There’s a lot to love about Port Orleans, but there’s also a lot that might make you think twice.
Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (French Quarter and Riverside) has the charm, the ambiance, and those beignets people won’t stop talking about — but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. In fact, there are some pretty frustrating downsides to staying here, especially if you’ve done your research and are expecting it to be a low-key, convenient, best-of-both-worlds resort. Today, we’re breaking down the real issues with Port Orleans so you can decide if it’s worth your time, money, and sanity.
Here are some of the biggest problems you might run into if you’re staying at Port Orleans.
Transportation is…not great.
You will mostly be relying on buses here, which can sometimes fill up quickly or be pretty slow. You may have longer wait times than expected, which can cause you to be late for a Lightning Lane or dining reservation. Also, at Port Orleans Resort — Riverside, there’s an internal bus loop because the resort is so large. That means you could have to wait through multiple stops when you’re coming and going.
Port Orleans Riverside Resort bus stop
You could also hop on the Sassagoula River Cruise, which is boat transportation for these resorts that takes you to Disney Springs (you can also transfer at that spot and then ride to Saratoga Springs or Old Key West Resort). However, the boat is a bit on the slow side, and it’s also weather-dependent. If storms roll through, the boats are shut down, and you’ll be back to the bus.
Disney Springs boat
What to do instead: If fast and flexible transportation is a priority while staying on a tighter budget, check out Pop Century or Caribbean Beach. Both have access to the Disney Skyliner, which connects you to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios quickly, with no traffic.
Learn More About Disney World Transportation Here!
It feels FAR from the parks.
Port Orleans is closer to the Disney Springs area, which means the closest park by road is EPCOT. It can feel like a particularly long trek to Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom, especially if there’s traffic on the way.
Port Orleans — French Quarter
Add in the morning rush to those longer bus rides, and it may feel like it’s taking forever to get to the parks. That can be stressful if you’re eager to rope drop, get to a dining reservation, or scan in for a Lightning Lane.
Riverside Lobby
What to do instead: If proximity is your main concern, you can’t beat the Crescent Lake resorts like Beach Club, Yacht Club, and BoardWalk Inn. You can walk to EPCOT and even Hollywood Studios, or hop on a boat if your feet need a break. For Magic Kingdom access, stay at one of the Monorail resorts. Keep in mind that those resorts are significantly pricier, so to get the best proximity, you’ve got to pay.
Learn More About the EPCOT Resort Area Here!
Theming is kind of a mismatch.
This one’s subtle but can still be frustrating. Port Orleans is split into two sections — Riverside and French Quarter, which were originally two totally separate resorts. That means the theming doesn’t totally flow, and the layouts can be a bit confusing to navigate. Riverside is large and spread out, while the French Quarter is smaller and easier to walk, but switching between the two feels like you’re hopping resorts…and technically, you are.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
Also, depending on where your room is located (especially in Riverside), you might be a pretty long walk from food, the bus stop, or the main pool. We’ve also known people to stay at Riverside, not knowing that the famous Mickey beignets are located at French Quarter. It could be quite a long walk to get to those sweet treats!
Disney’s Port Orleans — Riverside Resort
What to do instead: If cohesive theming and an easy layout matter to you, consider staying at Art of Animation. The theming there is bold, immersive, and kid-friendly, plus the layout is simple to understand. If you want something more upscale, Animal Kingdom Lodge offers stunning theming and savanna views all in one consistent vibe.
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Dining isn’t for everyone.
We’re going to be honest — we like the food at Port Orleans. The gumbo is solid, the beignets are iconic, and Scat Cat’s Lounge has some of the better resort nightlife you’ll find outside the Deluxe tier. That said, if you’re traveling with picky eaters or just want traditional theme park fare (burgers, fries, chicken tenders, pizza—you know, the staples), you might be disappointed.
Scat Cat’s Club
The food here largely focuses on Southern comfort meals, with a bit of Louisiana inspiration. Boatwright’s Dining Hall often has some delicious eats, but they might be too heavy for some palates. The food courts are fine, but they’re not exactly the pinnacle of dining. It really all comes down to your personal tastes — do you like Southern food, Cajun-inspired eats, and things that are deep-fried? (Personally, I’m a big fan!)
Boatwright’s Dining Hall
What to do instead: If you’ve got a group with simpler tastes or just want that classic Disney dining experience, try Pop Century or Art of Animation. Their food courts are larger, have more options, and lean more toward the traditional park food experience—plus, they’re often open later. However, if you have a group that loves delicious food, just not this type of food, try Coronado Springs Resort. It has Spanish and Latin American inspiration with some truly stellar restaurants and lounges.
See Our Review of Boatwright’s Dining Hall Here!
The Hotel Rooms Can Sometimes Be Disappointing
Some of the rooms at these resorts are a bit outdated, and that can be a source of complaints for folks. The good news is that Riverside is undergoing a refurbishment into 2027, but if you’re staying there in the coming months, you may not be guaranteed a refreshed room.
View of the room behind the beds
Also, the Royal Guest Rooms at Riverside were recently refurbished, and some long-time fans of the hotel haven’t been impressed with the new look. Basically, it comes down to your personal preferences for decor.
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You SHOULD Stay Here If…
However, there are also plenty of reasons why you might want to stay at Port Orleans, either Riverside or French Quarter. The Louisiana-inspired theming of these hotels is very unique and well-done. The atmosphere of the resorts in general is laid-back, calm, and perfect for vacationing.
Port Orleans French Quarter
They have some very fun pools at these hotels with unique water elements, and of course, we’re big fans of the Mickey beignets you can get at Scat Cat’s Club — Cafe. Both of the resort lounges have excellent entertainment in the evenings, and the Moderate Resort price point is in a sweet spot for a lot of folks.
Alligator Bayou Rooms
Don’t write off these hotels entirely — they could be just right for you if none of the problems we mentioned are issues for your family!
If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you! They’ll keep an eye on all of the best deals so you don’t have to.
Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Walt Disney World.
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Will you be staying at Port Orleans in 2025? Let us know in the comments below.
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