We've got it down to 2... POP or POFQ?

[Tinkerbell Teen]

My mom and I are probably taking a trip to WDW in early April this year (we'd be booking within the next week). We have narrowed our resort choices down to 2: POFQ or POP. We have stayed at POP before, in 2007, but never at POFQ. With the 'early spring travel' deal, both of these resorts are within our price range and we have heard positive and negative things about both. We have a big concern with each, though.

We've heard that POFQ has an inconvenient bus system (crowded bus stop, stopping at Riverside, no organized lines). Is the bus system there pretty good?

Also, we worry about cheerleading groups (we were swarmed with them in March 2009 at ASMu). Is POP a location they choose in early April?

And lastly, which resort would you reccommend for my mom and I? I'm turning 17 in a few days, if knowing my age helps. In the past, we've stayed at WL, POP, and ASMu. Thanks!

 

[MacFam4]

We've stayed at both resorts, Pop in 08 and POFQ this past May. Since you've alreay stayed at Pop, you already know what you'll be getting. We actually liked it there alot. But we also really enjoyed POFQ. If you go with that resort, there are double sinks in the bathroom so that may save a little time in the morning. The rooms are a little larger and there is a fridge. We found the food court to be pretty good. My boys really enjoyed the pool. The resort isn't very large to it is an easy walk to the lobby. We had no problems at all with the busses. We never had to wait long and they never seemed to be crowded. We were there the end of May during Memorial Day weekend and Star Wars weekends, so the parks were pretty crowded, but still no long waits for the busses. They stop of POFQ before Riverside, both drop off and pick up. Plus you can take the boat to DTD. We would stay at both of the resorts again, it would just depend on our budget. Oh, one more thing...you can easily walk from POFQ to Riverside if you want to use their pool or their food court. Hope this helps!!

 

[Nik's Mom]

POFQ is a great resort because it is very compact. Nothing is more than a short walk from your room. Plus, you have the option of taking the boat to DTD. As for the bus service, it just depends. There will be times when buses will be crowded, but is no different than Pop. The only difference between the two in terms of bus service is that POFQ often shares with POR.

I think POFQ has a little more to offer than Pop, but if you just plan to sleep there, then I guess that might not be important. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said each resort has pros and cons. I say you and your mom should sit down and look at pictures of POFQ and decide from there. Here is a great website that will give you more infor and pictures of POFQ
http://www.portorleans.org/

 

[kerri0616]

Hands down POFQ. I've stayed at both resorts. We had no problem with bus service. Maybe once we drove through Riverside after getting on the bus. There is only one bus stop at FQ and everything is so compact and convenient. The rooms are much nicer and the grounds are lovely. It is a smaller resort than POP, so it won't be a long walk to the food court from any room.

The boat ride to DD is a wonderful perk. And the beignets are to die for.

Kerri

 

[SarahKate]

That's so cool that you and your mom are going together! I HOPE that my now 8.5 year old daughter will still want to go to WDW when she is your age.

You have LOTS of reasons to go for a Moderate.
- Already been to POP, so staying at POFQ would give you a brand new experience
- It's in your price range, so why not?
- POFQ is a little more "grown up" and there are more activities at POFQ/POR than at POP

 

[Tinkerbell Teen]

Thanks SO much everyone! I was leaning toward POFQ (Mom is letting me choose), and now that my bus fears are alleviated, I would really like to stay there! Keep the opinions coming, we love hearing peoples' experiences!

 

[dskib]

POFQ! I've stayed at both and actually enjoyed both, but I really preferred the smaller size and atmosphere of POFQ. I also really liked that I could take the boat to Downtown Disney. We had absolutely no problem with the buses. As a matter of fact, the only bus that stopped at POR while we were there was the one to Animal Kingdom. All others picked us up and went directly to the parks - and not because they were full! I've already booked next year!

Deb

 

[crazymomof4]

That's so cool that you and your mom are going together! I HOPE that my now 8.5 year old daughter will still want to go to WDW when she is your age.

Same here. I'm absolutely blown away (in a happy way) that at age 11 (she'll be 12 by the trip) my DD wants me to make her a Snow White gown to wear in the parks when we go in Sept.