Boats

Image: DisneyBoats are effectively a less reliable but more enjoyable form of transportation than buses…unless you suffer from motion sickness. Disney’s boat transportation system is available at several resorts, most of which have waterways that connect to three of the theme parks. You won’t ride a boat to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but every other theme park has some form of boat dock access. Disney Springs does, too.

Boats tend not to fill up the same way that buses do. When you wait for a boat, odds are good that you’ll get to ride it. You can tell by the crowd whether the boat may be too crowded, though. When you see that, simply head over to the bus station instead. While there may be an exception, I can’t think of a Disney resort with a boat dock that doesn’t also have a bus depot.

Image: DisneyThe huge problem with the system is that you never know when a boat will arrive. I’ve waited less than five minutes before, but I’ve also waited for an hour (at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge). There isn’t any sort of notification system in place. You just sit on the dock of the bay, wasting time. When you see a boat on the horizon, it’s a thrill since you know that the wait is over. Even when you’re riding the boat, you still will have to make stops at other parks and resorts prior to your destination. So, it’s a slow transportation method, too.

Boats do have a special x-factor. Some sailors, especially ones working the late shift, are known to break into song. The delightful practice often leads to crowd singalongs of Disney classics. It’s the perfect way to end the day at a Disney park.

Overall, boats are the least reliable system. They’re also not available at all resorts, only ones on the water near parks and Disney Springs. I still think they’re a wonderful change of pace, and the scenery is universally gorgeous. So, I recommend them, but this option is an occasional solution rather than a frequent one.