The ferry boat over to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World feels a little more relaxed than the monorail, at least at first. It provides a free ride across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Transportation and Ticket Center, takes about 10-12 minutes, and the views alone make it worth it. You get great sight lines of Cinderella Castle, plus the Grand Floridian and Polynesian along the way. This has been a favorite transportation option for my family since I first started visiting in the park decades ago. It's also a lot easier if you're traveling with a mobility scooter or wheelchair than the monorail or Disney buses. There are no tight ramps or awkward loading like you might run into with the other options. Just roll on and go. I try to avoid the ferry right after park closing because it turns into a bit of a free-for-all. The ferry can hold a ton of people, but when everyone leaves at once, it gets packed. The queue area is large so people don't (and can't) wait single file, so you're squished with hordes of tired and fussy people ready to get back to their cars. If crowds and shoving aren't your thing, this might test your patience. It's a similar set up on the Transportation and Ticket Center end, too. Seating on board is super limited and consists of just a handful of benches, which always seem to be packed with younger people or kids. If you can stand, definitely leave those spots for people who really need them. One of the best features of the ferry boat is that it's a two story vessel! Head upstairs to the top deck if you can. It's less cramped and the panoramic views are even better, especially at night when everything's lit up. Overall, the ferry is a pretty quick, scenic, and very "Disney" way to start or end your day. It's just not the most peaceful option when the park lets out. read more

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Which do you choose? Monorail or Ferry Boat, the old question when you park at Magic Kingdom! The Ferry Boat is the very large boat that takes you across Seven Seas Lagoon to Magic Kingdom. You pick it up at the Transportation and Ticket Center. There are pros and cons of both ways and everyone has their own opinion. My Ferry Boat Pro's: 1. This boat holds a LOT of people, more than the monorail holds 2. No need to fold strollers 3. The boat has two floors, more people to hold and better views upstairs 4. This is technically your first ride of the day behind the tram 5. If you like the water, and want better views, this is your option 6. There are a couple of benches to sit down My con's of the ferry boat: 1. It takes FOREVER to load 2. It moves slower and takes a bit to dock and ensure safety before they let you off 3. It 100% takes you longer to get to the park 4. On really busy days, they pack this boat. This gets very overwhelming and crowded which means we are packed in like sardines Overall you get to the option. I dont mind the Ferry Boat but it is not something we take a lot. If we are in no rush, it is a nice option, especially on nice days. I always recommend to new visitors, take one there and then one back, and that way you get to experience both. read more

The Ferry Boat is the large boat that can take you over to Magic Kingdom. You can pick it up at the Transportation and Ticket Center. When you are headed to Magic Kingdom, you do not actually park your car at the park. You park across the water at the Transportation and Ticket Center. You then have two options to get over to the park, the monorail or the ferry boat. There are pros and cons of both ways and everyone has their own opinion. For the pro's of the ferry boat: 1. It holds a ton of people so a large number can board at a time, it will hold more than the monorail holds 2. Strollers do not need to be folded 3. There are two floor so you can get some really great views of the park and the water and hotels around 4. Taking the boat is technically your first ride of the day 5. On a beautiful day, it is a great boat ride with cool breeze and beautiful views 6. If you like the water, this is your way to go 7. There are a few benches on the ship so you can sit down Con's of the ferry boat: 1. Because of its size, it take a very long time to load the boat 2. It moves slower since you are on water and it takes a little while longer to dock the boat and ensure safety before they let you off 3. It will take you longer to get to the park than the monorail 4. It does not leave as fast as the monorail does 5. On really busy days, they will pack this boat and it can be overwhelming and crowded and causes everyone to be standing on top of each other Overall you get to choose. I always recommend to new visitors, take one there and then one back, that way you get to experience both. It will hold more people than the monorail but it moves slower than the monorail. It can be very peaceful and relaxing at times. Last time we went to Magic, we went over in the evening and it was not very crowded. This is the best time on the boat. Overall its not bad, I do typically prefer the monorail but the ferry boat can be a really nice boat ride across Seven Seas Lagoon. read more

A great boat trip that smoothly takes you to your destination.we were at the monorail transfer station and we were told the monorail was shut down. The only option was to take the ferry. The picture is the back of the boat since Max and I were the last one on board. When you dock, you are one of the last ones to exit. It's a two tier vessel. read more

Ferry Boat - Magic Kingdom - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

The beginning of the fun filled fantasy of Disney World's Magic Kingdom starts with the Ferry Boat. After finding your parking spot, jumping on the shuttle and making your way to the water, this short 10 minute ride across the Seven Seas Lagoon, is an alternate to the monorail. There are 3 boats that transport every 10-15 minutes across the Lagoon. read more

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"You take the blue pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill - you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes." -Morpheus from The Matrix Similar to Neo, you have a choice. There are two ways to get to the Magic Kingdom; Monorail or Ferry Boat. Both will get you there, it's a matter of personal preference. My friend and I took both. On the way to the park, we took the ferry boat. And then leaving the park, we took the monorail. I think both are pretty good. I don't have a preference on either, after trying out both. But the ferry boat was a great way to go if you are not sure! read more

A nice boat ride early in the morning from the parking and transportation center off to the Magic Kingdom entrance. The walk from dock to the MK entry is a little long, but I get it since the monorail was down on the morning I went, lines could get long for entry/leaving the park. The lake didn't have much going on, but we did see some cranes and a few other waterfowl. Takes about 15min. There's some seating but mostly standing space. A lot of families with strollers in the morning. No need to turn around, it goes both directions with a upper deck and main deck for passengers. Probably holds around 600ppl when full. Three different ones go back and forth - The Admiral Joe Fowler can be identified by the green color of the panels down its sides and around its pilothouses. The Richard F. Irvine has red panels, and the General Joe Potter has blue panels. read more

Ferry Boat - Magic Kingdom - Entry - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Monorail or Ferry Boat? You have to pick one in order to get from the parking area to the Magic Kingdom. It's a ride in itself and it's kind of peaceful after dealing with parking or after dealing with the heat and dehydration of visiting the park all day. We usually opt for the ferry boat, mainly because the idea of a single rail train is incomprehensible. And if it didn't work on The Simpson's, I don't think Disney should have bought one too. Copycats! The Ferry Boat is easy to get to, holds a lot of people, and gets you to your destination at the beginning or the end of your visit. read more

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TAKE THE FERRY BOAT - MAGIC KINGDOM DURING RUSH HOUR If you are driving to Magic Kingdom, you will need to take a tram from the parking lot plus either the Monorail or the ferry boat to Magic Kingdom. If it isn't rush hour, it is a matter of preference whether to go on the Monorail or the ferry. Everyone should ride the Monorail at least once during their visit to Disney World - nothing beats the swoosh of the Monorail as it enters the Contemporary Resort :o). We prefer to use the ferry during rush hour (rope drop and after the fireworks show) when there are mobs of people waiting to board either the Monorail or the ferry. We think the crowded long line moves faster with the ferry that can carry alot of park guests. Plus it might not be fun pushing a stroller up the steep ramp to the Monorail platform and then trying to squeeze the stroller into a crowded Monorail car. The open air covered ferry is a comfortable ride across the Seven Seas Lagoon. There is limited seating on both levels of the ferry. No need to fold up your stroller when boarding the ferry. EVENING WATER PARADE BONUS: if you leave Magic Kingdom after the fireworks show and take the ferry, you might see the Electrical Water Pageant, a light and music parade that takes place on the Seven Seas Lagoon. The floating parade features a twinkling lights sea serpent and other ocean creatures and ends with a patriotic light and music show. read more

Nice 15 minute ferry ride to get from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom and vice versa. This is an alternate option from the tram. As you leave the dock, you get a nice view of the Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, etc... sit back and enjoy the ride or take pictures and enjoy the view. Not everyone will get a seat, so be prepared and hold on.. Stay away from stairwell when the ferry docks and remember to take all your belongings with you. read more

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I think we took a bus to the monorail to the ferry to Magic Kingdom. Or was it a bus to the ferry we took? (We were all about doing every kind of transportation we could in the course of each day.) Anyway, it's a quick ferry to get you to the gates, and it's free, and it's covered, so you don't have to sit in the sun... so 5 stars! read more

All Aboard the Disney ferry boat! This is not a ride... I mean, it is a ride but not an attraction ride out of Magic Kingdom or any of the other themed parks. This is distinctly a Disney water transportation that connects and transports guests daily between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom. We used the ferryboats only when leaving the parks to take us to our shuttle that transports us back to our hotel. It's kind of Disney's mass public transit system. It is free to park guests. Two ferries usually operate with wait times between 10 and 20 minutes (in most cases). It has an upper and lower level and can hold quite a bit of guests... I'm guessing up to 400+ or so? Maybe more. The upper deck has limited seating, though, it has two interior staircases. This ferry boat has been useful to us in getting us to our bus. Review #1443 read more

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This is my transportation of choice to go to Magic Kingdom. Nice boat ride, open air, unlike the monorail which is closed in. The ride over is usually crowded in the mornings, but late afternoon return is empty. read more

Ferry Boat - Magic Kingdom - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

The Ferry Boat is the alternative to the Monorail to get to and from parking at Magic Kingdom. It's a bit slower option than riding the monorail and bit faster option than walking. We took the ferry from MK back to parking while we were there and it was a nice way to wind down after the hectic adventure at MK. We were able to sit up top without many people onboard and get some good pictures of the park. It was also a fun experience for my daughter. read more

One of my favorite things about staying at the Grand Floridian is taking the Ferry Boat back after a long day in the Parks. Lots of fresh air and a break from the crowds. The boat is free and you don't have to be staying at one of the destination resorts in order to hop on and enjoy the ride. However- there are different boats that make different stops. Make sure you get on the right one! :-) You can find this information on a sign as you approach the boats. You can also have one of the helpful Disney cast members point you in the right direction if you aren't sure. If you time it right (like I did on my last night) you can be on the water right when the fireworks start at Magic Kingdom. It's pure... well... magic! The ferry boats hold more people than you would expect, but it is a little difficult for families with strollers to load and unload. Also, this is a real boat. Not a ride that is on a set track. It can be a little bumpy as you dock at your destination. There also might be a bit of a step as you get off the boat. Something to keep in mind if you are traveling with younger children. read more

Ferry Boat - Magic Kingdom - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

One of two ways to reach Magic Kingdom, the ferry boat ride is an alternative to the monorail. It is definitely far more scenic and allows for some really great views and photos. The big issue with this is that it can be time-consuming if you're in a hurry to get over to Magic Kingdom park or to get back to your car. Occasionally the monorail is down so you will have to take this more of transportation as a backup since Magic Kingdom is a mile and a half from the transportation and ticket center. Many people don't realize that when you park to go to Magic Kingdom you still have to take another mode of transportation to actually get to the park from the parking lot. Both of these transportation types are free. The monorail is usually a faster method. But I do love taking the ferry boat for a relaxed and scenic view of the lake on the way to the park. The boat also fits far more people than the monorail so that was a line deceive you they can move a mass of people with just one boat. Overall: A Offers gorgeous views and photo ops. A bit slower means of getting to and from the park but well worth the time. read more

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While in Disney the week before quarantine shutdown, there were many modes of transportation to travel between the parks. Although the monorail is the most efficient, the Ferry Boat is the most nostalgic and scenic. read more

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I've always taken the Monorail to Magic Kingdom but this time we decided to take the Ferry Boat & I'm glad we did. It's a much more relaxing than the Monorail because you get to enjoy the view of the park and you can actually see a peak of the castle coming in from the water. The kids will love the ride too and there's benches for you to sit upstairs and downstairs. Although the Monorail might be the faster in speed but to be honest the Ferry might be your fastest route specially when leaving late after the parade because it fits more people. read more

Ferry Boat - Magic Kingdom - The entrance - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Take the ferry in Disney country to Magic Kingdom. Really, it's just a ferry to the Magic Kingdom park - but the gimmick of doing it is of course worth it at least once. Getting to the park, you have 2 options - monorail or the ferry. The monorail is faster, but also tends to crowd. While this was my first outing at Disney World, I wanted to do both and ended up taking the Ferry to the park. Once the boat docks and the gate is open, you can choose a spot on the boat on one of two levels. There is some seating, but not as much since it's really a to and from transport to the park (or back). People tend to walk towards the front of the boat and crowd it as that's where the gate will open to get you closer to the park. The boat ride itself is fairly quick - less than 10 minutes, but it's easy and a relaxing way to get to Magic Kingdom. It was early when I took it, so it wasn't overly crowded - though the people horded the front of the boat when everyone came aboard. It was a nice way to get to the park for the first time - seeing the castle in the distance and watch as it got closer. While the monorail is faster and probably has more to see out the window, the ferry ride is still the other decent option and again, worth doing at least once. read more

If the monorail is open do not take the ferry when it's below 50 degrees and windy... it's freezing!!! read more

Ferry Boat - Magic Kingdom - We have already missed 4 ferries. This blows! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

The Ferry Boat, in my eyes, is a pretty underrated form of transportation to and from the Magic Kingdom. I'm sure it is because the monorail is much quicker and more convenient, however this boat is a great way to 'take the scenic route' if you have some spare time and patience. The boat typically gets filled with people, so it may be a little crowded. But still, there should be plenty of room for you to be able to move around and take in the sights of the lagoon you're surrounded by. On your way, you can catch a glimpse of the Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts, as well as a small view of Cinderella's castle. On the day you have plenty of time to spend in this park, I recommend cutting some time out to ride this ferry. It allows you to see some of the property in a whole new light! read more

This ferry goes back and forth from The Magic Kingdom to The Transportation and Ticket Center. It is a wonderful alternative to using the monorail and can often be the quicker option. When you see the lines for the monorail at the TTC or at MK crazy long, then you need to seriously consider taking the ferry. The view going across is beautiful, there's usually a nice breeze, and you won't be packed into a monorail like you're a sardine in a tin can. There are benches on the ferry so you can sit and rest your weary feet. If you have kids, they will love the experience. When going from the TTC to MK, it's always great to see Cinderella's Castle, especially at night when it's all lit up. I absolutely love the ferry and it's generally the option we choose when going from the TTC to MK. read more

Ferry Boat - Magic Kingdom - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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When going to Magic Kingdom one of the let downs is you have to park in their main parking and then take son mode of transport to either magic kingdom or Epcot. Luckily magic kingdom has two ways to can get there. One is the monorail which is normally my preferred route. The other is ferry. Ferry is very scenic. It takes you through one of Disney's lagoons onto magic kingdoms platform. It's always a nice way to go and sometimes it's not as packed as the monorail. This time both transport methods were full but I happen to choose the ferry. It's easy when you have a stroller cause you just wheel yourself in. The monorail can sometimes be tricky because it's elevated from the platform. I've never had an issue with the ferry and I feel like it's just as fast as the monorail even though it may not seem that way. read more

When I was a kid I was all about that monorail service. Now that I'm older and wiser I have completely flip-flopped on this issue. Instead of being cramped together with a ton of people in a small, enclosed space I choose the ferry every single time. A good number of people don't want to climb the stairs to go to the second level so you can often sit or stand up there and feel the nice breeze as you see the sights of the Seven Seas Lagoon slowly drift past you. It's such a nice relaxing ride and it's also a wonderful way to see the fireworks. To beat the crowds we like to leave right before the fireworks start and watch them from the ferry as we're drifting away from the Magic Kingdom. It's always a wonderful end to yet another visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. read more

Fun option to travel from the TTC to Magic Kingdom. Fresher air than the monorails and you don't have to touch the handrails :) It's really cool to ride over with first timers, as it's a cool view of the castle! Not sure if it's any faster or slower, but I like it! read more

I like taking the ferry boats into the Magic Kingdom on cooler FL days. The Cast Members always make me smile, and I like watching the adults pushing past everyone, with the strollers, towards the front of the ferry. read more

Ferry Boat - Magic Kingdom - Foggy morning, waiting to board - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

You want to go the Magic Kingdom. You are the ticket and transportation center and you have to pick the Ferry Boat or the monorail, which do you choose? When there are large crowds as there were the morning I went the Ferry Boat can you get you there faster. A ferry can carry 600 passengers, while the monorail loads about half as many people. Unlike the boat rides in the Magic Kingdom, the ferry is not on a rail. It is a real boat piloted by a captain often retired from the coast guard. A short 5 minute sail across the Seven Seas Lagoon gets you to the gateway to the Magic Kingdom. When there are less crowds the monorail may be a faster choice but you can't beat the view of Cinderella's castle from the Ferry Boat. read more

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Came to Magic Kingdom thinking that it was not going to be as packed due to COVID-19. They even made a huge deal about reservation. They don't even care . read more

Ferry Boat - Magic Kingdom - People not distancing . That's why there are so many cases. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

As much as I love Disney, and if you've read my reviews you know that I absolutely love Disney. However the ferry boat system and I have a love-hate relationship. It's absolutely nothing personal against the ferry boat; it actually does it efficient job moving people around, and lots of people of that! My beef if you will, is that Disney hold us hostage and moves us through like chunks of cattle utilizing these ferries! To the nice captain who always safely guy just across the seven seas lagoon and all the first mates did make sure that the boat and Fery are safely docked, I thank each and everyone of you. But do whatever sadist at Disney came up with the idea of massive group movements in order to control crowds while it is effective is also abusive to the end-user. I love you Disney the only reason you're not getting one stars because I love you so much, if there was one thing I would change it would be how you get to the Magic Kingdom. Is that A reflection of the Fery self no hands three stars for you Fery system would be five for your operation but Disney's one for concept and execution bring you to a solid three star and that's bad for Disney read more

Here's the Scoop: this ferry takes you to Magic Kingdom after you take the monorail from Epcot. Nice monorail ride that about 5 minutes then you walk down to the ferry. You board and the ride is about 10 min. It's a lovely short ride that entices you because you're looking at the Palace and can't wait for the ferry to get to the Magic Kingdom. In the evening it's so beautiful because the palace light up in a pink/ purple hue. It's very beautiful, it looks enchained. So much fun!! read more

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I like the boat ride. If you have strollers, its just easier to keep them in there. My only issue is that I wish there were more seating on the bottom level. All in all, its a cute experience for the kiddos. read more

Ferry Boat - Magic Kingdom - Going on the ferry - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

The Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat is the best way to get from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom. What makes it so great? -You have room to move around- unlike the monorail you have your personal space, especially on busy days. -You have incredible views -You are not trapped on a monorail car hundreds of feet up in the air -You have the choice of being inside, or outside to enjoy the weather read more

You would only ride this if you are driving and park in the lot at Magic Kingdom, or get dropped off at the Transportation Center. After you park, you go through security and either take the monorail or the ferry, it doesn't seem possible to walk there and it would be far anyway. The ferry is nice, it's scenic and can hold more people than the monorail. It's a quick ride over to the park entrance. read more

I love boats and this was pretty cool. It is slower than the monorail but still worth the ride to do it once. We didn't have to wait on it and it'll move a lot of people. read more

Honestly the ferry is 3 minutes slower than the tram but worth the views! Plus not too many people take the ferry to get to Magic Kingdom

Not only is this method quicker than the TrailRail, it's more scenic. The ride is maybe 5-6 minutes in total and the route is directly in front of Cinderella's castle, so you're slowly getting closer and closer to it. The ferry has plenty of space, so you won't have to worry about people getting in the way of your picture ha ha! read more

Ferry Boat - Magic Kingdom - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Forgot the rail and take the boat, enjoy the breeze, views instead. Much better experience that the cramped monorail and doesn't suffer breakdowns. Its probably just as quick as the monorail or possibly even faster. read more

It transports us to get to the park. many people enter it takes longer oh less 10 minutes to arrive is comfortable. It has good security

Magical! I absolutely love it! We left Magic Kingdom past 1 am and the boats were still running for us. Perfect temperature and atmosphere

On your way to the Magic Kingdom you have two choices- the ferry boat and the monorail. I always choose the Ferry Boat. It seems just as fast as the monorail. It doesn't seem to ever get stuck like the monorail does. Also, it just smells like fresh air, not that weird monorail smell. There is room to spread out and not be jammed in there which is nice. We walk around and look around. And if there is enough room, I stretch to either start or end my day. Ferry boat is my transportation of choice to the Magic Kingdom. read more