WDW Transportation
  • On Jul 7, 2023
    John from NY Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello, We're staying at Port Orleans Riverside with a rental car. Do you recommend we drive and self park at Magic Kingdom for early entry or take the bus over? Does the monorail and ferry operate early?

    Hi there, John!

    Welcome to planDisney! I'm happy you stopped by with your question for us today. 

    Hooray for staying at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside! It's such a beautiful resort that offers a blend of Southern hospitality and classic Disney magic. You'll love the scenic routes as you stroll along the property, and I hope you try some of the deliciously lip-smacking dining at Boatwright's Dining Hall!

    The transportation options usually run about 45 minutes before the earliest park opens and will continue running up to 1 hour after the latest park closes. This includes both the ferry, as well as the Disney Monorail

    I'm happy to help you decide whether you should take the Disney Bus Service or self-park during your Magic Kingdom Park visit, John! 

    When taking the bus, the ride itself should take about 15-20 minutes to get there, and it is complimentary. A great perk is that you would be dropped off closer to the park entrance without needing to take the ferry or Disney Monorail at the Ticket and Transportation Center. However, the Resort hotel does have multiple bus stops, so it may not be a nonstop trip to Magic Kingdom Park. 

    Regarding self-parking, your departure and arrival depend on your time rather than waiting for a bus to take you to your destination. Since you're staying at a Disney Resort hotel, standard parking at the theme parks is complimentary. You will need to go to the Ticket and Transportation Center and take the ferry or Disney Monorail to head to the park entrance.

    So, to sum it up, here are the advantages and disadvantages of both in a nutshell: 

    Bus Transportation Pros: 
    -An estimated 15-20 minute ride
    -Complimentary
    -Drop-off is closer to the entrance

    Bus Transportation Cons: 
    -May have multiple stops along the way
    -Waiting on a bus to arrive 


    Self-Parking Pros: 
    -It's on your own time; no waiting for a bus 
    -Complimentary parking since you're a registered Guest at a Disney Resort hotel

    Self-Parking Cons: 
    -Park and walk/take the tram to Transportation and Ticket Center 
    -Must take the Ferry or Disney Monorail to entrance

    Whatever choice you make, rest assured it will be the right one because you're choosing to visit Magic Kingdom Park! As soon as you enter the theme park, all that will matter is making memories and experiencing the magic with your loved ones. I hope this helps you decide which route to take, John!  

    Wishing you an enchanting visit!

    Aena 
thumbnail image for Aena

Meet the Panelist: Aena, Texas

Hi friends! Consider me your own Fairy Godmother, full of helpful tips to make your Walt Disney World Resort vacation magical. I'm Aena, wife to my Prince Charming, mom to future Imagineers, and forever a kid at heart. I call Walt Disney World...I mean, Texas home, and spend my time singing Disney tunes. One of my favorite things to do is to stay on property and explore everything the resorts have to offer. I'd love to help you find the best Instagram-worthy spots for your Walt Disney World Resort vacation! Learn More About Aena

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