The 100% Original POFQ FAQ

[skipperkim]

Which buildings were the non-smoking buildings?

Buildings 2, 6 and the top floor of building 4.

 

[ThinkTink75]

Ok I scrolled through the first 10+ pages and realized I may be better off just asking about the information I need to know. I have been doing a lot of Disney research of late and planning a thousand different future trips to Disney Parks (Summer 2009- California and DL... Summer 2010- London/Paris Adventure and DLP... Disney Cruise Line with extended fam 2011 or 12...) and in doing so I kept saying it was because my DBF and I could not afford another trip for a couple years so we might as well plan some big stuff. It was only then that I realize this was only if we were planning on SUMMER rates and since I was set on returning to the Poly for a try at a Deluxe. Well, then I thought about May--- I get a 4 day weekend for Memorial Day and we could fly out late Thursday afternoon.... stay for 4 nights and 5 days and then fly back home on Monday. Now, this is doable for us because I think we would skip Animal Kingdom all together and do a half day at MGM plus we would take advantage of EMHs this time.

Now, for a little background... I am a 24 year old Social Studies teacher- this is my first full time school year and my DBF is 22 years old and works for a point-of-sale software company . We live in New York and have been dating since high school (more than 6 years) with an engagement in our near future. When I graduated from college in 2006 we went on our first WDW trip... 10 days at All Star Movies and then we went to the beach at Anna Maria Island for 4 days. I had never been to WDW and fell in LOVE . Then for my birthday last year in March, Rob surprised me by saying that he wanted to pay for us to return to WDW that summer. He got me all sorts of cute disney stuff- Haunted Mansion Clue, Cooking with Disney Chefs Cookbook, Disney Crocs, and some tees. It was the best birthday ever! I planned everything and we stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort in a preferred room for 7 days and 6 nights this past July.

When I realized we could pull of an almost week long trip in Spring and that it would be during Epcot's Flower and Garden festival... and the weather would be gorgeous... I almost burst with excitement!
Only we had fell in love with CBR and the main pool would still be under rehab. The main pool at ASMo was rehabed during our visit and I have to say that it made for an eyesore even though we didn't swim once so we didn't miss it. I def don't want to return to CBR and deal with a pool rehab so a bunch of people suggested Port Orleans to me and here I am.

I know, I am a rambler.... but I always think background is important.
Anyways, my main questions are:

-What are the major theme differences between POR and POFQ? You can't tour both resorts on the WDW website so it's hard for me to tell....
-Obviously everyone on here prefers FQ but is one resort more or less crowded than the other? is FQ in higher demand than Riverside?
-Can we access the same amenities no matter which resort? Do you share a pool? Do you share buses? Does this cause a problem?
-How long does the water launch take to get to the resorts? Which resorts can you get to from here?
-How much do carriage rides cost and how long does it last?
-I noticed other recent posts mentioning smoking buildings? I thought all WDW resorts were non-smoking now with designated outside smoking areas? Is this not true of PO?
-Is there a most desirable request-- like we noticed there was no "preferred" option here so what could get us closest to the food court and bus stop? Water view?

Ok, thats enough for now I am asking more questiosn than I will probably get answered! Any help would be wonderful!!!

 

[dawgfan]

-What are the major theme differences between POR and POFQ? You can't tour both resorts on the WDW website so it's hard for me to tell....
-Obviously everyone on here prefers FQ but is one resort more or less crowded than the other? is FQ in higher demand than Riverside?
-Can we access the same amenities no matter which resort? Do you share a pool? Do you share buses? Does this cause a problem?
-How long does the water launch take to get to the resorts? Which resorts can you get to from here?
-How much do carriage rides cost and how long does it last?
-I noticed other recent posts mentioning smoking buildings? I thought all WDW resorts were non-smoking now with designated outside smoking areas? Is this not true of PO?
-Is there a most desirable request-- like we noticed there was no "preferred" option here so what could get us closest to the food court and bus stop? Water view?

The major difference in POR vs POFQ is the size of each resort. POFQ is the smallest on site resort. The idea is less crowd. However POR is really not a crowded feeling resort. Both are very quiet and low key. The next major difference is the building theme. They are both "old South" with POFQ being a New Orleans archetectural theme and POR having old southern mansion style as well as bayou /backwoods style in one section. Each theme is well done. Bus seervice is also a big deal to many. How close is the bus stop or how many they have is a big deal to some people. How long a wait will I have also seems to be a frequent question. The wait times vary. Bus service to both resorts has always been, on average, very good. POFQ, on average, usually beats out POR in this area. There are many bus stops in POR around the resort at which the buses must stop. POFQ is the first stop on the bus run headed out and coming back in to the resorts. The bus experience we had this last trip in July, th ebus came to POFQ and then went to POR. It stopped at the main bus depot up front at POR but then left the resort. In other trips we had to go around the entire resort picking folks up at all the other bus stops prior to leaviong the resort. The spread of any resort then comes to mind when one considers how far they will have to walk. You being 24 will really probably not have an issue here. Since you will be with your boyfriend, which resort is more romantic may be of more importance. POFQ gets the easy win on this one to me. Both resorts are very nice. POFQ just won us over by a few extra points. POR and POFQ guests can use each reosts amenities. It is a short and noce stroll to either resort when walking from one to the other.

You can go by water launch to DTD. You cannot take a launch to another resort except possibly POR. The boat from POR and POFQ goes to DTD and then you can get a launch that will take you to Saratoga Springs and Old Key West. It works like the bus system. You have to use a "park" in this case DTD as a transfer station to get to another resort. Here the best scenario may be to go by car honestly speaking.

We have never done the carriage ride so cannot comment on that.

Take a look at the resort map on line for a decision on room or building requests. We have stayed in Building 3 and found that to be very convenient. There are other options that are closer. All buildings are now smoke free.

 

[skipperkim]

First welcome to POFQ. It's a great place. I love it because it just seems more "grown up" to me. Maybe it's because I see Mardi Gras as more for adults than kids. It seems more romantic to me too. The hot tub is fairly secluded. -What are the major theme differences between POR and POFQ?
Can we access the same amenities no matter which resort?
Yes, they are sister resorts.
Do you share a pool?
They each have their own, but you are able to use either resorts pool and the quiet pools at POR.
Do you share buses? Does this cause a problem?
Yes, they share buses. I only had a problem at DTD, Westside. But that wasn't just our resort. There were no buses for over 20 min the night we saw Cirque. Since you are dropped off and picked up first going to the parks, it's not that much of an issue. It does have its own bus stop at MK in the evening.
How long does the water launch take to get to the resorts? Which resorts can you get to from here?
I know it's about 20 min to get to DTD, but that's from POR. The boat starts off at DTD, then POFQ, POR, POFQ, DTD.
How much do carriage rides cost and how long does it last?
Here's a link for the carriage ride:
http://allearsnet.com/btp/carriage.htm#4
I noticed other recent posts mentioning smoking buildings? I thought all WDW resorts were non-smoking now with designated outside smoking areas? Is this not true of PO?
They are, these people are talking about the old smoking buildings which some chose to avoid buildings 2,6, and the top floor of 4.
Is there a most desirable request-- like we noticed there was no "preferred" option here so what could get us closest to the food court and bus stop? Water view?
I've paid for a water view, building 1 and won't do that again. It's quiet but about as far away from everything you can get. I stayed in building 3 last time. Building 4 is closest to the food court and bus stops. But honestly, far away at this resort means 5 min.

One last thing, check out page 36 in this thread. There are some great photos there.

 

[lovesdumbo]

When I realized we could pull of an almost week long trip in Spring and that it would be during Epcot's Flower and Garden festival... and the weather would be gorgeous... I almost burst with excitement!

I've got to comment on this. I brought my DD to celebrate her 7th birthday 5/22/06 on the 23rd it was 103 degrees. SO...just be prepared it can be VERY hot in May. I've been 3 times in May and it was in the 90's every trip.

That said the Flower Fest is awesome! And PO is relatively close to Epcot so that is great too.

I've been to both POR & POFQ. FQ is my preference but with 3 children POR was the cheapest option for 1 room. If POR had a prefered option I would love that but that resort is so large and if you get stuck with a remote room (which is certainly possible) it can be a very long walk to the food court. At FQ a water view room could be some of the most remote rooms so that won't guarantee you a room close to the food court. I personally wouldn't pay for a water view room.

 

[ThinkTink75]

I've got to comment on this. I brought my DD to celebrate her 7th birthday 5/22/06 on the 23rd it was 103 degrees. SO...just be prepared it can be VERY hot in May. I've been 3 times in May and it was in the 90's every trip.

That said the Flower Fest is awesome! And PO is relatively close to Epcot so that is great too.

I am so happy to hear that the Flower and Garden fest is great! I def understand the heat-- but its more that humidity that I was happy about avoiding! We got weather in the 90s when we went to WDW in January! lol!

Is there a most desirable request-- like we noticed there was no "preferred" option here so what could get us closest to the food court and bus stop? Water view?
I've paid for a water view, building 1 and won't do that again. It's quiet but about as far away from everything you can get. I stayed in building 3 last time. Building 4 is closest to the food court and bus stops. But honestly, far away at this resort means 5 min.

Thanks for the tip about water view... I think we would take that advice since the size won't really be an issue and maybe request a building.

You can go by water launch to DTD. You cannot take a launch to another resort except possibly POR. The boat from POR and POFQ goes to DTD and then you can get a launch that will take you to Saratoga Springs and Old Key West. It works like the bus system. You have to use a "park" in this case DTD as a transfer station to get to another resort. Here the best scenario may be to go by car honestly speaking.

We have never done the carriage ride so cannot comment on that.

Take a look at the resort map on line for a decision on room or building requests. We have stayed in Building 3 and found that to be very convenient. There are other options that are closer. All buildings are now smoke free.

Thanks for the advice on checking out the resort map... I googled it right away- I don't know what I didn't think of that! Also, thanks for the info about the water launch... for some reason I thought it went around to all the water launch resorts.

 

[bettyann29]

Me and DD got back from WDW earlier this week and stayed at POFQ.. just wanted to mention how much we loved this resort!! Me and DH are definitely going back early next year prior to our Disney cruise since we will have a few extra days at the time of our cruise and staying at POFQ..

 

[ThinkTink75]

Another quick question... In relation to the size of Caribbean Beach... looking at the map would you say that the size of the resort is similar to the size of the Port Orleans resort areas?
I mean, as far as rooms go CBR has upwards of 2100 while the PO resorts have a combined number over 3000 but CBR is so widely spaced out I am trying to picture how big the resort feels-- like in the 25 minute carriage ride would we go the entire path shown on the map? I know I ask wierd questions.

Only other question the map reminds me of is- there is a food court at FQ and then a food court and TS restaurant at Riverside? Or is that not right? Is there a difference in the food courts? Like, one better than the other?

Is there quiet pools at FQ?
Which main pool is nicer FQ or Riverside? Okay, now that I have bombarded you guys with 100 more questions I am going to go look at the pictures...

 

[ThinkTink75]

Ok... now I am def posting too many questions BUT i just checked out all those pictures on page 36--

So that is the main pool at FQ or the only pool?
Is the Riverside main pool similar?
The rooms don't have a double sink outside the bathroom area? Its only one and its inside the bathroom? Or could I just not see that in these pictures... I thought the WDW website tour showed two sinks.

I like the Mardi Gras theme over the old time southern town theme because it seems a little more romantic for some reason... a little more fun... and I love those alligators on the way to the pool! So cute! Are they from a Disney movie ? Its like they look so farmiliar to me but nothing is coming right to mind...

We really enjoyed CBR because we had a room close to the action-- the main pool was right there and the food court for our mug refills. Would we have a better chance of this at Riverside because we can pay for preferred? How does PO measure up to the other mods?? If we were in the building farthest away in FQ how long would the walk be to Riverside when we take our carriage ride? I know people mentioned buildings 3 and 4-- are those the favorites??

 

[CleveRocks]

So that is the main pool at FQ or the only pool?

The one and only.

Is the Riverside main pool similar?

Sorry, I have no idea. I can't even spell POR.

The rooms don't have a double sink outside the bathroom area? Its only one and its inside the bathroom? Or could I just not see that in these pictures... I thought the WDW website tour showed two sinks.

At POFQ, POR and CBR, there are two sinks just outside the little room that has the toilet and tub. CSR is the only moderate with a single sink in each room.

We really enjoyed CBR because we had a room close to the action-- the main pool was right there and the food court for our mug refills. Would we have a better chance of this at Riverside because we can pay for preferred?

No such thing at POR as a preferred location room. You can't reserve a room closer to the main pool or food court or anything like that -- it's NOT like CBR. And at POFQ it's just downright unnecessary, since it's so pleasantly compact. AT POFQ, the food court is very near the pool. It's not directly adjacent like at Old Port Royale at CBR, but it's darn close to the pool. As long as you're not balancing 6 meals on a single tray like a Chinese acrobat, you'll be fine. However, there are very few tables near the POFQ pool.

 

[Tink rules]

I placed this in the wrong forum before, so I am trying again. I read that some of the moderates do not have bar soap in the rooms. Does POFQ have bar soap? I really can't imagine any hotel not supplying bar soap.

Deb

Here is a picture of what is offered at the Poly... It's probably the same... Last time I was there, only the GF had different - but I could be wrong...


http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20706322&postcount=2416

& here's the website for H2O

http://www.h2oplus.com/retail2002/productlist.aspx?category=Resort Amenities

 

[DisneyParkFan]

I placed this in the wrong forum before, so I am trying again. I read that some of the moderates do not have bar soap in the rooms. Does POFQ have bar soap? I really can't imagine any hotel not supplying bar soap.

Deb

I was just there August 6-12, at POFQ and there was bath soap and shampoo in the shower. Bar soap and a small bottle of shampoo. There was also facial soap by the sinks.

 

[bubba73]

Just back from POFQ and we had a GREAT time. This was the first time we have stayed in a Moderate and I can say we were not disappointed. We did make a room request in the sense we asked for a corner room so we could get a double window but that request wasn't made. We were very close though. We were in Building 3 in room 3226. It took me about 2 minutes to walk from the room to the food court and about 3 minutes to go to the pool. It took is about 6 minutes to go from the lobby, out to the loading dock and back. Can't argue with that at all.

What was I disappointed in? 1) Beniegts. They were not authentic at all. They seemed to be hollow filo dough cooked and covered in powdered sugar. Real beneigts are not hollow. 2) Housekeeping. When we first got to the room, there was still "hair" left over in the shower stall from the people that was there before us. Even one of the guys at the front desk said that there has been several issues with housekeeping. It got better but if I was going to be honest about it, POP was a little cleaner. 3) Wake-up service. They were on time but I just have a personal gripe. The wake-up call is Stitch. It was the same way at POP so I guess he has taken over. I HATE STITCH!!! This is one character that I really wish they would let go.

Really, that was it. Everything else was really good. After we left POFQ, we stayed at a Best Western over in Titusville so we could go to KSC. The room at POFQ was A LOT better and even a little bigger. It made me appreciate even more what we had while we were at the World!

 

[ThinkTink75]

J
What was I disappointed in? 1) Beniegts. They were not authentic at all. They seemed to be hollow filo dough cooked and covered in powdered sugar. Real beneigts are not hollow. 2) Housekeeping. When we first got to the room, there was still "hair" left over in the shower stall from the people that was there before us. Even one of the guys at the front desk said that there has been several issues with housekeeping. It got better but if I was going to be honest about it, POP was a little cleaner. 3) Wake-up service. They were on time but I just have a personal gripe. The wake-up call is Stitch. It was the same way at POP so I guess he has taken over. I HATE STITCH!!! This is one character that I really wish they would let go.

You can probably tell by the million posts I put up yesterday BUT even though you had some gripes, would you recommend POFQ?

And I know just how you feel with Housekeeping, I had our room changed in 2006 when we had an unclean room upon arrival to All Star Movies, and then this year I was ready for the worst just in case and Caribbean Beach had fantastically amazing housekeeping... sometimes its a toss up.

 

[pooksma]

Is there one building at FQ that is quieter than the rest? We're planning a "Mom and Dad only" trip and have decided on FQ or Riverside (im leaning toward FQ) Walking is a non issue for us.

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

3) Wake-up service. They were on time but I just have a personal gripe. The wake-up call is Stitch. It was the same way at POP so I guess he has taken over. I HATE STITCH!!! This is one character that I really wish they would let go.

Unfortunately for the past couple of years (it seems that long anyway), it has been stitch on the wake up calls. I really dislike the wake up calls with stictch. I would love to wake up to Mickey, Princesses, goofy, almost anybody but stitch. I think they need to have a "select your own character" wake up call. Wouldn't that be great....if you had a little girl she could be awaken by the princesses, a little boy by Captain hook, etc. etc.

 

[bubba73]

I would definately recommend POFQ as a place to stay. It was very quite and relaxing. Taking the boat ride to DTD was very nice. Granted we could have driven there in half the time but it wouldn't have been as nice. At Scat Cats, they have a guy who comes in and puts on a really good show. Funny story: After we had checked out and went back to the parks for the day on Friday, we remembered we had left something in the room so we went back to the hotel. Scat Cats is right across from where you check-in. While I was in line to ask if it had been turned in, the guy started playing a song that I knew and liked. The lady behind me liked it as well so we were "sort of dancing" to the music while in line. Her son looked at us like we were crazy. Then, I looked up and saw a little kid on the edge of the fountain dancing to the music. It was one of the cutest and funniest things I saw all week. I just wish I had my camera with me at that moment. Just one of those things that make you appreciate being at Disney.

 

[jcemom]

Unfortunately for the past couple of years (it seems that long anyway), it has been stitch on the wake up calls. I really dislike the wake up calls with stictch. I would love to wake up to Mickey, Princesses, goofy, almost anybody but stitch. I think they need to have a "select your own character" wake up call. Wouldn't that be great....if you had a little girl she could be awaken by the princesses, a little boy by Captain hook, etc. etc.

I don't like the darn Stitch wake up call either. It seems like it's been Stitch forever. I miss Mickey. I agree that I'd rather have just about anybody but Stitch. It's annoying.

 

[Flossbolna]

If I remember correctly, you just need to listen to the wake up call for a bit: it starts out with Stitch and then Mickey comes on, saying sorry that Stitch got in his way or so...

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

We just returned from staying four nights @ POFQ and I would definitely recommend it. Our only issue was the food court which was very slow in comparison to our stays @ POP. And of course when you're anxious to get to the parks...service seems even slower! Buses were great and I thought the resort itself was just gorgeous with all the beautiful trees and flowers. It was a very relaxed feeling and we also enjoyed listening to Elliot playing @ Scat Cat's. One day we walked over to POR just to get some exercise in (are we crazy or what?) and I was surprised at how many people we just standing around everywhere...it was a completely different atmosphere than POFQ.