POP or POFQ?

[*Wish*Upon*A*Star*]

We've stayed at POP for the past four trips and really enjoyed it. We're a family of five (DH, myself, DS 4, DD 2, and DD 2). We're looking into a loooong vacation in May (16 nights!) and are trying to decide between POP and POFQ.

What can you tell me about the differences between the two resorts? Do you think it would be worth it to upgrade to POFQ?

What we love about POP:

• The Goofy Pop Jets
• The kiddie pool
• The great bus service (we've never had any problems with it)
• The close proximity to everything (pools, food court, etc.) within the resort

What we're not in love with at POP:

• Limited options at the food court

I've read that POFQ is smaller, so the close proximity to everything (pools, food court, etc) would be similar to POP. Also, all three kids are complete fishies so we'd probably be spending a lot of time in the pool. How many pools are at POFQ? Are there "pop jets" like at POP? Is there a kiddie pool?

Thanks so much for your help! We're so excited and can't wait for May to get here!

 

[PearlySwan]

Here's what wdwinfo.com has to say about the pool, etc. at POFQ:

A sea serpent water slide and a water spouting alligator band are both found at the main pool, the Doubloon Lagoon. A kiddie pool and spa can be found close by as well. Currently pool towels are available at the main pool and are distributed by CMs. Simply show your resort ID to get them. Swim noodles and tubes can also be rented. When you're tired of swimming, try the arcade, bicycle or Surrey Bike rentals, croquet or pedal, pontoon or canopy boat rentals at the marina.

Another benefit of being a guest at Port Orleans French Quarter, is that you can take the Sassagoula River boat cruise to the Downtown Disney Marketplace. These half-hour cruises leave about every 20 minutes or so.

You can see a photo of the sea serpent pool here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/port.htm

If your kiddos are 'fishes' they just might like that sea serpent pool.

 

[cruisingkat]

Pool towels are in a bin by the main pool. There is no attendant by the bin (at least when we stayed several times this year - the last time this year in Oct.), you can help yourself to towels. There is another bin for dropping off your used towels. You also can use the facilities at POR.
We like POFQ over POP for the hot tub - great for a quick soak of tired muscles after being in the parks. There is also a musician - Elliott Dyson - who plays by the bar on Wed, Thrus, Friday, and Sat. He is very good - in fact we go to hear him even when we stay at other resorts.

 

[jcriket]

There's only one pool, it's a bit whimsical, I don't think there's water jets, The food court is similar to pop, there are a few New Orleans type offerings. Sometimes you share a bus with POR. I like POFQ, but our kids are grown, and like the smaller, quieter side of this resort. CBR has the most fun pool for small ones, and they can request a pirate themed room. but it's bigger, and although I never have had complaints about the bus I hear others on the boards do. POR is bigger with more pools, only one is themed, but you can go over to POFQ's pool. (long walk though) To me the food courts are all pretty much the same with a few different menu items. (we will go to Pop's food court even when just passing through the area, because it's easy in, and out). CSR is the only food court that is different and you pay a bit more for it. (including gratuity)

 

[kaffinito]

There is one pool at POFQ but you can share with POR. No Goofy jets, but they do have a nice pool area. POFQ is smaller than POP and is better laid out IMO so it's a lot easier to get around the resort. The food court at POFQ is smaller than the one at POP and has very few selections. The food court is better at POR.

 

[*Wish*Upon*A*Star*]

Thanks all!

I think we're gonna stick with POP. I showed DS pictures of POFQ (fun pool w/ slide an all!) and he said he wants to stay at POP again. He's requested the "purple" hotel (we stayed in the 50's last time)... LOL

 

[LoveDisneyinToronto]

Since you are going for 16 days, why don't you change resort? You could have the best of Both worlds. I used to stay at Pop all the time but last time I stayed at Coronado and it was heaven. No noise, quiet, awesome pool with a great slide, awesome bus service (I never waited more than 5 minutes, AND only 1 time I had to stay up in the bus coming back from MK after closing of Not So Scary on the 31st of October). While Pop is a staple, I would recommend you to maybe book 3 or 4 nights towards the end of your vacation at another resort.

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Thanks for starting this thread. While we don't have a trip scheduled, I'm always "planning" a trip. We love POP, but with some of the deals going on now, you can sometimes get a Mod for less than $100 for the week, and I've been looking at POFQ because of the smallness of POFQ. I do worry about the limited selections of the food court. We did CBR in January, and it was gorgeous, but w-a-y t-o-o spread out for us. If we did Pop, we'd do preferred, and I can't justify the extra money for preferred at a moderate.

 

[sabrecmc]

On the POFQ food court, yes, it is small (but beignets!). However, you can easily walk down to the larger POR food court for something different and they have a sit-down restaurant with Southern-style food. You can also take the boat to Downtown Disney and eat there. So, while the food court is smaller than Pop by a bit, there are actually more options than just the food court.

POFQ is one of the few resorts where you have access to two themed pools, POFQ and POR. You can rent boats, take a carriage ride, fish and they have a kids' pirate cruise for ages 4-12. POR used to have a campfire with smores, though I guess I'm not sure if this is still offered. Both POR and POFQ have small, but nice playgrounds. There is usually a caricature artist and/or hair braider around. I do think POFQ is quieter and better laid out than POP, in general.

Having said all that, POP is great for kids. It is newer than POFQ, and POFQ is really started to show its age. It has the pop jets whereas POFQ has a kiddie pool that is essentially a big circle of water (though, at 2, my DD loved that). POP has great theming that kids really love. Sometimes POFQ shares a bus with POR, which has multiple stops. That can be annoying and add a lot of time to your commute. That is usually at slower times of the year, but still, you never know.

Both are great resorts. Like the PP said, you could always do a split stay and see what you liked the best.

 

[cherylsmike]

I have stayed at both and prefer POFQ. I love the theme and the layed back feel of the resort. We really enjoyed POP too, but with the kids I like the extra room. If your biggest con is the variety at the food court than I would stick with POP. POFQ has a more limited menu. Either way I hope you have a magical trip.

 

[cbg1027]

I've stayed at both and much prefer POFQ. It it a LOT smaller than POP.
The food court is not any wheres near as hectic in the mornings, even at peak breakfast time. The menu offerings are about the same.
I liked the hot tub, and to me, the slide at the pool was much better than the Goofy jets....but I'm 25.

I second what a PP said - you're going to be there for a long time, why not do a split stay?

 

[jennipooh]

I have never stayed at POP.

But we loved our stay at POFQ and are planning another stay there.

We enjoyed the food court at POFQ. We also enjoyed that you could walk over to POR and use their pools (the POR pool slide was more fun for ds, 10.) Also, the boat ride to DTD is great.

The atmosphere is wonderful. It has a very intimate and cozy feel (it is small). The walk is short to the buses, food court, pool and boat launch.

There are no goofy jets, but there are some very cute Mardi Gras Alligators. The kids love them!

We have stayed at All-Star Sports and all of the Moderates. We loved Sports and we stayed there our first two trips plus another one. It will always hold a special place in our hearts because it was ds's first Disney Hotel.

Now, I don't see us going back to a value after we have come to enjoy all the extras at the moderates. IMO the moderates are worth the extra price: fridge in room, pool slides, added resort activities like boat and bike rentals, etc.

No matter where you stay, you'll be at Disney and will have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[bsjs0708]

For me since there is 5 of you I would try a hotel with a bit more room. I believe the mods are about 90 sq feet bigger...which if you are staying for more than 2 weeks the extra space may be VERY appreciated...