How do you get from Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside to Epcot?
If you are staying at Riverside, you probably want to know how to get to Epcot from the resort.
Below, I will detail FIVE specific ways you can make this journey.
Port Orleans Riverside to Epcot:
Option #1: Take the FREE Disney bus to Epcot!
Did you know Disney World provides FREE bus transportation from Port Orleans Riverside to Epcot? Being able to jump on and off these buses is one of the best benefits of staying at a Disney World Resort.
You must first find the bus stops to use the buses to get to Epcot! Because Riverside is such a big resort, there are FOUR different locations where you can board the buses. The good news is that no matter where you stay within the resort, you shouldn’t have a very far walk to at least one of the bus stops.
Here are the FOUR different bus stops, listed in the order they PICK UP* guests at Port Orleans Riverside:
Here is a map of where you can find each bus stop at Port Orleans Riverside.
- Pick up #1: West Depot
- West Depot (pictured below), North Depot, and East Depot are much smaller than the South Depot bus stop.
- Pick up #2: North Depot
- Pick up #3: East Depot
- Pick up #4: South Depot – this is the stop outside the main lobby. It is considered the MAIN bus stop. It is the largest and busiest.
*This is also the order in which guests get dropped off returning from the parks.
When you arrive at the bus stop, you will find a screen showing when the next bus to Epcot is expected to arrive.
Bus service to Epcot typically begins 45 minutes before the park opens and ends 1 hour after it closes. Once they start, the buses run continuously throughout the day. I have found that you can typically expect a bus to arrive around every 20 minutes.
Since the Disney buses are free to ride, it’s the most popular way to travel to Epcot from Port Orleans Riverside. You can expect a bit of a line to board the bus at certain times, such as in the morning around the park opening. So, give yourself ample time to get to Epcot for a reservation or show. Our family usually leaves our room about an hour before we want to arrive, just to be safe.
Once your bus leaves Riverside, Epcot is 3.5 miles away (5.6 km). The bus ride should take 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
But please be aware that you will probably be on the bus longer, depending on which stop you board the bus.
That’s because you must wait as the bus drops off and picks up guests at the other stops within Port Orleans Riverside before finally leaving for the theme park. For example, suppose you get on the bus at the West Depot (Pick up #1). In that case, it’s estimated that it will take 10-15 minutes to get through the other three bus stops within Riverside before finally leaving for Epcot.
This time can vary greatly, depending on how many guests get on or off the bus. Also, it will take longer if anyone boards with a mobility issue (scooter or wheelchair).
Some guests use a strategy to walk directly to the last bus stop (South Depot). They do this to avoid spending additional time on the bus. Also, getting a snack or drink at the Riverside Mill Food Court before leaving for Epcot is nice.
But I want to warn you this plan could backfire.
During busy times, such as in the morning, the bus may already be full of guests by the time it reaches the last stop (South Depot). If that happens, the bus will drive by, and you must hope the next one has room for you.
If using the free bus transportation to get to Epcot sounds frustrating, keep reading to learn about other options. 🙂
Option #2: Take an Uber/Lyft from Riverside to Epcot
If you don’t want to ride on or wait for the bus, using a rideshare service (Uber or Lyft) from Port Orleans Riverside Resort is easy. Just open the app and select Epcot as your destination, and you will be matched with a driver within seconds.
Because Riverside is such a big resort, you must mark your location CORRECTLY in the app to avoid any delays. There is plenty of space outside the main lobby for your driver to stop and pick you up.
But the Riverside Lobby is far from parts of the resort. The great news about using Uber or Lyft is the driver can pick you up ANYWHERE you want. No matter which building you are staying in, a parking lot will be nearby, offering plenty of room for your driver to stop quickly for you to jump in.
The driving distance from Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort to Epcot is 3.5 miles (5.6 km), and the drive should take about 10 minutes, depending on the amount of traffic. Another benefit of a rideshare service is that they typically drive to Epcot faster than the slower Disney buses.
The one-way fare from Port Orleans Riverside averages under $15.
If you have limited time to travel to Epcot, I think it is money well spent! The best part about using a rideshare service while staying at Riverside is that you don’t have to deal with your bus stopping at multiple places within the resort before finally leaving for the park. You also don’t risk the bus being full when it arrives at your bus stop.
Between Uber and Lyft, there are a lot of drivers cruising around. Almost every time I’ve used a rideshare to the parks, I’ve had to wait less than 10 minutes to get picked up. 🙂
Option #3: Take a TAXI to Epcot
I know some people don’t like using Uber or Lyft because they don’t know about the person driving or don’t feel comfortable using the app. If this describes you, calling a traditional taxi company for a ride to Epcot is easy.
Taking a taxi has many of the same benefits as rideshares, such as not waiting for a bus. But of course, you must pay for the taxi ride, where the Disney buses are free.
If you want to take a taxi from Port Orleans Riverside Resort, I recommend calling Mears Taxi, a well-known and trusted company in the Orlando area. You can even schedule and book your ride online.
Option #4: Ride in a MINNIE VAN to Epcot
One fun thing about using the rideshare service Lyft is that they have partnered with Disney World to provide MINNIE VANS, which are Minnie Mouse-themed mini-vans!
A big benefit of using a Minnie Van is they are driven by DISNEY CAST MEMBERS. I know many people like this fact because the drivers are employees of Disney, which provides additional peace of mind.
While using the Lyft app inside the resort, choose Epcot as your destination. Then, order the Minnie Van to come and pick you up.
While this option is fun, as you can see above, it is more expensive than a regular Lyft vehicle. But in addition to a Disney Cast Member driving, here are a few additional benefits of a Minnie Van.
- They can fit up to SIX people.
- Includes two car seats, which your driver will install for you.
- These vans can fit scooters and wheelchairs, but please pre-arrange your ride if you need this service.
Option #5: Drive yourself to Epcot!
Getting in your car and driving yourself is an often overlooked way from Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort to Epcot. It’s probably the fastest way to travel since you don’t have to wait for someone to pick you up. 🙂
The distance between these two locations is 3.5 miles (5.6 km). The drive takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
And here is the BEST news about driving yourself to Epcot…
As long as you are staying at Port Orleans Riverside, the parking at Epcot is FREE! Unfortunately, many guests don’t realize (or forget) that if you stay at a Disney World Resort, parking at any of the parks does not cost anything.
Getting FREE parking at the theme parks is an incredible benefit of staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, as parking costs a minimum of $25 per day at each park.
Related Posts:
Can I take the Disney Monorail from Port Orleans Riverside to Epcot?
No, the monorail has no boarding station at Fort Wilderness. To get to Epcot using the monorail from your hotel, you must stay at the Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or Polynesian Village Resort.
Can the Disney Skyliner take me from Riverside to Epcot?
The short answer to this question is NO. While the Skyliner travels to Epcot, there is no boarding station for the Skyliner at the Riverside Resort.
If you want a Skyliner boarding station at your hotel, stay at the Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation, or Pop Century.
Can I take the Disney boats from Port Orleans Riverside to Epcot?
While there is boat transportation at Riverside, the boat does not travel to Epcot. You can only take the boats from Riverside to Disney Springs and Port Orleans French Quarter Resort.
Can I walk from Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside to Epcot?
The short answer to this question is NO. First, the distance between the resort and the theme park is long, 3.5 miles (5.6 km). And second, there are no walking paths that connect them. You must take the bus, a taxi/rideshare, or drive yourself to get there!
What is your favorite way to travel from Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort to Epcot?
Leave a COMMENT below!
