Boat Guide
Disney Boats & Ferries: Complete Water Transportation Guide
Updated regularly based on current transportation patterns
Disney World has over 20 miles of navigable waterways, and boats are an integral part of the transportation system. From the iconic Magic Kingdom ferries to the quiet motor launches around Bay Lake, water transportation offers some of the most scenic — and sometimes surprisingly efficient — ways to get around.
This guide covers all the boat routes at Disney World: where they go, when they're useful, and when you should take something else.
The Four Boat Systems
Disney operates several distinct boat services across the property. Understanding which boats go where is the key to using them effectively.
1. Magic Kingdom Ferries
Route: Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) ↔ Magic Kingdom
These are the large, double-decker ferryboats that cross Seven Seas Lagoon. They're often the first Disney transportation guests experience when arriving at Magic Kingdom.
What to know:
- Three ferries operate: Richard F. Irvine IV, General Joe Potter, and Admiral Joe Fowler
- Each ferry holds about 600 passengers
- Ride time: approximately 7 minutes across the lagoon
- Runs from about 1 hour before park opening until 1 hour after close
2. Friendship Boats (EPCOT Area)
Route: Loop connecting EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and five resort areas
The Friendship boats are small motor cruisers that operate on Crescent Lake, connecting:
- EPCOT (International Gateway)
- Hollywood Studios
- BoardWalk
- Yacht Club
- Beach Club
- Swan & Dolphin (shared dock)
What to know:
- Multiple boats run the loop, but routes vary
- Some boats run direct routes; others make multiple stops
- Ride time varies: 10-25 minutes depending on route and stops
- More scenic and leisurely than fast
3. Bay Lake / Seven Seas Lagoon Boats
Routes:
- Magic Kingdom ↔ Grand Floridian
- Magic Kingdom ↔ Polynesian
- Magic Kingdom ↔ Fort Wilderness / Wilderness Lodge
These are smaller motor launches (often called "resort boats") that connect Magic Kingdom with resorts around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon.
What to know:
- Smaller capacity than ferries
- More frequent but slower than the monorail
- Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge don't have monorail access, so boats are the main water option
- Can be a relaxing alternative when monorail lines are long
4. Disney Springs Boats
Route: Disney Springs ↔ Port Orleans (Riverside and French Quarter) ↔ Old Key West ↔ Saratoga Springs
These boats travel the Sassagoula River, connecting Disney Springs to several moderate and deluxe resorts.
What to know:
- Scenic, leisurely ride
- Often slower than the bus, but more enjoyable
- Doesn't run during bad weather
- Good for a relaxing trip, not for getting somewhere fast
The Magic Kingdom Ferry in Detail
The ferry is one of two options for crossing Seven Seas Lagoon from TTC (the other being the Express Monorail). Here's how they compare:
Ferry vs. Monorail Express
| Factor | Ferry | Monorail Express |
|---|---|---|
| Ride time | ~7 minutes | ~5 minutes |
| Wait time | Variable | Variable |
| Capacity | ~600 per ferry | ~360 per train |
| Frequency | Every 10-15 min | Every 3-5 min |
The ferry takes slightly longer but has higher capacity. When both lines look similar, the monorail is marginally faster. But when the monorail line is significantly longer, the ferry often wins because it clears large crowds faster.
The right choice depends on the lines when you arrive at TTC. Walk toward both and see which looks shorter before committing.
When to Take the Ferry
After fireworks: The monorail gets absolutely mobbed. The ferry line often looks longer but moves faster because of its higher capacity.
You want the experience: The ferry is classic Disney — wind in your hair, watching the castle get closer. Take it at least once.
Monorail line is very long: Trust your eyes. If the monorail queue stretches back significantly, the ferry might save you time.
When to Take the Monorail Instead
Morning rope drop: The monorail is slightly faster and runs more frequently. When both lines are manageable, take the monorail.
Bad weather: The ferry operates in light rain but is less pleasant. The monorail is enclosed and climate-controlled.
Friendship Boats in Detail
The EPCOT-area boats are beloved by many guests for their relaxed pace, but they're not always the fastest option.
Routes and Timing
The Friendship boats connect the World Showcase Lagoon (EPCOT) with Crescent Lake (Hollywood Studios and surrounding resorts).
Typical journey times:
- EPCOT to Hollywood Studios: 20-30 minutes
- EPCOT to BoardWalk: 10-15 minutes
- EPCOT to Yacht/Beach Club: 10-15 minutes
- Hollywood Studios to BoardWalk: 10-15 minutes
- BoardWalk to Yacht/Beach Club: 5 minutes (though walking is faster)
These times assume you board immediately. Wait times can add 10-20 minutes depending on when the next boat arrives.
When to Take Friendship Boats
You're at an EPCOT-area resort going to Hollywood Studios: The boat is pleasant and avoids the bus wait. It's comparable to walking but less tiring.
You're not in a hurry: The boats are scenic and relaxing. If you have time to spare, it's a nice way to travel.
Park close at EPCOT: Instead of fighting the bus crowds at the main entrance, walk to International Gateway and take a boat toward your resort area. The boat might be empty while the buses are packed.
When to Walk Instead
For guests at BoardWalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan, or Dolphin:
To EPCOT: Walk. It takes 10-15 minutes from most of these resorts to International Gateway. Waiting for a boat, then riding, often takes longer.
To Hollywood Studios: This is a judgment call. The walk is 15-25 minutes. The boat is scenic but can take just as long when you factor in waiting. If a boat is sitting at the dock ready to go, take it. If you'd be waiting, walk.
For more on this trade-off, see the Walking at Disney World guide.
Bay Lake / Seven Seas Lagoon Boats in Detail
These smaller motor launches offer an alternative to the monorail for guests at lakeside resorts.
Routes
Magic Kingdom ↔ Grand Floridian
- Direct route, approximately 10-12 minutes
- Alternative to the Resort Monorail
Magic Kingdom ↔ Polynesian
- Direct route, approximately 10-12 minutes
- Alternative to the Resort Monorail
Magic Kingdom ↔ Fort Wilderness & Wilderness Lodge
- These resorts aren't on the monorail, so boats (and buses) are the options
- Fort Wilderness route: approximately 10-15 minutes
- Wilderness Lodge route: approximately 10 minutes
When to Take Resort Boats
The monorail line is long: After fireworks especially, the boat dock at Magic Kingdom might have a shorter wait.
You're at Fort Wilderness or Wilderness Lodge: Boats are your water option. They're scenic and often less crowded than buses.
You want a quiet ride: The small motor launches feel more intimate than the busy monorail.
When to Take the Monorail Instead
Morning rope drop: The monorail runs more frequently and is faster.
You're connecting to EPCOT: The boats don't go to EPCOT. You'd need to take the boat to TTC area, then transfer — the monorail is more direct.
Disney Springs Boats in Detail
The Sassagoula River boats connect Disney Springs to several resorts, offering a relaxing alternative to buses.
Stops
- Disney Springs (The Landing area)
- Saratoga Springs
- Old Key West
- Port Orleans Riverside
- Port Orleans French Quarter
Timing
The full route takes 30-40 minutes. Direct trips are shorter:
- Disney Springs to Port Orleans: approximately 20 minutes
- Disney Springs to Saratoga Springs: approximately 10 minutes
Buses are usually faster. The boats are about the experience, not efficiency.
When to Take Disney Springs Boats
You're staying at a Sassagoula River resort and want a relaxing trip: The boats are pleasant, especially in the evening.
You're returning to your resort at night: The boat is a nice way to wind down after a Disney Springs evening. No rush.
The bus line is very long: Sometimes after special events, Disney Springs buses get mobbed. The boat might be a calmer alternative.
When to Take the Bus Instead
You're in a hurry: The bus is faster.
Bad weather is threatening: Boats don't run during lightning or heavy rain. The bus is more reliable.
Weather and Boat Operations
All Disney boats operate with some weather limitations:
Light rain: Boats usually continue operating. You might get wet on open-air boats.
Heavy rain: Operations may pause temporarily.
Lightning: Boats stop running. This is non-negotiable for safety.
High winds: May affect operations, especially the larger ferries on Seven Seas Lagoon.
If weather looks questionable and you have a time-sensitive commitment, don't count on the boats. The bus is more reliable.
Accessibility
Disney boats are wheelchair accessible, but accessibility varies by boat type:
Ferries: Fully accessible with wheelchair spaces on both decks.
Friendship boats: Accessible, with cast members assisting with boarding. Space is limited.
Motor launches: Varies. Some can accommodate wheelchairs; others require transfer. Ask the cast member at the dock.
If you're using a wheelchair or ECV, let the cast member know before boarding so they can position you appropriately.
Tips for Boat Transportation
Check if a boat is at the dock before committing
If you can see a boat waiting and boarding, take it. If the dock is empty and you'd be waiting for the next one, walking or taking the bus might be faster.
Know the dock locations
At Hollywood Studios: Boats dock at the back of the park (near the Skyliner station), not the main entrance.
At EPCOT: Boats dock at International Gateway (between France and UK), not the main entrance.
At Magic Kingdom: Ferry dock is at TTC. Resort boats dock behind Main Street (exit through the breezeway to the left of the Main Street train station).
Use boats strategically at park close
When everyone's rushing to buses, the boat docks are often calmer. If you're at a resort served by boats, it can be a more peaceful departure.
Combine boats with walking
You don't have to take a boat the whole way. Walk from your resort toward the boat dock, and if a boat's there, hop on. If not, keep walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Disney boats free? Yes. All Disney transportation, including boats, is free for guests.
Do boats run during Extra Magic Hours / Extended Evening Hours? Usually, but service may be reduced. Check the My Disney Experience app during your visit.
Can I bring food and drinks on the boats? Yes. Many guests grab a drink at BoardWalk or Disney Springs and enjoy it on the ride.
Are the boats crowded? Less so than buses, generally. The exception is Magic Kingdom ferries immediately after fireworks.
The Bottom Line
Disney boats aren't the fastest transportation option — but they're often the most enjoyable. The Magic Kingdom ferry is iconic. The Friendship boats offer scenic views of EPCOT's World Showcase and the beautiful BoardWalk area. The resort launches are quiet and intimate.
When time matters, boats usually aren't the answer. When experience matters — or when other options are mobbed — boats are a great choice.
The decision often comes down to what's happening at the moment: Is there a boat at the dock? How long is the alternative line? This guide gives you the knowledge; the real-time conditions determine the right choice.
For help making that call in the moment, see how the app compares your options.