POFQ or just upgrade?? Help please!

[frymaker]

My wife and I have an exciting trip planned for 9/29-10/6 and are currently planning to stay at POFQ king size bed room. . . But we can't get excited about it. In the past we have stayed at SSR and BLT. Should we just bite the bullet and upgrade to BC? What are the pro's and con's of either resort? I get excited about BC just looking at it POFQ not so much.

 

[mmmears]

It sounds like you really want to switch.

I haven't tried POFQ, so I can't comment other than to say that it looks very pretty.

I've been to BC & YC several times. The best things about those resorts are:

-- deluxe rooms (larger than mods), many with private balconies
-- Stormalong Bay -- the best and most elaborate pool complex at WDW
-- easy walking/boat access to both DHS and Epcot
-- easy stroll to the BW

It's a great location if you like to spend the evening at Epcot, since it's a short walk from WS to the BC. And great since you only need to use buses to get to the MK and AK. Plus, it's just a pretty resort in general, with lots of dining options either at the resort or nearby at the BW and WS.

Good luck making your decision!

 

[Kae]

I have not stayed at BC. I would love too. we have stayed at POFQ & loved it. the size is nice, food court good & loved having the boat to DTD. Whenyou stayed at SSR did you like the location? POFQ is similar. or did you prefer being closer to a park?

kae

 

[IncredibleboysMom]

My DH and I stayed at POFQ in a king room at almost the exact same dates last year. We were there for the Wine and Dine half marathon kid free. Initially we had booked the GF, our dream resort. We changed however, when we learned that there is only transportation back to a few resorts from the Epcot after party (til 3am). I was heartbroken, but we LOVED POFQ. It was very romantic and seemed to be more of an adult resort than the other moderates I have stayed at. You never know until you try! I would definitely recommend a water view.

Have fun!

 

[pixarmom]

My wife and I have an exciting trip planned for 9/29-10/6 and are currently planning to stay at POFQ king size bed room. . . But we can't get excited about it. In the past we have stayed at SSR and BLT. Should we just bite the bullet and upgrade to BC? What are the pro's and con's of either resort? I get excited about BC just looking at it POFQ not so much.

Hi frymaker! I highly recommend the switch to BC. I've stayed in all three categories of resorts, including BC since the early 90s (shortly after it opened.) Last month, our youngest son and I stayed at POFQ and then transferred to YC as soon as the AP discount kicked in.

I can honestly say that I've enjoyed each and every one of my WDW trips, but staying at POFQ and then transferring to YC really highlights the differences between a moderate and a deluxe. We hadn't stayed at a mod for eight years, and thought it would be worth another try because we didn't have our entire family traveling with us and the peak season Easter rates were pretty high. I've also stayed at CSR and CBR, and would likely rank POFQ as my favorite mod. POFQ was great for a mod and we enjoyed our time there. But it's a different kind of trip when staying deluxe.

When comparing the two, I can only think of "pros" of BC over POFQ, including overall atmosphere, lobby, grounds, music, amazing pool, location and transportation (only need to bus to MK and AK - DHS and Epcot within walking distance), interior corridors and balconies, far better bedding (soft sheets, duvet covers and comforters instead of bedspreads), a zillion great TS dining options within walking distance and a wide variety of CS locations within walking distance, separate lotion, shampoo and conditioner (rather than just one shampoo/conditioner combo), quiet air conditioning/heating unit in the room . . . just to name a few!

So from my perspective, it's entirely worth the extra cost to upgrade to BC. (If we go during peak season again and find the BC rates too high, we'd probably compromise by booking WL.)

Good luck with your decision!

 

[scottmel]

I am a deluxe resort girl. And Club level at that. Last year we stayed 3 nights at POFQ and then 3 nights YC CL. Of course YC CL is divine and deluxe is my personal preference - however - I expected to dislike a mod but wound up loving POFQ. In fact this summer, DD13 requested a few nights in the area vs. an entire week at BC CL. It was quite enjoyable.

But for couples only, I would for sure do YC. I am BC CL this summer only b/c I couldn't get YC CL for same time. I feel BC or BWI has a more adult feel. I have stayed BW CL and loved it as well.

However my family doesn't think the cost justifies mod to deluxe.Only deluxe club level. Meaning DH and I wouldn't stay at YC or BC or BWI unless it was club level. I think there is more bang for the buck over a mod this way. I would prefer a mod over a deluxe unless it was club level deluxe.

 

[MAGGIED]

We have stayed at POFQ many times... we have stayed at all levels of resorts.... POFQ is charming, small, quiet, great transportation, and wonderful staff.... Not sure of your age... but I will tell you that when we bring my mom she loves this resort... she is in her late 60's....

 

[megan926]

We have stayed @ POFQ for the last 2 years...love love love the resort! The grounds are beautiful! It is so peaceful and relaxing. The bus service is great...the boat service to DTD is great...and the food court has delicious benignets!!!!

The only things better @ BC (imho) are the pools...and walk to Epcot!

 

[starrysky]

WE loved POFQ and we also stayed in a king bed room. Its nice and small and very quiet resort.

The boat to DTD is a bonus for us as we like to spend our evenings there. Also you can use the facilities at POR so its like two resorts in one.

While we would love to stay at a Delux we would rather spend the money elsewhere.

 

[disneychic2]

I think you would be pleasantly surprised by POFQ. It is our favorite resort for many of the reasons listed by pp. You can't really compare a mod vs deluxe since they are such different experiences. It's as simple as, you pay more, you get more. If you are deluxe sort of people, you'll be happier at BC. Good luck with your decision and have a wonderful trip!

 

[maxiesmom]

We have stayed @ POFQ for the last 2 years...love love love the resort! The grounds are beautiful! It is so peaceful and relaxing. The bus service is great...the boat service to DTD is great...and the food court has delicious benignets!!!!

The only things better @ BC (imho) are the pools...and walk to Epcot!

Ditto! Plus I found the bus service at the Beach Club to be pretty terrible. So while you have great access to Epcot and The Disney Studios, you are punished for it by horrible bus service to MK and AK.

I also missed having a food court, and feeling forced to wander Epcot if I wanted a burger or sandwich. Unless you plan on spending a ton of time in the pool, POFQ is a far nicer resort, imho.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We love POFQ and wouldnt give it up for the BC...YC/BWI yes but not BC

 

[alicia080979]

We love POFQ as well. We have stayed at all levels of resorts and this year when deciding on our Sept. trip, we were between going back to POFQ and BC/YC. We ended up going back to POFQ bc while we go to BC/YC a lot during our trip for meals or to walk to Epcot (we always valet so we don't take other's parking spaces), we have never loved the layout of the resort. We would love to stay for the pool but we can't seem to justify that added expense. Deluxe rooms are bigger but they aren't that much bigger. POFQ has water views which are nice, you can take a relaxing horse & carriage ride, they have been recently renovated and the bathrooms have a double sink which we really like. Our favorite thing about FQ is how small it is. We love walking the grounds with the cobblestone paths and taking the boat to DTD for meals & shopping or over to Riverside. You can also use the pools/amenities there as well.

 

[bookgirl]

I"ve stayed at both of these hotels, and love them both for different reasons.

If you plan to do TS meals, lots of pool time, and hate the buses go with BC.

If you are not pool people, don't plan to spend lots of time at DHS or Epcot, and prefer food court to TS, then POFQ will be fine.

BC has a more lux resort feel. It does seem like the resort itself is a vacation destination. POFQ while beautiful and atmospheric, is still a outer door, quick service basic function resort.

If you are not hang at the resort people than POFQ will be fine, a boat to DTD, the food court was good food, the buses were quick and efficiant, and it was a very pretty place to sit on a bench or lie on a lounger and get a tan.

If you like spending time at the resort (sitting on balcony, lounging by the pool, people watching, eating at TS) then you are probably better off at BC, the pools are more interesting, there are a couple of resturants that are really good and suit a variety of levels, quiet nooks for relaxing or full bars for drinking, walking to Epcot is priceless. Worth the money if you want that level of vacation.

 

[sndral]

I have stayed @ POFQ and YC. Be aware that should you decide to upgrade to BC you may or may not get a balcony, only 50% of the BC rooms have them, whereas almost all YC rooms have a balcony. POFQ has outdoor corridoors, no balcony.
BC's lobby is also a bit more hectic, probably due to Cape May buffet's crowds, than YC's, POFQ doesn't have a lobby, really.
BC/YC share stormalong bay - which is the best pool associated w/ a resort @ WDW, POFQ's pool is boring, IMO, although you can also swim at POR's pool when you stay at POFQ. The food court is ok @ POFQ, BC/YC don't have much in the way of counter service, I wandered over to the land's huge food court in Epcot if I wanted a counter service lunch when staying @ the YC.
The real prize for BC/YC is the location, if you are a big Epcot fan (I am for food and attractions) then YC/BC are perfect as you can walk right into world showcase and walk right out after illuminations. DHS is also very easy. POFQ & POR do have a very relaxing (but longish) boat ride to/from DTD which is better than any other moderates (which only have buses.) My experience w/ POFQ was in the fall and we shared buses with the much larger POR, so that was a hassle.
Although we had lovely river view rooms @ POFQ we were in the building furthest from the check in/food court - so it was a hike for us, it was almost closer to walk over to POR (not quite.)
If you are adults only and want to upgrade, take a look at YC, as well. You'll have a wonderful trip, I'm sure, whichever you decide.

 

[nkereina]

What appeals to you about BC? You can't beat the location of BC - having the ability to walk or boat to two parks is crucial. But BC appeal ends there for us. Both times we have been there, the pool was very crowded and the lack of QS is a problem for us. We usually stay at POR which has one of the best QS locations, which we like to grab something quick in the morning or at night.

 

[luvallprincesses]

I am a deluxe resort girl. And Club level at that. Last year we stayed 3 nights at POFQ and then 3 nights YC CL. Of course YC CL is divine and deluxe is my personal preference - however - I expected to dislike a mod but wound up loving POFQ. In fact this summer, DD13 requested a few nights in the area vs. an entire week at BC CL. It was quite enjoyable.

But for couples only, I would for sure do YC. I am BC CL this summer only b/c I couldn't get YC CL for same time. I feel BC or BWI has a more adult feel. I have stayed BW CL and loved it as well.

However my family doesn't think the cost justifies mod to deluxe.Only deluxe club level. Meaning DH and I wouldn't stay at YC or BC or BWI unless it was club level. I think there is more bang for the buck over a mod this way. I would prefer a mod over a deluxe unless it was club level deluxe.

Can you explain more about your experience with why Club Level is a better deal/works better for your family?

 

[scottmel]

Can you explain more about your experience with why Club Level is a better deal/works better for your family?

Sure. We are a family of 3 so if you are a larger family you can't lose...We eat breakfast at the lounge and rely on the lounge for evening appetizers to be a mini meal. Well a whole meal for me and DD13 really. We have a large table service lunch that holds us nicely. MOST nights we make the dessert hour b/c you can walk right home after Illuminations and still make it before it closes. MK night is the only time we don't use the dessert hour.

We don't drink alcohol so no savings there. However we are real resort people. This year on our week long trip we are going to the parks twice. We love to rent a pontoon, swim in storm along bay, hang out at the resort, etc. We really utilize the resort so you can imagine how handy club level is for us - drinks all day, etc.

I love the fact that I am on a private floor at Yc.Bc but only semi private at BWI which sort of bugs me. I like the door is manned and the elevator requires keyed access.

I love the balcony etc of the deluxes but if not on club, they are winding mazes and that is a turnoff to me. REsort seems huge. Club floor is odd shape at yc/bc if you ever look at a pic of it.Only half the building has a 5th floor. To me, just to stay deluxe doesn't offer much amenities over a mod now that all the beds are queen but trust me yc.bc have better mattresses than the newly updated pofq. So that is a plus for staying just deluxe. '

So for me club level is where I am at or I would stay at a mod. We are big resort people though so I would have a tough time staying at yc bc and not being on the 5th floor b/c we are constantly grabbing drinks, hanging in the lounge, DH on his laptop, etec. Just more space for the family.

I don't know if that answers your question but the price jump from mod to deluxe is a good hop and I honestly don't get the REAL benefit of it for my lifestyle. So I would prefer the double hop to club and REALLY feel the worth of it then. For dinner I would always get DH a sandwhich or pizza slice on boardwalk but for me and DD it filled us up fine. I am not a big eater though but it was very satisfying. Factor the cost of breakfast and dinner up over th week and that is a good bit of money saved.....not including desserts b/c many times DH or DD will say "Eh skip the mickey bar, I want chocolate covered oreo bon bons tonight". So it really does add up...

 

[luvallprincesses]

Thanks for the perspective scottmel; very informative! We decided to try for a room only discount at WL instead of free dining at POFQ this year because our 2 kids are such grazing, picky eaters and don't enjoy 1-2 hours of their vacation spent daily at TS meals. I was thinking Club Level might work really well for us if a good % off comes up that includes CL. DH is also our only big eater on vacation, but he is also a beer lover so CL truly might save us $ on food/drinks. It will all come down to the availability of discounts. Thanks again.

 

[Cappy81]

Go for the upgrade! I was in the same position a few months ago. I originally booked at one resort, but could not get excited, ended up switching and have not regretted the decision once!