Walt Disney World Transportation: Boats

In addition to the more well-known Disney buses and Monorails, boats are a surprisingly wide-spread transportation option at Walt Disney World. Beloved for the unique views they afford, this often slower mode of travel can be a fun addition to a Walt Disney World vacation.

Ferry Boats

Three different ferry boats run from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom and back. These boats are one of two ways to return to your parked car after a day at Magic Kingdom or to connect to the EPCOT Monorail line. (The second way to get to TTC is via the Monorail.)

The three ferry boats are named the Richard F. Irvine, the Admiral Joe Fowler, and the General Joe Potter.

Ferry Boat Operating Times

Depending on the time of day, one to three ferry boats may be operating. Ferry boats typically run 45 minutes before Park opening to 45 minutes after Magic Kingdom closes. (This can vary.)

A ferry boat ride between TTC and Magic Kingdom takes about 10 minutes with departure, travel across Seven Seas Lagoon, and docking. During busy times, you’ll need to factor in waits on the dock as well. Expect 10-12 minutes between boats.

Ferry Boat Seating and Capacity

The ferry boats are free floating boats with upper and lower levels connected by two interior stairways. Limited upper deck seating is available on all three boats. Wheelchair and stroller access is on the lower deck.

Each ferry boat has a maximum capacity of 600 passengers.

Click here for more information about wheelchairs and ECVs at Walt Disney World.
Click here for more information about strollers at Walt Disney World.

Water Launch or Water Taxi

Water launches or water taxis provide transportation between Magic Kingdom and several Resorts.

Gold Flag Water Taxis

Two Gold Flag water taxis run on Seven Seas Lagoon from Magic Kingdom to the Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resorts and back. Times for these vary depending on Park hours.

These boats typically are not wheelchair accessible. Guests with disabilities would need to transfer from the wheelchair and go down two steps to board.

Blue Flag Water Taxis

Two Blue Flag water taxis run on Bay Lake from the Contemporary, Fort Wilderness, and Wilderness Lodge Resorts. These launches typically begin earlier in the day and cease operations depending on Park hours.

These boats typically are not wheelchair accessible. Guests with disabilities would need to transfer from the wheelchair and go down two steps to board.

Red Flag Water Taxis

One Red Flag water taxi runs from Wilderness Lodge Resort to Magic Kingdom depending on Park hours (including Extra Magic Hours).

This route uses two different types of boats; one accommodates wheelchairs and ECVs, the other requires a transfers and two steps down.

Green Flag Water Taxis

One Green Flag water taxi runs from Fort Wilderness to Magic Kingdom. Timing for this route is dependent on Park hours. The Green Flag route tends to be busy; Fort Wilderness does not operate a bus to Magic Kingdom, so all guests going to the Park are required to use the Green Flag water taxi or drive to the Park. Visitors to Fort Wilderness (i.e. those with Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue Advance Dining Reservations) will also use the Green Flag boats.

The cruisers used for this route are wheelchair and ECV accessible.

Note: Water taxis require guests to fold their strollers for boarding even if it’s a boat that can accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs.

Friendship Boats

Friendship Boats run on Crescent Lake in the EPCOT Resort area to five Resorts, EPCOT’s International Gateway, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

They also run on World Showcase Lagoon, connecting World Showcase countries in two separate routes.

Crescent Lake Friendship Boats

The Friendship Boats on Crescent Lake connect Yacht and Beach Club Resorts (shared dock), BoardWalk Inn and Villas, Swan and Dolphin hotels (shared dock), EPCOT’s International Gateway, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

World Showcase Friendship Boats

The Friendship Boats on World Showcase Lagoon run between Canada and Morocco and between Mexico and Germany. These are slow ways to navigate World Showcase, but the views and the opportunity to sit and rest are welcome.

Friendship Boats Accessibility

Friendship Boats are wheelchair and stroller accessible when water levels are normal. Changes in water levels may require passengers to step up or down into the boat, and in these conditions the loading ramps may not be usable.

A sign will be posted on dock to alert potential passengers to this change. Rough winds may also make boarding via wheelchair/stroller impossible.

Note: Friendship Boats are a slow mode of travel, and a walkway connecting the Resorts to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios may be preferable to the Friendship Boats as they can be more efficient. This is particularly true at Park closing time when lines for the boats tend to be very long.

Sassagoula River Ferry Boat

A lesser-known ferry boat shuttles Resort guests at Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter and Riverside, Old Key West Resort, and Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa to Disney Springs. Known as the Sassagoula River Ferry Boat, this open-air water taxi is a relaxing way to travel to the dining, shopping, and entertainment district.

These ferries offer five routes:

• Port Orleans –French Quarter to/from Disney Springs Marketplace (Purple Flag)
• Port Orleans — Riverside to/from Disney Springs Marketplace (Yellow Flag)
• Saratoga Springs Resort and Tree Houses to/from Disney Springs Landing (Blue Flag)
• Old Key West Resort to/from Disney Springs Landing (Green Flag)
• Disney Springs Marketplace to Disney Springs West Side and back via Disney Springs Landing (Red Flag).

There is a sixth flag: Yellow/Purple is flown when the Disney Springs/Port Orleans route is servicing both Resorts.

These boats may accommodate strollers. Wheelchairs usually have to be folded.