5 SERIOUS Downsides To Staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Hotel

There’s a lot to love about Port Orleans, but there’s also a lot that might make you think twice.

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.

The boat to Disney Springs is scenic, sure — but it’s also slow and weather-dependent. If storms roll in (which they do often in Florida), the boats are shut down, and you’re back to hoping for a bus.

What to do instead: If fast and flexible transportation is a priority, 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. Or, if you want even more options, the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian offer monorail access and walking paths to Magic Kingdom.

It feels FAR from the parks.

This is one of those things you don’t really notice on the map, but you definitely feel it when you’re there. Even though Port Orleans is technically close to several parks, getting to them feels like it takes forever. Whether you’re on the bus or boat, transit times tend to drag, especially with shared routes or mid-day crowd surges.

If you’re trying to get to your Lightning Lane window or dining reservation, you might end up stress-scrolling through My Disney Experience while your boat gently bobs along at turtle speed.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There’s no massive food court like the one at All-Star Movies or Pop Century, and Boatwright’s Dining Hall can be hit or miss depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re expecting tons of variety or classic theme park options, this isn’t the spot.

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.

The Royal Guest Rooms are far and pricey.

The Royal Guest Rooms at Riverside are undeniably cute. They’ve got fancy headboards, portraits of Disney royalty, and plenty of sparkles. But here’s the thing—they’re far. Like, far from the lobby, far from the bus stop, far from the food court. So while you’re paying more for an “elevated” experience, you’re also stuck with one of the longest hikes to the stuff you actually need every day.

For some families, the princess vibes are totally worth it. But if you’re looking for convenience or value, you’re better off elsewhere.

What to do instead: If you want themed rooms without sacrificing location, try a Family Suite at Art of Animation. They’re still heavily themed, have more space, and you’re not stuck in the outer edges of the resort. Or if you want Deluxe-level theming and convenience, the themed rooms at Polynesian or Grand Floridian are next level.

The bottom line is that Port Orleans has its fans, and it absolutely has charm. But it’s not the easiest, fastest, or most food-friendly resort on Disney property. If you’re all about aesthetics, you might love it. But if you value quick transportation, a tight layout, or classic Disney dining options, there are better picks out there.

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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