Magic Kingdom's iconic ferry boat fleet is about to grow for the first time in nearly 50 years. Disney World is actively constructing a fourth large double-decker ferry boat, slated to debut in 2027, which would be the first addition to the fleet since 1976. The new vessel will be named the Meg Gilbert Crofton, honoring the Walt Disney World President who led the resort from 2006 to 2013.
Unlike the other three Walt Disney World parks, Magic Kingdom's parking lot sits across Seven Seas Lagoon at the Transportation & Ticket Center — meaning every single guest, whether day-tripper or resort hotel guest, needs a boat, monorail, or bus to reach the front gates. Three large ferries currently handle a significant share of that load, shuttling guests back and forth alongside the resort monorail line. Adding a fourth boat could theoretically increase ferry capacity by around 33%, and it also gives Disney a buffer when one vessel is pulled for routine maintenance.
Construction on a new dock is already underway between Magic Kingdom's existing ferry landing and the smaller watercraft dock that serves guests at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness. Aerial photos shared by theme park observer @bioreconstruct on X show heavy equipment on-site, though Disney has not yet specified an exact opening date beyond the general 2027 window. The ongoing dock work does not affect current ferry or watercraft service.
The timing of the expansion makes sense in context: Disney has two new Cars-themed rides in development for Magic Kingdom, along with a large-scale Villains Land area — projects that are expected to draw even more visitors to an already record-setting park. Boat transportation is also planned for Disney's Lakeshore Lodge, a new resort currently under construction and targeting a summer 2027 opening.
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More details about Magic Kingdom's future are expected to be revealed at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. This reporting comes from Mickey Visit.
