The Sassagoula River Cruise – Think Twice, Bruh

The Port Orleans Resorts at Disney World offer lots of charm and several modes of transportation. We’ve had recent stays at both French Quarter and Riverside, and we timed a few ways to get hither and yon. Let’s review:

Boat Transportation at Port Orleans Resort

The boat ride from Port Orleans Riverside to Disney Springs is a neat way to see the Treehouse Villas and lovely views of the water.

That said, consider a few things if you’re planning on the aquatic method of transportation during our “Florida-is-the-face-of-the-burning-sun” months. So, June to November.

⭐ Time of day. We saw the largest crowds around 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm when everyone was showered and headed to Disney Springs for dinner. While there are several boats running the same route, we had to wait 19 minutes from the time we got in line until our boat was loading. While there is some shade at the Riverside dock, it’s not entirely covered and you may find an unlucky spot in the full blaze.

⭐ If you’re starting at Riverside, you’ll make a stop at French Quarter. This will add a few minutes of travel time, except you’re just smelling gas fumes and potentially baking in the sun, depending on the time of day and whether you’re port or starboard. These are the only two Resort stops on this route. There are other routes along the Sassagoula that service Old Key West and Saratoga Springs but that’s another post for another day.

⭐ Guests loading at French Quarter headed to Disney Springs can face much longer waits depending on the time of day. Our boat only had space for 2 guests to embark at French Quarter, which meant only 2 guests from French Quarter were able to join our voyage. This is probably a good time to pivot to bus transportation or take the walk from French Quarter to Riverside and load there if you’re set on the boat.

⭐ Do you have older folks, babies, or anyone with health concerns that might be made extra uncomfortable in the hot, loud, and sometimes smelly trip down the Sassagoula? Do you have pre-teens with you? We can speak with some authority here, bruh. Take the bus (which is always running no matter the boat schedule) and make sure they have snacks and water before you begin walking or you’re going to get your feelings hurt.

“The problem is not the problem, the problem is your attitude about the problem.” – Captain Jack Sparrow & Crispy Lemons after taking a slow boat on a hot day with a pre-teen.

All in all, this is a gorgeous way to come back to your Port Orleans Resort at night when the sun is down, everyone is fed, and the temperatures are in the manageable 80s.

Walking Paths at Port Orleans Resort

There is a gentle walking path along the Sassagoula River that connects the Riverside and French Quarter resorts. If you’re planning to wear headphones on your walk, be sure to stay aware of bikes and horse-drawn carriages. If you stay on the path, you’ll be able to see Scales, the 51-foot sea serpent slide, come into view as you round Building 6 at French Quarter.

It took us 11 minutes and 40 seconds to walk from the Riverside Levee (bike and boat rental) to the Doubloon Lagoon pool at French Quarter. It’s hot and humid from late May until well into Boo-to-You season, but there are several benches along the path if you need to stop and rest.

All other transportation from Port Orleans – to the theme parks or water parks – is by bus. You can find these transportation times, and ones for every single Disney World Resort, on the TouringPlans website!

Have you stayed at the Port Orleans resorts? Do you love the river cruise, or do you take the bus? Let us know in the comments!