Hiya Pal!
Welcome to planDisney! I see you're an early bird - just like me and my family! I'm happy to help share a few tips to make sure you get to the magic on time.
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is a beautiful property full of Southern charm. From this resort, you'll find
bus transportation to each of the four theme parks. Bus transportation begins about 45 minutes before the theme park opens - which also accounts for the
Early Theme Park Entry that you'll enjoy with your stay at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel. Theme park hours have not been posted yet for December, but I would suggest checking the
Hours & Events Calendar about 60 days before your trip so you can plan accordingly. If
Magic Kingdom Park opens at 9:00 AM, then Early Theme Park Entry will begin at 8:30 AM, and you can expect to find buses from your resort starting around 7:45 AM. When I'm trying to "rope drop" a park to be there right as it opens, I'm usually out at my
resort transportation pick-up location about 15 minutes before I'm expecting to see that first bus - sometimes you may find them running a few minutes early! This will also give you plenty of time for any unexpected delays and to make it through security before they start letting Guests into the park.
Did you know that you can find approximate bus departure times from your resort to the theme parks in your
My Disney Experience Mobile App? With this handy feature, you know if you have time to grab a cup of coffee or need to head straight to the pick-up area. To access this information in the app, click your resort reservation and select "See Bus Times." The times are approximations, but we've found them to be pretty accurate!
If you ever find yourself pressed for time, you may want to consider using a
Minnie Van. Minnie Vans are not included as complimentary resort transportation but can be reserved through the Lyft app. While there is a cost with this option, you can relax knowing you'll have door-to-door service and conveniences like car seats and accessible vans. Plus, they're super cute!
Speaking of transportation, I hope you have a chance to take the
Sassagoula River Cruise from Port Orleans to
Disney Springs at some point during your stay. My family always enjoys a ride on these relaxing boats in addition to exploring the shopping and dining options once we arrive at Disney Springs. There is even more to love during the
holidays at Disney Springs with festive fun such as the Christmas Tree Stroll and visits with Santa Claus himself!
I hope this information helps as you plan to celebrate a jolly holiday at Walt Disney World Resort! If you have any other vacation planning questions, please stop by to see us again here at planDisney!
Cheers,
Kristi