Riverside to disney springs - boat or bus?

[kniquy]

Just curious which might be more frequent or are they about the same. We will hit DS early (when they open at 10am). It sounds like the buses to DS start 45 minutes before opening. Is that the same case as the boats?

I think the boat might be a nice relaxing ride with some nice views so kind of leaning towards the boat ride, but if not as frequent it might put us behind schedule if we have to wait awhile for the boat.

 

[ncc1701]

The boats are about every 20 minutes but based on our experiences at POFQ I don't think they started until 10:00am. Of course that may have changed so check the dock sign when you are there. We always used the boats unless there is weather preventing their use or if we were going before they started. They will be running when you leave DS if you are heading back to POR.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Also depends on where in DS you want to go to. There is a long walk from DS bus stop to dock

 

[ncc1701]

Also depends on where in DS you want to go to. There is a long walk from DS bus stop to dock

There is a DS water taxi that goes between the 3 docks in DS. The POR /POFQ boat goes to the one behind the Rainforest Cafe. Also take advantage of the bridge/walkway near RFC that takes you over closer to the Town center area rather than walking all the way through the Marketplace coming or going. ( unless you want to stop anywhere).I also recommend checking the map. Saved us unnecessary steps.

 

[Pmm_]

Boat unless it’s bad weather. It’s relaxing.

 

[WEDWDW]

Trips down the Sassagoula from Riverside start at 10:00 AM.

 

[mn51]

Just curious which might be more frequent or are they about the same. We will hit DS early (when they open at 10am). It sounds like the buses to DS start 45 minutes before opening. Is that the same case as the boats?

I think the boat might be a nice relaxing ride with some nice views so kind of leaning towards the boat ride, but if not as frequent it might put us behind schedule if we have to wait awhile for the boat.

When we have gone early for breakfast to Disney Springs, we have taken the bus. Easy ride. I think the boats start running about 10 am.

 

[Sue M]

Boat’s imo are the nicest way. You’re on vacay, enjoy it. Beautiful scenic ride along the river, passing by The Treehouses. I especially enjoy it at night.
My advice is to try not to over schedule so you aren’t taking the time to smell the flowers.

 

[WEDWDW]

Boat’s imo are the nicest way. You’re on vacay, enjoy it. Beautiful scenic ride along the river, passing by The Treehouses.

No doubt-we always try to time a trip down the Sassagoula where we arrive at Disney Springs at Sunset-so pretty!

 

[DisDreaming4116]

The boat ride is really nice and one of the highlights of our POR stay.

 

[goofyintoronto]

i'd always opt for the boat ride. Its such a pretty and relaxing ride.

 

[nkereina]

The boats start at 10am but in our experience, they are much less frequent in the morning. They ramp up in frequency late afternoon/evening. I would take the bus that time of morning unless you're not in a hurry and don't mind waiting.

 

[sharadoc]

I thought the POR boat went to the Marketplace Dock. Is there a map/listing of which boats go where? Last time we stayed at OKW, the stop was at the Boathouse, which was too far for us to walk to the World of Disney, mostly because we were confused with the new layout lol.

 

[HopperFan]

Always give yourself extra time with the boat if you have an ADR. We were once on boat and it started to rain and they dumped us at POFQ .... we had to run through rain to POR to make our ADR. I have also had issues with getting on at POFQ and POR due to too many people on the boat, adding a bulk of time. If not in a hurry or trying to make ADR, no big deal it's a nice ride.

 

[Sue M]

Always give yourself extra time with the boat if you have an ADR. We were once on boat and it started to rain and they dumped us at POFQ .... we had to run through rain to POR to make our ADR. I have also had issues with getting on at POFQ and POR due to too many people on the boat, adding a bulk of time. If not in a hurry or trying to make ADR, no big deal it's a nice ride.

That’s awful. Must have been lightening within their 5 or 10 mi rule. I believe they’ve improved boat service since my last stay and now starting late afternoon each resort has dedicated boat service. No more sharing.

 

[HopperFan]

That’s awful. Must have been lightening within their 5 or 10 mi rule. I believe they’ve improved boat service since my last stay and now starting late afternoon each resort has dedicated boat service. No more sharing.

Good to know.

 

[rosiebean]

I’ve had horrible experiences with DS bus service, so when at POR, I take the boat. If I wanted to be at DS before the boat started, I’d probably get an Uber/LYFT/cab!

 

[HopperFan]

I’ve had horrible experiences with DS bus service, so when at POR, I take the boat. If I wanted to be at DS before the boat started, I’d probably get an Uber/LYFT/cab!

Just wondering if this was since the new bus stop. The last few years with the old stop - clearly built for half the resorts there - were awful as they had to delay buses because there wasn't room.

 

[Ensusieasm]

I thought the POR boat went to the Marketplace Dock. Is there a map/listing of which boats go where? Last time we stayed at OKW, the stop was at the Boathouse, which was too far for us to walk to the World of Disney, mostly because we were confused with the new layout lol.

Yes, the POR boat does dock at the marketplace. From there you can get a water taxi to two other stops. First West Side near House of Blues, then The Landing near the Boathouse.