When you think of Walt Disney World, the first things that come to mind are probably the iconic Cinderella Castle, thrilling rides, and classic characters. But there’s another aspect of the Disney experience that deserves its spotlight – the water transportation system. This transportation system is a novel and peaceful way to traverse Walt Disney World, offering guests a unique and enjoyable way to travel around the sprawling resort. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s water transportation.
Magic Kingdom
Ferry Boats
- Service To: Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC), Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom ferries start running 30 minutes before the park opens, including during Extra Magic Hours. For instance, if Morning Extra Magic Hours start at 8:00 AM, the first ferry ride from the Transportation & Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom commences at 7:30 AM.
Each ferry can accommodate 600 guests and requires 3 crew members. Up to three ferries are in operation during opening and closing times. During the daytime and late-night hours, only two ferries run, typically resulting in wait times of up to 20 minutes. The ferry service continues until one and a half hours after the park closes, including during Extra Magic Hours.
Magic Kingdom Resort Area Ferry Boat Locations
Magic Kingdom Theme Park
- Magic Kingdom Park (Ferry Launch)
- Magic Kingdom Park (Red Launch)
- Boat Launch – Magic Kingdom Park (Green Launch)
- Magic Kingdom Park (Gold Launch)
Ticket & Transportation Center
- Transportation and Ticket Center (Ferry Launch)
Water Taxis: Boat Launches & Cruisers
Four different routes are offered in the Magic Kingdom area, each identified by a unique color flag. All routes commence operation 30 minutes before the park opens, including Early Theme Park Entry hours, and continue until 90 minutes after the park closes.
However, the boat services may be suspended due to bad weather. Specifically, if there’s lightning nearby, the launches are halted. Here are each of the water taxi routes that are offered in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area:
Magic Kingdom Resort Area Boat Launch Locations
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Gold Launch)
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Gold Launch)
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Blue Launch)
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Red Launch)
Disney’s Fort Wilderness
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (Green Launch)
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (Blue Launch)
EPCOT & Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Friendship Boats In Crescent Lake
- Service To: Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, Disney’s Beach Club Villas, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, International Gateway At EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Friendship Boats are a popular mode of transportation for guests staying in one of the five resorts near Crescent Lake in the EPCOT Resort area. These boats provide service to both the International Gateway at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The final Friendship boat service from EPCOT is scheduled for 9:30 PM every night. After this time, guests have the option to utilize the pedestrian pathway or the bus services.
A full boat ride between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios takes approximately 25 minutes, visiting all stops along the way. This provides guests with a soothing and serene alternative to other modes of transportation, making it a preferred choice for many visitors.
EPCOT Resort Area Boat Launch Locations
Crescent Lake
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas & Yacht Club Resort
- Walt Disney World Dolphin & Swan Hotels
- International Gateway At EPCOT
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Friendship Boats In EPCOT’s World Showcase
- Service To: World Showcase Plaza, Morocco Pavilion, Germany Pavilion
Starting at 11:00 AM, the Friendship boats inside of EPCOT initiate their service across the World Showcase Lagoon. Two routes are available, both starting from the docks at World Showcase Plaza. One route on the Mexico Pavilion side of World Showcase Plaza heads towards the Germany Pavilion, and another on the Canada Pavilion side heads to the Morocco Pavilion.
The final boat from the World Showcase Plaza departs at 7:15 PM, and the last boat leaving from the Morocco Pavilion and the Germany Pavilion boat sets off at 7:30 PM.
EPCOT's World Showcase Boat Launch Locations
World Showcase
- Mexico Pavilion
- Canada Pavilion
- Morocco Pavilion
- Germany Pavilion
Disney Springs
The water transportation service is typically in service daily, operating on a regular schedule from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with boats departing every 20 minutes. However, these hours can be influenced by weather conditions.
Water Taxis / Boat Launches
The water transportation service to Disney Springs currently offers various routes that are categorized by flag colors. Each flag color represents which boat launches the water taxi will visit. This water transportation service is also referred to as The Sassagoula River Cruise which brings guests to and from the Disney Springs Marketplace dock.
Disney Springs Boat Launch Locations
Disney Springs
- The Landing
- Marketplace
- West Side
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney Vacation Club Resorts With Water Transportation
Magic Kingdom Resort Area
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
EPCOT Resort Area
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney Springs Resort Area
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
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Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney veteran, taking advantage of the water transportation system is a great transportation option in Walt Disney World. It’s convenient, relaxing, and adds an extra layer of magic to your Disney adventure. So, the next time you visit Walt Disney World, make sure to embark on a voyage with Disney’s water transportation system. You won’t regret it!
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
