Walt Disney World is adding a fourth ferryboat to its Magic Kingdom transportation fleet, marking the first expansion of that ferryboat lineup since 1976.
The new 120-foot vessel is expected to launch in 2027 and will carry guests across Seven Seas Lagoon between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom. For park guests, the practical change is more ferry capacity on one of Magic Kingdom’s main arrival routes.
The new ferryboat
Disney said the new ferryboat has been under construction at a marina in Florida. The vessel will be shipped to Walt Disney World in pieces over the next couple of weeks, then assembled, painted, and finished on property.
Once complete, the ferry fleet will grow from three boats to four. Disney said the new vessel will have a similar capacity, look, and feel to the existing ferryboats.
The name
The fourth ferryboat will be named the Meg Gilbert Crofton, honoring Walt Disney World’s fourth president. Meg Crofton began her Disney career in 1977 as a marketing manager and served as president of Walt Disney World from 2006 to 2013.
Disney said Meg’s portrait will be displayed on the first deck of the ferryboat, alongside a plaque sharing her story. Walt Disney Imagineering developed the portrait for the new vessel.
Why Disney is adding it
Disney framed the ferryboat addition as part of broader investment around the Magic Kingdom guest arrival experience. The announcement comes as Magic Kingdom is also preparing for its largest expansion ever.
The current ferryboats are named Admiral Joe Fowler, General Joe Potter, and Richard F. Irvine. Disney rechristened those boats in 1997 to honor individuals tied to the creation and development of Walt Disney World.
What guests should know
Disney has not announced a specific launch date beyond 2027. Disney has not announced operational changes for the existing ferryboats before the new vessel launches.
For anyone planning a 2027 Walt Disney World trip, the new ferryboat is worth watching as part of the Magic Kingdom arrival experience across Seven Seas Lagoon.
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Source: Disney Parks Blog
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