Disney’s Port Orleans Resort comprises of two hotels varying in theming: Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside. These moderate resorts tend to be on most Disney fans’ favorites list. French Quarter is smaller than the other hotel and is themed after Mardi Gras. Riverside is a larger resort and is themed to rural Louisana and the bayou. It’s hard to pick which one is my favorite, but today, I am leaning more toward Frech Quarter due to its more intimate feeling and its size. Anyway, we aren’t here to discuss theming and hotel sizes. We are here to talk about food!
Port Orleans French Quarter
On the surface, it may seem like this resort doesn’t have much to offer in the food department, but I can assure you I’ve never had a bad culinary experience here. The primary dining offering here is Sassagula Floatworks and Food Factory. This quick-service restaurant will transport you to Mardi Gras while enjoying classic Cajun and Creole cuisine. Here they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The operating hours are 7 AM to 11 PM.
Before we move on to our next culinary adventure, here’s a look at the current menu.
I suggest leaving room for dessert because Scat Cat’s Club -Cafe is not too far away. Here you can indulge in the famous Mickey-shaped beignets. They also have traditional-shaped beignets if you don’t want a mouse-shaped treat. Guests will find coffee here that pairs perfectly with sugary snacks. If you have any dietary restrictions like gluten or dairy allergy, don’t worry. They make allergy-friendly beignets too.
Beignets From Port Orleans French Quarter
If you are visiting during Fall, you might be able to enjoy a pumpkin-spiced beignet which is absolutely delicious! Just be sure to check when you pass by the cafe or ask a cast member.
If you are looking for some evening snacks (5 PM-10 PM), the Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge is the place for you! Here you can enjoy some jazz music, Southern-inspired specialty cocktails, craft beer, and appetizers. The entertainment starts at 7:30 PM and can be experienced from Fridays to Sundays.
Let’s take a look at the appetizers they serve at this lounge!
Port Orleans Riverside
Port Orleans Riverside has a quick-service dining location and a table-service restaurant that has recently become one of my favorite places to eat at Disney World. The food at this resort truly feels like a warm hug; it’s what I would call comfort food. Before we get into the sit-down restaurant, I want to focus on the more casual option.
First, we have Riverside Mill Food Court, inspired by Southern Louisiana-style cookin’ on the bayou. The restaurant is made of wood to make you feel you are next to a big mill wheel that powers a working cotton press. All the wood fixtures and warm colors make this area feel cozy. In my opinion, this is a great space to open up a laptop and get some work done. I’ve seen many guests do this each time I visit.
As I mentioned above, the food here is inspired by southern Louisiana-style food and is open from 7 AM to 11 PM. The menu is almost identical to the one at the French Quarter, just with some minor alterations.
Let’s take a peek at the current menu, shall we?
On the other side of the food court entrance is where you can find Boatwright’s Dining Hall. According to Disney, if you are looking for southern hospitality, this is where you’ll find it. Honestly, I agree with Disney on this one. Each time I’ve dined here, I have had fantastic service. For some context, I’ve eaten here four times in the past nine months. It’s hard to explain the restaurant’s aesthetics fully, so I’ll let Disney do that for us because my description is “there’s boat stuff everywhere, and the restaurant is very cozy,” but that doesn’t do it justice.
Hanging lanterns illuminate the cavernous dining hall, and the skeletal hull of a lugger fishing boat is suspended on high as its centerpiece. Warm yourself by the fire as you spy antique shipbuilding tools on the walls: C-clamps, saw blades, axes and more.
Walt Disney World Website
The menu is filled with hearty dishes that are jam-packed with flavor. I highly recommend visiting this restaurant during the cooler months because their meals are perfect for that type of climate. This dining location is only open for dinner, and Disney recommends making a reservation in advance. Every time I’ve dined here, I’ve been lucky enough to score a reservation the day of, so be sure to check the My Disney Experience app throughout the day.
On the other side of Boatwright’s is the River Roost Lounge. This is where you can see the famous Yehaa Bob. He plays the piano and keeps the crowd laughing all night long. My pro tip is to get there before Yehaa Bob takes the stage because once he’s there, the lounge gets busy, and almost all the seats are taken. So if you want to secure a spot, get there early.
There’s a full bar at this charming old-fashioned watering hole and light snacks while the kitchen is open. The appetizer menu stops being available at 10 PM, so order all the snacks you want before that. Speaking of these delicious food items, let’s look at their current menu!
Final Thoughts
I love these properties, and their food makes them even better. As I mentioned earlier, Boatwright’s Dining Hall is one of my favorite places to eat at Walt Disney World; it’s on my top three list of restaurants. The Port Orleans Resorts might be in the moderate tier, but that doesn’t mean we should dismiss their dining options. Whenever a friend or family member comes into town, I take them here for dinner because I know if I love it, they will too. If you’ve dined at any of these restaurants, please leave your experience in the comment section!
