Welcome to planDisney, Lindsay! Thank you for stopping by with your question. How exciting that you’ll be staying at
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for the very first time! This charming resort along the Sassagoula River is full of Southern charm and peaceful beauty, and it’s the perfect place to begin your Walt Disney World adventure. I’d be happy to help you explore the best transportation options so you can make your way to Disney Springs and on to Typhoon Lagoon with ease and a touch of Disney magic!
Since you’ll be staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, you actually have two transportation options to reach Disney Springs: the
Sassagoula River boat or the Disney bus.
The boat is easily the most scenic and relaxing option. It glides down the Sassagoula River and takes about fifteen to twenty minutes from Riverside to the Disney Springs Marketplace dock. In my opinion, it is one of the most peaceful ways to travel at Disney World, especially since it feels like part of the vacation experience rather than just transportation. However, the boats don’t usually start running until around ten in the morning and can be delayed or paused due to weather or water levels. If you happen to arrive right after one departs, you might have to wait a bit for the next.
On the other hand,
bus transportation is the more practical choice if your goal is to reach
Typhoon Lagoon as quickly as possible. The buses run more frequently, are less affected by weather, and drop you directly at Disney Springs where you can transfer to the Typhoon Lagoon bus. Since there isn’t a direct boat from Disney Springs to Typhoon Lagoon, using the bus system will save you a transfer walk across Disney Springs from the boat dock to the Typhoon Lagoon pickup area.
If you’re in no rush and want to enjoy a scenic, relaxing start to your trip, take the boat and soak in the atmosphere. But if efficiency is your top priority, especially since you’ll be heading to Typhoon Lagoon on check-in day, the bus is the quicker and easier choice.
Lindsay, it sounds like you have such a fun first day planned at Port Orleans – Riverside and Typhoon Lagoon! Whether you choose the peaceful Sassagoula River Cruise or the speedy Disney bus, you’re sure to enjoy the start of your magical stay. I hope this helps you feel ready and excited for your adventure along the river and beyond. Thank you so much for visiting planDisney with your question, and may your vacation be filled with sunshine, laughter, and plenty of pixie-dusted moments!
Kay