We just got back. Rooms were very clean. They took our room request to the letter (so they do listen when they can). Loved the boat to Downtown Disney. Check in was quick and easy (Sept 22 afternoon), and Airline Checkout even easier (Oct 1, 7AM). I know the airline checkout gets crowded in the late morning.
I only had 2 complaints which an otherwise perfect resort (This was our 3rd straight year at POFQ):
1) Bus Service was close to unacceptable this year. At one point, we waited 90 minutes for a bus to MK. And more often than not, 2 MK or Epcot buses would arrive 1 right behind the other; one would leave empty, and it would be another 60 minutes before 1 returned. We learned that going to 2 parks with a break during the day meant more than 4 hours of travel, so we stopped taking breaks.
On occasion, the buses did arrive within the 20 min intervals, but it was 50/50.
Ask 3 bus drivers what time the first pickup is at POFQ, and you'll get three different answers. Ask a CM at the front desk, and you'll get a 4th. "6AM" the CM at the desk said. We had 8AM ADR at Poly so we got out there early. The FIRST Epcot Bus driver said the MK bus to POFQ starts at 7:10AM. The SECOND Epcot bus to pull in said the MK bus started at 7:30AM, the THIRD (3!!!) Epcot bus that pulled in said he didn't know.
We asked #3 for Epcot if he could radio in and find out. He said he didn't have any communication capabilities (AT ALL). I guess all those radios we always see them on are part of the Disney show. #2 ended up being right, and we got a bus by 7:30, and had to rush like all $#@! to get to Poly on the Monorail, but we made it.
Complaint #2:
Earl of Sandwich can move 300 people though a line before 1 person gets a order of Chicken Tenders at POFQ. We learned to go early, go late, or don't go at all. Go to 3 stations, and an average wait of 5-10 mintues a station, and you're standing around for 30 minutes for "fast food" Counter Service.
Tip for POFQ employees: I know you're concerned about food cost per serving but; if you see 15 people in line, and you only have 6 items on your menu, you can ASSUME that more than one will want Chicken Tenders. You don't need to wait until they order it to drop them in the fryer DURING THE LUNCH RUSH!
I can't tell you how many fryers went unused during busy times....
For about the same price as a CS, you can walk down to Boatwrights at POR, sit down at a TS, and still get back before CS people are done eating. Literally.
We learned to work around the poor CS Service, but the buses were a killer. Next trip, I'll seriously consider renting a car, and since I'm doing that, probably stay off site to offset the cost of the car.
