Port Orleans Riverside Boat Questions

[CWIPPERMAN]

Sorry if this topic has been done a lot - I have done several searches and just can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

I just changed from ASMo to POR yesterday. I stayed there back in '94 when it was called "Dixie Landings", but really don't remember much about the transportation. I'm curious about the boat to DD. I have found info on the hours of operation - so I don't need that. Here's the questions:
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How long does it take to get from POR to DD?
Is it faster to take a bus?
Where does the boat dock at DD - and does it make more than one stop?
Do they run multiple boats (I guess what I'm getting at here is do you run a risk of the boat being at capacity - and having to wait forever for another)?
Can you get to any of the parks from POR via the boat system?
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I also had some other questions about the rental boats from POR. Here's the questions:
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Can you rent the water-mice from POR - and if so... is there ample room to enjoy them?
If renting a boat from POR (such as a pontoon boat or water mouse) how long does it take you go get to the big lake?
How much work are those paddle boats (will it wear you out for the day if you try to cruise around in one for a while)?
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Thank You in advance for your responses - and please feel free to include additional information you think I might need.

[betterlatethannever]

I'll try and help with some of the questions.

1. ~15 minutes
2. yes
3. Marketplace - no, but during certain times, there is another boat that goes from Marketplace to West Side
4. It probably depends on the season and how busy, but I believe it is usually one boat.
5. No

Ed

[CWIPPERMAN]

I appreciate your response. I am looking for anyone to give a little more detailed description of how this boat works. I am having trouble finding any info on any of the usual sources (this site, Debs site, Unofficial Guide, Birnbaums, etc.).

All I remember from my trip was that it was a fairly relaxing ride - but I don't know if it was any faster than the bus. Can someone please give me some feedback/opinions on the boat. Does it run late enough to be worthwhile (looks like it stops running at 11PM).

[movingtoorlando]

the boat service from por picks up at the marnia/ bike rental area. it drops off by the Rainforest cafe. they run about every 20 mins, they usally run more than 1 boat. 1 boat can hold roughly 25 people (por boats) (okw boats can hold 10 max) there are 2 lines at marketplace, the only stop, one for por and one for okw. this service does not run with lighting anywhere near (10 mile radius). if lighting comes into range before you reach your destination they may turn back to the resort or keep going. it all depends on where they are. I don't know a exact stop time but the boats do have lights on them, okw boat departs dd at 9:40 pm i'd imagine por would be the same but not sure. it takes longer on the boats than it does on the bus.


you can rent a watermouse at por, they only space with ample room to really enjoy them is downtown disneys lake, it takes about 30 mins to get to. i think they are $20/half hour roughly. i don't know about the paddle boats. your best bet to rent a boat is to go over to the magic kingdom area as they have bigger engines and there is a huge area to enjoy no matter where you rent the boats,for more info on water mice and other boats try this thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=394721