Some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site.
Disney’s New Magic Kingdom Ferryboat Is Starting to Take Shape Behind the Scenes
A brand-new chapter in Disney transportation history is slowly floating into view. New aerial photos from bioreconstruct of the marina north of Disney’s Contemporary Resort show construction underway on Walt Disney World’s upcoming fourth Magic Kingdom ferryboat, and the project is finally beginning to look less like scattered steel and more like an actual vessel ready to cruise across Seven Seas Lagoon.
Related: Disney World Expands Water Park Transportation Options at Select Resorts
The photos, captured by bioreconstruct, reveal large sections of the ferry’s hull already welded together inside a dry dock at the backstage marina. Another image gives fans a rare glimpse at the transfer platform Disney is using to move materials and eventually transport the completed boat from the construction site to the lagoon itself. Eagle-eyed fans will also spot the beloved Liberty Belle riverboat hanging out nearby like a nautical celebrity cameo.
Disney previously confirmed the new 120-foot ferryboat will be named the “Meg Gilbert Crofton,” honoring the fourth president of Walt Disney World Resort and the first woman to hold that role. Once completed, the new addition will expand the Seven Seas Lagoon ferry fleet from three boats to four for the first time since 1976.
The new vessel is expected to match the classic look and high-capacity design of the current ferryboats: the Admiral Joe Fowler, General Joe Potter, and Richard F. Irvine. Disney has also shared that guests will find a portrait of Meg Crofton onboard alongside a plaque detailing her contributions to Walt Disney World history.
Construction-wise, Disney is essentially assembling the ferry like a giant floating LEGO set. The boat sections were shipped to Walt Disney World in pieces before being welded and fitted together on-site at the marina. Based on the latest aerials, the skeletal framework is already coming together quickly.
Related: Disney CFO Expects Park Attendance & Pricing to Grow With Expansions
Disney says the new ferryboat is expected to enter service sometime in 2027, helping transport guests between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom. With crowds continuing to grow and transportation demand increasing during peak seasons, the added ferry capacity could become a very welcome sight for guests trying to avoid those post-fireworks monorail lines that feel longer than Space Mountain with the lights on. 🚢
The announcement has also sparked plenty of debate among Disney fans online regarding the ferryboat’s name. Some fans praised Disney for recognizing Meg Crofton’s role in Walt Disney World leadership history, while others argued the boat should have been named after legendary Imagineers or Disney executives like Marty Sklar, John Hench, or Frank Wells. Meanwhile, plenty of commenters were simply relieved to see the Liberty Belle still afloat and intact in the latest aerial photos.
Either way, Disney transportation fans now have a new construction project to watch as this future Seven Seas Lagoon skipper slowly sails toward completion.
Get all the best Disney News
and more, straight to your inbox!
We don't spam. Read our privacy policy for more info.
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.
Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney or Universal Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
