This is another Disney transportation option, that is available for Disney's Swan and Dolphin, Yacht and Beach Club, and BoardWalk resorts. I want to tell you all about it!
Overview: Disney's FriendShip boats are the only transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios from the resorts listed above. They are small boats, with interior and exterior seating. You are also able to take strollers on without folding them. The boats take a bit of time to arrive and stop at each dock to pick up other guests. But it is fun to ride, especially at night. There is a dock at Yacht and Beach Club, BoardWalk, and at Swan and Dolphin. There is a dock at the main entrance of Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway near France at Epcot.
Disney Description: Get where you’re going in grand Disney style: enjoy a leisurely cruise on a charming water launch or stately ferryboat.
All Aboard! Turn your travel into a treat on our fleet of boats that’s an attraction in itself. Take in the scenery and relax with welcome breezes as you sail around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Feel the wind in your hair and the magic in the air as you cruise Crescent Lake and Lake Hollywood. Water taxis and ferries sail to and from Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs. Most routes run on 15- to 30-minute intervals.
How to Use Walt Disney World Water Transportation Getting where you want to go is easy when riding aboard Walt Disney World Water Transportation—including water launch, boat and ferryboat service to Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs and select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Simply wait at one of the convenient and well-marked pickup points throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Your ride will then arrive—usually within minutes—ready to transport you to a variety of destinations. Keep in mind that certain destinations are not direct; you may be required to take a connecting mode of transportation to reach your destination. For more information or further assistance, just ask a Cast Member!
All Ears Description: Friendship Boats run on Crescent Lake in the Epcot Resort area to five Resorts, Epcot’s International Gateway, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They also run on World Showcase Lagoon, connecting World Showcase countries in two separate routes.
The Friendship Boats on Crescent Lake connect Yacht and Beach Club Resorts (shared dock), BoardWalk Inn and Villas, Swan and Dolphin hotels (shared dock), Epcot’s International Gateway, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The Friendship Boats on World Showcase Lagoon run between Canada and Morocco and between Mexico and Germany. These are slow ways to navigate World Showcase, but the views and the opportunity to sit and rest are welcome.
Friendship Boats are wheelchair and stroller accessible when water levels are normal. Changes in water levels may require passengers to step up or down into the boat, and in these conditions the loading ramps may not be usable. A sign will be posted on dock to alert potential passengers to this change. Rough winds may also make boarding via wheelchair/stroller impossible.
Also note: Friendship Boats are a slow mode of travel, and a walkway connecting the Resorts to Epcot and Hollywood Studios may be preferable to the Friendship Boats as they can be more efficient. This is particularly true at Park closing time when lines for the boats tend to be very long.
My Opinion: I really liked taking the boats to the parks. Sometimes, you get a fun crew who will make sure you get a good start on your day. I really think that this type of transportation must be taken into account when you book a resort.
My Experience: I have had a great experience with these boats, I love them at night especially. When you go to the BoardWalk at night, you get a real experience!