POR Fans: Please tell me what's special about it!

[quiltymom]

We are currently booked at POFQ and I have been thrilled with the fact that we will be staying there. It's been one of the resorts on my "must stay at" list.

Now we got the Disney Visa code announcement today, and if we switch to Riverside we can save $520 on our reservation. That basically pays for our airfare.

I don't want to switch to Riverside, but my guess is that we will to save the money. So, could all of you Riverside fans tell me what is special about it? Your favorite stuff, etc.? I need to feel good about moving there. I know that I'm being a prima dona, but I'm trying to be a good sport about this.

Thanks!

 

[msteddom]

Don't be worried about sounding like a prima donna! It sucks to get attached to the idea of staying at a certain resort then having to switch! I think you will love POR though, and here's why:

1) the theme pool Old Man Island is wonderful. The water slide it tons of fun, and there are lots of trees around if you're one of those who needs shade like me!

2) the landscaping is spectacular! Take some time to wander around the grounds and just take everything in.

3) the food court has much more to offer than the one at POFQ, and there is also a sit down restauraunt, Boatwrights that serves really good breakfasts!

4) the ferry to DTD picks up at POR first, guarenteeing the fact that you will get a seat. I have had to wait for several ferries when staying at POFQ

5) if you still feel like you're missing out you can visit POFQ, wither by the ferry or via a walking path that connects the two resorts.

I love both of the resorts, but I connect with POR just a little more for the reasons I listed above. Here is a link to some great Riverside pictures http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_dxl.htm Enjoy!

Melissa

 

[Winkster]

POR is far bigger and far more spread out.

Many people seem to see this as a negative because it means more walking but, I mean, come on - you're in Disney - walking is what you do!!! If you don't like walking, you're in the wrong place.

The Imagineers have used the space at POR well creating landscaped walkways, pergolas full of flowers, fountains, gardens etc.

Because of the space, POR seems more laid back and chilled. I love just strolling round the place (usually on my way to get coffee!) and so the size and length of walk to get anywhere is a bonus.

There's also "quiet" pools dotted around POR which can give a welcome respite from the screaming hordes at the main pool on Ole' Man Island.

I also find Ole Man Island to be a more attractive pool in general than that at POFQ. The FQ pool always looks a bit tacky with it's huge serpent slide thing. I think the POFQ pool and slide may be more appealing to kids though.

I also love the look of the mansion houses at POR (I can take or leave the Aligator Bayou buildings) which I think fit in really well with the landscaping and meandering river.

POR also has a table service restaurant (handy if you can't be bothered to go out although it's only small and so you may need to eat early or late if you don't have reservations).

I think the food court at POR is also better. More attractive and with a working water wheel. Somehow the food court at POFQ always just seems like a warehouse with things hanging from the ceiling.

If you're travelling with kids, I think POFQ has a lot of plus points - mainly the pool (which I think would be more fun looking to kids that the POR pool) and the size of the hotel and therefore the proximity of everything. I've heard that the POFQ rooms may be a bit better (I do not know why) and that it may come before POR on the bus route meaning that the busses are emptier and easier to get a seat.

POR is more about relaxation (for me anyway) and, if anything, slightly more adult orientated.

We don't have kids so our choice is based on what we want rather than what kids want. We love POR!

 

[SeaSpray]

I stayed at POR for the first time this past May and thought it was beautiful resort. Here's a link to my web page from all of my WDW vacations, just scroll down to the POR section: http://www.brownfamilyvacations.com/html/WaltDisneyWorld.htm

 

[JenGray]

The landscaping is just so beautiful. We have noticed a lot of wild life, which always makes you smile. If you go and end up staying across the property, more then likely you will need to cross a large bridge. This is the most beautiful part of the resort. Picture perfect! It's almost as amazing as seeing Everest from the main bridge at AK.

One thing no one has mentioned yet.... there's a piano player almost every night at the main lobby. He is so funny and interactive with all ages. We really enjoyed him and his tallent. If you end up staying at POR, be sure to ask about him when you checkin.

The only reason you might want to keep your res at PFQ is smaller property, less walking.

 

[DisneyDotty]

One thing no one has mentioned yet.... there's a piano player almost every night at the main lobby. He is so funny and interactive with all ages. We really enjoyed him and his tallent. If you end up staying at POR, be sure to ask about him when you checkin.

Yep--I was going to say Bob Jackson! Drinking a mojito while enjoying his show--ahhh! Kids loved him too!
And rent a surrey bike at the dock at POR--great fun (just don't do it after a big meal, or you may need a bit of help making it up the hills!)
If you switch over to POR, do walk back to POFQ for their beignets. Yummy.
Both are great resorts--but with that savings, you can buy a lot of good Disney tshatshkes!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Well, I understand how you feel about FQ as we love it too, but due to the large savings would switch.

As much as these folks love POR, for those of us who prefer FQ it is just not the same.

We did not like the Mansions at all - when we tried to find our room (3 different stays) it was like trying to find our way through a maze. LOL

Did not expect to like AB (not into camping or rustic), but we did like the rooms better! Building 14 was a wonderful location, but would be happy with building 15 or 27 as well.

If possible, request a corner room with 2 windows (not all corner rooms have double windows, which we found out the hard way!). The rooms are rather dark, so the extra light helps.

I can honestly say, that although we prefer FQ, our stay at POR was very relaxing - we were 4 nights in early Feb, but because it was so relaxing we felt it was a longer vacation.

As for Bob the Piano Man - my friend and hubby LOVE Bob, but I prefer the more laid back Elliot at FQ who sings and plays the Sax. Goes better with my classy taste! LOL Really, Bob is funny, but am not comnfortable with all the audience interaction - prefer to quietly watch

The savings will be worth it! Be sure to stroll over the FQ as it is such a pretty walk. Oh, and FQ food court is not the nicest - POR is nicer, though nothing as good as those made to order Beignets at FQ!

Enjoy!!!

 

[maxiesmom]

It is so beautiful with all of the trees and plants shading the walking paths. It fis a total escape from all the hustle and bustle of the parks. After a break at the resort, you go back to the parks totally refreshed. Plus, you gotta love Piano Man Bob.

 

[bytheblood]

POFQ is my most favorite moderate resort. I have stayed there more times than any other resort.

Have said that, if I could save that kind of money, I too would make the switch. Don't forget, you are right there and they are sister properties. You can go over to POFQ if you would like. Maybe that will make you feel better. Also, a new experience is good.

 

[tinkamom]

I love POFQ but decided to try something new this year so we stayed at POR! We LOVED it! My DD's liked it much better than POFQ and now they want to stay there next time!