Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

There are lots of options to choose from, but this food court is practically the same as the Riverside one, except for the Beignets.
Lots of seating as well.

Vegetarian options: A decent amount of vegetarian options

Dietary restrictions: Speaking to the chef is an option, as well as actually seeing the allergy binder.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Cake, Fried Chicken, Mickey Shaped Beignets, Macaroni & Cheese, Mickey Beignets, Mickey Mouse Celebration Cupcake

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory promises to bring the bold flavors of Louisiana to your plate, and I was more than ready for the ride. I went all in with two classics: the jambalaya with cornbread and the gumbo—both featuring sausage and chicken thighs, because if you're not eating something simmered to perfection with meat and spice, are you even in the South?

The Jambalaya – A Love Story

Let’s start with the good news: the jambalaya was an absolute winner. The tomato-based sauce was rich and hearty, giving every bite that slow-cooked, deep Southern comfort feel. The rice was perfectly cooked, the sausage packed just the right amount of smoky spice, and the chicken was juicy and tender. If food had a personality, this dish would be that warm, slightly eccentric aunt who always smells like paprika and gives the best hugs. And then there was the cornbread—moist, slightly sweet, and basically the best edible spoon you could ask for. If they had given me a plate of just jambalaya and an entire loaf of cornbread, I wouldn’t have complained.

The Gumbo – A Cautionary Tale

And then… there was the gumbo. Oh, gumbo. I had such high hopes. It looked promising—dark, rich broth, a generous amount of chicken and sausage, and that unmistakable slow-simmered aroma. But then I took a bite and immediately wondered if I had accidentally insulted the chef in a past life. The sheer amount of black pepper in this dish didn’t just season it—it took over. My taste buds weren’t being introduced to spice; they were being held hostage. The broth had complexity, sure, but it was like trying to appreciate a fine wine while someone blasts a foghorn in your ear. Somewhere beneath the pepper assault, I could tell this gumbo had real potential, but unfortunately, my palate was too busy sending distress signals to truly enjoy it.

Final Verdict – A Tale of Two Dishes

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory definitely delivers on Louisiana-inspired flavors, but it’s a bit of a rollercoaster. The jambalaya? A masterpiece. The gumbo? An endurance challenge for your spice tolerance. Would I eat here again? Absolutely. Would I order the gumbo again? Only if I had a glass of milk, a loaf of bread, and possibly a support group ready to help me recover.

In short, if you’re looking for a meal that hits all the right Southern notes, this place has some solid options—but if you’re not prepared for an aggressive spice attack, maybe stick with the jambalaya.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Cornbread

Compared to Riverside, this cafeteria is slightly better food wise. But this cafeteria also has the far superior coke machines that have dozens of options for drinks and flavors for each. Like 6 fanta flavors and 8 coke zero types. Different types of Pibb and Powerade. Riverside doesn't have any of this, but charges the same price for drinks and the refill cup. Come here instead.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 5

Fried shrimp po boy was good! Took a while to prepare but I appreciate that they fry the shrimp upon ordering so that it’s fresh. The “king cake” is simply a cinnamon roll with colored icing on it. so if you’re expecting actual king cake, maybe skip it.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

The shrimp and grits are drool worthy. The penned and meatballs are decent. The burger with shrimp is pretty decent for a resort.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits

I came here for the beignets, and they unfortunately weren’t here, they were at the cafe right next door. So, I did have to wait for them. However, I did order food here and it was really good. The atmosphere was pretty bland on the inside, but that’s okay because it makes up for it on the outside.
August 7, 2024

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

The food is good, but Jane working in the kitchen truly embodies the Disney spirit. So kind and thoughtful. I hope Disney recognizes her amazing attitude, as it rubs off on guests in the best way. Thank you Jane for your amazing service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The beignets were amazing! And had gluten free and dairy free and they were amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mickey Shaped Beignets

Outstanding food. Quick service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We came here for dinner the first night we arrived for our trip. I got the mojo-roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and broccoli. My sister got the grilled chicken parmesan with pasta and alfredo sauce. This place was kind of set up like a cafeteria with several stations, so my food was at one station and my sister's food was at a different station. We really liked the food. The mashed potatoes tasted real and not like instant mashed potatoes, which my family was pleasantly surprised at. The broccoli was more like broccolini, which has an interesting texture and taste. The chicken was delicious and flavorful. The grilled chicken parmesan with the alfredo pasta tasted great! They do the pasta dishes made-to-order so it took a little time for that food to come out. The people working were super nice. Condiments and drinks were central to the dining room, and they also had a water machine in addition to the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, which was awesome.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I like everything except the beef gravy. I'm afraid it was a little bit salty. But we like the salmon and shrimps and grits together.

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits

This is great for kids. The adult food is at riverside lol

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

The food is almost always pretty bad here. The beignets, burgers, fries, and tatertots are okay, but the eggs for the breakfast are always dry, spongy, or wet from steamer water. McDonald's breakfast is better. The egg and cheese bagel is okay if you're very hungry. The bagel is toasted but tastes like a frozen bagel from the grocery store. The vegetarian fritata is way worse. My husband started skipping breakfast until lunch at the parks. The canned cold brew here is the only iced or cold coffee on the property unfortunately. No coffee on the property is any good, but I started buying the cold brew rather than hot coffee drinks after I found out. Beignets are good, but you probably will get tired of eating that. The strawberry dipping sauce was my favourite one

Vegetarian options: Egg and cheese bagel, veggie burger, fritata, beignets

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Mickey Shaped Beignets

This resort is soo cool. When you get on property you are immersed in New Orleans theme. We visited the restaurant on property by taking a boat from Disney Springs. It was one of the most relaxing boat rides I've had in some time. After getting dropped off we took advantage of the photo opps out there. We had a ball. We went to the restaurant and ordered the beignets and they were soo good and cooked to order. It was worth the trip. Next time I have to come without the kids and try the boozy beignets. ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mickey Shaped Beignets

Yes, great, why?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5