How to get to Port Orleans Riverside from Orlando airports
The preferred airport for Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is Orlando International Airport (MCO), about a 30–35 minute drive. From MCO you can use a paid shuttle (Mears Connect), a taxi or rideshare, or rent a car; Sanford (SFB) and Kissimmee (ISM) are alternatives with longer or more limited options.
In this guide
Which airport should I use?
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the nearest and preferred airport for Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside. Sources list MCO at roughly a 30–35 minute drive to the resort.
Orlando Sanford International (SFB) and Orlando Kissimmee Gateway (ISM) are alternatives. Sanford is farther and typically has fewer direct ground-transport options; ISM is closer than Sanford but MCO remains the main choice for most travelers.
- MCO (Orlando International) — preferred, ~30–35 minutes by car.
- SFB (Orlando Sanford) — longer drive, fewer transport options.
- ISM (Kissimmee Gateway) — closer than Sanford but not the primary airport for Disney area.
| Airport | Notes |
|---|---|
| Orlando International (MCO) | Preferred airport; ~30–35 minute drive to the resort |
| Orlando Sanford (SFB) | Longer drive; fewer and pricier transport options |
| Orlando Kissimmee Gateway (ISM) | Alternative option; less commonly used for Disney resorts |
Shared airport shuttle — Mears Connect
Airport shuttle service between MCO and Walt Disney World resorts is provided by Mears Connect as a separate, paid service; airport transfer is not a complimentary resort amenity. Mears Connect operates scheduled shuttle runs between the airport and Disney resorts.
Mears Connect pricing and booking are handled by Mears; the dossier lists published one-way fares and notes a Privilege Fee Recovery Charge may apply. Check Mears for current schedules and to book in advance.
- Service: Paid shared shuttle (Mears Connect).
- Booking: Reserve online via Mears Connect prior to arrival.
- Children: Mears Connect fares list separate child pricing (verify when booking).
| Provider | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mears Connect | Paid scheduled shuttle between MCO and Disney resorts; book in advance |
| Resort | Airport transport is not included with the resort stay |
Taxi and rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Taxis and rideshare services operate from MCO and typically drop off and pick up at the airport ground transportation area. This option gives direct door-to-door service to the resort and can be faster than a shared shuttle when traffic is light.
Expect a straightforward drive to 1251 Riverside Dr, Lake Buena Vista. The dossier does not list fixed taxi fares; check your rideshare app or the taxi operator at the airport for current pricing.
- Good for groups wanting direct transport without scheduled stops.
- Arrives at resort security gate and guest drop-off areas.
- No resort-provided free airport pickup.
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Taxi | Passengers who prefer a metered car and direct route |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | App-based fares and convenience; check surge pricing |
Rental car or private transfer
If you want flexibility to visit other Orlando area attractions or travel on your own schedule, renting a car at MCO is a common choice. The resort has a guarded entrance and offers complimentary self-parking for registered overnight guests.
Private car services and pre-booked town cars are also available if you prefer a direct, reserved vehicle. Private transfers typically drop you at the resort porte-cochère or guest drop-off area.
- Resort address for GPS: 1251 Riverside Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
- Complimentary self-parking is provided for registered overnight guests.
- Private transfers give direct drop-off at the front lobby areas.
| Option | When to pick it |
|---|---|
| Rental car | You plan to visit other Orlando-area attractions or want full control of schedule |
| Private transfer | You want a reserved, direct ride without stops |
Getting to the resort from Disney property and on-site arrival
If you arrive at a different Disney location (for example Disney Springs), Port Orleans Riverside has clear arrival points; the main lobby and Magnolia Bend area handle guest check-in. Mobile Check-In and digital room keys via the My Disney Experience app are supported for direct room access when ready.
Bell Services can hold luggage for early arrival or late departure. Check-in time begins at 3:00 p.m. and check-out is 11:00 a.m., per the resort's information.
- Mobile Check-In and My Disney Experience digital key are available.
- Bell Services will hold luggage for guests arriving before 3:00 p.m.
- Resort phone for BookResorts agents (24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350.
| Arrival detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Check-in time | 3:00 p.m. |
| Check-out time | 11:00 a.m. |
| Front desk options | Mobile Check-In and digital key available |
Nearby connections and walking/boat options
Port Orleans Riverside sits on the Sassagoula River and offers a complimentary water taxi to Disney Springs; the water taxi runs regularly. Walking between Port Orleans Riverside and the sister Port Orleans French Quarter takes about 10–15 minutes on the connecting path.
If your arrival uses Disney Springs as a transfer point, the water taxi is a practical connection; for trips to the theme parks, the resort provides complimentary buses to all four parks and the water parks.
- Complimentary water taxi to Disney Springs (runs regularly).
- 10–15 minute walk to Port Orleans French Quarter.
- Complimentary resort buses to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and water parks.
| Connection | Typical travel note |
|---|---|
| Water taxi to Disney Springs | Runs regularly from the resort dock |
| Walk to French Quarter | About 10–15 minutes via the riverside path |
| Resort buses to parks | Complimentary; depart from section-specific bus stops |
Practical tips for airport arrivals
Plan for airport-to-resort transfer time and possible airport traffic — MCO to the resort is commonly cited at about 30–35 minutes. If you have a tight schedule or a dining reservation, allow extra time in case of traffic.
If you need accessible transport or accessible rooms, request accessible shuttle or private transport when booking and verify accessible-room needs with the resort in advance. The resort offers accessible rooms on request.
- Allow extra time for travel during peak hours and holiday periods.
- Reserve Mears Connect or private transfers in advance when possible.
- Confirm any accessible-room requests or special assistance with the resort ahead of arrival.
| Need | Suggested action |
|---|---|
| Accessible room | Request in advance through reservations |
| Late/early flight | Store luggage with Bell Services; Mobile Check-In if preferred |
| Pets | Designated dog-friendly buildings available (book early) |
