RIVERSIDE or FRENCH QUARTER - Please help About This Page:

[GinaButtrfly]

Originally, I wanted to stay in the Epcot area this summer, and I asked everyone about BC and Boardwalk.

Plans have changed. We'll be traveling with friends of ours who are a family of 5 and are limited in their choice of resort because of it. We were all cringing at the cost of their trip with park passes, dining, and a deluxe resort - with airfare for 5 on top of that. SOOOOO Instead of spending more than WL (our usual spot) on a room, we're trying LESS A novel choice I think. It's more of a fact-finding mission because I stayed at Dixie Landings (with little memory of it) years and years ago, and DH has never stayed in a Moderate.

All that being said.... They are staying at POR. We are staying at POFQ - I requested building 2 or 5 on recommendation by my DH's aunt and uncle. I also upgraded to Water View. I thought that staying in the different sections of this resort would give each family built-in down time away from each other so no one felt like they had to ASK for it. We can meet on the buses, at meals, or right at the parks themselves. However, the more I research, the more I'm wondering if POFQ is as good for my 5 and 4 yr olds as POR, or if I'm choosing the wrong PO resort.

What are your opinions on POR and POFQ for busy boys?

[Colexis Mom]

Well, I'm probably no help, but just wanted to let you know that we too booked POFQ this summer (downgraded - we usually stay in deluxes and are splitting this stay with the BC). Anyhoo, I've heard so many great things about POFQ, that's why I chose it My kids will be 9 and 6 on the trip, and I'm sure they will have a great time! I requested building 5 as well (not waterview though). I've also heard great things about the pool, and the compactness of the resort, which is what led me to book it

[Caldercup]

POFQ is a wonderful resort (we actually prefer to stay in building 4 to be near the buses, but have also stayed in Bldg 2 and it was close as well.) The resort is great for little ones as it has a delightful pool and play area. For adults with little ones, it's great because of its small size -- you won't have that far to walk if your child is a sleeping "sack of potatoes" on your shoulder at the end of a day.

There are tons of fun things to do at Riverside (like the fishin' hole and the marina), but you have access to that and their pool too as a guest of the sister resort, French Quarter.

Personally, I'd stay with POFQ and meet up, as you said.
Eileen

[disney_duke]

POFQ would be my choice as well. I've stayed there twice now, and POR once. My main reason for liking FQ is the small size. It's so easy to get anywhere quickly, which was important when walking around with 2 little girls. And easier to get refills on your resort mug. At POR, we would finish our soda before we were even halfway to our room! As mentioned above, it's nice to have the option of going next door to use the POR pool if you want to, and visit with your friends. The only thing the boys may enjoy better at POR would be the Alligator Bayou decor. On the other hand, I'm not sure that boys particularly care about decor..... I think you'll enjoy FQ mostly for the theming. Every little detail is perfect, cobblestone streets, streetlamps, the names of the streets (I seem to like the streets....)!! To me, the FQ is just as thoughtfully detailed as the WL and you will soon have a favorite moderate resort.

[ctalley]

We stayed at POFQ this past May. We were in Bldg 2. Our room faced the pool area. It was very close to everything. Our DDs 7 & 9 loved the pool area. I would stay there again.

[Tricia Davids]

We have stayed at POR several times. We love the theming of Alligator Bayou, the food court, and the pool area, but it is much more spread out! The pool at FQ is really fun and you have access to anything at Riverside (so you could meet up to swim or eat). I think the downtime would be a better idea than staying together.

[Disneybine]

Even though I personally prefer POR over POFQ, I'd think that POFQ is even better suited for two young boys. It's more compact so they won't have to walk as much. I like the idea of staying in different resorts yet close together, by the way! I'm sure you'll each get some "space" by that

On a side note, POR is just a stroll away from POFQ, and since the two are sister resorts, you're welcome to use the POR pool, too. If your boys like the POR area better, you can always walk/drive over there - and the kids can even hang out together at the pool

[darlus]

I prefer PORQ but I thought only POR could accomidate a family of 5 in 1 room.

[jhoshowski]

We really enjoyed POFQ. My boys thought the pool was wonderful, and as mentioned above, everything is very close together. You can still walk over to POR to visit with your friends if you like. Another thing to keep in mind, if you don't have a car onsite, is that all buses except the BB/DTD one pick up and drop off at POFQ first. We always had a seat on the way to the parks, while many people from POR had to stand. And there is nothing nicer than being the first one off the bus at night. Try the boat to DTD - it's wonderful!

The only thing I would question, if you will, is paying extra for a waterview room. Keep in mind that you don't have a balcony - there is a walkway outside your room, and people will be passing by. We generally kept our curtains closed (I don't want people "checking us out"). JMO.

[GinaButtrfly]

Originally Posted by darlus

I prefer PORQ but I thought only POR could accomidate a family of 5 in 1 room.

My friends have 3 boys (5 in their family). We have 2 boys (4 in our family). We are staying at POFQ and they are staying at POR.

Thanks all of you for your comments. I'm sold on POFQ, and can't wait to meander over to POR to check things out, too.

Jennifer, I chose water view only because I don't want to view a parking lot when we walk in and out of the room. We were going to stay at BC - we're saving so much money that DH didn't even notice the upgraded room. I think he's very nervous about the Moderate (until he gets there and sees they're great and themed and DISNEY ALL THE WAY too), so anything that adds to the feeling of being away will help him love the place and help to save us $$$ down the road.

[jamison518]

I think you will be pleasantly suprised how nice and and accomidating the moderate resorts really are, and you kids will find plenty to keep them occupied between the wonderful pool and the arcade. They also have activites such as boating and bike rentals. I'm sure you and your family will will enjoy the resort .

[Joanne929]

We too are a family of 5 and have only stayed at POR-AB but I am sure you will enjoy POFQ. And you can both enjoy what each resort has to offer.

We also have traveled to WDW with friends (and of course our kids, and even my parents were with us!). We had adjoining rooms with them and didn't have any problems with "down" time (but it crossed both of our minds!). My girlfriend and I had planned on NOT spending every waking minute together. At the end of the day we would hang outside our doors and talk though - I looked forward to that. We had planned our days and it worked out wonderfully for us and we would both do it again!
Enjoy your upcoming trip with your friends!

[Bman]

I can't speak for FQ, but we stayed at POR with our six year old boy last year and we liked it just fine. I recommend it highly.

[Caldercup]

There's really only one side of building 4 that actually faces the parking lot. In building 5 or 2, you won't see a parking lot at all. (Plus, even the parking lot views are nice because it's all so beautifully landscaped.) You could always put in your request that you don't want to face the parking lot.
Eileen

[WDW_Fan]

Port Orleans French Quarter is my favorite moderate resort. You're going to love it here. The resort is compact, so it's easy to get everywhere here. Also, my nephews loved this resort, especially the pool. Building 5 is a great building to request, as it's close to everything.

I stayed at POR and really did not care for it. Way too spread out for my taste.