POFQ or POR

[HangWithMerida]

The PO resorts are my favorite moderates! We have stayed at both and love them for different reasons. I love the theming at FQ and neighborhood feel with the brick streets and colorful decor. And, 1 bus stop is really nice.
RS is so quiet, which I really enjoy. It makes for a nice place to take a stroll. We don't mind walking, so we sometimes walk between the 2, like if we want to have dinner in 1 place or are really wanting beignets but are staying at RS. I don't find the walk bad at all. Contrary to some other folks above, I actually prefer the rooms away from the food court and pools because they are quieter. The multiple bus stops can be a hassle if you are at the end of the loop and trying to catch a bus during peak times. I also have never been there when the resorts were sharing a bus.
Edit: I also have a stay coming up at POR for the W&D HM weekend!!

 

[JennP78]

A few people mentioned sleeping at POFQ and hanging at POR but, just JMO, the latter defeats the purpose of the former. If you are traveling to a whole different resort anyway, even one that isn't far, you might as well stay at POR and try to get a good location either by staying preferred or via room request. The POR main pool will always be closer to any POR room than the POFQ pool and I think it's nicer anyway. Stay where you want to actually be.

I recommend requesting a room in the mansions which have elevators and are near either the North or East Depot where there are only one or two additional bus stops (unless something changed) which happen pretty quickly anyway. It's a quick walk to the main pool and quick service and there is a nice quiet pool if you don't need the services of the main one.

 

[Sue M]

Wanted to add I like the Riverside food court better, and shop. Also the entertainment, Bob Jackson puts on a great show in the evenings. Also like having quiet pools. Great way to do your laundry while you swim.
The landscaping is beautiful and love walking out of my building to the river path In Mansion section. So nice to sit on a bench and watch life go by.
I prefer the satellite bus depots, one is never far from your building, much less chaotic than main stop. And quieter.
I like that the buildings are spread out some vs Pofq where they’re more squished together. Think townhouses in the city. And you don’t know you’re on the river unless you purposely walk down there. Or in a building on the river. Most are set back.
I did enjoy POFQ, very nice resort. I just enjoyed Riverside more.

 

[disneyseniors]

OP: We have stayed at both resorts. Our favorite is Riverside. We love the ambience. The grounds are beautiful. We stay on the Alligator Bayou side and absolutely love the tropical settings with pathways and little bridges. You are always close to a quiet pool, and these are a fantastic way to relax close to your room. We never made it to the big pool,, as the quiet pools were too great. If you like the groomed, more formal setting, then the Mansions are for you.
The Mill QS is huge and we have always gotten the seating we wanted. They have a wide variety of food to choose from. We love sitting by the window looking out at the big water wheel POR also has carriage rides which are so nice to do. The cost is not too much, but you must reserve them before you get there, if you want to be assured to get one.
Everyone complains about the buses, but we have never had a bad experience with the buses at Riverside. They have plenty to handle the guests.

As for POFQ, that is where we stay now, but the ONLY reason is that my husband has mobility issues and finds the smaller footprint to work for him. There are alot of people with mobility issues there, so even with one bus stop (there's actually 2), you might have to wait for the ECV's to board first.
We don't really like the Mardi Gras vibe, but that's just us. Their food court is very small but has good food.
If I could have my pick, I'd pick POR, as our personal favorite. However, now, we can't walk that much so it's POFQ for us. Have fun wherever you choose