POP vs POFQ for adults-only, parks-heavy anniversary trip?

[Rach3975]

I agree with an earlier comment that if you can increase your budget by $300 it's worth doing POFQ. If staying there means cuts elsewhere, I'd stay at Pop. We're going in the fall for a 3 night anniversary trip, also adults only and parks focused. We've only stayed Value on our family trips, but we decided to spend the extra $200 or so to do POFQ this trip. Even though we're going to spend most of our time in the parks, I still think we'll have some time at the resort. The parks close at 9 and 10 pm during our trip, so we'll be back early enough that we might want to sit in the Scat Cat Lounge for a while or walk around the grounds. There is one morning when we intend to start a bit later after a breakfast at the resort. Beignets at POFQ sounds like more of an experience than typical food court fare at one of the values! Finally, we feel like this is our only chance to try POFQ. We're a family of 5, so we'll never be able to do POFQ on a family trip. If DH and I got to do trips like this more frequently, we'd probably go cheaper and stay in a value. But this is the first time in 15 years that we're getting to do a real vacation just the 2 of us, and I expect it will be 10+ years until we get another opportunity like this. So yeah, for this trip we were willing to pay more for the atmosphere of POFQ.

 

[Artygal90]

For an anniversary trip, I'd think about beds ... at Pop, you'll have one larger bed guaranteed - either a queen or king. At POFQ, you're going to have to pay for a king bed (if they even have them available), or you're getting a room with two queens that - yes - is larger than Pop, but two beds would be a deal-breaker for me on a special trip like that.

Book a king bed at Pop and put that savings to a great dinner to celebrate.

So...maybe this is a weird quirk of ours but we actually like each having our own bed while traveling! I tend to toss and turn and throw elbows in my sleep and he's a light sleeper, so we each appreciate the extra space of having two queens.

It depends on park hours. Are parks closing at 9/10, then I'd want POFQ. Parks open till 11 or midnight, Pop.

The parks will most likely close early in January. I think we had 8 & 9pm closes last year. Some days it got pretty chilly too. Even with hoodies and gloves it seemed to tire us out and we wanted to head back to the resort earlier than planned for some restorative cocoa and beignets.

Looking at the hours that have been released so far it's looking like 8 and 9 pm closes with the exception of one or two EMH evenings at EP and MK. I'd like to try and hit the morning EMHs and then spend time relaxing in the evening. Cocoa and beignets after a chilly day in the parks sounds delightful!

Is your budget fixed? In other words will paying an extra $300 for your room result in cutbacks in meals or activities.? My decision would be based on examining what you'd be cutting back. Skipping the hopper option on tickets is something to consider. Not a huge savings but reducing your tickets by a day, skip either arrival or departure day, is an idea.

I agree with an earlier comment that if you can increase your budget by $300 it's worth doing POFQ. ...Finally, we feel like this is our only chance to try POFQ. We're a family of 5, so we'll never be able to do POFQ on a family trip. If DH and I got to do trips like this more frequently, we'd probably go cheaper and stay in a value. But this is the first time in 15 years that we're getting to do a real vacation just the 2 of us, and I expect it will be 10+ years until we get another opportunity like this. So yeah, for this trip we were willing to pay more for the atmosphere of POFQ.

The $300 extra isn't such a big deal, I'm just always anxious about spending money. I almost always go for the absolute cheapest flight/hotel/etc options when traveling to try and make our dollars stretch farther. On the other hand, I do feel like this might be our only chance to try POFQ for a reasonable price. My cousin won't work at Disney forever and I know the resort is rarely discounted otherwise. Also, the anniversary is a great excuse to splurge, and maybe I can pick up some OT to make myself feel better about it.


I really appreciate all the discussion and opinions here everyone! I have enjoyed reading every one of them. We have talked it over and decided to go for POFQ! You only live once, right? And we can try Pop when we return for MNSSHP and Food and Wine next fall.

 

[pooh2001]

We looked at POFQ standard room and Pop Preferred room prices for Nov 2020
There is a $783 difference which adds up to 5 days of food at $150/day
POFQ =$2830.52
Pop Preferred = $2047.50
both before tax, tickets and airfare

 

[scooterD]

My husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary at Disney this past September. We also price compared between POR and Pop. We were willing to spring for the extra money since it was our first couples only trip to Disney since our Honeymoon 25 year earlier! We have taken our three children multiple times, but this was going to be our special trip, just us. I agonized over it and in the end we decided to use a little of the extra money we'd spend on the pricier POR room and buy tickets for MNSSHP for a second night. I am SO glad we made that choice! I know September hours are a good bit later than January, but man, we closed those parks down every single night! We were like kids again! We were the recipients of complimentary park hoppers added to our tickets on the second day when we inquired about upgrading and that just opened even more fun doors. Two days in a row we visited all four parks. It was the most amazing trip and one I will never forget! We were so tired each night that after showers we just collapsed and slept like logs.

Pop rooms are newly renovated, super clean and more than adequate for a couple doing tons of park time. We enjoyed the whimsical decor around the resort and even delighted in our morning breakfast at the food court despite tons and tons of families and small children. It was actually bittersweet to us to see all of the young families and we would reminisce about all of the wonderful trips with our own children. There were a couple of times that we talked about how fun it would be to bring our grandchildren back one day and just a month later our daughter announced she and her husband were expecting our first grandbaby! She was born three weeks ago and we are already in the planning stages for a family trip next fall where we will stay at Pop. We ended up taking our three children and son-in-law back this past February and stayed at Pop again. It really is a great resort if you're on a budget or don't care so much about extra amenities. I'd recommend it! Sorry for the long post. It was fun to relive my wonderful trip a bit.

 

[LandFan]

I'll be honest. We like the newly renovated rooms at Pop more than most other places we've been because they are fresh, clean and very well thought out (end tables and outlets EVERYWHERE). We just got back from a two week stay at Pop and still loved our room at the end of the 2 weeks. We stay in the 70's big wheel building so it is just a quick walk across the parking lot to the buses and a quick walk to the food court. There is no pool directly next to our building so we've never had a noise issue either (we stay here often). There are lots of people but that also means tons of buses. They are prepared for it and feed the buses through pretty fast. Add in the Skyliner and we'd never do anything else - except buy Riviera DVC which we just did last month, lol.

 

[pooh2001]

POP vs POFQ - last night DS looked at both - He said POFQ only
He liked the walk ways between the buildings, the horse and buggy ride, boat to DS and the only one bus stop;
plus the size is smaller, 2 sinks, nicer decor, coffee maker

 

[Disneylover99]

POP vs POFQ - last night DS looked at both - He said POFQ only
He liked the walk ways between the buildings, the horse and buggy ride, boat to DS and the only one bus stop;
plus the size is smaller, 2 sinks, nicer decor, coffee maker

Just a FYI.....Pop also has just one bus stop that goes directly to the park. Sometimes POFQ shares with POR, which can add on travel time.
Pop also has coffee makers now since the refurbishment.

 

[pooh2001]

I also called POP - they said the Skyliner is between POP and AOA
I said in the water ?
WDW POP said on a platform near the walkway
Really ???
Seems weird and a great place for alligators to sit in the sun !

 

[Disneylover99]

I also called POP - they said the Skyliner is between POP and AOA
I said in the water ?
WDW POP said on a platform near the walkway
Really ???
Seems weird and a great place for alligators to sit in the sun !

There’s a bridge that connects the two resorts. The platform is connected to the bridge. It’s not in the water. It’s safe.

Or maybe not. We’ll listen for reports to see if anyone gets eaten by gators once the gondolas open.

 

[carol48b]

We have checked out all the resorts by actually spending a day visiting around and stayed at the Poly twice. the Contemporary, the Caribbean Beach, the PO Riverside and POFQ. The value resorts are too spread out and LOUD! The luxury are wonderful, but I'd rather spend a few more days than spend all that money for a resort. POFQ is just the right size, more relaxed and very lovely. We spent our 50th anniv. there. The resort team surprised us with Disney Magic when we got back from the parks on our anniversary: balloons, a Disney picture frame and autographed card. Such thoughtful management group! But, no matter where you decide: Have a lovely time! and happy anniversary!

 

[dachsie]

POFQ hands down. You will have more to do there after parks closed and the boat ride to DS is nice and relaxing.]

 

[pooh2001]

POFQ it is
I want to surprise my DH, for our 35th wedding anniversary, with the Disney Florist in room celebration of the

A Love Come True for $375 or less - I want to swap the roses for carnations - what I had in my wedding bouquet

We arrive late at the resort - hopefully POFQ - about 10 PM from DME
I wonder if what I ordered above from the Disney Florist could be places in our room at the POFQ?

It comes with :
Create a truly Disney romantic In-Room Celebration with our Wish Come True experience. The romance begins with the delivery of the “Disney Dozen” rose bouquet (I want carnations), a classic presentation of long stemmed red roses(NO) accented with delicate white flowers and greens. The experience continues when your loved ones discover scattered silk rose petals, illuminated by the soft glow of candles. A gift box, wrapped in ribbon, contains a glass slipper and a keepsake charm. A special poem, included with the gifts, prompts them to close their eyes… and make a wish! The happy couple can make a toast to all their dreams coming true with two drink flutes, a sparkling juice beverage, and chocolates.

Sound like a plan ?
A nice upgrade at the POFQ would be a nice surprise too.

 

[Bjschacht]

I've stayed at the POFQ for the last 7 years. It's like home. I would recommend it hands down every time.

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

We generally do our Disney stays in January or February to tie in with a cruise, and have found that Pop can be very hectic with teen groups that time of year. The lake view rooms are great, quiet and a beautiful view! However the food court can be crazy especially in the morning.

If the money is do-able I would definitely do POFQ. So lovely and romantic! You might find it so nice that you will want to spend more time at the resort than u think! When our WDW plans are for mostly an all park visit we do values, but when we have a longer stay time with more time for relaxing and pool, we go for moderate!

 

[goofyintoronto]

Pop is high energy and loud! POFQ is beautiful, plus the bar and the musical acts make it more fun for grown ups! I love Pop but if your purpose is celebrate the anniversary, spring for the romantic resort!

I agree! I too love Pop very much....but if you want a more romantic resort, go for POFQ. No doubt about it. Plus since the parks close early at that time, the boat to disney springs is really a nice bonus. I love disney springs, and i love boats. So its a win-win.