There are numerous types of Walt Disney World water transportation aka boats. Three of the major parks are accessible by water transportation with the lone exception being Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Downtown Disney is even accessible by boat, but in a limited capacity.
Below is a full listing of the types of water transportation that are available throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
Ferryboats
- These boats run only from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom and back.
- Ferryboats typically begin running 30-45 before park opening.
- Ferryboats typically cease the day’s operation about 45-60 minutes after park closure.
- The transport is a six-minute cruise, but can take 10-12 minutes with departure and docking.
Names of Ferryboats:
- Admiral Joe Fowler
- General Joe Potter
- Richard F. Irvine
Cruiser Boats – Friendship Boats
- Friendship Boats typically begin running at 8:30 a.m.
- Friendship Boats typically cease the day’s operation 60 minutes after park closing
- Approximate transportation times vary and can become much longer at park closing and also due to the amount of stops that each makes.
Friendship Boat Routes:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Walt Disney World Swan Resort, Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, and to Epcot
- Epcot to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Walt Disney World Swan Resort, Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort.
- There are also two internal Epcot routes with one running between Canada and Morocco while the other runs between Mexico and Germany.
Names of Friendship Boats:
- Friendship I
- Friendship II
- Friendship III
- Friendship IV
- Friendship V
- Friendship VI
- Friendship VII
- Friendship VIII
- Mermaid I
Launch Boats/Motor Cruisers – Water Taxis
- Launch Boats typically begin running between 6:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
- Launch Boats typically cease the day’s operation 45 minutes after Magic Kingdom park closing and 11:30 p.m.
- Approximate transportation times vary from eight to 20 minutes.
- Operating times vary per type of boats (Launch Boats and Motor Cruisers) – Check daily schedule
NOTE: There are no boats that go directly from Disney’s Contemporary Resort to the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
Launch Boat Routes:
- Gold Flag: Operates the Seven Seas Lagoon route from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Typical operation is from 8:30 a.m. until 60-90 minutes after Magic Kingdom closure. Two boats typically running.
- Blue Flag: Operates the Bay Lake route between Disney’s Contemporary Resort / Bay Lake Tower, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Typical operation is from 6:45 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. They run clockwise until 3:00 p.m. and then reverse direction for the rest of the day. Two boats typically running.
- Green Flag: Operates between Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Magic Kingdom. Typical operation is from 8:30 a.m. until 60-90 minutes after Magic Kingdom closure. Two boats typically running.
- Red Flag: Operates between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the Magic Kingdom. Typical operation from 8:30 a.m. until 60-90 minutes after Magic Kingdom closure. Two boats typically running and they do run for Extra Magic Hours.
Names of Launch Boats/Motor Cruisers:
- Adventurer
- Explorer
- Mariner
- Navigator
- Seafarer
- Voyager
River Boats
- Operating times vary – Check daily schedules
- 20-minute boat ride
- Boats operate between select Disney Resorts and Downtown Disney
- One boat begins operation at 11:00 a.m. and service runs hourly. At 4:00 p.m., a second boat is added and service runs every half an hour.
- The last River Boat leaves Disney’s Old Key West Resort at 11:00 p.m. and from Downtown Disney at 11:30 p.m.
River Boat Routes:
- Yellow Flag: Service between Downtown Disney and Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter Resorts
- Blue Flag: Service between Downtown Disney and Disney’s Saratoga Springs and the Treehouse Villas
- Green Flag: Service between Downtown Disney and Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Red Flag: Internal Downtown Disney service
Names of River Boats:
- Azalea Bloom
- Bayou Princess
- Blossom Queen
- Buena Vista Queen
- Crescent City Queen (Spelled “Cresent” on name plate)
- Delta Lady
- Florida Queen
- Jazz Lady
- Jazz Queen
- Louisiana Lady
- Magnolia Blossom
- Memphis Miss
- Saratoga Queen
- Sassagoula Sunset
- Southern Breeze
