Getting around from Port Orleans Riverside: buses, boats, bikes and walking
You can get around Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside by complimentary Disney buses to the theme parks and water parks, a Sassagoula River water taxi to Disney Springs, and on-site options such as bicycle rentals, horse-drawn carriage rides, and walking along the resort’s paths. Self-driving is possible (complimentary self-parking for registered overnight guests) and the resort is divided into Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou sections that affect where bus stops and paths are located.
In this guide
Overview: your transport choices at a glance
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside offers complimentary Disney buses to the theme parks and water parks plus a complimentary water taxi to Disney Springs. On property you’ll find walking paths, a roughly 1-mile jogging trail, bicycle rentals, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Which option you use will depend on your destination and where you’re staying: Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou are spread out, so plan for short walks from your building to bus stops or docks.
- Complimentary Disney bus service to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach
- Complimentary Sassagoula River water taxi to Disney Springs
- On-site bike rentals and horse-drawn carriage rides
- Walking paths and riverside jogging trail connecting resort sections
| Mode | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Disney buses | Getting to theme parks and water parks | Complimentary for resort guests; depots vary by resort section |
| Water taxi | Travel to Disney Springs | Runs regularly on the Sassagoula River; schedule can vary |
| Walking / bikes | Short hops around the resort and to Port Orleans French Quarter | Paths connect Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou; rentals available |
Using the complimentary Disney buses
Complimentary buses serve Port Orleans Riverside for all four theme parks, both Disney water parks, and Disney Springs. Bus depots are located in different places depending on whether you’re in Magnolia Bend or Alligator Bayou, so check the nearest stop when you arrive.
Disney schedules and vehicle frequency vary by time of day and by destination; buses can be crowded during park opening and closing times. Allow extra time for travel when you have park reservations or dining reservations.
- Locate your section’s bus depot when you check in (Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou have separate depots)
- Buses are complimentary for registered resort guests
- Expect longer waits at peak park times—plan accordingly
| Destination | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | Park entry; expect heavier traffic at rope drop and fireworks times |
| EPCOT / Hollywood Studios / Animal Kingdom | Direct service from resort depots |
| Typhoon Lagoon / Blizzard Beach | Complimentary water-park buses available |
Water taxi to Disney Springs
Port Orleans Riverside has a complimentary Sassagoula River water taxi that links the resort with Disney Springs. The boat departs the resort dock regularly; frequency varies with demand and time of day.
The water taxi is a convenient, scenic option if your destination is Disney Springs. If you need to arrive at a specific time, check current departure information on arrival or allow extra time and consider a bus as a backup.
- Runs between the resort dock and Disney Springs along the Sassagoula River
- Schedule varies; boats typically run regularly rather than on a strict fixed schedule
- Good option for walking to shops and dining at Disney Springs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Scenic and direct to Disney Springs | Departure frequency can vary by demand |
| Complimentary for resort guests | May be slower than driving or a direct bus during peak times |
| Easy to board with luggage light | Less useful for early-morning park travel |
Walking, jogging and short on-site trips
The resort’s landscaped walking paths connect Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou along the Sassagoula River and lead to the Port Orleans French Quarter (about a 10–15 minute walk). A roughly 1-mile jogging trail runs along the river for exercise.
Paths are useful for short trips to the Riverside Mill Food Court, pools, or to meet carriage rides. Because the property is spread out, check how far your building is from the main lobby, docks, and bus stops when planning on foot.
- Walking to Port Orleans French Quarter: about 10–15 minutes
- Riverside jogging trail: roughly 1 mile
- Paths link guest buildings, pools, and the main Sassagoula River dock
| Where to walk | Use |
|---|---|
| Between Magnolia Bend & Alligator Bayou | Resort exploration and short trips to dining/pools |
| To Port Orleans French Quarter | Quick walk to sister-resort dining and amenities |
| Riverside jogging trail | Exercise and scenic river views |
Bicycles and horse-drawn carriage rides
Bicycle rentals are available on-site for guests who prefer to cover the resort’s grounds on two wheels; surrey bikes are commonly pictured near the river. Rentals are subject to availability and local rules about where you may ride on property.
Horse-drawn carriage rides are offered as an on-site recreational activity and provide a guided loop around the resort grounds. Both options are recreational services and may have separate fees and reservation requirements.
- Bicycle rentals (including surrey bikes) are available; check the resort for current availability and pricing
- Horse-drawn carriage rides run around the resort grounds as a paid activity
- Follow posted rules for bike paths and carriage routes; wear helmets where recommended
| Service | Typical details |
|---|---|
| Bicycle rentals | Rentals and surrey bikes available on-site; availability varies |
| Horse-drawn carriage rides | Paid activity; scenic loop around resort grounds |
| Walking paths | Useful alternative when rentals are unavailable |
Driving, parking and getting to/from the airport
Registered overnight guests receive complimentary self-parking at Disney Resort hotels, including Port Orleans Riverside. The resort has an entrance gate and guest parking; standard theme-park self-parking is also complimentary for resort guests while staying on property.
Airport transportation is not included with your room. Mears Connect and other paid shuttles operate between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Walt Disney World resorts. If you drive, use the resort address (1251 Riverside Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830) for GPS.
- Address: 1251 Riverside Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
- Complimentary self-parking for registered overnight guests
- Airport transfers (Mears Connect or taxis) are paid services; not included in the room
| Airport / Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Orlando International (MCO) | Preferred airport; separate paid shuttles such as Mears Connect operate to resorts |
| Driving to resort | Use resort address; entrance has a security gate |
| Parking | Self-parking complimentary for registered guests |
Practical tips for moving around the resort
On arrival, ask the front desk or Bell Services for the exact location of your section’s bus depot, the water-taxi dock nearest your building, and where bicycle rentals are located. If you’re using Mobile Check-In and a digital key via the My Disney Experience app, you can go straight to your room and note nearby transport points.
Allow extra time for transfers during park opening and closing. If you need accessible transport or accessible rooms, the resort offers accessible rooms on request and pool lifts at select pools; contact the front desk for specific assistance.
- Confirm bus depot and dock locations at check-in or via the My Disney Experience app
- Allow extra travel time during peak park hours
- Contact front desk for accessibility needs, bike/ carriage reservations, and current schedules
| Need | Who to ask |
|---|---|
| Bus stop / water taxi info | Front desk or resort transport signage |
| Bicycle rentals / carriage rides | Recreation desk or resort activities desk |
| Accessible transport / pool lift | Front desk or Concierge |
