EPCOT is full of unforgettable experiences—from soaring above the world in Soarin’ Around the World to sipping around the World Showcase. But there’s one low-key way to tour the park that often gets overlooked: the FriendShip Boats. Now, with a recently updated route in place, there’s a fresh opportunity to discover World Showcase like never before—without wearing out your sneakers.
Let’s face it, EPCOT’s World Showcase is massive. And while walking around the lagoon is part of the charm, it’s also something that can wear you out, especially when you’re making the loop in the middle of Florida’s afternoon heat. That’s where the boats come in.
These boats have been a staple of the park for years, serving as water taxis between various pavilions. But after several years of closures, refurbishments, and route changes, EPCOT has once again shifted the FriendShip Boat journey—and this one might just stick.
Canada to Germany, Not Your Typical Route
The latest route connects the Canada Pavilion to the Germany Pavilion, and if you’re familiar with EPCOT’s post-COVID setup, that’s a pretty big change. Until now, the standard route linked Canada to Morocco. That option gave guests a lift from the 5 o’clock side of the World Showcase to the 1 o’clock edge—basically from near the start of the loop to halfway around.
But now, the Morocco dock is closed again, and boats are sailing to Germany instead. It’s a welcome shift, and one that might signal a more permanent operational setup. When we visited, Cast Members were celebrating with a ribbon cutting, which suggests this isn’t just another temporary shuffle.
Boats With a View (and a Breeze)
There’s something inherently calming about gliding across the lagoon. You get a wide-open view of the international pavilions, from the Eiffel Tower in France to the detailed architecture in Italy. And when you pull up to Germany’s storybook village, you’re greeted with one of the most picturesque corners of the park.
The FriendShip Boat ride isn’t just a mode of transport—it’s an experience. It’s a chance to stop rushing and just soak up your surroundings.
Not Everything’s Open—Yet
While the Canada and Germany docks are now active, the docks in Mexico and Morocco remain closed. Oddly enough, they’re still marked with temporary signage that seems mismatched: the Morocco dock says “Transportation to World Showcase,” and the Mexico dock says “Transportation to World Celebration.” Neither is in use, which makes us wonder if a full reboot of the FriendShip Boat program is in the works.
If that’s the case, it would be great news
for guests looking for a scenic shortcut around the park.
A Different Way to Tour the World
World Showcase is filled with hidden gems—from a tucked-away waterfall in Canada to the intricate tiles of Morocco—but many guests don’t realize you can explore it from the water, too. It’s not just about saving time or avoiding walking. It’s about seeing EPCOT from a new perspective.
With the updated FriendShip route now in place, this could be the perfect summer to skip the foot traffic and let the boats take the wheel (or rudder).
