The South Florida Water Management District has approved a permit that Walt Disney World Resort filed earlier this year to expand the ferry queue area at Magic Kingdom Park. Here’s what Central Florida Disney Park guests need to know about the project.
Ferry Expansion Project at Magic Kingdom Park
In 2014, Walt Disney World Resort added a second ferry dock at the Magic Kingdom and the Transportation & Ticket Center, doubling transportation capacity across the Seven Seas Lagoon. In 2021, Disney expanded those docks with second-level unloading capability, allowing guests on the ferry’s second level to exit there instead of descending the stairs to the first level, speeding up the unloading process.
Now, Walt Disney World Resort plans to make the Magic Kingdom ferry even more efficient. In early 2025, the park filed a permit requesting to update ferryboat infrastructure, create a floodplain compensation area, and expand the waiting areas and boarding facilities at Magic Kingdom Park. The proposed project would give Disney Park guests more room to queue for the ferry.
Construction Project Approved
On March 24, the South Florida Water Management District approved the permit that Walt Disney World Resort filed earlier this year. Now, Disney is cleared to begin construction on the ferry dock and other areas at Magic Kingdom Park.
Walt Disney World Resort has not announced a construction timeline for the ferry expansion project at the Magic Kingdom. The park currently operates three ferryboats: the Admiral Joe Fowler, Richard F. Irvine, and General Joe Potter.
It’s unclear if Disney will close one of the two Magic Kingdom ferry docks during the construction, reducing capacity for guests. Follow Disney Dining for updates on this and other projects around Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort!
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