All depends on what you are looking for, I would guess. Both resorts have the same size rooms -- about 314 sq feet. Both resorts have the choice of a king or two double beds in them. The other things are the same ... two sinks ...one shower ... one toilet ...no formal closet ... TV with dresser with drawers ... two chairs and a table.
The differences are the theme ... POR - Alligator Bayou is down south rustic...POR- Mansions is more elegant like the plantation era of the south. POFQ is New Orleans style.
The food court at Riverside is bigger and offers more selection. However, there are less rooms at the POFQ (about 1000) compared to POR (2000). That makes the resort appear to be not as crowded. POFQ is also not as spread out as POR...some of the rooms are a ways from the main lobby area, food court, arcade, etc.
POFQ does not have a sit down restaurant. POR does have one - Boatwrights -- which serves bfast and dinner. POFQ has a bar but there is not typically live music there anymore. POR has a great show at their lounge that is family oriented and well worth the time to see.
The pool at POFQ is probably more oriented to the younger crowd and there is only the main pool area. However, there are only 1/2 the rooms there. The pool at POR has a longer slide that appeals more to the older group, although it isn't a lot bigger. The playground at POR is more suited for older kids, while the one at POFQ is probably for a bit younger. POR has a "fishing hole" where you can rent a pool and fish. POFQ does not have it but you are welcome to walk down and use it since the two are sister resorts.
The boat stops at both POR and POFQ to go to downtown Disney. Sometimes they even run separate boats from each resort when it is busy. The buses are shared for the most part. POFQ is typically the first stop on and the first stop off ... making it nice in the evening.
The arcade at POR is larger than the one at POFQ but they are both adequate.
If you want to rent watercraft you now have to do it at POR...they no longer do it at POFQ. That goes for bike rental, also. But you can use the bikes at both resorts.
Since the two are sister resorts, you can use the facilities at both. We have stayed at both resorts. We prefer to stay at POFQ for a couple reasons (our DS is now 6 and we have stayed at one of the two since he was 18 months old...once a year ...sometimes twice): It is smaller and easier to navigate. Because there are less rooms it appears to be less crowded a bit less frantic ...although it depends on occupancy, at both hotels. We prefer the theme at POFQ and just like the general atmosphere. We like the first stop on and off in relationship to the bus.
But we use things at both resorts. We like the path that goes along the river between the two and enjoy walking it looking at ducks, foliage, the boats as they go by, etc. And, we like both pools. Although I'm sure soon my DS will prefer pool at POR as he gets older.
