Laissez les bons temps rouler… it’s time for another DIS Unlimited dining review, this time at Port Orlean’s French Quarter! The DIS team dined at the resort’s quick-service location, Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory for a leisurely lunch. The menu here includes all the usual quick-service favorites like burgers and pizza with the addition of Cajun classics like jambalaya and gumbo. It’s important to note that the My Disney Experience App, including Mobile Order, reflects a very limited version of the menu. I would recommend ordering in-person at this location to get the full array of options.
First up, Ryno chose the jambalaya served with golden cornbread for $10.99. This dish includes chicken, Andouille sausage, vegetables, and rice simmered in a spicy sauce. Ryno noted the dish looked and had the same consistency as other versions of jambalaya he’s tried. Unfortunately, the heavy presence of tomato gave it more of a sweet flavor that downplayed the spice. Ryno was able to remedy this with crushed red pepper and hot sauce. Overall, the dish was filling and he really enjoyed the cornbread addition.
The team all tried the gumbo because how could we not? When in “New Orleans,” you must get gumbo. This version features chicken, sausage, and a dark roux base; served in a large bowl filling enough to be a main dish. While the team felt this was a solid dish, it wouldn’t be a version you would likely find in Louisiana. Thankfully, we all felt the spice level was just right and the dish packed flavor without needing to compensate with hot sauce.
I chose the shrimp and grits with smoked ham, vegetables, and cream sauce for $15.29. I was pleasantly surprised to see the shrimp and vegetables were sauteed fresh when ordered and it was made with care. Unfortunately, the presentation did not match the preparation as we all agreed it looked like “a big bowl of slop.” While not a traditional shrimp and grits, I enjoyed the large, plentiful shrimp and the stone ground grits base. Despite being very hungry, I couldn’t finish my portion and felt the value was incredible!
Last but never least, Craig chose the Baton Rouge burger made with pimento cheese, fried green tomato, and bacon served with fries for $13.49. Craig noted the hamburger patty and overall taste was superior to most Disney quick-service burgers. Unfortunately, Craig felt the pimento cheese was likely just a slice of melted cheddar and the extra lettuce and tomato on the burger were unnecessary and distracted from the flavors. Most importantly, Craig struck gold and added gumbo to his otherwise boring fries. These “gumbo fries/ poor man’s poutine” might be one of the best Disney food hacks!
To round out our dining adventure, we each sampled the seasonal Mardi Gras king cake for $5.29. Almost instantly, we were pretty sure this dessert would disappoint as it appeared extremely dry. We were exactly right. This desert was indeed brutally dry and did not resemble king cake in any way. To quote Ryno, “it’s like someone left this desert in their car and decided to serve it hours later.” Craig did enjoy the overabundance of cinnamon inside the cake but felt the large amount of cinnamon might have been a mistake. Personally, I would never choose this desert when Mickey beignets can be purchased right around the corner.
The atmosphere of Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory perfectly matches the New Orleans theme of the resort! It’s named “Floatworks” because there are many props as if this space is used to store Mardi Gras parade floats. If you look above, you might even find touches from The Princess and the Frog. If you’re staying at either of the Port Orleans Resorts or just looking for a fun quick-service adventure, be sure to check this restaurant out!
Watch the team’s dining review video below!
Hannah Anderson is a Dreams Unlimited Travel Agent, DIS Contributor, former Disney Cast Member, and Orlando local. Mostly importantly, she is a mom and loves spending time in the Disney Parks each week with her family.
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