Welcome to planDisney, Catherine! Thanks for stopping by with your question today.
One of the things I love most about a trip to Walt Disney World Resort is that there is a robust
complimentary transportation system that will take you just about anywhere you want to go. The three
Disney Resorts Collection Hotels that you are considering each have their own unique transportation options, so let's chat about them and help you decide where you want to stay on your next vacation.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort has a dedicated area for buses in front of the main building, Animation Hall. Here you'll find bus stops for
Magic Kingdom Park,
Disney's Animal Kingdom,
Disney Springs, and the
Water Parks. This Resort Hotel also has access to the
Disney Skyliner through the station on Generation Gap Bridge, which is where you can catch a gondola to
EPCOT and
Disney's Hollywood Studios.
At
Disney's Wilderness Lodge you'll find a dedicated bus stop outside of the main building as well. There are three stops in this area that serve all four Theme Parks as well as the Water Parks and Disney Springs, and a bus that will take you to
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Clear signage is posted in the area to let you know where to wait for your intended destination. If you're planning on spending the day at Magic Kingdom Park, you also have the option of a
relaxing boat ride!
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside has gorgeous sprawling grounds that are served by an internal bus system. There is a main bus stop, the South Depot, which is located right outside of the Sassagoula Steamboat Company main building, as well as three smaller bus stops located around the resort. Depending on which building you're staying in, you can walk to the South Depot or you can catch a bus from the stop that's closest to you, as the buses for each destination will pick you up from any of these stops. Bus transportation is the only way to get to all four Theme Parks as well as the Water Parks, but there is a boat available to take you to Disney Springs via the Sassagoula River.
I know that transportation options can seem a little overwhelming when you're first planning, but I promise it's all very simple and you'll be an expert shortly after you arrive. Remember that you can always ask a friendly Disney Cast Member for help figuring out how to get to your destination!
Have a magical day, Catherine!
Jessica