All About Boat Transportation at Disney World

Walt Disney World is known for their inventive transportation options. Once you get inside the “Disney bubble”, there are lots of ways to get around that are all provided by Disney. Boat transportation is a special method of transportation offered for many Disney Resorts to get to the theme parks or Disney Springs.

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We enjoy using the boat transportation when we are at Disney World, and it can be a deciding factor on whether to book at a particular resort or not as well.

There are three distinct areas that boat transportation is used – at Magic Kingdom on the Seven Seas Lagoon, between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios on Crescent Lake, and at Disney Springs to resorts along the Sassagoula River. Our visual reference guide below can help you plan how to navigate this system!

Planning How to Use the Boats at Disney World

We have guides on the different modes of transportation at Walt Disney World, and have focused on the Monorail system, Disney Skyliner, and how to use the buses while at Walt Disney World. So for the sake of clarity, we will be focusing on only using boats as a method of transportation in this article.

Our visual reference guide below can help you plan how to navigate this system!

There are also many opportunities to rent watercraft as an activity when you’re at Walt Disney World. And you can see our experience on the Fireworks Cruise in this video. This is one of many special experiences you can book during your trip, however we will be focusing on complimentary transportation options so that you can help plan your trip. 

The boats mentioned below are some of the main modes of transportation options between the theme parks and resorts. They can be a relaxing alternative to the other methods of transportation, like a monorail or bus, and in some cases may be the main transportation method offered at some resorts to get specific locations. 

Which Boat Routes to Use at Disney World

Using boat transportation can enhance your experience at Walt Disney World. You’ll find that the boats are a relaxing alternative to buses and monorails, with the added charm of gliding over the water. Whether you are heading to a dining reservation or moving between parks, it allows for a peaceful transition to your next adventure.

Boat transportation is a fun and convenient way to explore Walt Disney World. You can easily travel between various resorts and theme parks using the boat routes.

There are three main locations where you can use boat transportation to get between different destinations. 

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

In the Magic Kingdom area, several resorts have boat docks. You can find water taxi services to get to Magic Kingdom at:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

These boats take you directly to the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. The boats run frequently, usually every 15-20 minutes.

The ride offers beautiful views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, making your trip enjoyable and scenic. There are also water taxis to get from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to go to the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you can board a monorail to get to EPCOT.

EPCOT Area Resorts

The EPCOT resort area also features boat services connecting several resorts. Key locations include:

• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
• Disney’s Yacht Club & Beach Club Resort (same stop)
• Swan and Dolphin Resorts
• Then on to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (route reverses backwards from here)

Friendship Boats service this area, allowing you to travel to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The journey around the EPCOT Resorts takes about 15 minutes, while the ride all the way to Hollywood Studios is slightly longer. The route features charming surroundings, including views of the Boardwalk.

Disney Springs Area

Disney Springs has its own unique boat transportation routes. The docks serve:

• Disney’s Port Orleans –  Riverside Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort
• Saratoga Springs Resort
• Old Key West Resort

Boats travel from these resorts to Disney Springs, where you can shop and dine. The ride lasts around 20-30 minutes, depending on the starting point. Service runs until 10:30pm to get to Disney Springs.

You may also see wildlife along the waterways, adding to the relaxing experience of your journey.

Weather Considerations and Boat Transportation

Weather can significantly impact boat transportation at Walt Disney World, as operations are subject to change based on safety conditions. During heavy rain, thunderstorms, or high winds, boat services may be temporarily suspended or delayed.

This is especially common during Florida’s stormy summer months when sudden afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt water transportation. 

If severe weather is expected, Disney typically advises guests to use alternative transportation options, such as buses or the monorail, for travel between resorts and parks.

For resorts that do not offer bus service typically in favor of a boat or Disney Skyliner, they will add in bus service in the case of inclement weather. Check with a Cast Member if you’re unsure which transportation to head to, in times where the weather may look iffy!

Relaxing Your Way Across Disney World

Boat transportation is a relaxing and convenient way to explore Walt Disney World. You can easily travel between various resorts and theme parks using the boat routes.

If you think your family will enjoy using the boats, you may take that into consideration when deciding which Disney Resort to book your vacation.

For more information on the different transportation options at Walt Disney World, check out our articles below:

• Navigating the Disney Skyliner
• All About the Monorails at Disney World
• Airport to Disney World Transportation Options