POR or POFQ???? I need help!!!

[SharpMomOfTwo]

****HELP ME PLEASE****

Ok, so were going Dec 9-16 of next year, and I've already told everyone (DH and both sents of grandparents) that we will be staying at POFQ and I was really excited about that for several reasons, but now I think I may have the two confused! I wanted the one with the mansions, and I thought POFQ has the mansions, but now I think its the POR?!?! I'm looking at pictures that people have posted of POFQ, and its all loud colors and such, very much NOT our taste or what I'm looking for. So if that is correct, that I really want POR, is it a good enough reason to change my reservations?

As far as I know, here are the pros and cons of each hotel:

POR Cons:
* Very large and can be a very long walk with a 2 & 3 year old and older grandparents.
* May get the Bayu side and I don't want that.
* Second stop on buses.

POR Pros:
* Has a sit down restaurant.
* From what we have been told by AAA we can have more in the room, like a trundle bed and pak n play and a King.
* May actually be the hotel I want!

POFQ Cons:
* May NOT be the hotel I really want.
* Cannot have Pac N Play plus trundle bed.
* Only has one fast serve restaurant, no sitdown.

POFQ Pros:
* Much smaller, and eaiser to get around with my croud.
* Nicer pool from what I've seen.
* First stop on the buses.

So now that I've listed all the pros & cons that I know of, what does everyone else think? Am I just over thinking this whole thing and being stupid?? In all truth, unless your staying at GF or BWI or somewhere really really nice and expencive, does it really matter? All I know is if I pose another question like this to DH he may divorce me! Hes not as much of a Disney nut as I!
Anyway, all and any information you can provide me with is greatly appreciated!

 

[lpizzuro123]

It sounds like you had the two mixed up. POR has two sections - Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. Magnolia Bend is the mansion section and Alligator Bayou has a rustic, backwoods cottage setting.

POFQ has the charm and romance of the French Quarter.

We have never stayed at either but visit quite often. I believe I would choose POFQ as it is a smaller resort and would not get that crowded feeling.

Linda

 

[tink2]

I've stayed at both and liked both, but we prefer POFQ for the pros listed above. It is a muh quiter, smaller resort that is much easier to get around- shorter walks to food court and bus stop. We had a very good mansion room location at POR, and the walk there was much longer than any we've had at POFQ (stayed here 2 times). Also, the bus situation is better at POFQ. You are always picked up first- before POR- and will get a seat on the bus and are always dropped off first at night and don't have to go through the bus stops at POR- there are 3-4 I think. That is a big plus. At POR, we stood 90% of the time in the mornings on the way to the parks b/c POFQ were already sitting when we were picked up.
Both are beautiful resorts- the mansions are beautiful and I love the feel of POFQ- a cleaner French Quarter feel to it than the real New Orleans. I haven't really paid attention to the AB side of POR, doesn't look like it would appeal to me either from the pictures.
Either way, you will be happy - both are very pretty. My family just prefers POFQ for our tired legs and our kids' little legs after long days in the parks.
BTW- the rooms we've had at POR and POFQ were the same size. I'm not sure a room at POR would accomidate a pack n play and a trundle bed at the same time- someone else may can help you on that one that has tried both. However, we have had a pack n play and blow up mattress at POFQ before- made for a very cramped room, but we did it (an adult required the air mattress for his back- we had the right number of people for the room- 4 adults and a baby under 3) We just stood the air mattress against the wall during the day b/c we didn't want to redo it every night.
Good luck deciding. And happy planning!!!

 

[ktink]

I voted for POFQ. I think it'd be easier with the kids to get around at the smaller resort. But I've also learned to just go with what I really want or you just won't be happy.

 

[ter-moo]

The only place at POR where you get a trundle bed is in the Alligator Bayou section, and it sounds like you don't want that.

The rooms at POFQ are very nicely decorated, not at all loud colors and all. The colorful/loud place is the food court. Regardless of the decor, I prefer the food court at POFQ to the one at POR.

I think with your family situation, you'll be happier at POFQ. You can always walk over (or take the bus or boat) to POR for dinner at the sit-down restaurant if you need to.

I wouldn't fret over it--both are lovely resorts and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[saikai]

I guess I will be the first to speak up for POR. We stayed there last year and loved it. The resort is large but the walk wasn't that bad, much shorter walk the CBR. We stayed at AB because we wanted the trundle bed and it was very nice. The grounds are beautiful and well worth a bit longer of a walk. The bus service wasn't that bad but we often stood both ways. Again not much of a problem for us because we usually give up our seats to older people, or women with babies anyway. Good luck with whichever you choose you'll still have a great time!

 

[TerryU.]

I've stayed at POFQ and loved it! That is my new home when I'm there!! I love that fact that everything is close together.

 

[udsweetpea]

I stayed at POR this year December 13-19. When we checked in, we were able to request Magnolia Bend or Alligator Bayou. However, the cast member checking us in mentioned they had the overflow of Pop Warner staying there the week before, and it was dreadful with all of the cheering and whatnot. So, you might want to check (I don't know where) when they will be there next year.

 

[rpbert1]

stayed at POFQ last year and loved it, would definetly choose it , smaller and you get on and off the buses first.

 

[AmyAllan&Eve]

Disney makes it pretty easy to switch resorts mid-stay. They move all of the luggage for you!

I know my DH is always against doing that. He says it's too much work to check-out and check-in again. However, one time he WAS willing.

We had a worn-out room at Carribean Beach Resort in 2003. It must have been one of the last rooms to be renovated. It had stains on the carpet and chairs, etc. It was pretty bad. DH said, "Maybe we could ask for a room at Coronado Springs Resort tonight." Unfortunately they only had suites left, but he would have been willing to make the switch if it had been available. We both realized it wouldn't have been that difficult with Disney moving the luggage for us.

If I ever make a trip with my daughter alone, we will resort hop all over the place. I think half the fun of Disney is experiencing the different resorts.

In fact, the last time I was at Disney, I spent one night at Coronado Springs before transferring to the Wilderness Lodge. The first night, we always arrive late and I prefer not to pay for a deluxe when I am going to go straight to sleep. Plus, that way I can wake up before anyone else and go to the new hotel to request the best possible room. Then we enjoy our day at the parks and head back to the new resort between 3 and 4 p.m. with our luggage waiting for us in our room!

Best wishes for whatever you choose!

 

[jess20k]

We have stayed at both. Our most recent stays were; POR in 2006 and FQ this past Feb. We liked POFQ better! It is a smaller property, but you still get that peaceful atmosphere, it was terrific! Plus, if you are using the buses, they pick up and drop off there first, which really made a difference during our trips.

Overall, FQ is our favorite and we would stay there anytime! It is a lovely resort!

 

[jessica23]

POFQ is one of our favorites! It is smaller and you get dropped off and picked up first on the buses

 

[SereneOne]

We stayed at POR from Dec 8th till the 18th and it was great. I asked for AB because of the trundle bed. It was a beautiful resort and all these people that grumble about walking I find shocking, no wonder America is so fat. We where in Building 36 and it was a nice short stroll to the main building and pool. I have a special needs preschooler that is medically fragile and she had NO problem running back and forth. The rooms where so cute...log beds with patchwork quilts and lanterns for lights. The bus problem was not a problem for us, we arrive in our own transportation. It is a romantic and beautiful resort, clean and the staff is wonderful.

 

[pooksma]

We picked POFQ for our Mom and Dad go ALONE trip. I voted for it just because. Also, if the grandparents are anything like ours would be, the less amount to travel at the end of the day, the better.

 

[Doc CW]

I would stay at POFQ. Its my favorite resort because of its atmosphere and its very quiet and relaxing and the food is very good. Good luck with making your decision.

 

[skipperkim]

Another vote for POFQ. Since you don't like the looks of AB section, it's the only place you can get a trundle, you'd be better off at POFQ. Also, having a TS at your resort isn't that big of a deal. Well, not to me anyway. I've eaten at Boatwrights and prefer other places. The mansions are wonderful to look at, but are normally the last stop at POR. My suggestion, take the boat to POR and view the mansions from there. There's always a carriage ride at POR too. They have some of the most gorgeous grounds on property.

 

[disneyfan61]

We stayed at POFQ in April & we all loved it. Me, my DH, DS 18, & DS 14. We have stayed at ASMO, CB, Pop & POFQ. This is our favorite of all. We will probably stay there all the time (when we get back). I do not think you would be dissapointed in POFQ. It was great being the first one picked up in the am & first dropped off most nights.

 

[MAKmom]

We just got back form PORS it was fantastic. Boatwright's was great we ate there 3 nights! We stayed in the Mansions Oak Manor. We took a horse & carriage ride to the French Quarter & did not like the looks of it. It was little alleys between buildings. It reminded my DH of row homes in Philly.

This was our first moderate & we LOVED it. There is a piano player every night in the lobby /lounge area that is terrific & so much fun.

 

[SGMCO]

Both Resorts are Beautiful so you won't be disappointed in either.
We stayed at POR in the Mansions this Sept. and thought it was
Great. While we were there we took the Boat over for Breakfast
at POFQ to look around and fell in love with it also.
I felt the same about looking at the pictures of the resort
but seeing it in person it was very charming. I preferred the
pool better and the Hot tub at POFQ--less crowded.
I say it's a mixture of New Orleans and The Aristocats-Paris.
Beautiful Ironwork railings, Unique shaped Building tops looks
like New Orleans but much newer and cleaner.
We liked it so much we are staying at POFQ this coming trip.
It's nice that you can use both main pools and
it's short walk or quick boat ride between
the sister Resorts.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and information! I think we will opt to stay with our original reservations @ POFQ. I dont want to change everything around again (we changed from 12/2-12/9 to 12/9-12/16).
Again, thanks for all the help!