Please help - POFQ or POR?

[lissiesmum]

I know, I know! Another thread about which one. I have read all the other ones a few times and I figured I'd start another one for any new people who haven't answered the older ones (or for those of you who feel strongly about it either way) We will be a family of three: myself, DH, and DD4. It is our first trip to WDW and we will have our own car. I know a lot of people choose POFQ because it is so small and there's not a lot of walking. But if we're at POR and we get stuck far away, we can always drive to the pool area or food if we're too tired to walk.
I am leaning towards POR because I fell in love with the Alligator Bayou side of the resort. But, that being said, I know your requests are not always met and I'm not sure how I feel about staying in the mansions. The pool will be a big factor as we all love to swim. If you could tell me your thoughts on both pools: which one has a better slide, more fun, less crowded, etc for a four year old. Food isn't really a big deal either way. We're not picky eaters and we can drive to another resort to eat which is what we'll probably end up doing anyway to get the flavor of other resorts.
Is there anything else about either resort that just draws you back year after year? If you've stayed at both POFQ and POR, why do you prefer one over the other? We will not be using the busses at all so that will not be a factor for us either. We just want to find a quiet, pretty, fun place that all three of us will enjoy. It seems like either resort fits this criteria...What do you think?
Lastly, I am always searching for pictures. If you have any that you could post, or have links to other good pictures, please post. I can't wait to hear from you and look forward to your responses!

 

[Mayl]

We did our april 2007 (wife, myself and 2 kids under 9) at POR..

Great resort and had a super time. The food court was nice, the pool was fantastic.

We are going in Jan 08 but trying POFQ

We felt the buses were not done well (but you are driving so think you can not worry about it).

FQ has appeal to us due to the smaller size and being first on/off the bus stops vs all the standing around we did from POR.

Looks wise, to our untrained eye, they are similar. I know different themes, but we liked them both. Food court was just redone in POR though and it was nice, but nothing special. I don';t think FQ has a sit down resturant, but we did the parks for those vs the hotel anyway.

If we could not get FQ, we would go back to POR in a second

Only resort we would not go back to (been to 5) would be CSR..

I can't warn people enough about that hell hole of convention people..

My wife had to get in guys faces there..

 

[lissiesmum]

That's what appeals to me about POFQ is that it is small and intimate, not a lot of people running around which is what we are looking for. And yet, POR also looks like there is plenty of room for people to relax and enjoy the outdoor setting.

I also wanted to ask about nighttime. Both places have entertainment at night, correct? We love to walk around at night and were wondering what the resorts looked like at night. I love reflections in the water, lots of dimly lit lamps, etc. Does one stand out over the other for walking with your loved ones at night?

 

[jmpellet]

Based on the age of your DD I would definitely say POFQ because of the slide -- she will love it. If shere were more like 7 or 8 then POR.

 

[suzieqmomof4]

We've stayed at Riverside and taken the boat to French Quarter to play in the pool and check out the gift shop and restaurant. We were very glad we picked Riverside over French Quarter and would do so again. The pool is a lot more fun and the atmosphere is more fun/relaxed. There's a piano bar at night and fishing during the day, and the marina looks better equiped on the Riverside side, too!

We're DVC members and have stayed at many of the resorts and POR is in my top 3.

Hope this helps.
Susan

 

[lpizzuro123]

We have never stayed at either resort but we visit POFQ every visit at least once in the evening to listen to Elliot Dyson perform in the Scat Cat Lounge. He is a great performer/singer and he makes everyone feel welcome. He is great with both kids and adults and whenever we go he always get everyone into the music. The club is to the left when you enter the lobby (near the foodcourt). Alot of times we will go there for a CS dinner and bring the food over and listen to him perform.

Linda

 

[lissiesmum]

Anyone else, pretty please? I know this is an age old question, but I just can't decide

 

[lilyv]

Lissie, I just got back from POR. Loved it. That said, I'm sure I would have liked POFQ, also. I really enjoy the family atmosphere of these resorts. Very laid back, and most of all...peace and quiet.

Either resort you choose, you can always use the others food court/pool/store. Kind of the best of both worlds. Good luck with your decision!

 

[ImagineerM]

I'm a fan of the POFQ....stayed at both and I dont think you can go wrong at either place.

I think FQ has a quaintness about it. It is smaller and more comfortable in my opinion.

I enjoyed both, but if I return, it'll be to POFQ

Cheers,
Josh

 

[jazz0007]

First post here! What a great board! I just booked our trip for Dec 9-15 for POR because I thought that's where we stayed last time (5/07)! It was actually the POFQ which we were very happy with. Now I'm torn on whether I should change it or not!!

Lorri

 

[lissiesmum]

Hi Jazz007! Welcome to the disboards. You will become addicted and start obsessing in a matter of days Seriously though, I have been reading these boards over half a year now and I still haven't decided what I am doing yet (luckily we're not going until 2008) There is so much info on here and it is so much fun to read and look at pictures and talk to everyone about their experiences. I think this is just as much fun as the trip itself Good luck on choosing between the two. These are the two I have narrowed it down to. RIght now I'm leaning towards POFQ more and more. Let us know what you end up deciding

 

[skipperkim]

I've only stayed at POFQ and would live there if I could. I've eaten at Boatwrights and was less than impressed. With so many restaurants that I already love it is not a big deal to me not to have a table service at my resort. I'd trade it over it's own bus stop at MK in the evening anytime.