Taking the Magic Kingdom Ferry (With How To’s and Tips)
Magic Kingdom’s Ferry is one of the most well-known forms of Walt Disney World water transportation. It takes guests back and forth across Seven Seas Lagoon between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom. Depending on where you’re coming from, you might need (or want) to take the ferryboat to the park.
Below, we’ll discuss how and when to take the Magic Kingdom Ferry, and I’ll provide a few tips. Whether you’re headed to the Magic Kingdom or want to visit a resort for dining or leisure, knowing the best way to travel to your destination is essential.
These tips and details are based on our travel experiences. Since we’re at the resorts and parks weekly, we intentionally practice these processes and take photos to share with you. This article is updated regularly to reflect any changes that might benefit your trip.
Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat
When visiting the Magic Kingdom, guests who drive must park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), which serves as the park’s parking lot. Additionally, guests who take a bus from an off-property resort are dropped off at a bus stop adjacent to the TTC.
After parking, you can take a tram from the parking lot to the Transportation and Ticket Center. If you prefer, you can use the walkway. However, it might be a significant walk, depending on where you park.
Tip: Take a photo or write down the row where you parked. The last thing you want is to spend 30 minutes looking for your car after a long day of standing in line. Disney also has a car locator tool in the My Disney Experience app. Instructions for using the tool are available here on Disney’s site.
When you arrive at the Transportation and Ticket Center, you have two options for getting to the Magic Kingdom: the ferry or the monorail. If you want to take the monorail, we have a separate guide covering its facets: Disney World Monorail Guide.
Before deciding which transportation to take, you’ll head through security screening. Years ago, security was on the other side of the water near the park’s entrance. However, this security process is a tremendous improvement. After you clear the security area, you can continue to the ferry or monorail.
Two ferryboats run simultaneously across Seven Seas Lagoon. Each ferry docks and drops off guests. Then, new guests can board. The Magic Kingdom Ferry runs approximately an hour before the park opens and continues up to an hour after the park closes. (That timing takes into account the park opening 30 minutes early each morning for resort guests and evenings when the parks open later for special events and extended evening hours.)
After going through security, you’ll see the signage for the ferry on the far left. If the ferry has just left, it takes approximately 10 minutes for the next ferry to arrive. Thankfully, most of the waiting area is partially covered, so there is some shade. However, you can expect a significant line if you arrive first thing in the morning.
After the ferry unloads, a cast member will open the gate for new guests to board. You can continue down the gangplank and board the vessel. Then, you can decide whether to stay on the main level or walk up to the second level. Here is a photo of the boarding ramp. Magic Kingdom’s ferry is wheelchair and ECV-accessible.
Seating is fairly limited on the ferry. A few benches are available on the main level.
We usually like to go up to the second level for more seating and better views.
A staircase is available at the front and back of the ferry. It’s roped off while the boat is in motion. We stay on our bench when the boat docks and let everyone clear out. It makes for a much more peaceful experience.
From the ferry, you can see Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which is next to the Transportation and Ticket Center.
Beyond the Polynesian sits Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. On the opposite side of the boat, you can see Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and you might get a glimpse of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge from the upper level.
Soon, the Magic Kingdom comes into view. It’s a magical way to arrive.
The ferry is a pleasant open-air option, and the pace is enjoyable.
It takes approximately 15 minutes to board the Magic Kingdom Ferry, cross the water, and dock. You could easily spend the same time waiting in line for the Express monorail. However, if there isn’t a line, the monorail is usually the faster of the two options. Each ferry holds about 600 guests.
You’ll return to the same dock outside Magic Kingdom at the end of the day. This dock also provides a partially covered waiting area.
Tip: If you wait until after the evening fireworks to leave, you’ll be packed in this area like a can of sardines. We usually like to find a seat in the park and let the crowds clear before we attempt to leave.
My favorite time to take the ferry is on a leisurely day when the sun is shining and it’s nice outside. When I arrive at the Transportation and Ticket Center, I nearly always take the ferry over the monorail.
Final Thoughts
Magic Kingdom’s Ferry and the surrounding boat service provide an efficient and fun way to travel. A warm sunny day sailing across the Seven Seas Lagoon can improve even the most cheerful mood. For more on Disney Water Transportation, you’ll have a few options:
Magic Kingdom Resort Boat Service takes guests to and from the Polynesian and Grand Floridian (gold flag) to the Magic Kingdom. Another boat service takes guests from the Wilderness Lodge to Magic Kingdom (red flag). The green flag boat runs between Fort Wilderness and Magic Kingdom. Then, the blue flag runs between Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and the Wilderness Lodge.
The FriendShips travel across Crescent Lake (Epcot Resort Area) between Epcot’s International Gateway and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They stop at the Yacht and Beach Club, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, and the Swan and Dolphin. An additional set of Friendship boats travels across the World Showcase Lagoon between Morocco and World Celebration.
Water taxis also travel between Disney Springs and Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, and Disney’s Old Key West Resort. They dock at the Disney Springs Marketplace. See our guide to water taxis at Disney Springs for more details.
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, I can not reiterate enough the importance of learning the best ways to get around Disney property. Here are a few other Disney transportation reviews you might enjoy:
- Disney’s Skyliner with Travel Times and Routes
- Disney’s Complimentary Bus System
- Tackling Transportation at the Disney Resort Hotels
- Disney Springs Transportation Options and Tips
- Walking from the TTC to the Polynesian
Are you considering staying off property? We have a guide to finding the best off-site hotels near Disney World. Some of our favorites include:
- Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Review
- Wyndham Grand Orlando Review at Bonnet Creek
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando Review
- Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek Review
- Flamingo Crossings Hotel List (Affordable Near Disney)
Or browse our list of the Best Marriotts near Disney World.
You’ve probably heard that sometimes the most fun is in the journey. And let’s face it, where else can you take a scenic boat ride, a highway in the sky, or a gondola for free while on vacation?
In the Comments:
Have you ever taken the Magic Kingdom Ferry or one of the resort boat launches? Did you find this article helpful? Do you have questions about using any of these boat services? Leave a comment below and let us know!
MK closes at 6PM and the Electrical Water Pageant starts at 8:30. I would like to go to Fort Wilderness to watch the water pageant and eat at a quick service restaurant there. Can I catch a boat there and one back to the parking lot at MK after the water pageant?
Hi Sharon,
My best guess would be probably not. BUT your best bet would be to ask the cast member at the boat service before heading over that way. From my experiences, Disney’s transportation times have been drastically reduced given shorter theme park operating hours. You might have to take a taxi or car service to get back to your car. Good luck, I’ve never watched the pageant from Fort Wilderness. I’ll have to check that out sometime!