Hey there, Crystal, and welcome to planDisney!
In just a few short days, you'll be stepping into all the magic and wonder of Walt Disney World. I know you must be SO excited, especially since you're visiting with your
little Mouseketeers! It's such a special experience to see The Most Magical Place on Earth through the eyes of your children. Suddenly, the magic feels bigger, the emotions feel deeper, and even the smallest moments feel
completely momentous. Crystal, I want you to feel prepared, confident, and ready for an unforgettable Disney World vacation. So let's get into your question!
I don't know about you, Crystal, but Magic Kingdom Park is always my first stop whenever I'm in Disney World. The moment I lay eyes on Cinderella Castle, my heart officially knows I'M HERE! Fortunately, getting to Magic Kingdom from
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside couldn't be any easier. Just hop on a bus, and you're on your way! You can use the main bus stop that's just outside the lobby, or one of the other bus stops that are dotted around the resort. To figure out which stop is closest to your room, you can check out the resort map
right here.
Once you're over at Magic Kingdom, there will be TONS of things to do for you and your small kids. I always recommend starting small with slow rides like
it's a small world and
Peter Pan's Flight. Once the kids are acclimated, it might be time to move on to Pirates of the Caribbean or Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin! If your 3-year-old meets the height requirements, you may also want to check out the 'coasters! I find that
The Barnstormer makes a great first coaster for littles (my son at that age was
obsessed!). If all goes well, move up to faster (but still kid-friendly) attractions like
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Now, before I let you go, I want to talk about Port Orleans - Riverside. With its quiet charm and immersive theming, this is a fabulous resort choice for a family like yours. During your stay, be sure to check out the "swimming hole" over at Ol' Man Island and roast some marshmallows at the
nightly campfire (weather permitting). Marshmallows are complimentary, but s'mores kits are also available for a nominal fee!
While you'll need to take the bus to each of the four theme parks, there's still plenty right at your fingertips at Port Orleans - Riverside. While you can obviously use all the amenities at your resort, you can also use the amenities at Riverside's sister resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter. You're just a short walk away from the pool there, and from Scat Cat's Club Cafe - home of the iconic Mickey Beignet!
And for even more Disney magic, take the water taxi right from your resort down to Disney Springs. There's enough shopping, dining, and entertainment to last anyone a lifetime!
I hope this helps, Crystal! If you have any other questions, you know where to find me right here at planDisney!
Magic awaits,
Allison