Hi, planning a December trip and starting to plan an itinerary, first day would like to explore our lodgings, the POR and possibly take the boat to downtown for dinner. Could anyone tell me if there is a specific place at the POR to catch the boat,(how long it would take to walk there if we were in the Alligator Bayou part of the resort), how long the actual boat trip is and how late it is available, can you take it to return also or is once enough and the bus back is a better option. While I'm at it does any one have any recommendations for dinner downtown, party consist of myself, wife and two children ages 8 and 11. I read about a new place with a dinosaur theme but it sounded really loud with average food. Thanks in advance for any information.
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POR boat ride to Downtown
- Thread starter joesupra
- Start date
From POR, you pick up the boat at the Marina. If you walk out of the main building, it's to the right. There are signs, and it's easy to find. As for how long a walk from your room, it really depends which building you're in. POR is huge, so it could be a 4 minute walk or a 12 minute walk.
The boat ride itself is about 25 minutes down the whole length of the Sassagoula River. Past POFQ, the Treehouses, the waterway up to OKW, SSR. It's really very nice. Downside is that it can be 15-20 minutes between boats, so it can be time consuming. But it is worth it to me. As I recall, the boats run from roughly 11 to 11. I'd ride it both ways, because the ride feels different during daylight and at night.
As for where to eat at DtD, there are several options. Most kid-friendly are T-Rex, Rainforest Cafe, and Planet Hollywood, all of which would qualify as loud, nicely themed, average food. If you're in the mood for something really quick there is McDonalds
brick and Earl of Sandwich, which is actually pretty good. Also, Wolfgang Puck Express is more casual and quick with very good food. Moving up the chain, you've got a couple of nicer restaurants as well. Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Bongo's, Portobello and Fulton's Crab House. I love the food at Wolfgang Puck and Portobello, but children's taste may vary.
The boat ride itself is about 25 minutes down the whole length of the Sassagoula River. Past POFQ, the Treehouses, the waterway up to OKW, SSR. It's really very nice. Downside is that it can be 15-20 minutes between boats, so it can be time consuming. But it is worth it to me. As I recall, the boats run from roughly 11 to 11. I'd ride it both ways, because the ride feels different during daylight and at night.
As for where to eat at DtD, there are several options. Most kid-friendly are T-Rex, Rainforest Cafe, and Planet Hollywood, all of which would qualify as loud, nicely themed, average food. If you're in the mood for something really quick there is McDonalds
brick and Earl of Sandwich, which is actually pretty good. Also, Wolfgang Puck Express is more casual and quick with very good food. Moving up the chain, you've got a couple of nicer restaurants as well. Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Bongo's, Portobello and Fulton's Crab House. I love the food at Wolfgang Puck and Portobello, but children's taste may vary.
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Here is the schedule for the boat
http://www.wdwmagic.com/Transportation/Sassagoula-River-Cruise.htm
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miles1
Active Member
We really enjoyed the boat ride from POFQ to DTD and back, and acutally found it easier and faster than waiting and riding the bus. The wait for a boat was never very long- it seemed like there was always one at the dock when we got there, and they run continuously. The skippers are interesting to talk with as well.
They do stop running when there are thunderstorms, so if you see a storm brewing at DTD you should have a backup plan to get back to the resort.
They do stop running when there are thunderstorms, so if you see a storm brewing at DTD you should have a backup plan to get back to the resort.
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pcarathers
Active Member
We stayed at Riverside Dec 2006 and rode the boat to DTD...LOVED IT! It was very cool to see the Treehouses that were being used at the time for housing for some of the kids working with the College Program I believe. Being in December however, it was very cool when we rode it. It is especially nice once it is dark...Seeing all of the lights on at DTD...very nice....well worth the wait for us!
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NadieMasK2
Active Member
At times there can be a decent line at the marina. Our last visit we waited for about 15 minutes for a boat only to just barely miss getting on one - it filled up with the family right in front of us. It doesn't have a large capacity.
We decided to take the bus after that. However having ridden the boat once before, it is a nice ride so long as you are not in a hurry or on a schedule.
We decided to take the bus after that. However having ridden the boat once before, it is a nice ride so long as you are not in a hurry or on a schedule.
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donvincenzo
Member
I too, really enjoy the boat ride to and from DTD. It's a nice, relaxing ride. Plus, I got a nice view of some of the Treehouse Villas construction when I was there...
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