

I have stayed at PO both Riverside and French Quarter many times over the years. The last was in March and I will be there Saturday. They only long waits I have ever experienced for buses was from DTD. I think it's because of the boats running. But, if it rains, the boats don't run and they don't add buses. I will continue to stay at PO, I think it's the best value and lovliest resort at Disney.

 

[rcraw45425]

the wife & I just booked a 9 day trip to disney & are planning on staying at the Riverside, PO resort..... we're considering changing because of all the bus horror stories.......... does anyone know if they offer boat serivce to the MK from riverside? Pat

Nope, it's bus only. THe only resorts that offer boat to MK are the MK resorts, GF, Polynesian, CR and WL. The PO resorts are on an entirely different body of water.

 

[CTDis4]

This is our 12 visit to Disney and our first stay at POFQ. This was a joint 14th Anniversary for me and DW, and 13th Birthday for DS.

Well our flight from Charlotte to Orlando was a preparation for the Tower of Terror. During the flight, we hit a spot where the plane felt as if it were falling. Even the Flight Attendents were startled. The pilot got on the radio and informed everyone to buckle up. About 20 minutes later we landed in Orlando and promptly kissed the ground.

We found the the Magical Express Lines on Saturday to be very long, but quick. And then got in line for our bus to POFQ. The lines for the buses were very long, but in 20 minutes or so, we boarded the bus with others for POFQ, POR, KW, and SS. It's always magical to enter the Disney Property and soon we were at our hotel.

Check in was a breeze and we were located in Building 2, second floor, corner room. This was our first stay at POFQ and enjoyed our stay in the room. We then took a boat to DTD and did some sight seeing and shopping. Saw the tree houses on the way. I would love to stay in one of them, but they look so isolated and the plant growth around them makes them to appear neglected. Had lunch at Planet Hollywood, and then took a bus back to POFQ as they were having a skiing competition in the lake and the boats weren't running.

Sunday
Today we went to the Animal Kingdom. Bus was filled at POFQ and then they decided we needed to cram some more people on so we went to POR. That was the beginning of the Horrible Bus Service. However, once at AK, 5 minute wait to ride Everest. First time and loved it. Day was extremely hot and humid. Kids went on Rapids and came back soaked. Spent most of day at AK and then returned to go swimming. It was great to cool down. Dinner was at POFQ and we were on the free dining plan. It's amazing to see how much you would spend at a resort for food.

Monday
1st ones to Blizzard Beach, however, some other family was picked to be the family of the day at the water park...
We started off by going down the lazy river. My DS and DD got in the tube ok. Had to help DW sit down. They waited for me to get on my tube. No such luck. I couldn't balance on it and flipped over 3 times trying to get on the thing. Finally, I sat on the edge and sort of balanced my self. 4 people drowned that minute as I think the Lifeguard was laugh at me.... Just kidding. We spent the rest of the day playing in the water. DW and I were very scared going up the slopes on the lifts. That scared me more than some of the rides. Took steamboat springs raft down and that was neat. Lunch in BB and then went back to room. Bus was crowded but we held on until AK and then people got off. However, double the amount that got off, got on and once again, it was crowded.

Tuesday
Took the bus to Epcot. Once again the bus was crowded making the stop at POFQ and then the 4 stops at POR. Once at Epcot, we went walking around the world showcase. Stopped at each country so the kids could do Kidcot. We made a point to stop everywhere because it was our only break from the high humidity. Then we went to SOARIN', but the wait was 45 minutes. That was longest wait we'd seen. so we left and did the land tour. I want to make a mickey pumpkin... afterwards, we saw that Mission Space was a 10 minute on the message board, so we went to the other side of the park. We made a stop at the Coke place and my DS had Beverly... YUCK. she didn't like it either. Road Team Orange (Extreme) and that one really hurt. I felt the pressure on my chest this time. But we survived, no thanks to my son's flying. Then my daughter wanted a Mickey Tiara from Germany. She saw it earlier but wanted to save her money just in case she saw something she wanted. So off again around the world. Missed the boat so we walked. Got the tiara and finished the loop around the world. Stopped in UK, and my DS answered a quiz on King Arthur and won a Dream Certificate. Now I have to hand it to the CM at the UK shop we went too. My daughter saw a pin on his lanyard and asked if she could trade for it. She only had one pin on her lanyard. He was reluctant but did trade. The pin she got was was Tokyo Disney. I offered to pay extra to the CM, but he said no. So we shook his hand and took his picture. Then we went home, or tried too. The sign board said 5 minute wait for test track, so my DS decided we needed to walk some more and ride it. I told them to go on and I waited outside. Then we were off to the room. Back on the bus, once again crowded. I was at the very front with one foot behind the yellow line and one in front to avoid falling. The driver snapped at me for having one foot over the line. I told her not a problem, but to remember if I feel when she hit the brake, it was her fault. She said the police could give her a ticket if they saw me that far forward. I just gave her the whatever look.

Once back at the POFQ, I had to drag myself to the room. After walking 50 miles (2x around the world and 2x across Epcot) and then a flight a steps, I was ready to take a nap, but we had to get ready for Whispering Canyons. We road the bus to DTW and then took the bus to Wilderness Lodge. We had a 45 minute wait so we went shopping. We found some gag gifts at the store at WL. We bought Beaver Butt Soap and Moose Breath Soap for our friends. Smell great, but the names is the funny part. Then we went in. Had a great meal and then the waiter, SAM, noticed my son's birthday button. PARENTS, BEWARE... DON'T EVER HAVE YOUR CHILD WEAR A BIRTHDAY BUTTON AT WHISPERING CANYON... Sam asked DS and me up to the front for what I thought was going to be sing Happy Birthday. Instead, I was presented with a stick pony and told that I had to ride around the dining room sing happy birthday. If the other guest couldn't hear me, then I had to sing in the Lobby. Have you ever seen a chubby man riding a stick pony???? I decided to sing as lound as I could and galloped around the dining room singing happy birthday. Everyone cheered me on. So beware. then we went home to sleep. And yes, my DS loved the special birthday song.

In spite of the problems with the buses you seemed to have a good time. Your report was very funny and I am sure your son will remember your galloping around Whispering Canyon singing Happy Birthday to him. What a great Dad!

 

[JackSparrow21]

Sorry to read about your stay. Hope you still enjoyed WDW.

 

[RKO1968]

Hello everyone,

Just getting back from POFQ and getting my dose of the DIS. Have to say it was a good break. Will write up a report later tonight. I do have to say the buses were HORRIBLE... I now know how many sardines can fit into a Disney Bus...

Anyway, will let you know about our trip and the Mickey Not So Scary Halloween Party. That was a blast...

I know what you mean. I tried to save money one our last trip by trying a mod and choose POFQ. Usually we stay deluxe. Never again. The transportation setup is horrible and the resort lacks alot in comparison. I'll stick with AKL or WL as a downgrade.

 

[danielle82]

I think it just depends on the time of year and the season. They really should split during PEAK time of year.

 

[Belle2007]

I'm sorry about your stay... crowded buses can really be a pain... We are staying at POFQ the last week in November. I guess I should prepare for crowded buses!

 

[taylor1293]

Sorry the bus situation was so bad, but I'm glad you didn't let if affect your trip! We stayed at POFQ in Feb and while there were plenty of buses and no long waits, the fact that it shared with POR was a pain. However, it's still our favorite mod!

Unfortunately, I think Disney's bus system overall is hit or miss. One person can have a great experience while another can have a horrible one. For us, I think the worst bus service we ever received was when we stayed at BWV in 2003.

 

[wweman]

Unfortunately, I think Disney's bus system overall is hit or miss. One person can have a great experience while another can have a horrible one. For us, I think the worst bus service we ever received was when we stayed at BWV in 2003.

So true but it effects the sharing resorts more than the ones that don't share.

 

[disneygirl29]

I know what you mean. I tried to save money one our last trip by trying a mod and choose POFQ. Usually we stay deluxe. Never again. The transportation setup is horrible and the resort lacks alot in comparison. I'll stick with AKL or WL as a downgrade.

we stayed at the POFQ for the first time last Thanksgiving... up until that point we have only stayed at Deluxe resorts (yearly trips= numersous locations)... We really ejoyed POFQ ... so much so that we are staying at R this time (just to try it out...). I didn't feel the bus system was HORRIBLE, and we were there during a busy time and traveling with 2 double strollers and 6 kids and stayed till close every evening! I think it is what you make of it, did I have to stand? A few times... did I hold a 1yearold while standing-- sure did... but we also had times where we got a seat right away and no one stood on the way to the parks... I guess it is the trade off for spending less on a resort... you have bus transporation!!

Yes there are differences in quality level between the moderate and deluxe-- price being one , and for as much as you are in your room we really felt no need to keep spending the price, espeically times 2 (2rooms)! I really think the grounds are just as nice from resort to resort ... as are the pools... I guess each person is looking for different things, but I think it is pretty harsh (and a tad snobbish) to way "I'll stick with AKL or WL as a downgrade"... great-- then you should feel very blessed to be able to stay in deluxe, many people are just thrilled to be at Disney at a value or moderate!!! We stayed at the WL one night and weren't impressed, in fact I felt FQ was nicer-- lol! And like I said I have stayed at almost all of the deluxe at somepoint over the last 10+ yrs... If it weren't for the DDP and ME I'd be staying at Swan as I feel that is the BEST resort of all (when you take in price and location).

Isn't the AK all bus transporation? Is it really that much difference in quality of bus mode from resort to resort?

I guess some people are just not happy no matter where they are and pick apart every little detail... as someone posted isn't it funny how people can have such varying opinions staying at the same resort at the same time... and that is how I think you can see those varations... some people are grumpy and unhappy no matter where they are...

I just enjoy Disney, I know it is not perfect but it seems that many agree and go back year after year!

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

we stayed at the POFQ for the first time last Thanksgiving... up until that point we have only stayed at Deluxe resorts (yearly trips= numersous locations)... We really ejoyed POFQ ... so much so that we are staying at R this time (just to try it out...). I didn't feel the bus system was HORRIBLE, and we were there during a busy time and traveling with 2 double strollers and 6 kids and stayed till close every evening! I think it is what you make of it, did I have to stand? A few times... did I hold a 1yearold while standing-- sure did... but we also had times where we got a seat right away and no one stood on the way to the parks... I guess it is the trade off for spending less on a resort... you have bus transporation!!

Yes there are differences in quality level between the moderate and deluxe-- price being one , and for as much as you are in your room we really felt no need to keep spending the price, espeically times 2 (2rooms)! I really think the grounds are just as nice from resort to resort ... as are the pools... I guess each person is looking for different things, but I think it is pretty harsh (and a tad snobbish) to way "I'll stick with AKL or WL as a downgrade"... great-- then you should feel very blessed to be able to stay in deluxe, many people are just thrilled to be at Disney at a value or moderate!!! We stayed at the WL one night and weren't impressed, in fact I felt FQ was nicer-- lol! And like I said I have stayed at almost all of the deluxe at somepoint over the last 10+ yrs... If it weren't for the DDP and ME I'd be staying at Swan as I feel that is the BEST resort of all (when you take in price and location).

Isn't the AK all bus transporation? Is it really that much difference in quality of bus mode from resort to resort?

I guess some people are just not happy no matter where they are and pick apart every little detail... as someone posted isn't it funny how people can have such varying opinions staying at the same resort at the same time... and that is how I think you can see those varations... some people are grumpy and unhappy no matter where they are...

I just enjoy Disney, I know it is not perfect but it seems that many agree and go back year after year!

Excellent post! I couldn't agree more - well except for the fact that I think Disney IS perfect lol!

 

[TinkerBrie]

I loved POFQ, but the bus- not so much! We rented a car after a few days! I think it is probally the same at all of the resorts though. If we didn't have 'lil ones, It probally would have been o.k.

 

[boppy]

Hey there! We recently returned from our first trip to WDW ever! We stayed at POFQ and loved everything about it...except the transportation! Two of the days, the buses were very slow in coming (for Epcot and AK), so we gave up and drove ourselves. Luckily, we had our car with us. We got a good spot to park at Epcot, but were pretty much in the boonies at AK.
However, my biggest disappointment was the ferry from POFQ to DD. The ferry "captain" was very rude. In fact, he put his hand in my face instead of asking me to wait a minute at the gate. Then, he waved us onto his boat, only to discover that the four of us would have to be spread all over the boat. I'm not going to let my 6 year old daughter sit with a group of strangers on a 15 minute boat trip. So, I politely told him that we would wait for the next ferry. He said, "Why? You're all on the same boat!" Get real! If I had caught his name, I absolutely would have reported him. It was very upsetting and embarrassing. I think I remember hearing others complain about the ferry "drivers" HMMM?

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

Hey there! We recently returned from our first trip to WDW ever! We stayed at POFQ and loved everything about it...except the transportation! Two of the days, the buses were very slow in coming (for Epcot and AK), so we gave up and drove ourselves. Luckily, we had our car with us. We got a good spot to park at Epcot, but were pretty much in the boonies at AK.
However, my biggest disappointment was the ferry from POFQ to DD. The ferry "captain" was very rude. In fact, he put his hand in my face instead of asking me to wait a minute at the gate. Then, he waved us onto his boat, only to discover that the four of us would have to be spread all over the boat. I'm not going to let my 6 year old daughter sit with a group of strangers on a 15 minute boat trip. So, I politely told him that we would wait for the next ferry. He said, "Why? You're all on the same boat!" Get real! If I had caught his name, I absolutely would have reported him. It was very upsetting and embarrassing. I think I remember hearing others complain about the ferry "drivers" HMMM?

That's awful that the captain was rude but he did have a point about your daughter not sitting with you. It's just a small little boat and you would've been able to see her from any point on the boat. I mean, what did you think was going to happen to her?? It's not like you were on a big airplane for a trans atlantic flight. It was a 15 min ride. When we went, my almost 6 year old son wanted to sit in the back of the boat and we let him while keeping an eye oh him. It's really no big deal. JMO of course.

 

[disgram]

Have read this thread from the beginning and decided to give my 2 cents.
POFQ is my favorite mod. We have been staying there since 2001. When the resort was closed for refurbishing, we stayed at the POR, and although it was nice, we couldn't wait to go back to the FQ. I have stayed at two others and I have to say that POFQ has more to offer than those.
I love the landscaping, the mood, the wonderful cms, the pool (when the DGKs were younger) and the buses and boat to DTD. We have never ever had a problem with the buses in all the trips that we have stayed at the POFQ. The resort is relaxing. No matter how many people are there, it seems very secluded and quiet.
We have never had to wait for a bus more than ten minutes in all the times we have stayed here. We were here at Christmas, Easter and during the summer and have been very blessed with great bus service. The buses were crowded but we were the first on the bus and first off at night. I like the covered waiting area. I think for us, POFQ is by far, the nicest mod.
Just give the resort another chance.