Still can't decide between PO-Riverside or French Quarter for anniversary trip!

[IvyandLace]

C'mon, guys! Help me make this decision so I can book with DU!! My husband and I will be celebrating our fifth anniversary at WDW in October and have never stayed at either resort. The only prerequisite from my husband is a king bed and near the bus stop and pool/spa! I have spent time looking at various pics of each resort but still can't decide which would be better! HELP!

Thanks...IVY

 

[halfway there]

I can only tell you what I think about the French Quarter since I have not stayed in Riverside...yet (this summer, I hope!) If you're looking for a romantic getaway this would be ideal. FQ is just like New Orleans(even beignets!). It's also smaller and more compact than Riverside so getting around is easier. However, there is only one pool and one bus stop so it would be difficult to be close to both. I would suggest bldg#4 (near parking and bus stop) or #5 (near pool and river). One is right behind the other. If it's just the two of you, Riverside may seem a bit noisy with Ol' Man Island. Like I said I can only offer one side of the coin...for now. Hope that helps.

 

[dcedwards]

We prefer FQ. It is, in my opinion, must more romantic than Riverside. They pipe in Jazz type of music throughout the day. There are lots of courtyards with benches in them and shade. There are benches, ducks, etc. along the river where you can sit and relax. The property itself is much smaller than Riverside. Therefore there are less people in the food court area, etc. And, it seemed like there were less people "bustling" around the resort. It just never seemed quite as "busy" as Riverside.

If you are in bldg. 4 or 5 .. niether are far from main building, food court, bus stop, etc. Depending where you are within the building will make a difference whether you are closer to the pool or bus stop. Would take about 4 minutes at most to get to anything.

The only drawback is that they don't have any quiet pools at FQ. You would have to walk over to Riverside if you didn't like the main pool at FQ. However, we always found a place a little bit away from the pool to lounge. Was nice. And there is an area with tables and chairs right by the pool bar that is also nice.

We like Riverside but between the two for romance ... especially an anniversary I would vote for FQ.

 

[jaguar9748]

Split your stay and stay at both!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm with jaguar9748. I've stayed at both at least 3 times each and I can see why you'd have a hard time deciding. I love Riverside, DH likes it. DH loves POFQ, I like it. And we go almost every year for our anniversary. Really, if it was me, I'd flip a coin! Or yes, better yet, stay at both!

 

[babus1]

You don`t say how old you are, but I would say stay at FQ. Less walking to get around. You are close to the bus stop no matter which building you are in. It is a small resort. The bus is the first one picked up and the first one dropped off at night. If you are younger with more stamina you would enjoy the walk along the river to riverside. You could even tour the Riverside grounds on foot to soak up some of that atmoshere, too. Eat at the sit down restaurant there and even try out Old man Island. The two resorts share pools. If you opt for riverside, choose the Mansions-much more romantic in my opinion. Reminds me of Gone with the Wind. I am older with 2 small kids and the less walking to get to where you are going at the French Quarter was a must for me. the Sea Serpent Pool at FQ is very large and we were always able to find an empty spot to sit and swim. Either resort would be great, but my vote is for FQ. Enjoy!

 

[Eno]

I've stayed at both and am thrilled that FQ is back open again - staying there in June !
I love New Orleans and everything at FQ is close - parking, pools, food court. I just hope that the restaurant opens back up.

 

[Laura's Dad]

For a romantic, anninversary trip, PO-french Quarter would be my choice. Of course, for a family trip in June, it is our choice. I have seen POFQ favorably reviewed in the book "WDW for Couples". Everything is close, they have king sized beds, and the grounds, especially at night with the "gas" lights on, are beautiful and romantic. Don't get me wrong, PO-Riverside mansions are beautiful, but PO-FQ is just that little bit more convienient and romantic. By the way, Happy Anniversary!!!!!!

 

[IvyandLace]

Thanks, guys! *group hug* I am definitely going to try for FQ based on your very detailed arguments...I so appreciate it!! I can't wait!

IVY

 

[Ajax]

I'm always too late for the hug! But I'll contribute my .02 nonetheless. I'd book POFQ. It's compact, romantic, well designed, and I can't get my family to stay anywhere else!