Friday, April 11, 2008

Transportation - Water Ferries







Disney water transportation is by it's very nature a bit slower than a bus/car. Still, it is unique and distinctly Disney. Just give yourself a bit of extra time when using it, sit back and enjoy your voyage.

Magic Kingdom:

Ferry Boat - Service from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom.

Boat Launches

The Grand Floridian and Polynesian use water transportation in addition to the Monorail when going to/from the Magic Kingdom. The Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness exclusively use water transportation to/from the Magic Kingdom. Note that service begins 30 minutes prior to the park opening and continue until 45 minutes after the park closes. The boats may cease operation due to inclement weather.

  • Gold Flag Launch picks up at both the Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resorts.
  • Green Flag Launch picks up at the Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness Campgrounds. Prior to 3:00pm, the boat goes from Ft. Wilderness to the Wilderness Lodge and onto the Magic Kingdom. After 3:00pm it goes from Ft. Wilderness to the Magic Kingdom and to the Wilderness Lodge.
  • Blue Flag Launch - This boat runs from Ft. Wilderness and the Wilderness Lodge to the Contemporary Resort. TIP: If it looks as if the boat for the Magic Kingdom is going to be late/crowded, take this boat to the Contemporary and use the Monorail or walking path from there.


Epcot - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Friendship Boats

When using the Friendship Boats, plan on a leisurely (s-l-o-w) voyage to your destination. Walking is often faster but after a long day at the parks, a nice, relaxing boat trip can be a welcome change of pace.

The Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Dolphin and Swan Resorts exclusively use water transportation to get to both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. TIP: The wait for Disney's Hollywood Studios boat can be daunting, especially when the park has just closed, the line is a mile long, and no boat's in sight. There's a very nice walking path to the resorts that you can use instead.

Within Epcot

Beginning at 11:00am, the Friendship boats begin running. There are two runs, both originating from launches found at World Showcase Plaza. One goes to Morocco, the other to Germany. The last boat from the World Showcase leaves at 7:15pm. The last boat from the countries leaves at 7:30pm.



Downtown Disney

Old Key West and Saratoga Springs have hourly boat service to the Disney Marketplace starting at 11:00am thru 4:00pm. Beginning at 4:00pm, a second boat is added and service runs every 30 minutes. The last boat leaves Old Key West at 11:00pm and from Downtown Disney at 11:30pm. NOTE: Bus service to Downtown Disney is in continuous operation from these resorts.

Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside use the Sassagoula River Cruise as a means of transportation to the Disney Marketplace.

Shuttle - There's a boat shuttle from the Marketplace marina to the West Side marina.



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